Paternal and Maternal Uncles of One’s Parents as Mahram Relatives

Question: May a woman uncover in front of her mother’s paternal uncle or maternal uncle? And may she do so before her father’s paternal or maternal uncle? In other words, are these individuals considered maḥram relatives for her? I was told that the woman is counted among their descendants (furūʿ) while they are ascending ancestors (uṣūl), and for that reason they are maḥram. Is this correct, esteemed Shaykh?

Answer: Yes. If your father has a paternal or maternal uncle—whether that uncle is full, a half-brother through the father, or a half-brother through the mother—he is a maḥram for you, because your father’s uncle is your own uncle, and your father’s maternal uncle is likewise your maternal uncle. The same applies to your mother’s uncle, meaning her father’s brother, whether full or half, as well as to her maternal uncle, that is, her mother’s brother—who is the brother of your grandmother. Each of these men is your uncle and therefore a maḥram for you.

As for your remark that they are uṣūl (direct ancestors), they are not; they are collateral relatives (ḥawāshī). They are simply the uncles or maternal uncles of your direct ancestors, but the ruling is the same: they are maḥram for you, exactly as you were told.

***

Assisting a Relative

Question: I have an uncle who is also my neighbor. He suffers from leg problems and can work only at very light tasks. He has children and is in need of help, yet he does not pray regularly. He follows Sufi orders and their shaykhs, observing their rituals. Is it permissible for us to assist him? Please advise us, and may Allah reward you.

Answer: It is obligatory to advise this man who follows the Sufi orders,