Is kissing permissible between female and male cousins (children of one's maternal aunt or uncle, or paternal aunt or uncle)?
Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 2026
Maternal and paternal cousins (daughters of maternal and paternal aunts/uncles) are considered kin ( رحم ) whom Islamic law has commanded to maintain ties with. However, they are non- (أجنبيات) to their maternal and paternal male cousins. Therefore, it is not permissible to look at them, shake their hands, be alone with them (khilwa), or kiss them. The common practice of treating them like sisters or aunts is not endorsed by Islam, for the circle of kin (أرحام) is wider than the circle of mahram (محارم). It is not permissible to maintain ties with non-mahram kin except within the legal strictures governing interactions between the sexes.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported
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- Original fatwa ID
- 142094
- Imported
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