Q 2: Is it permissible for a person to greet the mother of his fiancée while she is in her `Iddah (woman's prescribed waiting period after divorce or widowhood)? Is it permissible for small children who have not yet reached puberty to visit a woman during her `Iddah?

A: It is not permissible for a fiancé to be alone with his fiancée or her mother as he is considered Ajnabi (man lawful for the woman to marry) to them. After the marriage is contracted, he becomes a Mahram (spouse or permanently unmarriageable relative) to them and in this case he is permitted to enter in to greet her while she is in her state of `Iddah. It is permissible for small children who have no sense of feminine sex and who have not yet reached the age of puberty to visit her. However, she should be veiled in front of other pubescent men. Allah (Exalted be He) says: ...and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyûbihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers (Part No. 17; Page No. 361) and ...or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. This ruling is also based on the general meaning of His (Exalted be He) Saying: And when the children among you come to puberty, then let them (also) ask for permission, as those senior to them (in age). Thus Allâh makes clear His Ayât (Commandments and legal obligations) for you. And Allâh is All-Knowing, All-Wise. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.