Fatwaa ID: 1569

Question:
I am forced to keep my wife’s brother in my house. He is not married, and his parents have passed away. His other brothers won’t keep him because he is a burden. He does not want to work, and at some time he was into drugs and sent to rehab, it’s been three years now since he is treated, yet he won’t take any responsibility, and now he has to live with us until his lands are sold and he can have money to spend. My brother-in-law is a financial Burden on me, he is not responsible for what to do while living in someone else house.. He has increased my kitchen and other expenses. If I put my foot down and decide not to keep him my wife will leave me and file for a divorce. What does Islam say in this regard and will I be rewarded if I be patient and keep him? Please advise

Answer:
In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salaamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullaahi wa-barakaatuh.

In principle, you are not responsible to take care of your brother in law nor does he have any right over you. Any good that you do is a token of your kindness. You will certainly be rewarded for it if you do it for the pleasure of Allaah Ta’aala. However, we advise you, respectfully, to man up in a dignified manner. You are the husband and the leader of the house. You make the calls. Communicate with your wife with wisdom and try to come up with solutions. Discuss with your brother in law. Communication is key. Give him incentives. Be a role model for him.

And Allaah Ta’aala knows best.
Mufti Muajul I. Chowdhury
Darul Iftaa New York
https://askthemufti.us/

01/13/1445 AH – 07/31/2023 CE | 491

وصل اللهم وسلم وبارك على سيدنا محمد وعلى ءاله وصحبه أجمعين

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