As salamu alaykum sister,

 

Shokran for writing to our live session.  Yes-your stepbrothers are non-mahram sister.  As you know that means they are marriageable.  I can understand your frustration about having to wear hijab in your own home all the time due to this and not feeling free to just relax and “let your hair down”.  However, as a Muslima, it is your obligation and sacrifice.

 

Getting Creative

 

There are ways around this situation sister, i fyou want to be creative and open-minded.  I am not sure what your household is like or how it is set up, but insha’Allah perhaps you and your family can work out a schedule where you have a part of the home for a few hours a week (or each day)  all to yourself wherein you can relax and take off your hijab.  This would mean that your step brother would respect this and not invade this space during these times.

 

You may also wish to plan opposite schedules with your stepbrother when possible so that you both are not always in the home at the same time.  I am sure he would appreciate the “free” time as much as you!  I am sure that it will take some adjustment on everyone’s part dear sister-not just yours.  While true you may feel the most impacted due to hijab, the truth is it is a change for the whole family.

 

Seek the Blessings

 

Sister, you may want to also look at the blessings that a stepbrother brings-rather than just focus on the constraints.  Insha’Allah try to make a list of the positive ways your and your families life will change with the addition of a stepbrother.  While it may be difficult for a while to adjust to having a stepbrother, insha’Allah you may come to find it a blessing indeed.

 

Remember as well, that his life will be changed too!  He won’t be able to be that “free” either as he will have to be mindful of your presence as well.  It is a sacrifice to some degree that you both will need to make in order to create a happy family unit.  This will also prepare you sister in case you marry into a blended family wherein you live with your husband’s mom, dad and siblings.  A lot of sisters do live this way and they adjust, and are very happy in their homes.

 

Communication

 

Lastly, as you may begin to feel a certain way at first-possibly resentful or angry at having to cover even at home-please do keep the lines of communication open with your mom so you can talk to her about the way you are feeling.  She will be a loving and valuable source of comfort and strength.  Insha’Allah sister you will get used to the change in your home, you may even find much benefit in it.  Make dua to Allah to grant you ease, mercy and understanding.  We wish you the best.