What is the ruling on giving salam to the female cousin (from the father’s side)?

Uploaded Nov 3, 2024
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Question

The questioner asks: Should I give salaam (Islamic greeting) to my female cousin’s daughters? Because people tell them that “he is just like your uncle!” However, I avoid giving them salaam. How should I approach this?

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Sheikh Saleh Al-Luhaydan
The answer is that the female cousin is a stranger to her male cousin. He does not shake her hand nor kiss her. However, with regards to giving greetings verbally like the salam (i.e., the Islamic greeting) or asking her about her health or welcoming her, then this is all allowed. And the Prophet ﷺ had said: “Welcome O’ Umm Haani’.” This was when he ﷺ had asked “who is this?” and she replied “Umm Haani’,” and she was his cousin, so he ﷺ said “Welcome O’ Umm Haani’.” [Bukhari 357] So giving the salaam verbally, sending greetings, and asking about one’s health are all permissible matters. The man may say them to his female relatives. However, what is not allowed is for him to shake her hand or kiss her. Or for her to expose some of her beauties like her face or other than that. And with Allah success is granted.