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Category: Women

Prohibition of Tabarruj : Tafsir Ibn Kathir

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Enjoining certain Manners so that the Mothers of the Believers may be an Example; and the Prohibition of Tabarruj

Tafsir Ibn Kathir

These are the good manners which Allah enjoined upon the wives of the Prophet so that they would be an example for the women of the Ummah to follow. Allah said, addressing the wives of the Prophet that they should fear Allah as He commanded them, and that no other woman is like them or can be their equal in virtue and status. Then Allah says:

[فَلاَ تَخْضَعْنَ بِالْقَوْلِ]

(then be not soft in speech,) As-Suddi and others said, this means, do not be gentle in speech when addressing men. Allah says:

[فَيَطْمَعَ الَّذِى فِى قَلْبِهِ مَرَضٌ]

(lest he in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire,) means, something unclean.

[وَقُلْنَ قَوْلاً مَّعْرُوفاً]

(but speak in an honorable manner.) Ibn Zayd said: “Decent and honorable talk that is known to be good.” This means that she should address non-Mahram men in a manner in which there is no softness, i.e., a woman should not address a non-Mahram man in the same way that she addresses her husband.

[وَقَرْنَ فِى بُيُوتِكُنَّ]

(And stay in your houses,) means, stay in your houses and do not come out except for a purpose. One of the purposes mentioned in Shari`ah is prayer in the Masjid, so long as the conditions are fulfilled, as the Messenger of Allah said:

«لَا تَمْنَعُوا إِمَاءَ اللهِ مَسَاجِدَ اللهِ وَلْيَخْرُجْنَ وَهُنَّ تَفِلَات»

(Do not prevent the female servants of Allah from the Masjids of Allah, but have them go out without wearing fragrance.) According to another report:

«وَبُيُوتُهُنَّ خَيْرٌ لَهُن»

(even though their houses are better for them.)

[وَلاَ تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَـهِلِيَّةِ الاٍّولَى]

(and do not Tabarruj yourselves like the Tabarruj of the times of ignorance,) Mujahid said: “Women used to go out walking in front of men, and this was the Tabarruj of Jahiliyyah.” Qatadah said:

[وَلاَ تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَـهِلِيَّةِ الاٍّولَى]

(and do not Tabarruj yourselves like the Taburruj of the times of ignorance,) “When they go out of their homes walking in a shameless and flirtatious manner, and Allah, may He be exalted, forbade that.” Muqatil bin Hayyan said:

[وَلاَ تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَـهِلِيَّةِ الاٍّولَى]

(and do not Tabarruj yourselves like the Tabarruj of the times of ignorance,) “Tabarruj is when a woman puts a Khimar on her head but does not tie it properly.” So her necklaces, earrings and neck, and all of that can be seen. This is Tabarruj, and Allah addresses all the women of the believers with regard to Tabarruj.

[وَأَقِمْنَ الصَّلَوةَ وَءَاتِينَ الزَّكَـوةَ وَأَطِعْنَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ]

(and perform the Salah, and give Zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger.) Allah first forbids them from evil, then He enjoins them to do good by establishing regular prayer, which means worshipping Allah alone with no partner or associate, and paying Zakah, which means doing good to other people.

[وَأَطِعْنَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ]

(and obey Allah and His Messenger.) This is an instance of something specific being followed by something general.

The Etiquette of Women walking in the Street : Tafsir Ibn Kathir

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Allah’s saying: (And let them not stamp their feet…)

During Jahiliyyah, when women walked in the street wearing anklets and no one could hear them, they would stamp their feet so that men could hear their anklets ringing. Allah forbade the believing women to do this.

By the same token, if there is any other kind of adornment that is hidden, women are forbidden to make any movements that would reveal what is hidden, because Allah says: (And let them not stamp their feet…) to the end of it.

From that, women are also prohibited from wearing scent and perfume when they are going outside the home, lest men should smell their perfume. Abu `Isa At-Tirmidhi recorded that Abu Musa, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet said:

(Every eye commits fornication and adultery, and when a woman puts on perfume and passes through a gathering, she is such and such) — meaning an adulteress.

He said, “And there is a similar report from Abu Hurayrah, and this is Hasan Sahih.” It was also recorded by Abu Dawud and An-Nasa’i.

By the same token, women are also forbidden to walk in the middle of the street, because of what this involves of wanton display.

Abu Dawud recorded that Abu Usayd Al-Ansari said that he heard the Messenger of Allah , as he was coming out of the Masjid and men and women were mixing in the street, telling the women:

(Keep back, for you have no right to walk in the middle of the street. You should keep to the sides of the road.)

The women used to cling to the walls so much that their clothes would catch on the walls.

(And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful.) means, practice what you are commanded in these beautiful manners and praiseworthy characteristics, and give up the evil ways of the people of Jahiliyyah, for the greatest success is to be found in doing what Allah and His Messenger command and avoiding what He forbids.

And Allah is the source of strength.

Advice to the Muslim Woman : Shaykh Fawzaan

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Shaikh Saalih bin Fawzaan Al-Fawzaan
Al-Ibaanah.com

Advice to the Muslim Woman – Download PDF

About the Book:

This book is a complete translation of a transcribed lecture from Shaikh Saalih Al-Fawzaan entitled: “Naseehah Lil-Mar’at-il-Muslimah” (Advice to the Muslim Woman). The source used for this translation was the book Muhaadaraat fil-‘Aqeedah wad-Da’wah, a large compilation of over 25 transcribed lectures from Shaikh Saalih Al-Fawzaan on issues of Creed and Methodology (vol. 3, pg. 281-299, Markaz Fajr, 2003 Edition)

In this particular lecture, Shaikh Saalih Al-Fawzaan covers many important topics related to women, such as veiling, being in privacy with male-strangers, traveling without a mahram and other things that are critical for a Muslim woman to understand and implement.

This treatise will be included as the fourth essay in the forthcoming second publication of the veiling book published by Al-Ibaanah Book Publishing, which will be entitled “Four Essays on the Obligation of Veiling” by the Will of Allaah. May Allaah facilitate its publication.

Excerpts from the Book:

“Both a man and a woman must cover their private parts with ample coverings, since this preserves morals. As for shamelessness and nudity, these are things that lead to the corruption of morality, the loss of honor, and the spreading of lewdness. But when the private parts are concealed with the covering that Allaah has instructed the men and women to abide by, this protects the private parts from fornication and homosexuality and it protects the private parts from the unlawful things that Allaah has prohibited.”

“Allaah ordered that the women be asked from behind a Hijaab. What is meant by the word Hijaab is: Anything that covers a woman whether a garment, a wall, a door or any other object that can be used to screen a woman from a man when he is talking to her or asking her about something or handing her something. All of these should be done from behind a Hijaab, i.e. from behind a screen or covering. So he should not make any contact with her while she is unscreened or lacking covering and exposed. Rather, she must be behind a screen that covers her, regardless if it is her garment, her door, a wall or so on. This is since this is ‘purer for your hearts and their hearts’ from temptation. If women screen themselves by way of a Hijaab and the gaze of men does not fall upon them, the hearts of both the men and women will be saved from temptation and enticement. This is clearly visible in the Muslim societies that strictly adhere to the Hijaab.”

