Having meals with non-mahrams

Q: Is it permissible for me to sit and eat with my girl cousins while her father, mother, brother and my mother are also seated there.

Also, can I say جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا and speak about general things like Madrasah with her mother, who is my mother's brother's wife while they are wearing abaya and scarf but part of their hair or neck is exposed?

A: Your female cousins are non mahrams to you. Hence, you should not sit with them and be casual with them. You are supposed to be observing pardah with them.

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

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)