The Ruling on Two Brothers Gathering with Their Wives in One Room

Question:
If I and my wife, my brother, and his wife are present in one room, is this permissible?

Answer:
There is nothing wrong with the family gathering in one room, provided there is hijab (covering), modesty, and avoidance of what Allah has forbidden. If your brother’s wife, or your uncle’s wife, or your maternal uncle’s wife, or someone similar to them is with you in the room or in the house, there is no harm in that. This has been the case from the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) until our day. People visit one another, some visit others, and they meet each other. A non-mahram may visit the homes of his friends, even if they are not brothers, and their women may be with their women. Sometimes they all gather together, but with hijab, covering, and avoiding foul and obscene words. All of this is without blame.

Question: And if there is no hijab?

Answer: It is not permissible. She must cover herself, or else she should stay away and not sit with them. If she must sit, then the one who is not her mahram should stand up, or lower his gaze and turn away from her, so that he has obeyed the command of Allah.