Can I help my mother in the kitchen for an hour during Itikaf while reciting Quran?

Wa Alaykumussalaam wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakaatuh.

It is preferable for a woman who wishes to sit in I’tikaaf to make prior arrangements for household affairs, so that she may observe complete solitude with Allaah Ta’aala. However, if there is absolutely nobody to assist her, then it would be permissible for her to leave the area she has specified for I’tikaaf, and carry out the necessary household duties in as little time as possible, without any unnecessary speech. (Khawaateen ke Masaa’il aur unka Hal, pg. 476)

However, in your case your mother is capable to a certain extent, though not entirely. If possible it would be preferable for you to try and reduce preparation for Iftaar to an amount that is manageable for your mother. Or you could ask your mother to give you things to do in the place that you have specified for your I’tikaaf, in order to help her out. If it is not at all possible to do the above, then we would suggest that you let your mother sit in I’tikaaf while you serve her, and thus reap the rewards of a Mu’takif (person in I’tikaaf).

And Allaah knows best.

Wassalaam.

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A. Z. Pandor