Is the Father In-law a Mahram?

In the name of Allah, the most beneficial and the most Merciful.

Islam focuses on relationships and dealing with mahram in a way as stated. The issue of whether the father-in-law is a mahram has remained a question for a long time.

Individuals have stated confusion on the matter of being in front of their father-in-law, such as offering salah, etc.

Father-in-Law a Mehram? Can Women Be Infront of Them?

Father-in-law is a mahram.

When a man marries a woman his father becomes mahram for her. Similarly, the mother of the girl becomes mahram for him.

Evidence

• Surah An Nisa (4:22) mentions the wives of sons as a mahram. It is also stated in (4:23) of the same surah that the husband’s son is mahram to his father’s wife. Islam has stated marrying the wives of the father is haram.
• Surah Al-Nur (24:31) has instructed women to cover themselves and their heads in front of everyone except for their sons, husbands, or father-in-law. This indicates that the father-in-law is a mahram.

Bottom Line

The husband’s father is a Mahram for his wife. Thus the marriage contract allow the women to shake hands with their father in-law.

And Allah Knows the Best.

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