QUESTION:

I am aware that mother-in-law is regarded as one’s mother. In the aspect of meeting her needs [financially, to say], who should be held accountable, the son-in-law or other male members of the family? (e.g. the brothers, uncle etc)?

ANSWER:

Legally speaking a lady can claim financial support from her father, brother, husband and son. In the absence of any such relative, and being needy, other relatives, or finally the society and state, are bound to help her.

A son-in-law, being the husband of the lady’s daughter, should be in the forefront of the second-line relatives to offer support. That will please his wife, making his family life more congenial, peaceful and loving. Thus, to help mother-in-law is not without rich rewards here and, of course, in the Hereafter.