Darul Uloom Trinidad & Tobago

As Salaamu Alaikum,

QUESTION:

Is it permissible for an adult brother and adult sister to share one room, sleep on same double bed (but under different quilts) and share single bathroom attached to the room?

Wa Alaikum As Salaam,

ANSWER:

The Hadith of the Prophet (S.A.W) shows that it is prohibited for an adult brother and sister to sleep on the same bed. In this regard, the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) is reported to have said, ‘Order your children to perform Salah when they are at the age of seven, discipline/admonish them to perform it (if they do not do so) when they are at the age of 10, and separate them in their beds’

(Sunan Abu Dawood – Kitab As Salah – Hadith No. 495).

While explaining this Hadith, the great Hadith scholar, Mulla Ali Al Qari (A.R) stated that the Hadith gives an injunction that separation between boys and girls must take place with respect to their sleeping accommodation. Scholars have further stated that it is Wajib (essential) to separate the sleeping arrangement between brothers and sisters, when they reach the age of 10.

(Mirqaat Al Mafateeh Kitab As Salah – Kitan An Nawazil Vol. 15 page. 293 Dar Al Ishaat Karachi 2016).

It is to be noted that the separation of children as mentioned in the above Hadith includes all children. Whether they are males with males, females with females or males with females, separation between them (by not having them sleep on one bed) when they reach the age of 10 is essential.

Therefore, with respect to your questions, it will not be permissible for an adult brother and adult sister to sleep on the same double bed, although they may be under different quilts. They can share the same bedroom if it is not possible to have them in separate bedrooms, and they can also use the same bathroom which is attached to the room.

And Allah Knows best

Mufti Waseem Khan

03/11/2021