In our community, some women observe niqab before all non-mahrams except certain cousins they grew up with, saying they are like brothers/uncles. Since these cousins are still non-mahram, is this selective niqab permissible, or are they sinful for uncovering? What do I advice my close relatives?

Ustadh AbdulAziz al-Haqqan

Cousins are not mahram, and growing up with them does not make them like brothers. They must cover their faces in front of them and they do not free mix with them saying we grew up together as this forbidden may Allah protect them and us all, ameen.