Question (Q-78)
A boy became sexually attracted to his mother. However all of this was in his mind and he did not act upon it. He later realised his mistake and repented from these evil thoughts. His parents are pious and they are not aware of the thoughts that he had. Is this boy’s mother forbidden for his father?
Answer:
In the situation described, the boy’s mother is still lawfully permitted in terms of marital relations with his father. Hurmat ul Musāharah (prohibition of continuing marital relations due to intimate relations) has not been established even though these thoughts are extremely grotesque and a result of satanic whispers. Hurmat ul Musāharah (prohibition of continuing marital relations due to intimate relations) is not established by mere thoughts.
It is stated in Fatāwā Faiz ur Rasūl (Volume 1, Page 582-583) in relation to such thoughts about one’s mother-in-law,
“Even though looking towards one’s mother-in-law with an immoral gaze is a major sin, doing this does not cause one’s wife to be forbidden.”
It is stated in Al Fatāwā Al Hindiyyah Volume 1 Page 302,
وكما تثبت هذه الحرمة بالوطء تثبت بالمس والتقبيل والنظر إلى الفرج بشهوة كذا فى الذخيرة
“Just as prohibition (based on intimate relations) is established through intercourse, it is also established through touching, kissing and looking towards the female private organ with lust. This is what is stated in Adh Dhakhīrah.”
It is stated in Al Bahr ar-Rāiq,
واللمس والنظر سبب داع إلى الوطء فيقام مقامه فى موضع الاحتياط كذا فى الهداية
“Touching (without a barrier such as a thick cloth) and looking (at the female private organ) are causes that lead to intercourse and therefore they take the same position as intercourse out of caution. This is what is stated in Al Hidāyah.”
And Allah knows best
Written by: Shaykh Omar Khan (Allah preserve him)
Verified by: Mufti Shamsulhuda Khan Misbahi (May Allah preserve him)
