Salam, my question is for my friend, he told me that his sister is pregnant and is happy, he asked me that if he can communicate with the baby (talking to the baby near to his sisters stomach, or touch his sister’s stomach, is it permissible?

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.  

Answer  

A Muslim woman in front of her Mahram men such as her father or brother can expose the following parts of her body in front of them: head, hair, face, neck, chest, shoulders, hands, forearms, and legs from below the knees. However, she is not allowed to expose the stomach, back or any area which is between the navel and knees. (Fatawa Hindiyyah p.328 v.5 & Hidayah p.461 v.4)

A Mahram can also touch the area a Muslim woman is allowed to expose as long as there is no fear of any fitnah or temptation. (Hidayah p.462 v.4)

The jurists have said that if there is a need in touching that area of the body which a Muslim woman has to cover in front of her Mahram, then it will be permissible for the Mahram to touch it as long as there is no fear of any fitnah or temptation. (Ibid)

With regards to your question, as the stomach is part of the area the sister has to cover and furthermore, there is no real need for the brother to touch her stomach, it will be best for the brother not to touch his sisters stomach in the aforementioned scenario. He can communicate near to her stomach if he wishes.

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham