Q: I am in a difficult situation and need some help. I have been married for 6 months. My father in law gifted a house to my husband which we have been living in since the beginning. My husband has an elder sister who is divorced. She has been living with the elder brother and his family, but due to difference of opinions, some fights and due to not being enough space in their house, they can’t keep her any longer. My father in-law has now asked us to take her into our house. My father in-law is married for the second time and lives with my husbands step mother, thats why its not possible for him to keep the daughter in his house. Another thing is that the sister in law has her own house (which she has rented out to someone) just 2 mins away from where we live. She is independent and works fulltime. I feel uncomfortable sharing the house with her because I have become used to having the house for my husband and me. We wont be able to have the same private life in the house with her presence. There is a big age difference between me and my sister in law and i am afraid that unwanted discussions/ fights can start in the house. What should we do in this situation? Should my husband try to ask my father in law as to why she cant live in her own house or should we just keep quiet and let her in the house?
A: You should be considerate and it is your husband’s duty to look after his sister. When he is taking care, your cooperation will not go without any reward. You will also be rewarded tremendously because of your good and warm cooperation.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)