“As for what we hear about today from some ignoramuses that a husband’s brother, paternal uncle or other male relative can greet his wife, shake her hand, be alone with her and enter into her presence – this is baseless. It is not permissible for a non-mahram to enter into the presence of a woman (without Hijaab), nor to shake her hand, nor to be alone in privacy with her unless there is someone else in the house through which the privacy will be removed. But as for him entering into a house that has no one in it but her, and he is not one of her mahaarim, then this is the forbidden type of privacy and it is dangerous.”

If a woman has a need to speak to a man that is not one of her mahaarim, she may speak to him, but with a casual tone that has no softness or gentleness in it and not in a joking or laughing manner. Rather, her speech must be ordinary and in accordance with what necessity dictates – i.e. a question and an answer – as per the need only. She must not speak in a tone that appears friendly, laughing or teasing, or in a mellow or beautified voice, thus stirring the desires of the one who has a disease in his heart. This is based on Allaah’s saying: ‘But rather speak in an honorable manner.’ [Surah Al-Ahzaab: 32]”

Short Articles extracted from this Book:

Woman travelling accompanied by a group of other women without a mahram – Shaykh Fawzan

The look is one of the poisonous arrows of the Devil – Shaykh Saalih Fawzan

Devil Swore: “And indeed I will order them to alter the creation of Allaah.” – Shaykh Fawzan

Beware of entering in the presence of women – Shaykh Salih Al Fawzan

Asmaa bint Abu Bakr radiallaahu ‘anhaa : ‘ad-Da’wah ilallaah’

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‘ad-Da’wah ilallaah’ (The Call to Allaah), The magazine featuring Women’s Issues. (UK) Vol-1 Issue-5

Asmaa was a woman of great nobility, wisdom and patience. She was among the early converts to Makkah and being the daughter of the great Companion Abu Bakr, she was brought up in an atmosphere of purity and devotion and shared close ties with the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

When the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was about to secretly leave Makkah for his emigration to Madeenah with his close friend Abu Bakr, it was Asmaa who prepared the provisions for the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and her father. She said: “I prepared the provision bag for the Prophet in the house of Abu Bakr when he wanted to emigrate to Madeenah. We did not find anything with which to tie his bag or waterskin. I said to Abu Bakr: “By Allaah, I cannot find anything to tie with except my belt.” He said: “Tear it in two and tie the waterskin with one and the bag with the other.”” So that is what she did and since then she became know as ‘Dhaatun-Nitaaqayn’ [She of the two belts]. (Collected in Sahaah al-Bukhaaree (eng. Trans. Vol.4 p.141 no.222))

Asmaa was married to Zubayr Ibn al-Awwaam, the cousin of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. He was a very poor man, nevertheless Abu Bakr knew him to be a man of great piety, so despite the huge difference between their financial status, Abu Bakr married his daughter to him. In the initial stages of her marriage, Asmaa has to face a lot of hardship due to the extreme poverty they suffered. Suddenly, this daughter of a rich merchant found herself tending to the animals, kneading, grinding, fetching water and carrying huge loads on her head. She said about her situation: “When az-Zubayr married me, he had neither land, nor wealth, nor slave, nor anything else like it, except a camel to get water and his horse. I used to graze his horse, provide fodder for it, look after it and ground dates for his camel. Besides this, I grazed the camel, made arrangements for providing it with water and patching up his leather bucket and kneading the flour. I was not very good at baking the bread, so my female neighbors used to bake bread for me and they were sincere women. And I used to carry on my head, the date-stones from the land of az-Zubayr which the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam had endowed him and it was a distance of two miles from Madeenah. One day, as o was carrying the date-stones upon my head, I happened to meet Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, along with a group of his Companions. He called me and told the camel to sit down so that he could make me ride behind him. I felt shy to go with men and I remembered az-Zubayr and his Gheerah (Gheerah is the sense of pride that a man has which causes him to dislike his wives, daughters or sisters from being seen or heard by strangers. It is this gheerah which makes a man protective about his women) and he was a man having the most gheerah. The Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam understood my shyness and left. I came to az-Zubayr and said: “The Messenger of Allaah met me as I was carrying date-stones upon my head and there was with him a group of his Companions. He told the camel to kneel so that I could mount it but I felt shy from him and I remembered your gheerah.” Upon this az-Zubayr said: “By Allaah, the thought of you carrying date-stones upon your head is more severe a burden to me than you riding with him.”

I led this life of hardship until Abu Bakr sent me a female servant who took upon herself the responsibility of looking after the horse and I felt as if she had emancipated me.” (Reported in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (eng. Trans. Vol.7 p.111 no.151))

Look at the sense of dignity and modesty of Asmaa. See how she felt shy in front of men? See how careful she was about refraining from what displeased her husband? She knew that az-Zubayr had a lot of gheerah, so she didn’t want to upset him by accepting the Prophet’s offer of assistance, even though that meant bringing hardship upon herself. And what did az-Zubayr say when he heard of what had happened that day?…’By Allaah, the thought of you carrying date-stones is more severe a burden on me than you riding with him!” so even though az-Zubayr had a lot of gheerah, he did not wish for that to cause inconvenience to his wife. Isn’t this what the marital relationship should be like? One of mutual concern, corporation and compassion? Asmaa could easily have said: “I am the daughter of the noble Abu Bakr and so I shouldn’t be doing these jobs!” but she didn’t. she was patient and respectful towards her husband throughout her difficult period.

It is reported that once when she complained to her father about her hardships, he advised her, “My daughter be patient. When a woman has a righteous husband and he dies and she does not remarry after him, they will be reunited in the Garden.”(Reported in at-Tabaqaat of Ibn Sa’d)

And az-Zubayr was indeed a righteous man, as the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam himself testified when he counted him among the Promised ten of Paradise. (See Musnad Ahmad, Abu Dawood and others. Authenticated in Saheehul-Jaami’ (no.50)) He also said of him: “az-Zubayr is the son of my paternal aunt and my disciple from my Ummah.” (Saheeh – Narrated by Jaabir & collected in Musnad Ahmad. Authenticated by al-Albaanee in his as-Saheehah (1877))

In addition to her being the wife of such a righteous man, Asmaa was also the mother of ‘Urwah Ibn az-Zubayr, who became one of the scholars of Madeenah. His teachers included his parents as well as him maternal aunt, the Mother of the Believers, ‘Aaishah radhi’allaahu anha; from whom he learnt a great deal. ‘Umar Ibn Abdul Azeez said about him: “I do not find anyone more knowledgeable than ‘Urwah Ibn az-Zubayr, and for whatever I know he knows something which I do not.” (Reported by adh-Dhahabee in Siyaar A’laamin-Nubalaa’)

His son Hishaam reports that his father’s leg had to be amputated at the knee and was adviced to drink a narcotic, but he refused saying, “I did not think that anyone would drink something which would take away his intellect to the point that he did not know his Lord.” So they took off his leg with a saw and he did not say anything but “Ouch, ouch.” And in the same journey his son Muhammad was kicked to death by a mule and ‘Urwah was not heard to say anything about it but: “We have suffered much fatigue in this, our journey.” [Soorah Kahf 18:62]. O Allaah, I had seven sons and You took one and left me with six, and I had four limbs and You took one and left me with three – so if You have tested me then You have saved me, and if You have taken – You have left (more) behind.” (Ibn ‘Asaakir (11/287))

Her other son was of the Khaleefahs of the Muslims, ‘Abdullaah Ibn az-Zubayr, who was the leader of the Muslims during one of the most turbulent periods in Islaamic history. He was killed in Makkah at the hands of al-Hajjaaj on the 17th of Jumadaa al-Ulaa in 73H. a few days after the death of her sin, Asmaa bint Abu Bakr – ‘She of the two Belts’ – also died – radi’allaahu anhaa.

