ISLAMIC WAYS

Difference Between Halal and Haram Relationships

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("In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful")

1. Halal and haram relationships What is rightand what is wrong?

2. In a society driven by lust, temptation, and amorality, the line between what is halal and what is haram has become increasingly distorted. So how do we determine which relationships in our lives are halal or haram? And where do we draw the line?

3. Halal relationships A halal relationship is one in which it is lawful for you to be in that person’s company alone and have physical contact with them because either: They are your spouse and you are in a lawful marriage contract with them. They are forbidden to you for marriage. Islam has outlined exactly who our mahrams are and who have been made halal for us. Allah says in the Qur’an:

4. Halal relationships “Forbidden to you (for marriage) are: your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your father’s sisters, your mother’s sisters, your brother’s daughters, your sister’s daughters, your foster mother who gave you suck, your foster sisters, your wives’ mothers, your step-daughters under your guardianship, born of your wives into whom you have gone – but there is no sin on you if you have not gone into them (to marry their daughters) - the wives of your sons (who spring) from your own loins, and two sisters in wedlock at the same time, except for what has already passed. Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [An-Nisa 4:23]

5. The family Rules of halal/haram relationships tend not to apply with family relations Issues: Mixing freely with non-mahram family members e.g. cousins, uncle’s wife, aunt’s husband etc Removing hijab and modest clothing in the home Physical contact such as hugging That ‘uncle’ who puts his hand on your head as a mark of love and respect  The brother-in-law. Culturally they play an important part in life with the in laws and are often seen as important as biological brothers by the family.

6. The family The Prophet said: “It is better for a Believer to be struck in the head with a hot iron rod than to touch a woman who is not lawful for him.” [Tabarani & Baihaqqi] This proves that physical contact of any type with any person who is not your mahram/forbidden to you for marriage is forbidden, even if they are your relatives, and even if you have the right intentions. “When a man and woman are alone together, Shaytan is the third” [Tirmidhi]

7. The brother-in-law Guarding against the brother-in-law has been specifically mentioned, as the Prophet said: “The brother-in-law is like death for a woman.” [Sahih Bukhari] Hadith – clear proof that your husband's brother or sister’s husband is a non-mahram and that the rules of segregation still apply Such a specific hadith for the brother-in-law tells us this relationship is more dangerous than with any other non-mahram and is a clear warning.

8. The brother-in-law Why? Because the brother-in-law, contrary to the stranger, can easily approach the sister-in-law and violate her privacy, without people blaming him for doing so. Culturally families find no problem with the husband’s brother being in private with the husband’s wife which is why this relationship is so dangerous and haram. ‘Death’ refers not only to physical temptation, but to the mischief that could be caused due to gossiping and manipulation of the sister-in-law or of the husband.

9. The workplace Non-Muslim workplaces – complications such as shaking hands/work socials. Is it okay to shake hands with your colleagues in a professional capacity only? Some modern day scholars say it is okay Whether it is for professional or personal reasons, the Islamic rulings are the same – touching of any kind is not allowed. Your intention is irrelevant. The best of mankind, the Prophet SAW did not touch women nor saw the need to. This is despite the fact that the oath of allegiance was originally given by hand.