The concept of Mahram and Non-Mahram is essential to Islamic teachings. It focuses on upholding modesty, preventing illicit relationships, and ensuring ethical conduct among Muslims.
According to Islamic Shariah, ‘Mahram’ refers to individuals considered close family members and with whom certain interactions are permissible. The term ‘non-Mahram’ refers to individuals not closely related to you who are eligible for marriage, such as strangers or acquaintances.
Today, we explore the meaning and significance of Mahram or non-mahram relationships in Islam. We will also explore how they shape our interactions and understanding of modesty.
Mahram in Islam: What Does It Mean?
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Mahram is derived from “Haram”, meaning anything sacred or prohibited. The term “Mahram” is used in Islam to refer to individuals with whom it is not mandatory to cover a woman before a man.
Mahram relationships are established through blood ties, marriage, or breastfeeding, creating a set of individuals with whom marriage is considered impermissible.
1. Mahrams by Blood
Mahrams by blood are individuals regarded as close relatives. Therefore, exempted from the rules of hijab, are allowed to have physical contact like hugs and handshakes with one another. These individuals include parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents from both the maternal and paternal sides.
Aside from that, siblings, including brothers and sisters, are considered Mahrams by blood. Furthermore, descendants such as children and grandchildren are included in this category.
2. Mahrams by Marriage
An individual who’s classified as non-Mahram in Islam is someone who isn’t a spouse or a close relative by blood. However, through marriage, new Mahram relationships can be formed.
When a person marries their spouse’s immediate family members, they become their Mahrams. This includes their father-in-law, mother-in-law, and siblings-in-law, depending on their gender. But for sister-in-laws, covering their body and adornments in front of their sister’s husband is mandatory.
These relationships are considered permanent and strong, like the Mahram relationships formed through blood ties until the marriage is valid. The purpose of these Mahram relationships by marriage is to establish a sense of security and protection within the family unit.
However, for a man, his sisters-in-law would be considered non-mahrams if his wife died. There is also an application of this rule to the opposite gender.
3. Mahrams by Breastfeeding (Rada’ah)
Other individuals can also be considered Mahrams, including those who share the same breast milk as you. This concept is known as Rada’ah in Islam. According to Islamic teachings, if a woman has breastfed a child, that woman becomes a Mahram to the child and the woman’s children.
It means that the child and the woman’s children are now considered as close as blood relatives and are prohibited from marrying each other. This relationship results from the bond created through breastfeeding, which is seen as an act of nurturing and care.
Allah SWT forbids marriage between these relations and says in the Holy Quran,
حُرِّمَتْ عَلَيْكُمْ أُمَّهَـٰتُكُمْ وَبَنَاتُكُمْ وَأَخَوَٰتُكُمْ وَعَمَّـٰتُكُمْ وَخَـٰلَـٰتُكُمْ وَبَنَاتُ ٱلْأَخِ وَبَنَاتُ ٱلْأُخْتِ وَأُمَّهَـٰتُكُمُ ٱلَّـٰتِىٓ أَرْضَعْنَكُمْ وَأَخَوَٰتُكُم مِّنَ ٱلرَّضَـٰعَةِ وَأُمَّهَـٰتُ نِسَآئِكُمْ وَرَبَـٰٓئِبُكُمُ ٱلَّـٰتِى فِى حُجُورِكُم مِّن نِّسَآئِكُمُ ٱلَّـٰتِى دَخَلْتُم بِهِنَّ فَإِن لَّمْ تَكُونُوا۟ دَخَلْتُم بِهِنَّ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَحَلَـٰٓئِلُ أَبْنَآئِكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ مِنْ أَصْلَـٰبِكُمْ وَأَن تَجْمَعُوا۟ بَيْنَ ٱلْأُخْتَيْنِ إِلَّا مَا قَدْ سَلَفَ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ غَفُورًۭا رَّحِيمًۭا ٢٣
“˹Also˺ forbidden to you for marriage are your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your paternal and maternal aunts, your brother’s daughters, your sister’s daughters, your foster-mothers, your foster-sisters, your mothers-in-law, your stepdaughters under your guardianship if you have consummated marriage with their mothers but if you have not, then you can marry them nor the wives of your own sons, nor two sisters together at the same time except what was done previously. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Surah An-Nisa, 23]
Non-Mahram Meaning in Islam: What Does It Mean?
Based on Islam, Non-Mahram or Ghayr Mahram refers to individuals permissible for marriage and with whom you can have marriage-related interactions. This includes individuals who aren’t related by blood or marriage, making them potential candidates for marriage.
The concept of Non-Mahram serves as a safeguard against illicit relationships and promotes modesty and personal boundaries in Islam. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining appropriate interactions between men and women and avoiding physical intimacy or contact outside marriage.
Difference Between Mahram and Non-Mahram According to Islam
Let’s explore the significant difference between Mahram and Non-Mahram under Islamic Shariah.
1. Permissibility of Interaction
Islamic guidelines permit close interactions between Mahram individuals, such as unveiled interactions, hugs, and handshakes. These relationships are considered sacred and free from any potential impropriety.
Conversely, physical interactions with non-Mahram individuals are subject to stringent regulations. Islam strongly emphasizes modesty and upholding a sense of dignity and respect. Therefore, restrictions on physical contact between Non-Mahram individuals exist to ensure the preservation of ethical conduct.
2. Traveling
Traveling with a Mahram is a requirement for Muslim women undertaking journeys, especially for pilgrimages such as Hajj or Umrah. This practice safeguards their well-being and upholds the principles of modesty and protection.
However, traveling with non-Mahram individuals, especially of the opposite gender, is generally discouraged. This is done to prevent situations that might compromise modesty and ethical conduct.
3. Applicability of Hijab
The concept of hijab goes beyond the physical act of wearing a headscarf. It’s about a code of conduct that promotes modesty, respect, and boundaries. In the presence of Mahram individuals, such as close family members, the need for hijab is relaxed as there’s a foundation of trust and sanctity.
However, in the presence of Non-Mahram individuals, who are unrelated, the obligation to wear hijab is heightened. This visual symbolizes adherence to Islamic values of modesty and helps maintain a respectful distance between unrelated men and women.
Allah Says in Surah An-Nur, Ayat: 31,
“… Let them draw their veils over their chests, and not reveal their ˹hidden˺ adornments except to their husbands, their fathers, their fathers-in-law, their sons, their stepsons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons or sisters’ sons, their fellow women, those ˹bondwomen˺ in their possession, male attendants with no desire, or children who are still unaware of women’s nakedness…”
4. Purpose of Distinction
This distinction aims to safeguard the sanctity of familial relationships while guiding interactions within the broader society. Islam ensures the sacredness of certain relationships by defining some individuals as Mahrams, with the exception of the marriage relationship between a man and woman.
In contrast, acknowledging Non-Mahram relationships allows for marriage and provides guidelines for interactions between people who aren’t related. This distinction is a protective measure, ensuring that individuals maintain appropriate boundaries and adhere to Islamic principles of modesty and respect.
Respecting Mahram and Non-Mahram Relationships: Embracing Islamic Values
Mahram and Non-Mahram relationships are integral parts of Islamic teachings that aim to maintain modesty, prevent illicit relationships, and ensure ethical conduct among Muslims. This distinction is rooted in Islamic teachings and aims to prevent inappropriate relationships and preserve personal boundaries.
As Muslims, respecting these relationships and upholding our religious beliefs and values is paramount. Understanding and respecting these concepts can preserve our modesty and maintain a healthy ethical standard.
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