Is Marriage Permissible Between a Stepmother’s Son and Stepfather’s Daughter?
Source: Fatāwā Muḥammadiyyah, Vol.1, p.118
The Question
Two real brothers: one has passed away, leaving behind his wife and a son. The surviving brother’s wife has also passed away, and he then married his late brother’s widow. From this new marriage, he has a daughter.
Now the situation is:
- The deceased brother’s son (from the first marriage)
- The surviving brother’s daughter (from the marriage with the widow)
Can this boy and girl marry each other in Sharīʿah?
The Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd:
Since this boy and girl are not maḥram to each other, their marriage is permissible in Islām.
Qur’ānic Evidence
Allah ﷻ says:
﴿حُرِّمَتْ عَلَيْكُمْ أُمَّهَاتُكُمْ وَبَنَاتُكُمْ وَأَخَوَاتُكُمْ …﴾
(Sūrat al-Nisāʾ, 23)
In this verse, those women who are permanently unlawful (maḥram) have been listed. This boy and girl do not fall under any of those categories.
Allah ﷻ further says:
﴿وَأُحِلَّ لَكُمْ مَا وَرَاءَ ذَٰلِكُمْ أَنْ تَبْتَغُوا بِأَمْوَالِكُمْ مُحْصِنِينَ غَيْرَ مُسَافِحِينَ …﴾
(Sūrat al-Nisāʾ, 24)
“Beyond these (forbidden women), all others are lawful for you, provided you seek them in marriage with your wealth, desiring chastity, not unlawful relations.”
Conclusion
✅ According to Sharīʿah, marriage between the deceased brother’s son and the surviving brother’s daughter is valid and permissible.
❌ There is no Sharʿī evidence prohibiting this marriage.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
