No, in Islam, your male cousins (sons of your uncles or aunts) cannot see your hair.
According to Islamic guidelines regarding modesty and interaction between non-mahram individuals, a woman's hair is considered part of her 'awrah' (parts of the body that must be covered in front of non-mahram men). The reference provided clearly states this:
However, only your uncles can see you without a hijab; their sons—your cousins—can't because they're not prohibited from marrying you. So, they're not considered mahrams.
Understanding Mahram
The key concept here is 'mahram'. A mahram is a person a Muslim is related to by blood, marriage, or breastfeeding, whom they are religiously prohibited from marrying. In the presence of mahram men, a woman is generally permitted to show parts of her body that she would cover in front of non-mahram men, such as her hair.
Why Cousins are Not Mahrams
- Marriageability: Male cousins (sons of your uncles or aunts) are not included in the list of mahrams because, in Islam, marriage between cousins is permissible. Since marriage is possible, they are considered non-mahrams.
- Modesty Requirements: The rules of hijab and modesty apply between non-mahram individuals. Therefore, a woman must observe hijab in the presence of her male cousins, which includes covering her hair.
Who are Considered Mahrams?
Examples of men who are typically considered mahrams for a woman include:
- Father
- Grandfathers (paternal and maternal)
- Sons
- Grandsons
- Brothers
- Nephews (sons of brothers or sisters)
- Uncles (paternal and maternal)
- Father-in-law
- Sons-in-law
- Stepfathers (under certain conditions)
- Step-sons (under certain conditions)
- Foster brothers (through breastfeeding)
- Foster sons (through breastfeeding)
This list highlights that while uncles are mahrams, their sons (your cousins) are not, due to the difference in marriage prohibition.
Understanding the distinction between mahram and non-mahram relatives is crucial for adhering to Islamic guidelines on modesty and interaction. The requirement to cover one's hair in front of male cousins is a direct application of these principles, stemming from their status as non-mahrams whom one could potentially marry.
