Physical Interaction with Non-Mahram Relations
Shaykh Jamir Meah is asked about a non-Mahram male relation who, it seems, is forcing himself on a female member of his family.
Question:
Assalam alaykum wa rahmat Allah wa barakatuh.
I have a question. If a lady is alone with a person of the opposite gender who is her family. He comes to interact with her physically. She finds it too difficult to maintain. She feels guilt and remorse about his character, repents a lot and she is not at all interested in him.
What is the Shari‘a of this? It may be helpful if someone would provide the answer, insha Allah. I will pray for you.
Answer:
Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmat Allah wa barakatuh.
Thank you for writing in.
It is not entirely clear from your information what the exact situation is and whether the woman in the situation is being abused or is voluntarily having a physical relationship with the male family member, albeit not a happy one. Either way, the interaction is prohibited in Islam.
Relationships with male family members
It is prohibited to expose certain parts of the body to marriageable family members (or strangers), and if this is the case, then it goes without saying that touching, or more, is unlawful. Allah Most High says “Do not go near adultery. It is truly a shameful deed and an evil way.” (Sura al Isra 17:32)
Physical relationships are only permitted between a husband and wife. Any other sexual contact is strictly prohibited in Islam and is among the major sins.
Solution
If the male family member is forcing himself upon the woman without consent, then she must seek help either by confiding and seeking assistance from a trustworthy family member she can turn to, or a counselor, or some other support available. This is imperative if abuse is taking place.
If the interaction is consensual, then she should know that it is unlawful and must stop. It is not permitted that she is alone with him in any scenario, nor have a non-marital ‘relationship’ in general, as such all communication between the two must cease. If by stopping the interaction, the woman fears for her safety, then she should seek help as described above.
She should also sincerely repent for any part she has played in the relationship and resolve not to return to it.
Please also refer to the following posts:
How Should I Interact With Non-Mahram (Marriageable) Males?
Warmest salams,
Jamir
Checked and approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.
