What is the responsibility of the stepsons towards their stepmother as far as maintenance is concerned?

Answer

According to the Shariah, the Waajib responsibility devolves on the Asbaat as outlined above. Only if all the Asbaat shirk their Waajib obligation and refuse to maintain the woman will the responsibility devolve on the stepsons as a last resort. However, if they contribute towards her maintenance, it will be an act of merit and immense thawaab. But the understanding that it is the Waajib obligation in the first instance of the stepsons, is erroneous.