How do I respond to my in-laws' sarcastic remarks without losing my dignity or being disrespectful?

Answer sarcasm with a kind word or dignified silence, not with counter-sarcasm that heats things up. The Prophet ﷺ said: “A good word is charity” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2989), and answering rudeness with gentleness often kills hostility. You can keep your dignity without being rude: answer the core issue briefly, or change the subject politely. Not every sarcastic remark needs an answer; some are best left to pass. If it keeps happening and it hurts, tell your husband so that he can speak to his mother. Controlling your tongue in front of elders is a sign of strength, not weakness. Pray for a patient heart for yourself. See in-laws.

Sources

Sahih al-Bukhari 2989

← PreviousA neighbour likes to spread stories about our marriage. How do we deal with it?Next →Our community and family expect us to hold a big wedding reception we cannot afford. What should we do?

Related questions

People are spreading slander about me as a second wife. How do I keep my dignity without retaliating?Dignified silence and good character usually answer slander more effectively than an open quarrel. Respondin…My parents are getting old and often grumble or repeat stories. How do I stay patient without losing my manners?Patience with the ways of elderly parents is among the deeds with the highest reward. Do not answer with a sigh or…How can I be a husband with authority without being harsh and frightening at home?True authority comes from being firm with yourself and gentle with your family, not the other way round. Allah sai…My in-laws' religious practices differ from ours. How do we respect them without following what is wrong?Respect your in-laws in their differences of culture and practice, but do not follow anything clearly contrary to the Shariah…How do I talk to my spouse about my mother-in-law without running down their mother?Share with your spouse by describing your feelings and what happened, not by attacking their mother’s character. Use ‘I feel’ s…Most of our fights start from words that slip out. How do we guard our tongues?An uncontrolled tongue is the most frequent cause of wounds in a marriage, and guarding it is an act of worship. The…

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

Comments or feedback

Read only by the MYPolygyny administrator — never published.

About Us · Ask · Site Map · Privacy · Editorial policy · Disclaimer