An inquirer asks whether she may refrain from visiting or calling her mother-in-law, as there are many problems between them due to her mother-in-law’s treatment of her and her daughters. Is it permissible under Islamic law to completely desist from visiting or calling her? The inquirer’s husband visits his mother and calls her regularly.

Maintaining good relations with her husband’s mother and sisters is part of the kindness and good treatment she shows toward her husband, within the limits of her ability, provided that this does not cause her harm in her religious or worldly affairs, or undermine her purpose of preserving her home. However, none of this is obligatory upon her; rather, it is an expression of kindness and graciousness through which she seeks to achieve the aforementioned purpose with a sincere intention.

If the relationship with her husband’s mother and sisters leads to psychological, physical, religious, or financial difficulties that she cannot bear, she may limit it to the extent that does not cause her such harm, without incurring any sin. In such a case, she should try to communicate to her husband her inability to do more, so that he may understand her situation and not misconstrue her intentions. She should also seek Allah’s help in this, as Allah Almighty says, “O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient” (Quran, 2:153).

And Allah Almighty knows best.