Question

In the eyes of Shari`ah, can a man marry his mother in law after divorcing his wife ?

Answer

According to the Islamic Shari`ah one’s mother in law is not allowed for marriage even after the death of one’s spouse or after divorcing her.

The Qur’an says:

And marry not women whom your fathers married – except what has been done in the past: it was shameful and odious – an abominable practice indeed. Prohibited to you [for marriage] are your mothers, daughters, sisters, your maternal and paternal aunts, the daughters of your brothers and sisters; your mothers who have suckled you and your sisters through fosterage, the mothers of your wives, your step-daughters raised under you born of your wives with whom you have lain – no offence if you have not lain with their mothers, and the wives of your begotten sons, and two sisters in wedlock at the same time, except for what has already happened. God indeed is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Also [prohibited are] women already married, except those whom your right hands possess; this is a written obligation upon you from God. (4:22-4)

Thus according to the verse the mother of one’s spouse is always prohibited for marriage even after one divorces pne’s wife. For details please refer to: http://www.monthly-renaissance.com/Decislaw2y3.html

Answered by: Tariq Mahmood Hashmi

Date: 2015-02-24