Obligation of a wife covering up in the presence of her brother-in-law

Q: My wife, my children and I live with my mother, brothers and sisters in the same house. During meals, I sit with my mother and brothers and we have the meals together while my wife sits alone because my brothers are grown-ups. The question now is: Am I committing a sin by doing this because my wife may not eat when on her own? What is your advice? May Allah reward you with the best.

A: Preventing your wife from eating with your brothers is the right thing. They are Ajanib (men other than a husband or permanently unmarriageable male relatives) to her and she has to cover up in their presence. Her eating with them will require her to uncover her hands and face in front of them, which is not permissible according to the Saying of Allah (Exalted be He): ...and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyûbihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons (Part No. 17; Page No. 401) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.