A man as a non-Mahram to his maternal uncle's wife

Q 3: I live with my maternal uncle and his family in Sana`a'. He has no children. (Part No. 17; Page No. 392) His wife does not observe Hijab in my presence. She brought me and my brother up. I am not able to leave the house and live on own, for my salary is not enough to support me and my family. What is your advice in this regard? Kindly respond, may Allah reward you with the best reward.

A: First, your maternal uncle's wife should observe the Hijab in your presence for you are Ajnaby (a man other than a husband or unmarriageable male relatives). Her bringing you up does not make you a Mahram (spouse or permanently unmarriageable relative) for her, unless she has suckled you five times or more in your first two years. As such, you would be her son by suckling and she would not be obliged to observe Hijab in your presence. Second, you are not required to leave your uncle's house, but you should take care not to be in privacy with his wife, in order to avoid Fitnah (temptation) and block the means of Satan. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, No man should be alone with a woman, for the third of them is the devil. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, his family and Companions.