Yes, marrying a stepsister is generally considered halal in Islam, provided they have not been breastfed by the same woman.
Detailed Explanation
The permissibility of marrying a stepsister in Islam hinges on the concept of Mahram relationships, meaning those family members whom marriage is forbidden. Blood relations, marriage relations, and fosterage (being breastfed by a woman who is not your mother) are the basis for these prohibitions.
The Breastfeeding Factor
- The core factor from an Islamic perspective, when discussing marrying relatives, is whether or not breastfeeding has occurred.
- According to Islamic teachings, if two people were breastfed by the same woman, they become, in a sense, siblings through milk and cannot marry. This is a critical aspect to consider when assessing if a stepsister is marriageable.
- If a stepsister has never been breastfed by the same woman as her stepbrother/stepsister, then marrying her is halal.
Step-Relationships and Marriages
- Step relationships, created by marriage, do not in themselves create a marital barrier.
- For example, a woman's children from a previous marriage and her new husband's children from a previous marriage can marry one another if they are not otherwise prohibited due to breastfeeding.
- Step-siblings, who haven't shared the same breastmilk mother are not considered Mahram.
Table Summarizing Halal/Haram
| Relationship | Breastfed by Same Mother | Halal to Marry? |
|---|---|---|
| Stepsister | Yes | Haram |
| Stepsister | No | Halal |
| Blood sister | N/A | Haram |
| Milk sister | Yes | Haram |
Practical Implications
- Always verify the breastfeeding history before making plans to marry someone who is also a relative.
- If any doubt exists regarding breastfeeding, consult a trusted Islamic scholar to confirm the religious permissibility.
In Conclusion
The determining factor regarding the permissibility of marrying a stepsister in Islam is whether they were breastfed by the same woman. If not, then marriage is permissible. This is explicitly stated in the given reference.
