Who are the women that a man is forbidden to marry?

The Qur'an clearly outlines the women that a man is forbidden to marry. In Surah An-Nisaa, it states: Forbidden unto you are your mothers, and your daughters, and your sisters, and your father's sisters, and your mother's sisters, and your brother's daughters and your sister's daughters, and your foster-mothers, and your foster-sisters, and your mothers-in-law, and your step-daughters who are under your protection (born) of your women unto whom ye have gone in - but if ye have not gone in unto them, then it is no sin for you (to marry their daughters) - and the wives of your sons who (spring) from your own loins. 4:23.

Ibn Kathir explains that this prohibition extends to women who are relatives by blood, suckling, or marriage, emphasizing that these relationships create a bond that forbids marriage. He notes that the prohibition includes not only immediate family members but also extended relatives, such as a man's aunts and nieces, as well as foster relations.

In addition, the Qur'an stipulates that all married women (are forbidden unto you) save those (captives) whom your right hands possess. 4:24. This emphasizes that a man cannot marry women who are already married, except in specific circumstances related to captives.

Shia scholarship, as reflected in Al-Mizan, also agrees on the prohibitions listed in these verses. It clarifies the categories of women that are prohibited for marriage, highlighting the significance of these familial and social bonds as outlined in the Qur'an.

In summary, the forbidden women include mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, nieces, foster mothers, foster sisters, mothers-in-law, stepdaughters under guardianship, and wives of one's own sons. For specific rulings or further understanding, it is advised to consult a qualified local scholar for personal situations.