Most-asked question
Who are a woman's mahrams?
463 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 6 South African Darul Iftas (Mufti Online, Ask Imaam, Ibn Masood, Jamiat KZN, Camperdown, Azaadville). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.
Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.
Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.
What the Darul Iftas say
“This is not permissible. If the woman is not your mahram, then this is obviously haraam and if the woman is your mahram e.g. your mother or sister then too this is not permissible and is against the Islamic teachings.”
“A1) Yes, he will be Mahram۔ (i.e he cannot marry her and she can travel with him if he is Baaligh). A2) The husband will not be a Mahram to his wife’s Foi (i.e she cannot travel with him as her Mahram). However, marriage with her is impermissible as long as the husband and wife are married.”
“Mahram refers to all those persons with whom marriage is not permissible on a permanent basis. The Qur’aan explicitly describes those with whom Nikah is Haram/prohibited. See the following verses of Surah Nisa:”
“Your brother’s or sister’s grandsons are your Mahrams. However, your husband’s nephew is not considered to be your Mahram. Therefore, it would be permissible for you to travel for Umrah with your sister’s grandson as your Mahram, but it would not be permissible for you to travel with your husband’s nephew. (Ahsanul Fataawa 5/91)”
Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.
Read the fatawa
- Male sleeping on the same bed with his mahramMufti Online · 18 Oct 2026
- Mahram-Status Of One’s Father’s SisterIbn Masood · 2 Sep 2026
- “Can I go for Umrah without a mahram if travelling with family?”Camperdown · 18 Apr 2026
- Why must a woman travel with a MahramJamiat KZN · 11 Dec 2025
- Is it permissible to sit next to a non-mahram driver in the front seat of the car?Ask Imaam · 30 Jun 2025
- A Woman Travelling Without A MahramAzaadville · 6 Dec 2023
- Wealthy woman not finding a mahram to go with for HajjMufti Online · 9 Sep 2026
- Elderly Women Travelling Without A MahramIbn Masood · 24 Jan 2026
- Custody If Ex-Wife Marries a Non-MahramCamperdown · 4 Aug 2025
- Sister’s Grandson and Husband’s nephew as MahramsJamiat KZN · 26 Aug 2025
- Can a 9 year old boy be a Mahram for his mother?Ask Imaam · 26 Jul 2024
- A Stepfather Remaining A Mahram After DivorceAzaadville · 2 Oct 2023
- Following a non-mahram on social mediaMufti Online · 28 Jul 2026
- Adopted Child Being MahramIbn Masood · 27 Aug 2024
- Is mother-in-law’s sister(s) a mahram for a person?Camperdown · 21 Aug 2024
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