Question:
salam alaykum, I am a female convert to Islam and the only Muslim in my family. I just found out I have a long-lost brother, who was conceived as a result of my father having a relationship with another woman before he married my mom. So my half-brother is illegitimate and my father recognizes his paternity, but has only seen him a few times in his life. He was raised in a different country than myself with his single mom. I am 28 and he is 10 years older than me. I hope to meet him soon for the first time in my life and want to know if he is my mahram. I know marriage with him is forbidden, but do I have to wear hijab in front of him? I would like to know all of the legal opinions, the majority and minor opinions on this please. Jazakum Allahu khayran.
Answer:
wa `alaykum salam,
Your long-lost half-brother is unmarriageable for you, whether he is from your father’s side or mother’s side. As he is unmarriageable for you, then he is your mahram so you do not have to wear hijab in front of him.
Imam Senad Agic, Ph.D.
Head Imam (IABNA)
The Islamic Association of Bosniaks in North America
www.mesihat.com
