What is the religious directive regarding a person living with his sister's son in a single, cramped house, where neither of them is considered a mahram to the other's wife, while suitable housing is available at reasonable prices?

In the Sahihayn (Bukhari and Muslim), the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Beware of entering upon women.” A man from the Ansar asked: “O Messenger of Allah, what about the in-law (al-hamw)?” He replied: “The in-law is death.”

This does not mean the death of the in-law, but rather that the fear of him and his temptation is greater than that of others, because he can access the woman and be alone with her without being questioned. He is more deserving of being prevented than a stranger, especially since the narrow homes they inhabit are prone to many Sharia-prohibited matters, such as seclusion (khalwa), suspicious mixing, looking at what could have bad consequences, and hearing what offends the ear.

Sharia came to bring about and perfect benefits, and to ward off harms and block the means to them. To protect religion and honor, it commanded lowering the gaze and forbade entering upon women and mixing with them.

Therefore, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, legislated manners for women to observe on the way to the mosque, others upon entering it, a third set while present in it and during prayer, and a fourth regarding how to leave it. All of this is to ward off temptation and cut off the means (to sin).

Among the evidences for this are: 1. His saying, peace and blessings be upon him, to women: “Hold back, for you are not allowed to walk in the middle of the road. You must keep to the sides of the road.” 2. Designating a gate in the mosque for women: “If only we had left this gate for women.” 3. His saying, peace and blessings be upon him: “The best rows for men are the first ones, and the worst are the last ones. The best rows for women are the last ones, and the worst are the first ones.” 4. After the salutation of the prayer, the women would stand up, and the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and the men who prayed would remain seated for as long as Allah willed. When the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, stood up, the men would stand, to ensure safety from temptation due to the mixing of men and women on the way.

Based on the above, it is obligatory for each person to separate with his family in an independent home, especially since the rent for housing in this city is affordable.