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When Should a Son Stop Sleeping With His Mother in Islam?

Published in Islamic Family Law 2 mins read

A son should stop sleeping with his mother in Islam when he reaches the age of puberty or is ten years old or more.

Islamic teachings emphasize maintaining appropriate boundaries within the family to safeguard modesty and prevent temptation. The prohibition of a son sleeping with his mother beyond a certain age is rooted in this principle.

Here's a breakdown of the reasons and context:

  • Age of Puberty: Once a son reaches puberty, he is considered an adult in many aspects within Islamic jurisprudence. Sleeping in the same bed as his mother is deemed inappropriate at this stage due to the potential for arousal and fitna (temptation/discord).

  • Ten Years Old as a Guideline: Even before puberty, Islamic scholars generally advise that a son should have separate sleeping arrangements from his mother from the age of ten. This is to cultivate a sense of modesty and awareness of boundaries at an early age. It is a preventative measure to avoid potential issues later on.

  • Safeguarding Chastity: The primary aim is to protect the chastity and purity of both the son and the mother. Maintaining clear physical boundaries helps prevent any unintentional actions or thoughts that could violate Islamic principles.

  • Avoiding Temptation (Fitna): The closeness of sleeping in the same bed could lead to temptation or inappropriate thoughts. Islam emphasizes avoiding situations that could lead to sin.

In summary, while the onset of puberty is a definitive point, the age of ten serves as a proactive guideline to ensure appropriate boundaries are established and maintained within the family.

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