Can a Sister Wear a T-Shirt in Front of Her Brother?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

This question stems from this article.

As a brother, the article says I am permitted to see the legs below the knees, and I can also see my sister’s chest. I need some clarification. I understand that I won’t be tempted by seeing her legs, but that is still immodest, right? Is there any male brother out there who would not be tempted if one’s sister was exposing her chest? And so if he is not tempted, one can touch the chest!

This is my understanding from the quoted article. Please clarify how can a sister expose the bosom and the brother is permitted to touch her granted without temptation.

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

This is the text of the law, the spirit of the law says it is against modesty and undignifying. Also, it should be remembered that if there is a fear of temptation (fitna), then it will be impermissible to expose these parts even in front of Mahrams, neither will it be permissible to see or touch those areas of a Mahram’s body. [Maydani, al-Lubab fi Sharh al-Kitab]

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction, in sha’ Allah.

Related: Is It Permissible to Walk Around Topless in Front of Unmarriageable Kin?

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersGuidance?

I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.