Question:
Is my (Mamoo) mother’s brother considered a Mahram for my wife, and is there any source for kissing the hands of the elderly people in Islam?
Answer:
- A man’s Mamoo (mother’s brother) is not a Mahram of the wife unless he is also a Mahram of the wife e.g. Mamoo, paternal uncle, grandfather, father, etc.
- The Fuqahaa (Jurist) have mentioned that it is permissible for a male to kiss a male and a female to kiss a female on the hands and the forehead at the time of reunion or bidding farewell on the basis of respect and honour. The Fuqahaa have not mentioned any distinction of elderly or young people. However this will only be permissible if there is no fear of Fitnah. (Raddul Muhtaar, Vol. 5)
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Ilyaas bin Hashim Limbada
Attested to as correct by:
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
13 August 2004
26 Jumaadul Ukhraa 1425
This Q&A was indexed in 2012 from the website of Jameah Mahmoodiyah, South Africa. The original website no longer exists.