 

Shyness is of two types : My Advice to the Women : Umm Abdillah al-Waadi’iyyah

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Source: My Advice to the Women – Umm Abdillah al-Waadi’iyyah – pgs 253-259

Shyness is of two types:

1. What consists of character and disposition and cannot be acquired. Shyness is the behavior Allah granted the servant. The Prophet sallallahu alayhe was salaam said ” Shyness brings about nothing but good.” It prohibits a person from committing despicable actions and displaying degrading behavior.

2.What is attainable through knowing Allah and knowing His greatness as well as His closeness to His servants.His overseeing them, and His knowledge of what deceives the eyes while being hidden in the chests.

Shyness from Allah may be caused by witnessing and reflecting over His blessings and the shortcomings associated with being thankful for them.

The praiseworthy shyness is the behavior that encourages the performing of commendable actions and abandoning the wretched.

Concerning the statement : ” If you do not feel shy then do as you wish .” One meaning is that it does not command to do whatever you wish, but it conveys a meaning of blame and prohibition. One way of interpreting it is that it conveys a threat/warning. The second way to interpret it is that it is a way of conveying information. The thing that prohibits a person from doing bad actions is shyness.

An-Nawawee said , The Scholars said that the reality of shyness is the character that encourages the abandonment of despicable actions and prevents against negligence concerning the rights of the people who possess rights over others.

Aboo Al Qaasim al Junayd said Shyness is recognizing Allahs favors, meaning His blessings and the recognizing of ones own negligence in light of them both.

When shyness is lost, every type of evil is committed.

There are five signs of wretchedness :

1. The harshness in the hearts
2. The unflinching eye
3. The lack of shyness
4. The seeking of worldy pleasures.
5. Longevity in life

An example of shyness is Asmaa bint Aboo Bakr in the hadeeth where she carried the date stones and was offered to ride behind the Prophet sallallahu alayhe was salaam but was too shy.

Source: My Advice to the Women – Umm Abdillah al-Waadi’iyyah – pgs 253-259

Danger of women joining men in their workplace – Shaykh Ibn Baaz (rahimahullaah)

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All praise be to Allah Alone, and peace and blessings be upon the Honest Messenger, his family and Companions.

All the implicit and explicit calls to women’s engagement in men’s work, which leads to free intermixing of men and women under the pretext that it is urgently needed and represents a civilized aspect, is a grave matter that results in fatal consequences. It goes against the texts of Shari`ah (Islamic law) which order women to stay at their houses and carry out their domestic duties.

Whoever wants to know the innumerable evil consequences of free intermixing can unbiasedly and impartially observe the societies inflicted with this grave affliction. It is easy to find people expressing their disapproval and grief at women leaving home and subsequent family breakup. This is apparent in writings and in the media, as this is the reason behind the destruction of societies.

There are many reliable proofs that prohibit being alone with and looking at an Ajnabiyyah (a woman other than a wife or unmarriageable female relatives) and the prohibition of the means that lead to committing what Allah has prohibited. All these indications prove the prohibition of mixing between the two sexes as this leads to evil consequences.

Letting a woman leave her house; her kingdom and proper place, is against her Fitrah (natural disposition) and the nature created in her by Allah.

Calling women to engage in men’s work has dangerous effects on the Islamic society. Among these dangerous effects is the free intermixing of men and women, which is considered one of the greatest means to adultery that destroys the morals and values of society.

Allah (Exalted be He) created women with a physique completely different from men, so that women will be able to carry out domestic affairs as well as other feminine duties.

When a woman engages in men’s work, this is considered against her physique and nature. It is a grave crime against women, for it destroys her character. The effect continues to her children, as they lose love and compassion. This is because no one can perform the role of a mother who, when she dismisses herself from her kingdom, she cannot find rest, stability, or tranquility elsewhere. The reality of these societies is the best example.

Islam entrusted the two spouses with different duties and each has to undertake their responsibilities to help build up their community both inside and outside home.

A man’s role is to earn livelihood and support his family financially while a woman’s role is to raise and love children and show compassion toward them. This is in addition to nursing, breastfeeding, teaching children, administrating female schools, treating women medically, as well as other duties proper for women. Abandoning the domestic duties destroys the whole family and, eventually, the society becomes an empty entity, a form without reality or substance.

Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says:

Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allâh has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means.(Surah an-Nisa 4:34).

It is Allah’s Law upon His creation that guardianship is the duty of man who supports the woman financially as mentioned in the previous Ayah. Allah has ordered women to stay in their houses and forbidden them from free intermixing with Ajanib (men other than a husband or permanently unmarriageable male relatives) in the same place, such as in work, markets, trips, and traveling. Women’s engagement in men’s work will lead to committing what Allah has prohibited and disobeying Allah’s Orders and neglecting the legal duties a Muslim woman has to perform.

Free intermixing of men and women and the means leading to it are prohibited by the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says:

“And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance, and perform As-Salât (Iqamât-as-Salât), and give Zakât and obey Allâh and His Messenger. Allâh wishes only to remove Ar-Rijs (evil deeds and sins) from you, O members of the family (of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم), and to purify you with a thorough purification. And remember (O you the members of the Prophet’s family, the Graces of your Lord), that which is recited in your houses of the Verses of Allâh and Al-Hikmah (i.e. Prophet’s Sunnah – legal ways, so give your thanks to Allâh and glorify His Praises for this Qur’ân and the Sunnah ). Verily, Allâh is Ever Most Courteous, Well-Acquainted with all things.” (Surah Al-Ahzaab 33:33-34)

Allah has ordered the Mothers of the Believers (the Prophet’s wives, may Allah be pleased with them) and all the Muslim believing women to stay in their houses to protect and keep them away from the means of evil. When a woman leaves her house without necessity, this may lead to Tabarruj (woman’s public display of her adornment or charms) in addition to other evils. Allah has ordered women to perform good deeds that protect them, such as Salah (Prayer), Zakah (obligatory charity), and obeying Allah and His Messenger, which protect them from wrongdoing. Then He (Exalted be He) directed them to what benefits them in this worldly life and in the Hereafter, such as reciting the Qur’an and studying the Hadith frequently, as they both purify the hearts and guide them to the Truth.

