What is the Ruling if a Brother in Law Comes and Resides With Us?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
Can I stay with my family temporarily due to the discomfort caused by my husband’s brother staying with us and neglecting me? They also smoke weed together, making me uncomfortable.
Answer
This is a difficult situation you are in. In some cases, a family member is forced to give accommodation to one’s sibling, etc. However, one needs to realize and be aware of the Sharia rulings and possible consequences that can arise, lack of privacy, family gossip, temptations, rumors, etc.
Seclusion (Khalwa)
You have to avoid a situation where you find yourself alone with your brother-in-law. It is not only forbidden to be alone with a non-mahram but even more unlawful to be alone with the one whom the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) referred to as death. He (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Beware of going into houses and meeting women (in seclusion). A person from the Ansar said, ‘Allah’s Messenger, what about the husband’s brother, after which he said: The husband’s brother is like death.’” [Muslim]
Share Concern, Sharia Rulings, and Pray to Allah Most High
I advise you to sit down with your husband and share your concerns and sharia rulings. This is a difficult situation you are in in the short term. However, in the long term, hopefully, you will not be in this situation. So, for now, focus on how to live best and avoid any tricky situations, continue to pray to Allah Most High with a regular prayer of Need, and advise your husband and brother-in-law to do the same to facilitate accommodation and work so he can move out soon.
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.
Related
- What Is the Meaning of Khalwa (Seclusion) with the Opposite Gender?
- How Do I Deal with a Lazy and Dependent Brother-in-Law? – SeekersGuidance
- How Does One Perform The Prayer Of Need (salat al-haja)? – SeekersGuidance
I pray this helps with your question.
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.
