IS THE SISTER IN-LAW A MAHRAM?

Question:

A Muslim intends to go for Umrah with his wife, Can his wife's unmarried adult sister go with them? 

Answer:

The wife’s sister is death to her brother in-law and so is the Husband to his sister in-law. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam has said, “The brother in-law is death”. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith #: 5232)

 عن عقبة بن عامر أن رسول الله - صلى الله عليه وسلم - قال « إياكم والدخول على النساء » . فقال رجل من الأنصار يا رسول الله أفرأيت الحمو . قال : الحمو الموت

Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam  has likened the brother in-law to death. What is meant here is death to the Imaan and chastity of the brother in-law and sister in-law because of the potential danger of Fitnah.

Therefore, it is not permissible for the sister in-law to be accompanied by the brother in-law as a Mahram for Umrah nor will it be permissible for her to be in his presence.If the wife’s sister is accompanied by some other Mahram, it will be permissible for her to go for Umrah. 

And Allah Knows Best 

Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed 

Checked and Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Desai 
Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Fatwa Department