His Wife's Sister Is Living with His Own Family

11-9-2003 | IslamWeb

Question:

1) I'm not a religious person but I like to be, because of our situation here in Iraq I want to ask how can a man be a full of faith and love God? I feel a weakness when I'm trying to pray. 2) My wife's sister (my sister in-law) is sharing with my own family the life here because of her bad situation and no one taking care of for her. She is a good religious girl (30 yrs). What is the Islam's rules or judgement for this case? What shall I do for her?

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

For your first question, please refer to Fataawa 84101 and 85477.

You are not a Mahram for your wife's sister. Therefore, she is not permitted to uncover her face or palms of her hands in front of you. Also, it is not permissible for you to be in seclusion with her. If you abide by the above rulings and keep away from the prohibition, then it is permissible for her to live with your family.

If she is in need and you can spend on her, then you are recommended to be kind with her, and you should fulfill her necessities. Allah will never destroy your good deeds.

Allah knows best.