How many categories of Mahram exist in Islam?

In Islam, there are four categories of Mahram—individuals with whom marriage is permanently prohibited due to close blood relations, breastfeeding relationships, marital relations, or other prohibitions established by Shariah. Understanding these categories is essential for observing Islamic rules of modesty, inheritance, and social interaction.

1. 
   

   Blood Relations (Nasab Mahram): These include close relatives such as one’s mother, daughter, sister, paternal and maternal aunts, and nieces. Marriage is permanently forbidden with them.

   
   


2. 
   

   Relations by Marriage (Musahhar Mahram): These are individuals who become Mahram due to marriage connections, for example, a father-in-law, mother-in-law, step-children from a spouse, and a husband’s or wife’s siblings.

   
   


3. 
   

   Relations by Breastfeeding (Rada’ Mahram): A woman who breastfeeds a child under certain conditions makes that child her Mahram. Similarly, the child’s mother and other children breastfed by her become Mahram to each other.

   
   


4. 
   

   Relations by Fosterage or Extended Prohibitions: This includes certain specific prohibitions mentioned in the Qur’an, such as marrying the wives of one’s father, or marrying a woman while one is still married to her close relatives under prescribed conditions.

   
   

The Qur’an emphasizes these prohibitions in Surah An-Nisa (4:23), outlining clear guidelines to protect family structure, maintain modesty, and preserve social harmony. Knowing these four categories is crucial for Islamic Studies MCQs, personal understanding of Shariah, and observing lawful relationships in Islam.

So, the correct answer is 4 categories of Mahram.