What is the ruling on filial disobedience to a mother who mistreats her daughter verbally and physically, insults her, and divulges her secrets? Is it permissible to ward off her harm and prevent her from striking without harming her?

If a mother harms her son and curses him without justification, she is unjust, and it is obligatory for her to cease that and treat him kindly. As for the son, he must be dutiful to her, humble himself before her, and avoid describing her as ill-tempered.

It is advisable to mediate through some righteous people to speak with the mother, to be patient with her, and to maintain good companionship with her. For her right is great and her right to dutifulness does not diminish, no matter her condition, even if she were a polytheist and commanded polytheism, as Allah Almighty says: "But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness."

It is also advisable to seek help from Allah, to soften one's speech to the mother, and to endear oneself to her with good words and deeds, for responding to evil with good brings affection, as Allah Almighty says: "And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] with that which is better, and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity will become as though he was a devoted friend."