🏡 Rights & responsibilities · #228

A sibling-in-law has been staying with us for a long time without contributing to costs or housework. What should we do?

A guest who stays long should also contribute; handle it with good manners but fairly to your own family. Honour the relative staying with you, but do not let the burden fall entirely on you. Discuss it with your spouse and, through them, invite the sibling-in-law to share costs or housework reasonably. Set expectations politely, not with sarcasm. If the situation drags on, discuss a clear plan about the length of stay and contributions. Make sure your family's maintenance (nafkah) and routine are not affected. Fairness keeps the relationship from turning into buried resentment. See in-laws.

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This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

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