Question

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

Answer

According to the Islamic Shari`ah one is not allowed to marry his mother in law even after the death of one’s spouse or after the severing the marriage contract.

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 mothers of one’s spouse are always prohibited to take into marriage even after one divorces his wife. For detail please refer to: http://www.monthly-renaissance.com/Decislaw2y3.html

Regards,

Tariq Mahmood Hashmi

Research Assistant

Answered by: Tariq Mahmood Hashmi

Date: 2015-01-03