Allah (Exalted be He) says:

O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allâh is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah Al-Ahzaab 33:59)

Allah has ordered His Prophet (peace be upon him) to inform his wives, daughters, and the believing womento cover their bodies completely when they leave their houses when necessary to escape the harm of people with weak faith. How about working in the same places, free intermixing, expressing her demands to them, relinquishing her femininity and losing her shyness so that harmony is achieved between the two sexes who are different in form and content.

Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says:

Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts). That is purer for them. Verily, Allâh is All-Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyûbihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) (Surah Al-Noor 24:30-31)

Allah orders His Prophet (peace be upon him) to inform the believing men and women to lower their gaze and abstain from committing illicit sexual acts. Allah (Glorified be He) emphasizes the merit of this value. It is known that guarding one’s private parts can be realized through avoiding the means that lead to committing adultery. Undoubtedly, gazing and free intermixing of men and women in workplaces are dangerous means that lead to committing adultery. A believer cannot fulfill those two requirements while working with an Ajnabiyyah in the same place. It is impossible for the two sexes to lower their gaze, guard their private parts, and purify their soul while working in the same place.

Allah commands the believing women to lower their gaze, guard their private parts, and not show their beauty and adornments. He also orders them to wear Khimar (veil covering to the waist) to cover their heads and faces. How can they lower their gaze, guard their private parts, and not show their beauty and adornments when women work and intermix freely with men at the workplace? Free intermixing of men and women could certainly lead to committing these forbidden acts. How can a Muslim woman lower her gaze while walking with an Ajnaby (a man other than a husband or unmarriageable male relatives) side by side on the plea of being a workmate or that she is equal to him?

Islam has prohibited all the means that lead to committing prohibited acts. It also prohibited for women to soften their speech while talking to men as this might stir the desires of men with weak faith. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allâh), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery) should be moved with desire. (Surah al-Ahzaab 33:32)How can this be prevented in an atmosphere where men and women freely intermix?

Undoubtedly, if a woman works with men in the same place, they will exchange talks and soften their speech. Satan will beautify their deeds and invite them to commit adultery. Allah, All-Wise and All-Knowing, orders women to wear Hijab (veil), for people vary; some are good and some are bad, some are virtuous and some are indecent. By Allah’s will, Hijab prevents Fitnah (temptation), blocks its means, keeps men and women’s hearts pure, and shuns suspicions. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen: that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. (Surah al-Ahzaab 33:53)

The best Hijab for women after covering her face is to stay in her house. Islam forbids a woman to intermix freely with Ajnaby men so that she may not be exposed to Fitnah in a direct or an indirect way. It orders her to stay in her house and not leave it without necessity. If a woman leaves her house, she should adhere to the etiquettes of Shari`ah. Allah even called this act of staying in the house as ‘Qarar‘, i.e. settlement, stay, and composure, to convey the meaning of stability and heart-rest. This is a refined meaning as when a woman stays in her house, her soul becomes stable, feels peace at heart, and has self-assurance. On the contrary, when she goes out of her house, she feels uneasy, irritated, and tense and she may be exposed to evil consequences. Islam forbids Khulwah (being alone with a member of the opposite sex) with an Ajnabiyyah woman without a Mahram (spouse or permanently unmarriageable relative). She should not travel without a Mahram. This is to block the means to corruption, cut off the means that lead to evil, and protect the two sexes from the intrigues of Satan. It was authentically reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: I am not leaving behind me any trial more harmful to men than women. And: So beware of (getting infatuated by) this world and women. The first trial of the Children of Israel was due to women.

Some advocates of free intermixing of men and women take the superficial meanings of some legal texts to support their claims. However, these legal proofs may only be explored and understood by those whom Allah granted deep understanding of religion. Those who can collect the relevant texts to each other and deal with them all together. For example, they may argue that some women used to go out with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) in some battles. In reply, these women accompanied their Mahrams. They went out for many interests, which will not lead to corruption for their faith and Taqwa (fear/wariness of offending Allah), and their Mahrams used to look after them. They were also wearing Hijab unlike women of the present time. It is evident that the case of women going out to work is completely different from the case of the female Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet). It is not appropriate to make an analogy between the two cases as it is not completely corresponding. What is the meaning derived by the Salaf (righteous predecessors) who were the most knowledgeable people in the meanings of the legal texts and their application? What are the statements traced to them in this regard? Did they call for working in the fields that are for men? Did they call for free intermixing of men and women? On the contrary, they understood that those were only special cases.

Examining the Islamic conquests and the battles unveils that this phenomenon was not there throughout history. As for those who call for women to join the armed forces and fight in battles like men, this is just a call to corrupt the morals of the soldiers in the name of entertainment. Its man’s nature to incline, feel at ease with, and like to talk with women when being in Khulwah. It is better to block the means that lead to Fitnah than regretting it in the future.

Islam is keen to bring the benefits and ward off and block the means to corruption. Free intermixing of men and women in the workplace plays a major role in the deterioration and the corruption of nations. It is known that among the reasons behind the fall of the Roman and the Greek civilizations was women’s engagement in the fields of men that led to men’s corruption and abandoning the acts that should lead to the prosperity of their nations. Women’s work will lead to the unemployment of men, deterioration of the nation, family disorders, and decline of morals. It also contradicts what Allah has mentioned with regard to men’s domestic authority over women. Islam is keen to protect women from all that is against her nature. Islam has prohibited her to rule a country or hold the position of a judge. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Never will succeed such a people who place a woman in charge of their affairs. (Related by Al-Bukhari in his Sahih) Allowing women to work in the fields of men is against her happiness and stability. Islam forbids women to work in fields that do not befit her. It is proven, especially in societies where the two sexes intermix freely, that men and women are not naturally equivalent. It is clear in the Qur’an and the Sunnah that both sexes are different in nature and duties. Those who call for equality between the two sexes; the females who are brought up in adornments and inclined to peaceful life, and males, are ignorant or intentionally ignore the basic differences between them.

We have mentioned many Shari`ah texts that prove the prohibition of free intermixing of men and women and women’s engagement in jobs that do not befit her. Howe

ver, some people might benefit from statements by Eastern and Western intellectuals more than the Qur’an, the sayings of the Messenger (peace be upon him), and Muslim scholars. Therefore, it is more useful to cite the confessions of the intellectuals in the East and the West concerning the negative effects of free intermixing, so the opponents may be convinced and learn that the teachings of Islam are for the protection of women.

English writer Lady Cook said that men like and prefer a mixed environment. And thus women are lured to something that conflicts with their human nature. The greater the co-ed. Environment (between male and female), the more illegitimate children the society will have. This is the greatest disaster, she said, urging people to learn women that men are luring.

The philosopher Schopenhauer said, “Hence, with that absurd arrangement which allows them to share the rank and title of their husbands, they are a constant stimulus to his ignoble ambitions. And, furthermore, it is just because they are Philistines that modern society, where they take the lead and set the tone, is in such a bad way.”

