Hugging one’s mother-in-law

Question:-

I would like to know if it’s permissible for a boy to specifically hug his mother-in-law, and similarly, is a girl allowed to hug her father-in-law. What if the father-in-law or mother-in-law say that they hugging out of affection, and not because of desire. Can Mufti Saheb please explain in detail?

Answer:- 

Allah Ta’ala has blessed us with the purest and most perfect Deen of Islam. Every command of Allah Ta’ala is full of wisdom and goodness, hence, if one abides by the commands of Allah Ta’ala, then he will be rightly guided. Undoubtedly, Shariah teaches us to be kind and courteous to our in-laws while trying to help and assist them in whichever way possible.

Now, although a son-in-law is a Mahram to his mother-in-law (i.e. Nikah with her is not permissible and the laws of Hijab are not necessary between them, in the sense that the mother-in-law is not required to veil herself before her son-in-law), the Ulama have advised that due to fear of Fitnah, the son-in-law should not be casual with his mother in law. Therefore, he should not hug her, or sit in seclusion with her, or travel with her alone, particularly if she is young. [Re-: Fataawa Darul Uloom Zakariyya Vol.9 Pg.651/652]

(محرم) وهو من لا يجوز له مناكحتها على التأبيد بقرابة أو رضاع أو صهرية —-( النهر الفائق 2/57)

Yes, one might argue that the son-in-law or mother-in-law do not have any inclinations towards each other, and they are merely hugging each other out of affection. This may be true, but it is unknown when Shaytaan will overpower one by igniting the lust within them, and thereby cause them to slip up. There are unlimited incidents of this nature which we have witnessed, resulting in the husband’s relationship irretrievably terminating with his wife. At times, matters become far more complicated than we can imagine. We, therefore, strongly discourage such actions, the consequences of which could be disastrous. The same ruling will apply to a daughter-in-law hugging her father-in-law.

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 02 Shabaan 1444 / 23 February 2023