Can a Divorced Woman Live in Her Ex-Father-in-Law’s House?
Hanafi Fiqh
Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Weltch
Question
Is it permissible for a divorced woman to live in her ex-father-in-law’s house if they have separate bedrooms?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
Yes. It is permissible for a divorced woman to live with her ex-father-in-law. The father of one’s ex-husband is still considered unmarriageable (mahram) despite the divorce. [Maydani, al-Lubab fi Sharh al-Kitab]
However, it is still advised to maintain appropriate clothing and other such etiquette to avoid stirring up any lust. Naturally, humans have a desire for the opposite gender, and this fact must be taken seriously.
Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a teacher of Arabic, Islamic law, and spirituality. After accepting Islam in 2008, he went on to study at Darul Uloom Seminary in New York and completed his studies at Darul Mustafa in Tarim, Yemen.
There, he completed the memorization of the Quran and his study of Islamic Sciences. Throughout his years of study, he was blessed to learn from many great scholars: Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Habib Kazhim al-Saqqaf, Shaykh ‘Umar bin Husayn al-Khatib, and others.
Upon returning, he joined the SeekersGuidance faculty in the summer of 2019.