Lord Byron said, “Thought of the state of women under the ancient Greeks – convenient enough. Present state, a remnant of the barbarism of the chivalric and the feudal ages – artificial and unnatural. They ought to mind home – and be well fed and clothed but not mixed in society.”

The British writer Samuel Smiles said, “The system that has required women to work in factories and industrial areas, regardless of the national wealth it brings, has destroyed the family life. It has attacked, in fact, the basic structure and foundations of the home and destroyed the essential pillars of the family. It has cut and destroyed social ties as well.Stripping the wife from her husband, and depriving children of their rights of proper, tender and maternal care, has resulted in lower moral values for the women. The real job and profession of a woman is to raise a good, sound and moral family. She is mainly required to take care of household responsibilities, home economics and other domestic needs. Work in factories has stripped the woman, as we pointed earlier, of all these responsibilities which changed the looks and the realities of the inner home. Children, as well, were often neglected and raised with no sound standards. The love and affection between a husband and wife were somewhat extinguished. The woman was no longer the sought after, wanted, admired and loved by man, after he got used to seeing her in the factory next to him doing the same thing he does. Women came under many influences and pressures that changed her mentality and thinking pattern on which moral values and virtues were established.”

An American professor called Adeline said that the reason for family crises in the United States and the increase in the crime rate is because a woman has abandoned her house in order to double the family’s income. The income increased but the morals declined. She added that woman’s return to her house is the only way to save the new generations from deterioration.

A Congressman said a woman can truly serve her country if she stays at her house which is the essence of a family.

Another Congressman said when Allah granted women the ability to produce children, He made it her duty to stay in her house to take care of children and not leave them to work outside her house.

German philosopher Schopenhauer also said, “Grant woman total and absolute freedom for one year only, and check with me after that to see the results of such freedom. Do not forget that you (all), along with me, will feel sad at the loss of virtue, chastity and good morals. If I die (before then) you are free to say either: “He was wrong!” or “He hit the heart of the truth!” These quotations were mentioned by Dr. Mustafa Husny Al-Siba`y (may Allah be merciful to him) in his book ‘Al-Mar’ah bayn Al-Fiqh wa Al-Qanun.’

Following and gathering the numerous sayings of the unbiased Western writers on the disadvantages of free intermixing of men and women that followed after women’s participation with men at work may form volumes. However, the above quotations are enough.

In conclusion, it is better for a woman to stay in her house and carry out her domestic duties after performing her religious obligations as it is suitable for her natural dispositions. It is for the sake of her welfare as well as that of society and the youth. She may spend her spare time in fields that are for women, such as teaching, curing, and nursing women. Thus, they cooperate with men in developing society but each in one’s field. We are not to forget the role of the Mothers of the Believers and those who followed in their footsteps in teaching, directing, guiding the nation, and conveying the Message of Allah (Glorified be He) from His Messenger (peace be upon him). May Allah reward them the best! There are many Muslim women who are following in their footsteps while wearing Hijab and staying away from free intermixing with men in their workplaces.

May Allah help us carry out our duties in the best manner that pleases Him and protect us all from the means to Fitnah and Satanic tricks. He is the Most Generous. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon His servant and Messenger, our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.

Posted from: http://www.alifta.net

Sisters! Watch your step – Hadith

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بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “It is not for the women (to walk in) the middle of the path.” [Saheeh Ibn Hibbaan (5717) and graded as “Hasan li ghairihee” by Shaikh al-Albaanee in al-Saheehah (856)]

On the authority of Abu Usayd رضي الله عنه that he heard the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم say when heصلى الله عليه وسلم was coming out of the Masjid, and men and women were mingled in the road: “Draw back! For you must not walk in the middle of the road; keep to the sides of the road. Then women were keeping so close to the wall that their garments were rubbing against it.” [Sunan Abu Dawood (5272) and graded as “Hasan li ghairihee” by Shaikh al-Albaanee (2/537)]

And today we have women not only walking in the middle of the path, but a group of them together will even block the path in the shopping malls and other places.

Guidelines In Islam For The Woman – Abdur-Razzaq ibn Abdil-Muhsin Al-Badr – Abu Muhammad al-Maghribee [Audio|En]

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Khutbah – Guidelines In Islam For The Woman

This Friday Khutbah was given at Masjid At-Tawheed in Stone Mountain, GA.

This was taken from one of the khutab of our noble sheikh Abdur-Razzaq ibn Abdil-Muhsin Al-Badr. You can find the original audio and transcription here:صيانة الإسلام للمرأة 

These are beautiful guidelines that every Muslim woman should adhere to. They do not oppress her nor do they take her freedom, as some foolish people claim. Rather they are legislated by Allahu subhaanahu wa ta’aala to preserve and protect the precious and priceless gem that is the Muslim woman.

Listen / Download Mp3 Here  (Time 32:18) [English]

Source: http://followthesalaf.com

Ruling On Women Driving – Al´Allâmah Sâlih Ibn Fawzân al-Fawzân [Video|Ar-En]

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Ruling On Mixed Universities – Imam Ibn Baz [Video|Ar-En Subtitles]

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Video Courtesy: LearnToReadTheKuran

How to be a Successful Woman, as described in the Qur’an – Owais al Hashimi [Audio|En]

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How to be a Successful Woman
Owais al Hashimi (hafidhahullaah)
[Audio|English]

Dawatul Muminaat Sisters conference Jan 4th 2013

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 55:05)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

The brother began with Khutbatul Hajjah

Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala mentioned the success -the true meaning of success and being successful is the one who is saved from the fire due to his own sins and his own disobedience of Allah and is admitted into al Jannah where Allah subhanawa ta’ala said (what means):

“Whoever is saved from the fire and admitted into paradise, then he is the one who has been successful.. “

Allah Subhana wa ta’ala many places in the Quran told us His promise that He will admit the believing men and women into Jannah, into paradise, so He linked success and admission into paradise, with having correct iman, faith and belief, which includes practising the religion of Islam and putting it to practice. All those that a person’s faith necessitates or requires of him or her.

So Allah subhana wa ta’ala said in Surah At Taubah:“Allah has promised to believers – men and women – Gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein [forever], and beautiful mansions in Gardens of everlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss is the Pleasure of Allah. That is the supreme success”. (Surah At-Tauba 9:72)

Allah subhana wa ta’ala said (what means)

Allaah may admit the believing men and the believing women to Gardens beneath under which rivers flow (i.e. Paradise), to abide therein forever, and to expiate from them their sins, and that is with Allâh, a supreme success. (Al-Fath 48:5)

……Secondly, it is a call for us to realize that having faith, have iman in Allah subhana wa ta’ala necessitates certain things. If a person has true Iman, then that must bring about certain actions. It must bring about certain change in the person’s behaviour and lifestyle. So when he or she acts, they do things that are in accordance with the obedience of Allaah Subhanahu wa ta’ala. And that Iman (faith) that a person has -that belief about the truth, also makes a person or should make a person stay away from the things that Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala has told him to stay away from.

