When Does A Mother In Law Become A Mahram?

Question: Assalaamu alaikum

I recently attended an Islamic wedding and as soon as the nikaah
was completed the bride’s mother hugged the groom who became
her son in law then. is that permissible or does the mother in law
have to wait until the marriage is consummated before she can
hug her son in law?
Answer:Wa Alaikum As Salaam,

Once the marriage has been done and it is valid, the mother in law becomes a Mahram to her son in law. This is established whether the husband consummated the marriage or not. Hence, in the above case, it was permissible for the mother in law to hug the son in law. She did not have to wait until the marriage was consummated.

And Allah Knows Best.

Mufti Waseem Khan.

1/10/2014