All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
Islam encourages honoring and being kind to parents, especially when they grow old, and helping them with effort and financial support. Parents must be cared for more than others as a way of repaying some of the kindness they showed to their children when they were young. Allah The Almighty Says in the Quran [What means]: "Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: "My Lord! bestow on them thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood." [Al-Isra`/23-24].
Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated from Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that a man came to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) and said: "O Messenger of Allah, who is most deserving of my good companionship?" The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied: "Your mother." The man asked, "Then who?" The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Then your mother." The man asked again, "Then who?" The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Then your mother." The man asked once more, "Then who?" The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Then your father." Additionally, Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say: "The father is the middle gate of Paradise. If you wish, neglect this gate, or if you wish, preserve it." [At-Tirmidhi]. Caring for and serving one’s parents is an essential part of honoring them. This includes looking after their needs and ensuring their well-being. Imam An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) stated: "Honoring parents includes fulfilling their needs, settling their debts, serving them, providing for them financially, performing Hajj on their behalf, and other such acts." [Sharh An-Nawawi ‘ala Muslim/Vol. 9/P.98].
Serving parents is a religious obligation for all children, both male and female, and is not exclusive to one over the other. This is due to the rights that parents have over all of their children, regardless of gender. The children should share the responsibility of serving their parents equally, considering the circumstances, age, and ability of each one of them. Whoever exerts more effort in serving their parents will receive a greater reward than others.
As for the wives of the sons (Daughters-in-law), they are not religiously obligated to care for their husband’s parents, unless they choose to do so voluntarily. In that case, Allah will reward them. It is important to note that showing kindness to the husband's mother and caring for her is a part of good treatment towards the husband. This behavior is more likely to win the husband's heart and increase his love for her, in addition to earning more reward and blessings from Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Allah is in the help of the servant as long as the servant is in the help of his brother." [Moslim].
In conclusion, serving the mother is obligatory on all children, both male and female. They must cooperate in honoring their mother, taking care of her affairs, serving her, and providing for her. However, this duty does not fall on the daughter-in-law. However, if she voluntarily offers her help, she will receive great reward. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.
