Being kissed by his wife's mother

31-5-2003 | IslamWeb

Question:

I'm married and my wife's mom always kisses me. Is there any problem for that kiss? I need the answer according to Islam.

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Answer:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions. Some scholars permit kissing a Mahram (unmarriageable) man or woman by three conditions: A) When one comes from a journey. B) When one does not feel any temptation. C) Kissing should not be on the mouth. This permission is also reported from Ahmad Bin Hanbal . Ibn Mansoor asked him about kissing unmarriageable woman, he said, 'One may do so, if he comes from a journey, does not feel temptation and avoids kissing the mouth. Instead, he should kiss the forehead or the head' . Kissing with pleasure is forbidden since enjoying Maharim is among the repulsive sins. Imam al-Nawawi said: 'kissing to take pleasure is forbidden whether it is done to his child or any one else' . Kissing mouth is not allowed since, most likely, it is among the spots that arouse the sexual desire. Despite its permissibility, we advise that due to vast obscenity and erotic atmosphere, one should avoid kissing Mahram women to block the means that could lead to Haram, especially those who have loose morals. Everyone who avoids suspicious matters will always protect his religion and safeguard his honour. Know that kissing each other at meeting is not recommended for the Hadith Imam Tirmizi reported from Anas bin Malik (Radiya Allahu Anhu) that a man said: 'O, Messenger of Allah, when a man meets his brother or his friend should be bow to him?' He replied: "No". 'He asks whether he should embrace and kiss him', and he replied, "No". 'He asked whether he should take his hand and shake it', and he replied, "Yes" . Therefore, it is better and advisable for the sake of piety to advise your mother in-law with wisdom that she should avoid kissing you. May Allah help you and guide you to what pleases Him. Allah knows best.