Can a Nephew See and Touch the Neck and Breast of His Aunt?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Assalam ‘aleykum.

1. Can a nephew see and touch the neck and breast of his aunt?

2. Can an aunt kiss her nephew on his chest as a sign of affection?

Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,

I pray that this message finds you well, insha’Allah.

What you have mentioned would go against the dictates of modesty and appropriateness because such interaction, whilst permitted, needs to be restrained, dignified and proper.

In general, both are in and of themselves permitted as the neck and breast are not from the nakedness (`awra) with respect to him, and neither is his chest with respect to her.

However, there would be at least impropriety in this, particularly in our times. If there is desire from either side, this would obviously be impermissible.

Please also see: Who is Mahram and: A Detailed Exposition of the Fiqh of Covering One’s Nakedness (awra)

And Allah alone knows best.

Wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani