📜 Akad nikah · #57
May one marry the widow or former wife of one's own brother?
Yes. A brother's wife is not a mahram, so after she is divorced or widowed and her ʿiddah ends, she may be married.
The list of women forbidden in marriage in an-Nisa' 4:22–24 does not include a brother's wife, and Allah states that all others beyond those mentioned are lawful (4:24). Things to make sure of: the widow's ʿiddah of four months and ten days, or the divorcee's ʿiddah, has ended; and consideration for the feelings of the family and the children. In some cases, such a marriage is a good way to care for orphaned nephews and nieces within the family. Before marriage, an in-law remains a non-mahram, so the limits of aurat and the prohibition on being alone together apply. See Mahram and Widows.
The list of women forbidden in marriage in an-Nisa' 4:22–24 does not include a brother's wife, and Allah states that all others beyond those mentioned are lawful (4:24). Things to make sure of: the widow's ʿiddah of four months and ten days, or the divorcee's ʿiddah, has ended; and consideration for the feelings of the family and the children. In some cases, such a marriage is a good way to care for orphaned nephews and nieces within the family. Before marriage, an in-law remains a non-mahram, so the limits of aurat and the prohibition on being alone together apply. See Mahram and Widows.
Sources
Surah an-Nisa' 4:24Surah an-Nisa' 4:23Surah al-Baqarah 2:234