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Question:

Asalam Alaikum Brother,

Hope you are fine with the blessings of Almighty Allah.

(1) I want to ask the conditions of when can we make a woman as our sister. What I mean is two  individuals out of context and not linked by any relation like a man and woman,  both Muslims but from different countries.  Are we Muslims allowed to make a woman as our sister?

(2) If a woman call us brother then are we liable to treat her as our sister? I am asking this question because a Muslim cannot adopt a son and call him as his own son. So does the same apply to make some one a real sister or a real brother? Please Email you answer with reference from Sahih Hadeeths and Quran.

May Allah bless you.

Wasalam Alaikum.

- Ahmed Faraz

Wael's Answer:

Ahmed, Wa alaykum as-salamu wa rahmatullah,

You cannot "make" someone your sister or brother with your words. No such thing exists in Islam. Allah has told us clearly and specifically in the Quran (4:23 and 4:24) who are our mahrams (those family members who are prohibited for us to marry), and He has said that, "Except for these, all others are lawful." Calling someone sister or brother does not make her/him mahram.

Please see this previous question on the exact same subject:

http://www.zawaj.com/askbilqis/self-proclaimed-relationships/

And Allah knows best.

If any readers have additional advice for this questioner, I invite you to post your comments below.

(O Allah), Guide us to the straight path; The path of those whom you have favored; Not those with whom you are angry; Nor those who go astray.

Best regards,

- Wael Abdelgawad
IslamicAnswers.com Editor