Is Wife’s Stepmother Mahram to Husband?

In Islamic law, determining who is considered a mahram (unmarriageable kin) is essential for understanding the boundaries of interaction between individuals.

Mother In-law Who Is The Step Mother of Wife Mehram For Husband?

Stepmother of Wife is not mehram for the Husband.

A man’s wife’s stepmother is not considered a mahram to him unless there is an existing factor that makes marriage between them impermissible, such as direct blood relations or breastfeeding.

In the absence of such factors, the wife’s stepmother is not included in the categories of unmarriageable kin. Therefore, the laws and etiquette observed between non-mahrams must be followed between the two.

Evidence

• Ibn Abidin’s Ruling: In “Radd al-Muhtar,” Ibn Abidin clarifies that the wife’s stepmother is not among the unmarriageable kin. This means that all the guidelines and etiquettes applicable to non-mahrams must be observed between a man and his wife’s stepmother.
• The classifications of who is considered a mahram are clearly defined in Islamic jurisprudence. The wife’s stepmother does not fall under these categories unless there are specific circumstances that render her unmarriageable, such as direct blood relations or breastfeeding.

Since the wife’s stepmother is not a mahram, the man must observe the appropriate Islamic guidelines for interaction with her, which include maintaining modesty and avoiding seclusion (khalwa).

Bottom Line

All interactions between the man and his wife’s stepmother should adhere to the Islamic etiquettes for dealing with non-mahrams.

This includes dressing modestly, avoiding unnecessary physical contact, and ensuring that conversations remain respectful and appropriate.

And Allah knows best.

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