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
