What are Mahram relations in Islam?

In this article, we are going to know about the Mahram relation in Islam. We will also understand what is Mahram relations, and the list of mahram relations in Islam.

A Mahram is a man who is permitted by Islam to remain among women without the need for coverings. For a woman, there is a precise list of relationships that are deemed Mahram.

Following we are about to discuss the three kinds of Mahram relations-

Mahram relations by blood.
Mahram relations by marriage.
Mahram relations by breastfeeding.

List of Mahram relationships by blood

Descendants of your parents– for example, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, children of your brothers, children of your sisters, children of your half-brothers, and children of your half-sisters.
Your descendants– for example, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Your ascendants– for example, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents.
The 1st generation of your grandparents– for example,father’s brothers and sisters including half-brothers and half-sisters, mother’s brothers, and sisters including half-brothers and half-sisters.

List of Mahram relationships by marriage

Husband/wife
Husband/wife of your descendants– for example, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, husband, and wife of your grandchildren.
Descendents of your husband– for example, stepson and step-daughter.
Ancestors of your husband/wife– for example, parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents of your husband or wife.
Husband/wife of your ancestors– For example, mother’s husband, father’s wife, husband of grandmother, wife of grandfather.

List of Mahram relationships by breastfeeding

Any woman who breastfeeds you before the age of 2.5 years is your mahram.
All her children
All the children who are breastfed by the same women.

Following are the common misconceptions about mahram relations-

Cousins are not mahram relations
- Brother-in-law/sister-in-law is not mahram

List of Non-Mahram relationships

Except for the ones listed above, all of the relationships are non-mahram. In front of them, a lady must wear a veil. We’ve included some generic non-mahram partnerships below for your convenience.