Is looking upon a Muslim woman permissible for her non-Muslim relative?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Marriage
Primary text
A non-Muslim relative is not considered a *mahram* (unmarriageable kin) to his Muslim female relative.
Supporting text
Concerning a Jew or Christian man whose daughter has accepted Islam, Imam Ahmad stated that he is not permitted to travel with her, meaning he is not considered her *mahram* for travel. However, she is not required to observe *hijab* (covering) from him regarding looking, based on the incident where Abu Sufyan, while still a polytheist, visited Medina and entered upon his daughter Umm Habibah, who prepared the Prophet's bedspread so he would not sit on it, and she did not veil from him, nor did the Prophet command her to do so.