Q: I read recently that even after divorce then the wife’s mother remains your mother inlaw. My wife died a few years ago but I am still in daily contact with her mother as my son visits her daily. Is my deceased wife’s mother still considered to be my mother inlaw and what would the situation be if I should ever remarry?
A.
She is still your mother-in-law because you were married to her daughter and you and her are still Mahrams; hence Nikah between the two of you is Haraam. This is what is meant when it is said that she is still your mother-in law.However, you should adopt a certain amount of Hijaab from her, especially if she is not very old.
Even if you remarry, she can still be called your mother-in-law. But to avoid confusion you may refer to her as your “ex mother-in-law” (if it does not offend her!) as opposed to your current mother-in-law.
Mufti Siraj Desai