Self proclaimed relationships
Assalam o Alaikum everyone,
I'm in a very perplexing situation and would appreciate your help. I'm an unmarried Muslim man who used to refer to every Muslim woman I met, as a "sister". I found that referring to women as ‘sisters’ helped me keep my intentions pure and my thoughts clean when interacting with the opposite gender.
However, I've happened to grow a liking for one of the girls I met and would really like to make her my wife; but just one problem, I had also proclaimed her to be my 'sister' on earlier occasions, when I had no intentions of marrying her.
In the light of Islam, does calling someone your brother or sister make them impermissible for marriage? Is there any possibility that I may marry her or is she off limits for me now?
Thank you for you time
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Walaikumsalaam 'HorriblyConfused'...
This situation is only perplexing in your mind; and not at all in reality.
We are all brothers and sisters in Islam. I call males - 'brothers' through respect, this does not mean I am not allowed to marry them. Referring to a non-mahram as brother or sister does not make them mahram to you.
So - Islamically it is permissible for you marry a non mahram female, even if you have called her 'Sister' all your life.
I hope you will change your name now from 'HorriblyConfused' to something more delightful.
:O)
Salaam brother, I am in complete agreement with Sister Z,
Peace,
L
I also agree.
Even your future wife (Insha'Allah) will still be your sister in Islam, though you probably will switch to calling her something more personal, like sweetie, honey, or habibti. Though I know men who refer to their wives as "sister" in a public setting, for example in a meeting in the masjid if the Imam's wife speaks up and makes a point, the Imam might say, "I agree with the sister on this one."
Family relationships and the rules of who can marry whom are clearly defined by Allah in the Quran. You cannot change them with your words.
Thank you SisterZ, Leyla and Wael...... thank you so much! Your answers were such a relief. This is indeed a great site and a great service that you're all rendering to fellow Muslim brothers and *sisters*. Thnak you once again.
Dear Bro, I shall refrain from calling you 'Horribly Confused',
Thank you for your response and it was lovely that the Editors were in complete agreement here, I liked that, lol!!
Best Wishes :o)
SisterZ