Praise be to Allaah.

it is not allowed for male children, if they have reached the age of puberty or are ten years old or more, to sleep

with their mothers or sisters in the same bedding or mattress. This safeguards chastity and keeps the person away from

temptation. It also closes the door to evil. The Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered that the children be separated in

their bedding when they reach the age of ten. He said,

"Order your children to pray when they are seven years old. And spank them [to exhort them] to do it by the age of ten

and separate them in their bedding."3

Those who are not approaching the age of puberty still must ask permission to enter upon their parents at three times

during the day. These are the times in which one is more likely to be taking off his clothing and exposing the parts that are

usually covered. This has been stressed by them being called times of privacy. Allah says in the Quran,

"O you who believe! Let your slaves and those among you who have not come to the age of puberty ask permission

[before they come to your presence] on three occasions: before morning prayer, and while you put off your clothes for the

noonday [rest] and after the Isha [Night] Prayer. [These] three times are times of privacy for you. Other than those times

there is no sin for you or for them to move about, attending to each other. Thus Allah makes clear His signs to you. And

Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise" (al-Nur 58).

However, those who are past the age of puberty must seek permission to enter at all times of the day. Allah says,

"And when the children among you reach the age of puberty, then let them (also) ask for permission, as those senior to

them (in age ask permission). Thus Allah makes clear His signs for you. And Allah is Al-Knowing A-Wise" (al-Nur 59).

All of this is to avoid any kinds of problems and temptations and to safeguard honors. It also brings an end to the means

that lead to evil.

As for the child who is less than ten years old, it is permissible for him to sleep with his mother and sister in their bedding if

there is some need to look after him and if there is no fear of temptation. They may also all sleep in the same area, in their

own bedding, if they are of the age of puberty if there is no fear of temptation.

The Standing Committee

Footnote

1. Other than the husband's father or sons.--JZ

2. Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim. It implies that such close relations can easily lead to adultery which has the death

penalty.--JZ

3. Recorded by Abu Dawud and Ahmad. Al-Albani has graded it hasan. Al-Albani, Sahih al-Jami, vol. 2, p. 1021.