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Fatwa CenterProtection for young daughter from her uncle
Question
I do not trust my brother (17 years old) in law to be around my 3 years old daughter. My Muslim wife wants to visit her family (non-Muslim). I do not want my daughter to go with her. Is that permissible? And how I can present this issue to my sensitive wife?
Answer
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the World; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.
1) Your brother-in-law is a Mahram (unmarriageable) person for your daughters, i.e. for his nieces. A Mahram can stay in seclusion with unmarriageable women to him. It is also permissible for him to see hands and feet of such women if they are mature; otherwise, he may see more than hands and feet if he is a trustworthy person.
However, if you believe that your brother-in-law is not trustworthy regarding his nieces (your daughters) or you know from reliable sources that he is an evil person then you should take all precautions for your daughters. Do not let him be alone with them or to touch them. This is to block the ways that could lead to evils and to ward off temptations that could happen.
Therefore, you should make clear to your wife that this is the ruling of Sharia which should be followed. Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {And obey Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) …}[3:132] He also Says: {"And follow the best of that which is sent down to you from your Lord (i.e. this Qur'ân, do what it orders you to do and keep away from what it forbids), …}[39:55].
Believe that your wife will understand -Insha Allah - if you discuss with her this matter. But, you should give your suggestion to your wife sincerely and wisely. May Allah make your matters easy and guide you to the truth.
2) It is permissible for a wife to visit her family even if her family is non-Muslim. Allah Commands to keep the ties of kinship and to be good and faithful with one's parents. He urged Muslims to be good with other people, especially if they are relatives.
Most probably, her visit to them might be a reason to bring them to the truth and to accept Islam. When they come to know the generosity of Islam and the importance given to the matter of having good ties of kinship and being kind to one's parents in Islam they might become interested in Islam.
On the other hand, if you apprehend any harm or temptation you may prevent her from visiting them to avoid the great dangers.
Allah knows best.
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