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala describes the qualities of the believers. And in this respect as a rule, we know that when the believers are described in the Qu’ran, this includes both men and women unless there is a proof, there is specific proof, either in the context of the verses or a Hadith of the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wa salam or through the Sunnah of the Prophet which explains the Qu’ran. To show that this particular command or prohibition is specific to the males, men of his ummah or to the women of his ummah. Otherwise the general rule is when the believers are addressed “O you who believe..” and when believers or righteous people are described, this refers to both men and women. So in terms of the obligation upon us all to believe in Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala and believe in the hereafter to accept the truth and then act upon the truth, to put it into practice in our lives – all of this ummah, all of the believers, men and women, are the same in the regard. And they have the same obligation and the same promise of success and the same promise of being forgiven for their shortcomings and their mistakes and being admitted into paradise and being saved from the fire.

However, in other places in the Qu’ran, there is also an emphasis given with regard to men and with regards to women. In some places, believing men and women are mentioned alongside each other in the verses of the Qu’ran. And in some places,there is specific address and a specific description about women believers, righteous women, women who have been commanded to d ocertain things, to put certain or obey Allah subhana wa ta’ala in a specific way or to stay away from some specific thing. We can say that all of those are descriptions and aspects of what make as successful Muslim woman.

So an example of the general description of the believers that should be true of the believing woman as well as the man, is the statement of Allah subhana wa ta’ala in surah Muminoon. Where He (what means)

” Indeed successful are the believers, those who are humble and submissive in their prayers and those who turn away from ill and false speech. And those who pay the Zakat. And those who guard their chastity.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts) (Al-Mu’minon 1-5)

So for a person who want success in this life and the hereafter, he or she should consider the description and the attributes, the qualities that are mentioned in such verses. Again, success has been linked to a person being a believer, and then in this passage, these verses of the noble Qu’ran some of the qualities of the believers are mentioned. The first of them is khushoo in one’s salah. And al khushoo is to be humble and submissive and low in front of Allah subhana wa ta’ala -in one’s heart and physically in the movement and in the settling of the limbs in the prayer. This is really the soul and heart of a person’s salah, that when a person stands in front of Allah subhana wa ta’ala to pray, to establish the salah, that person standing humbly and submissively in his heart and in his body such that she thinks or she thinks about Allah subhana wa ta’ala and about the remembrances that she is saying, what she is remembering Allah subhana wa ta’ala with. And she thinks about the meaning of whats he is reciting which makes her turn to Allah subhana wa ta’ala and perform this act of worship according to, in the best way and hoping to gain forgiveness from Allah subhana wa ta’ala to get the reward of Allah subhana wa ta’ala through the worshipping Him. This should cause the person to pray with khushoo in one’s limbs, to be still and humble of Allah, to concentrate on remembering Allah subhana wa ta’ala in the prayer. And this is the thing that really gives a benefit to a person and is the real purpose of the prayer, to remember Allah subhana wa ta’ala, and to submit the limbs and to submit ones body, to submit your whole self to Allah subhana wa ta’ala.

……..And if we want to generalize,because sometimes it’s true or it’s beneficial to generalize,one of the things that many women are being tried with is false speech. Speech that is that involves disobeying Allah subhana wa ta’ala, and displeasing Allahazza wa jal. So back biting,slandering others, speaking indecently, speaking to males,speaking to men in an inappropriate manner, speaking and arguing and fighting with each other and cursing one another or saying things which involve belittling your fellow sisters. These things have to be considered because they draw you away from Allah subhana wa ta’ala and they draw a person closer to jahannam. These things are forbidden and one of the worse some of the worst sins are related to the sins of one’s speech.

These are also some of the qualities that Allah subhana wa ta’ala described of successful women. They have those same fundamental qualities that men are supposed to have to be successful, that women are supposed to also have, we are the same in this regard. Submitting to Allah subhana wa ta’ala,believing in correct iman and correct aqeedah, correct belief system, correct attitude,believing in all those things that we’re supposed to believe in and not rejecting any of it. To have iman, To be devout, obedient to Allah subhana wa ta’ala, to have this qunoot,, to put one self to the obedience to to Allah subhana wa ta’ala, to be truthful in one’s belief, in one’s speech, and in one’s actions. This is one of the most important qualities, and actually in reality, the quality of truthfulness is not just to speak the truth. This is one important aspect of being truthful. Truthfulness, begins by being true in one’s heart and in one’s actions. Meaning that when a person obeys Allah subhana wa ta’ala openly, they really mean it and they do it sincerely from the heart. Truthfulness in reality is to be the same on the inside a as you are on the outside. Truthfulness is to be the same on the inside as you are on the out side. This is the reality of truthfulness and one part of that and a very important part of that is to always say the truth. When you speak, speak the truth.Those who are patient from the men and the women. Assabr – patience, is to remain steadfast in obeying Allah subhana wa ta’ala, believing and trusting in the reward from Allah subhana wa ta’ala and that Allah will reward you and take care of you if you remain obedient to him. Thats the reality of patience.

Assabr has three aspects to it. The first is to steadfast,consistent, upon the obedience of Allah subhana wa ta’ala, to remain obedient to Allah subhana wa ta’ala so that no matter what hardships you have or challenges you have, you don’t allow yourself to do something or to leave obeying Allah subhana wa ta’ala. You stay obedient to Allah subhana wa ta’ala. When you pray, you remain someone who prays regularly. When you obey Allah subhana wa ta’ala in a certain way, you ensure you try to make sure that you’re always like this. You remain steadfast on this. This is the first pillar of patience to remain obedient to Allah subhana wa ta’ala.

The second thing is to remain patient and staying away from sins and staying away from the disobedience of Allah subhana wa ta’ala. So when you leave and you abandon a sin for Allah subhana wa ta’ala, to be saved from Allah anger and to be rewarded you stay like this. You maintain that and you don’t give up you don’t allow yourself to fall back into disobeying Allah subhana wa ta’ala. And the third pillar of sabr, or patience, is to remain steadfast and be patient in the face of what afflicts or what faces you, what Allah has written to affect you in your life. Trouble, danger,,stress, the loss of wealth, the loss of life, the loss of loved ones, those calamities and problems that may affect a person as a test from Allah subhana wa ta’ala. The third pillar of sabr is to remain patient of obedience. This is also a very important quality of the successful woman. This is a quality of the successful man,the believing man or the believing woman………”

(Inspirational) Oh Sisters Be Not Soft in Speech, Stay in Your Houses, Do Not Display Yourselves – By Shaykh Hasan al-Banna – Abu Muhammad al-Maghribee [Audio|En]

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Translation of Shaykh Hasan ibn Abdul Wahhab Marzooq al-Banna
Abu Muhammad al-Maghribee
[Audio|English]

Inspirational Lecture !! Don’t Miss to Listen to it 

O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allâh), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner.

