I would like to know what are the limitations between a brother and a sister. In other words, what degree of frankness should they share?

The family is an integral part of an Islamic society and is an anchor for the rest of one's life. As a wolf devours a lone sheep, so does Shaytaan seize the one who does not keep family ties. 'He is the one who created man from water and gave him ties by lineage and marriage.' (Qur'aan).

Allah has created the bond of love and affection between family members in order to ease the worldly life with regards to the obedience of Allah, i.e. when one experiences a problem which might affect his obedience to the divine command, his family members are there to assist him through that difficulty.

Therefore, there should be no formalities or reservations among family members. Each should feel free to discuss any problem with another at all times. However, the time we live in is not one of sanity and sobriety. Due to all kinds of depravity warming their way into even in pious societies, caution has to be exercised. Care should be taken that behaviour and interaction of family members with one another are always in keeping with modesty. Discussions and involvement with anything of obscene nature should be avoided as far as possible as this breaks down the natural barriers that Allah Ta'ala has kept between family members. A constant effort should be made to bring Deen (religious fervour) into the home, thus, making for a happy family.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.