The Ruling on a Woman Living with Her Husband's Brothers out of Necessity

Question:
Your Eminence! Sometimes circumstances compel a person to remain with his brothers in the same residence. Is there any religious guidance regarding this?

Answer:
There is no doubt that this carries the risk of a man being exposed to his brother's wife, and of failing to guard against this. However, if necessity calls for it, there is no harm, provided one takes precautions. Each woman should guard herself against her husband's brother by avoiding seclusion with him and not exposing herself to him. Rather, she should pay attention to hijab and covering, ask Allah for well-being, and beware of inclining toward what Satan makes attractive. Therefore, each woman should stay away from the causes of fitnah (trial, discord or temptation), such as displaying beauty and adornment. She should observe hijab in front of her husband's brother, his maternal uncles, his paternal uncles, and the like. She should be patient with the hardship involved in this until she is saved from the dire consequences, for there is no power and no strength except with Allah. Despite this, she should treat his family well according to her ability. If it becomes possible for her to move with her husband to another place, that is better and safer.

The presenter: May Allah reward you with good.