And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance, and perform As-Salât (Iqamât­as­Salât), and give Zakât and obey Allâh and His Messenger. Allâh wishes only to remove Ar­Rijs (evil deeds and sins, etc.) from you, O members of the family (of the Prophet Peace be upon him), and to purify you with a thorough purification.

And remember (O you the members of the Prophet’s family, the Graces of your Lord), that which is recited in your houses of the Verses of Allâh and Al­Hikmah (i.e. Prophet’s Sunnah legal ways, etc. so give your thanks to Allâh and glorify His Praises for this Qur’an and the Sunnah). Verily, Allâh is Ever Most Courteous, Well­Acquainted with all things. (Al-Ahzab 33:32-34)

—

Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allâh in Islâm) men and women, the believers men and women (who believe in Islâmic Monotheism), the men and the women who are obedient (to Allâh), the men and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and the women who are patient (in performing all the duties which Allâh has ordered and in abstaining from all that Allâh has forbidden), the men and the women who are humble (before their Lord Allâh), the men and the women who give Sadaqât (i.e. Zakât, and alms, etc.), the men and the women who observe Saum (fast) (the obligatory fasting during the month of Ramadân, and the optional Nawâfil fasting), the men and the women who guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and the women who remember Allâh much with their hearts and tongues (while sitting, standing, lying, etc. for more than 300 times extra over the remembrance of Allâh during the five compulsory congregational prayers) or praying extra additional Nawâfil prayers of night in the last part of night, etc.) Allâh has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise). (Al-Ahzab 33:35)

—

Listen / Download Mp3 Here  (Time 1:28:40)

Women Lightening their EyeBrows – The Permanent Committee

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Fatwa no. 21778

Q: The habit of lightening eyebrows has recently spread among women; they lighten the hairs below and above the eyebrow, so that it resembles Nams (removing hair from the face/eyebrows). This habit is an imitation of Western countries. The lightening substance is also medically harmful. What is the ruling of Shari`ah (Islamic law) on this deed? Please advise. May Allah reward you! It is worth mentioning that most women request a written Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar), and refuse to abide by verbal ones. May Allah make us benefit from it and preserve the religion of this Ummah (nation based on one creed). Indeed, He is the One able to do so.

Ans:

It is not permissible to lighten above and below the eyebrows in the way that was mentioned, as it entails changing Allah’s creation and resembles Nams which is prohibited, being in the same sense. It is even more prohibited if it entails imitation of non-Muslims, or if it is harmful to the body or hair. This is because Allah (Exalted be He) says: …and do not throw yourselves into destruction The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: “There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.”

May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’
Member : Salih Al-Fawzan – Member: `Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan  – Chairman : `Abdul-`Aziz Al Al-Shaykh

Advice To Our Teenage Girls – Abu Muhammad al-Maghribee [Audio|En]

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Advice To Our Teenage Girls
Abu Muhammad al-Maghribee (hafidhahullaah)
Audio Courtesy: followthesalaf.com
[Audio|English]

Listen / Download Mp3 Here  (Time 1:26:53)

Are you wrapped or covered? – Have a look at this image

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are-you-wrapped-or-covered

Wife Sitting In The Company Of Her Husband And His Friends ? – Shaikh Al-Albani

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Wife Sitting with Her Husband and His Friends
Sheikh Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen al-Albaanee رحمه الله
Silsilatul-huda wan-Noor Tape 4

Question to Sheikh Albani:

Is it permissible for a husband to sit with his friends in the company of his wife? And what are the conditions of that?

Shaikh Al-Albani:

Firstly, Islam does not approve of this kind of gathering because it’s a type of mixing.

Secondly, if it is necessary the conditions – of course – are known, but observing them is difficult. So from the conditions is what we mentioned previously:

1. Each one should be covered with the proper Islamic veil, meaning; that she should not be wearing shiny and beautiful clothes which attract attention, as is the case with women in their homes. Also these garments should not be tight or short for example, where it defines the legs or thighs or similar to that.

What’s important is that their clothing contains the conditions of the veil which I mentioned in the introduction to my book: (The veil of the Muslim woman).

2. Add to that – that the conversation in these sittings should contain in it modesty and good manners and dignity so as not to prompt any of those present from the men or women to smile or laugh or giggle.

So if the conversation has these conditions and is found to be necessary, then the sitting is permissible, but I believe that fulfilling these conditions especially in our time is almost impossible.

Sadly, most Muslims today don’t know the Islamic rulings (what is permissible) and (what is not permissible), and those from them who have knowledge of these rulings, very few of them follow and apply these rulings.

So for that I don’t imagine a gathering between relatives which would contain all of these condition, this is something purely imaginary. And for that the matter is as the Prophet (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has said:

(…“And between them are unclear matter which many people have no knowledge of, so whoever guards against the unclear matters he will protect his religion and his honor, verily every King has his prohibited land and verily, the prohibited land of Allah is that which he has forbidden.Verily whoever grazes his Flock around a Sanctuary, he will soon fall in it”).

And from this hadith; some people of old times have taken a slang saying: (Distance yourself from evil and sing for it.) This is a slang proverb […] and the second saying: (The one who doesn’t want to see ruined dreams should not sleep between the graves). Like this.

(Tape 4 of Silsilat al Huda wan Noor tape) via Aboo Okasha al Maldivee

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It is not permissible for a woman to pray with her feet uncovered – Shaikh al-Albaani

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Q: “Should a woman cover her feet when she prays?”

Shaikh al-Albaani:

“It is not permissible for her to pray with her feet uncovered, indeed it is not permissible for her to walk in the streets with her feet uncovered, because the feet are part of a woman’s `awrah based on Allaah’s عز وجل Statement: {And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment}.[1] The woman during the Days of Ignorance used to wear what is known in the Arabic language as khalkhaal (anklet), meaning a bracelet with small bells. So when the woman walked, she – in order to turn the men’s attention to her – would strike the ground with her feet so the anklet would make a noise and the men would hear that; and such was due to shaitaan’s whisperings to her.

This means that the feet used to be covered. Because of what? Because of thejilbaab that the women were commanded to cast down from over their heads, according to Allaah’s Statement: {O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their outer garments  (jilbaabs) close upon themselves}.[2] And it is mentioned in the authentic hadeeth that the Prophet ﷺ said one day during a gathering in which there were also women: ‘Whoever drags his garment out of pride, Allaah عز وجل will not look at him on the Day of Resurrection.’ One of the women said: ‘O Messenger of Allaah, then our feet will be exposed.’ He ﷺ said: ‘let the women lengthen (their garments) by a hand-span.’ She said: ‘Then a wind will come and uncover (their feet).’ He ﷺ said: ‘let them add another hand-span, i.e. (a total of) one cubit, and not go beyond that.’[3] [4]

In this manner, the jilbaab of the Muslim woman – at the time of the revelation of the above-mentioned verse: {to draw their outer garments (jilbaabs) close upon themselves} – used to cover the feet since the socks that are widespread nowadays among both women and men were not widespread at that time. The woman used to cover her shins and feet with the long jilbaab that resembles the `abaa.ah. Therefore it is not permissible for a Muslim woman to uncover her feet while she is on the street, and it is even more impermissible for her to pray with her feet uncovered.”

