Q:
I have a ten-year old brother, who has not yet reached puberty,
and, as he does not have anyone to support him other than me, he stays with me in my home. My question is: When he reaches puberty, what shall I do when I am out at work when he is studying, can I permit him to be alone with my wife when I am not there? I have asked some shaykhs who gave me a Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar) saying that if the matter is as I say, I should let my wife breastfeed him so he can be a Mahram (an unmarriageable relative) to her. However, my heart is not comfortable with their Fatwa and as my wife has now given birth to a child, I wanted to write to Your Eminence about this matter as I have become confused (Part No. 17; Page No. 194) and I want to know your opinion.
A: First:
The only breastfeeding that can be considered is that which occurs during the first two years of a child’s life, anything that occurs after that time is not to be considered under the Shari‘ah (Islamic law).
Second:
It is obligatory on you to teach your brother the Islamic etiquettes and religious rulings. Before his reaching puberty, you should get him used to asking your wife’s permission before entering the room. It is not permissible for your brother to be alone with your wife in the home. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.