An ill mother calling her sleeping son and receiving no answer

Q: My mother remained ill for two years. I carried out my duty towards her and she kept supplicating to Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) throughout the day and the night to grant me forgiveness and good health, as she was pleased with me. One week before her death, I did not spend one night with her. On the next night, I stayed with her and heard her calling me at midnight but I did not answer. My sister was tending to her and I asked what my mother wanted me to do, but she replied that she needed nothing and that she kept calling the names of her children, one after the other, because of her illness. In the morning, I asked my mother, "Do you want anything?" She answered, "No, I harbor you no bad feelings. May Allah forgive you!" I give Sadaqah (voluntary charity) on her behalf and supplicate to Allah to be merciful to her, my father, and the deceased from among our family and the Muslims, for He is All-Hearer, All-Knower.I hope you would inform me on whether I am sinful for not answering my mother when she called me. What is the Kaffarah (expiation) for this so that I can feel at ease?

A: You should have answered your mother when she called you, especially that you know she was sick and might have needed something (Part No. 25; Page No. 143) which your sister could not fulfill for her. However, if she had forgiven you and supplicated to Allah for you, there is no harm on you. You should be dutiful to her by supplicating to Allah for her, giving in Sadaqah, and contacting the people whom she loved, especially her relatives.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.