Q: I have an elderly mother who suffers from partial paralysis. She is undergoing medical treatment at Hammadi hospital in Riyadh. The hospital charged 15,065 riyals. Some of our relatives donated sums of money. Donations were also received from a member of the royal family, may Allah reward him. The donations reached 32,700 riyals. The hospital charges were paid. She permitted me to take the rest of the money. Is it permissible for me to take it? Is it also permissible to accept the money donated by Muslims? I am acting as her Wakil (legal guardian). Please enlighten me in this regard.

A: The remainder of the donations collected for the treatment of your paralyzed mother should be used to fulfill her needs. You are not allowed to make use of these donations. You should accept donations for the treatment of your mother only when necessary. It is better for you, if affordable, to undertake the expenses of her medical treatment yourself. This is part of the kind treatment children are commanded to show to their parents. Allah (Exalted be He) states: And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. Financial support of one's mother is part of the kindness one is commanded to treat mothers with. It is reported in the Sahih (authentic book of Hadith) of Al-Bukhari that Once a man asked the Prophet (peace be upon him): "Which among people is the most deserving of my kind treatment? He replied: (Part No. 21; Page No. 177) "Your mother." The man inquired: "Who is next?" The Prophet replied: "Your mother." Again the man inquired: "Who is next?" The Prophet again replied: "Your mother." May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.