Q: I have an aunt who is not my mother's sister; she is her cousin. Here in Sudan we consider cousins as siblings, so she is considered my mother's sister, (Part No. 17; Page No. 439) and my aunt accordingly. This does not mean she is a Mahram (unmarriageable relative) to me. However, regardless of the nominations, I consider her my aunt and my second mother. I love and respect her so much, and so does she. We have made a pledge that she is going to be my mother and treat me accordingly. I wish that she could really be my second mother and my aunt. However, some people claim that it is impermissible for her to reveal her hair or her face in front of me, as she is not a Mahram to me. As I have already told you, we have made a pledge that she is going to be my second mother and my aunt. Is she really considered my mother and a Mahram to me after this pledge? If not, what should we do so that we can reach this status? I remember the tale of Um Ayman Al-Habashiyyah who brought up the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). He used to say to her, "You are my second mother."