Is there a command in the Shariah that a woman should serve her father-in-law and mother-in-law? An evidence-based Shar'i answer.

1. The legal and Shar'i status — not fard/wajib: the agreement of the majority of the jurists of the four madhhabs and the major contemporary scholars: serving the parents-in-law is not a Shar'i/legal duty upon the daughter-in-law. From the marriage contract, only the husband's rights become binding upon the woman (obedience in what is recognised as good, protection of the home and honour); serving the husband's parents is not included in the marriage contract. The husband cannot compel her; if she does not do it, she is not sinful, and the husband is not entitled to be harsh.

2. The moral aspect and the reward: there is an extraordinary exhortation to domestic peace and good conduct — looking after the parents-in-law is a supreme example of kindness and loyalty towards the husband, a means of a place in the heart and of keeping the home united, an act of righteousness and charity. Respect for elders: “He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young and honour our elders”. The model: the division of work between 'Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, and Fatimah, may Allah be pleased with her (the outside work 'Ali's, Fatimah sharing the hand in the household work — in connection with serving Fatimah bint Asad, may Allah be pleased with her).

3. The one primarily responsible: the obligatory duty of serving the parents, their treatment and their needs is upon the son — he cannot become absolved by placing the responsibility upon his wife. If the wife does it cheerfully, the husband should remain grateful and appreciative; if the wife is ill / cannot do it, the husband should do it himself or, if he has the means, arrange a maid.

Summary: It is not a legal duty — but for the peace of the home, the stability of the family and the husband's pleasure, it is a cause of good character, excellence (ihsan) and a great reward.

Translated from the original Urdu fatwa.