Two brothers living with their wives in one house without hijab

Question

Two brothers born of the same mother live in one and the same house; both brothers and the wives of both live in this house. In such a situation the gaze of one brother suddenly falls on the other brother’s wife; there is no conversation. When the second brother comes in from outside and enters the house to eat, his gaze falls on the first one’s wife; there is no shameless talk or anything else. What is the ruling of the Shari‘a in such a situation?

Answer

If, because of the cramped house and poverty, such a situation sometimes arises and the gaze is immediately turned away, it is hoped that there will be no accountability. However, for entering such a place the Shari‘a has beforehand prescribed isti’dhan (asking permission to enter); this should be observed.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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