Marriage Options: Can My Father Marry My Mother-In-Law?

can my father marry my mother in law in islam

In Islam, marriage between people related by blood or suckling is forbidden. This includes mothers, grandmothers, wives of fathers, and wives of sons. However, it is permissible for a husband's father to marry his son's mother-in-law if she is widowed or divorced. This is because the wife is Mahram for her father-in-law, and the mother-in-law is not Mahram for her son-in-law.

Characteristics Values
Can a man marry his son's mother-in-law? Yes, if she is widowed or divorced
Can a woman marry her daughter's father-in-law? No
Is the wife's mother considered a Mahram for her husband's father? Yes
Is the husband's father considered a Mahram for his son's wife? Yes
Is the wife's daughter considered a Mahram for her mother's husband? Only if the marriage was consummated

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A widowed or divorced mother-in-law can marry her son's father-in-law

In Islam, a man is prohibited from marrying his son's wife, as stated in the Quran: "Prohibited for you are.....the wives of your sons from your loins" (Nisaa 4/23). However, it is permissible for a widowed or divorced mother-in-law to marry her son's father-in-law. This is because the wife is Mahram to her father-in-law, but not to his sons, and the husband is Mahram to his mother-in-law, but not to her other daughters. This rule of Mahram does not include the parents of the husband and wife. Therefore, a widowed or divorced mother-in-law can marry her son's father-in-law without violating Islamic law or traditions.

It is important to note that while this relationship is not prohibited, there may be cultural or societal factors within Islamic communities that could influence the perception of such a marriage. Additionally, specific interpretations of Islamic law and customs may vary among different sects or schools of thought within Islam.

The concept of Mahram in Islam establishes permanent, non-marriageable relationships between certain individuals. For example, a mother-in-law is a Mahram to her daughter's husband, and this relationship does not change even if the marriage contract is terminated or not consummated. This means that a man cannot marry his mother-in-law, regardless of whether she is widowed, divorced, or still married to his biological mother.

The Quran provides a clear framework for prohibited marriages, as outlined in the verse mentioned earlier (An-Nisaa 4:23). While this verse does not specifically mention the scenario of a mother-in-law and son's father-in-law, the interpretation provided by scholars allows for flexibility in this specific case.

In conclusion, while a widowed or divorced mother-in-law marrying her son's father-in-law may be permissible in Islam, it is always advisable to consult with religious scholars or authorities for specific guidance on individual circumstances. Cultural considerations and varying interpretations of Islamic law should also be taken into account when exploring this topic further.

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The mother-in-law must observe Hijab from her son's father-in-law

In Islam, the concept of "mahram" refers to individuals with whom marriage is prohibited. This includes one's mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, foster mother, foster sister, and mother-in-law. According to Islamic teachings, a wife is considered mahram to her father-in-law, but not to his sons. Similarly, a husband is mahram to his mother-in-law but not to her other daughters.

Regarding the question of whether a father can marry his son's mother-in-law, Islamic scholars provide varying responses. Some scholars, like Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi, state that it is permissible for a husband's father to marry the mother-in-law of his son if she is widowed or divorced. However, it's important to note that this ruling does not establish a mahram relationship between the parents of the husband and wife.

In terms of observing hijab, the mother-in-law is expected to observe hijab from her son-in-law's father. This means that she should maintain a level of modesty and cover her hair, face, forearms, and other body parts in his presence. This practice aligns with the concept of "extremism in hijab," where a woman covers herself in front of her daughter's husband as she would with her own male relatives, such as her father, brother, or son.

However, it is important to note that the mother-in-law is not required to observe hijab from her own son-in-law. The husband of a woman's daughter is considered a mahram through marriage, and she can interact with him as she would with other male relatives who are mahram. This includes allowing him to see what he would normally see of his mother, sister, or daughter. Refusing to shake hands with a son-in-law or being overly strict in observing hijab with him is considered extreme and may lead to strained family relations.

In summary, while the specific question of a father marrying his son's mother-in-law may depend on different interpretations, the mother-in-law observing hijab from her son-in-law's father is an expected practice in Islam. This practice ensures modesty and respects the boundaries between different familial relationships.

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The wife's mother is Mahram for her son-in-law

In Islam, the notion of Mahram refers to a group of people that a Muslim individual cannot marry. This includes all of the man's female relatives, such as his mother, grandmother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, grandaunt, niece, grandniece, father's wife, wife's daughter (step-daughter), and daughter-in-law. For a spouse, being Mahram is a permanent condition, meaning that a man will remain Mahram to his ex-mother-in-law even after divorcing her daughter.

According to Islamic teachings, a wife's mother is considered Mahram for her son-in-law, regardless of whether the relationship is through blood ties or breastfeeding. This is based on the Prophet's saying: "and what becomes Mahram (forbidden for marriage) through breastfeeding is that which becomes Mahram through ties of kinship."

However, it is important to note that there are differing views on this matter. While the majority of scholars, including the four imams, agree that a wife's mother is Mahram for her son-in-law, Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah held a different opinion.

Furthermore, until a marriage contract is finalised and the marriage is consummated, the mother of the fiancée is still considered a stranger (non-Mahram) to the man. During this period, it is not permissible for the man to look at any part of the mother's body.

In terms of modesty and dress, a woman is not required to wear a hijab around her Mahram or spouse. Additionally, an adult male Mahram or husband may escort a woman on a journey, although this is not obligatory.

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The husband's father is Mahram for his son's wife

In Islam, the husband's father is considered a Mahram for his son's wife. This is based on the interpretation of the following verse:

> "The wives of your sons who (spring) from your own loins." [An-Nisa’ 4:23]

Consequently, when a man enters into a marriage contract with a woman, his father becomes a Mahram for her, and her mother becomes a Mahram for him. This is known as a Mahram by marriage. It is permissible for a wife to shake hands with her father-in-law and be alone with him or travel with him.

However, it is important to note that this rule of being Mahram does not include the parents of the husband and wife. For example, a wife is Mahram for her father-in-law but not for his sons, and a husband is Mahram for his mother-in-law but not for her other daughters. Additionally, sons are considered Mahram for their father's wives and, therefore, cannot marry them.

In conclusion, while the husband's father is a Mahram for his son's wife, the relationship between them is governed by specific rules and boundaries outlined in Islamic teachings.

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The wife's mother is Mahram for her husband's son

In Islam, the wife's mother is considered a Mahram for her husband's son. This is based on the interpretation of the verse in which Allah states:

> "And marry not women whom your fathers married, except what has already passed." [An-Nisa’ 4:22]

According to Islamic teachings, when a marriage contract is established, the wife's mother becomes a Mahram for her husband and his son. This rule is not dependent on the consummation of the marriage. The wife's mother is considered a Mahram even if the marriage contract is concluded without consummation.

However, it is important to note that this rule does not extend to the parents of the husband and wife. The husband's father is not considered a Mahram for his son's mother-in-law, and he is not permitted to look at her face. Similarly, the wife's father is not a Mahram for his daughter's mother-in-law.

In summary, the wife's mother is a Mahram for her husband's son, but the husband's father is not a Mahram for his son's wife's mother. These interpretations are based on specific verses and interpretations of Islamic teachings.

Frequently asked questions

No, a man is forbidden from marrying his daughter-in-law's mother, i.e., the mother of his son's wife.

There are no conditions under which a man can marry his daughter-in-law's mother. The Quran prohibits marriage between people related in some way, including a man and his wife's mother.

Yes, it is permissible for a husband's father to marry his son's widowed or divorced mother-in-law. However, the wife is Mahram for her father-in-law, and the mother-in-law must observe Hijab from her son's father-in-law.

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