Purdah in a joint family

Q: How should I treat my patrilateral cousins? We have a joint family system, so my cousins live in the same house as mine. Is it okay to not wear a veil in front of them, mixing with them and talking politely with them?

A: It becomes even more important to ensure that there is a good level of purdah, for the closer the person is, the greater the possibility of fitnah and corruption. You should never allow eye contact, casual talk or any type of seclusion to take place.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)