Are relations forbidden temporarily considered Mahrams?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Hajj

Book 11 · Issue 3 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Those whom a woman is forbidden to marry only temporarily, such as her slave, or her sister's husband, are not considered Mahrams to her. This ruling is explicitly stated by Ahmad because such individuals are not deemed trustworthy protectors of her honor, and the prohibition of marriage is not permanent. They are treated as non-related strangers.

Supporting text

There is a view attributed to Al-Shafi'i that her slave is a Mahram because looking upon her is permissible for him, similar to a blood relation. This view is deemed weaker because blood relations are trustworthy and the prohibition is permanent, a quality lacking in the slave.