Q: I require advise on the following:- I am married, living and working in town A, my mother -in- law is living in town B. My father-in-law recently passed away and prior to his demise, my husband had moved in with his parents in town B, to look after his father. My husband has continued living with my mother-in-law, for the duration of her idaat, he has thus been away from home for almost a year. I cannot move to town B where my mother-in-law is, as I am working and would take me at least two hours to commute to work. I cannot give up my job as I have dependants’ to support. My mother-in-law refuses to move to my town (A), my husband thus has to stay with her. The situation is becoming untenable. My husband keeps on insisting that his first priority is his mother, I understand that, but would that entail excluding the rights of a wife? Under the aforesaid circumstances what rights do I have?
A: It is advisable that both of you refer to an experienced righteous aalim that is close to you. He will be in a better position to advise you.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)