The Ruling on Compelling a Daughter-in-Law to Work

28-1-2026 | IslamWeb

Question:

What is the ruling in Islam if parents-in-law demand that their daughter-in-law work, even though she has a toddler and cannot afford a nanny?

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger.

It is not obligatory upon a woman to go out for work if the parents of her husband instruct her to do so, nor is she required to obey them in this regard. The established principle in Islamic law is that a woman is not legally bound to work outside the home, and that her maintenance—as well as the maintenance of her child—is an obligation upon the husband.

The parents of the husband are entitled to respect, honor, and dutiful conduct; however, they do not possess the right to interfere in the private affairs of their son’s marital life, except where such intervention is constructive, intended for rectification and reconciliation, and it is free from negative interference that may lead to harm, discord, or corruption.

Allah knows best.