I have an 11 year old step daughter who is baligh. Can I treat her as my own daughter?

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

Answer

Unfortunately the question is vague and unclear. However my understanding of “Can I treat her as my daughter” is that the question is in respects to hijab. If this is incorrect please feel free to re-submit your question in detail.

The rule in respects to Hijab is that it is not necessary amongst those individuals with whom Nikah (marriage) is prohibited on a permanent basis.

Allah (SWT) says in the Quran-

“Forbidden to you (for marriage) are: your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your father’s sisters, your mother’s sisters, your brother’s daughters, your sister’s daughters, your foster mother who gave you suck, your foster milk suckling sisters, your wives’ mothers, your step daughters under your guardianship, born of your wives to whom you have gone in – but there is no sin on you if you have not gone in them (to marry their daughters), the wives of your sons who (spring) from your own loins, and two sisters in wedlock at the same time, except for what has already passed, verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surah An Nisa, V23)

It is conclusive from the above verse that a step daughter with whose mother intercourse has taken place is regarded as mahram. Therefore, hijab is not necessary between the step father and step daughter.

Allah knows best.

Sayeedur Rahman

Darul Ifta, Birmingham.