Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Assalam o alaikum I am a 23 years old boy. I have a first cousin of mine who is 11 years old. Since her childhood i love her like my sister and she also regards me as her brother. BUT, I know that she is not my mahram and i cant behave with her frankly for too long according to Islam. The question I want to ask is, when is the time to stop myself from mixing too freely with her for she still is a child ( or atleast I think her to be one ). May Allah bless all of us in this world and in the Hereafter. thank you 

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Answer:

At what age should a non-mehram boy and girl stop having a casual relationship?

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is no one (no idol, no person, no grave, no prophet, no imam, no dai, nobody!) worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad(saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

The age prescribed by Islam when a non-mehram man may not have a casual relationship with a woman, is when they reach the age of puberty. Since your cousin is already 11 and may soon reach the age of puberty, it would be purer and better for you and her if you did not meet or talk with her in private; nor develop too casual a talk with her.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your Brother in Islam,

Burhan