Summary of Letter:
Bismihi Ta’ala
Respected Mufti Saheb
Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh
[The writer apparently complained of differences between his parents and requested advice in this regard as well as with regard to giving up sin.]
Summary of Reply:
Bismihi Ta’ala
Respected Brother / Sister
Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh
I was greatly perturbed to hear about the disunity of your parents. May Allah Ta’ala grant love and affection in their hearts for one another. Nevertheless, it is compulsory for you to respect both your parents. Never allow such a situation to occur that in supporting one of your parents you disrespect the other.
To be affected by their disputes is natural. However, bear this with patience. Otherwise, disregarding one’s parents or ill-treating them brings down various calamities upon one.
As for refraining from sin, the only way is to fight the nafs (evil desires). Without fighting the nafs, the nafs will not become subservient (and one will continue to fall into sin).
(Maktoobaat vol. 5 pg.60)