Who is included in the category of Mahram women?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Marriage
Primary text
Mahram women are all those upon whom marriage is perpetually forbidden due to lineage, suckling (fosterage), or the prohibition stemming from in-law relationships through a permissible marriage. The evidence for this broad scope is derived from the actions concerning fosterage, as demonstrated by the Hadith of Sahlah, and the Hadith concerning a man's foster-uncle, Aflah, being allowed to enter upon 'Aishah after the Hijab was enjoined, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, 'Permit him, for he is your uncle.'
Supporting text
Imam Ahmad paused regarding looking at the hair of the mother-in-law or daughter-in-law because they were not explicitly mentioned in the relevant Quranic verse concerning adornment. However, a clear narration from Imam Ahmad states that upon contracting the marriage, the man's mother-in-law becomes forbidden to him, and he is permitted to see her hair and beauties, distinguishing her from a woman one has committed fornication with, to whom looking is never allowed.