[1] Surat un-Noor 24:31
[2] Surat ul-Ahzaab 33:59
[3] the Shaikh mentioned the general meaning, not the exact wording, of the woman’s speech
[4] Saheeh at-Tirmidhi 1731, Saheeh Abi Daawood 4119

[silsilat ul-hudaa wa nnoor 697/3-4 / asaheeha translations]

Good News For The Strange Sister – Abu Uwais Abdullah Ali [Mp3|En]

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Good News For The Strange Sister
Abu Uwais Abdullah Ali (rahimahullaah)
[Mp3|English]

Listen / Download Mp3 Here  (Time 45:53)

The Life Of Khadeejah bint Khuwaylid – Abu Uwais Abdullah Ali [Mp3|En]

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A reminder for our men and women on the honorable role, position and status of our women in Islam by looking at the life of Khadeejah bint Khuwaylid (may Allah be pleased with her). This was at a Sister’s Luncheon hosted by Masjidu Rahmah.

A Message to the Woman – by Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan [Video|Ar-En]

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Scholar: ´Allâmah Sâlih bin Fawzân al-Fawzân
Lecture: Risâlah ilâl-Mar’ah
Source: alfawzan.ws/node/5405
Reference: Maktabah Darulhadith.com
aFatwa.com

Shaykh Fawzaan (hafidahullâh) said:

In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

All praise is due to Allâh and may the blessings and peace be upon our prophet Muhammad and all of his family and companions.

In these two blessed Friday sermons, we have heard a lot of good by our preacher (Khatîb) –may Allâh grant him success. He spoke on one of the most serious issues, namely the issue of women.

O brothers! Allâh (subhânahu wa ta’âlâ) created the woman, just as the man, for a great duty in this life. Each got their (own) task. The men got their tasks and the women got their tasks. If each stick to their own task and fulfill it, the society would attain a great deal of good. If this order were to be shaken, a great deficiency would occur, just as you heard about the role of the woman in the pre-Islamic time of ignorance, as well as her role in the disbelieving countries of today and her role with the religious Muslims.

The woman is very important and that is why the prophet (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ordered that she is well taken care of. He said in his Kutbah (sermon) on ‘Arafah in connection to his farewell pilgrimage:

“Treat your women well, for they are captives with you.” (Ibn Mâjah 1851)

The prophet (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ordered us to take good care of the women because they play an important role in the society. It’s not only about taking good care of them and giving them their due rights… this is obligatory, what is more important is to protect them from indecencies – the woman is weak as you know – and [to protect them from] trying appearances [i.e. fitnah] and letting them do whatever they want to do. This is the most important thing the prophet (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ordered [in regards to women], namely that we protect them. Allâh (jalla wa ‘alâ) said:

الرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُونَ عَلَى النِّسَاء بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللّهُ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ وَبِمَا أَنفَقُواْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ فَالصَّالِحَاتُ قَانِتَاتٌ حَافِظَاتٌ لِّلْغَيْبِ بِمَا حَفِظَ اللّهُ

“Men are in charge of women, because Allâh has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient (to Allâh and to their husbands), and guard in the husband’s absence what Allâh orders them to guard (e.g. their chastity, their husband’s property, etc.).” (The Qur’ân 4:34)

What does it mean that the man is in charge of the woman? Is it only about providing (for her) and justice? It is not only about that. His responsibility is (also) about something that is more important. He should namely protect this woman so that she doesn’t lose it, frees herself and [begins to] take shyness and chastity lightly. This is the greatest responsibility of the man in regards to the woman.

The “man” in the verse is not only referring to the husband. The man, whether it be her father, brother or some other guardian, is responsible for her and protects her. If it were to go to the length of him having to punish her, he then does it1:

وَاللاَّتِي تَخَافُونَ نُشُوزَهُنَّ فَعِظُوهُنَّ وَاهْجُرُوهُنَّ فِي الْمَضَاجِعِ وَاضْرِبُوهُنَّ

“But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance – [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them.” (The Qur’ân 4:34, interpretation of the meanings)

The woman is thus in need of being under observation.

The enemies of Islam of these days concentrate on the issue of women. They know that she is the most serious matter in the society. They focus on her. They wage war against the chastity and honour and consider it to be oppression against women. If the woman sticks to chastity and honour, they say that she is deprived of liberty. The fact of the matter is that it is just at that time her freedom (liberty) is preserved (i.e. when she sticks to chastity and honour). She can feely obey Allâh, raise her children and fulfill that which Allâh has given her as a responsibility. She is as a shepherdess in the home of her husband and (is) responsible for her flock. This is her true freedom.

As for her freedom in nudity, indecencies in front of other people, flirtatious gait in the stores/shops and the ability to go wherever she wants to, then this is a type of slavery and not a freedom. It’s slavery to temptation and satan.

O servants of Allâh! Freedom lies in obeying and worshiping Allâh. Therein lies the glory of the soul and the honour of the human and their happiness in this life and the next one. The one who acts disobediently towards Allâh and his commands, whether it is about women or anything else, is one of the degraded slaves of the devils among the humans and the Jinns. It is slavery and not freedom.

We have to know this! We have to preserve our women among the wives, daughters and relatives. We have to cooperate in protecting them and to refrain from listening to this propaganda [by the Kuffâr in west]. The Kuffâr (disbelievers) are trying to eradicate Islam by all possible means. The greatest ways of destruction is to destroy the woman. Because the woman is the basis of the family and the home. If she is destroyed, the home and the family is destroyed as well. The daughters will be destroyed after having copied their destroyed mothers and relatives. Thus, we have to safeguard our women.

Even If the Kuffâr have been successful in degrading some Islamic countries, they will never – by the will and motion of Allâh – succeed in doing the same thing with this county, which is the country of the two holy mosques in which the revelation was sent down to and in which the messenger (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was sent. Herein are men who take care of her honour, even if some deluded men and women take this issue lightly. This country has men who safeguard their honour and the honour of their female relatives. You belong to them – in sha’ Allâh – and (those) who will initiate it.

We have to fear Allâh (subhânahu wa ta’âlâ) and live up to this great responsibility. If we do it, we’ll protect our homes, children, families and societies. She is thusly the basis. Thus, the enemy focuses on her. They are focused on the woman. They got her in a specific focus you are familiar with; in books, papers, magazines, newspapers, media, internet, and all other (possible) fields. They want this country to end up as the other countries so that the manners disappear and the honour gets lost. It will then become easy for the Kuffar (disbelievers) to eradicate Islam from its basis. The poet said:

‘The nations exist as long as their manners exist, when their manners vanish, so do they.’

If the manners disappear, then there is nothing left. The purpose of the manners is the honour, behavior, shyness and dignity. This is what the manners are (ahlâq). Another poet said:

‘I do not say that one should allow the women to show their faces as the men and to walk around in the shops, they have a lot of duties in their homes as the man who is the possessor of the sword and the spear.’2

The woman has her line of work and the man has his. If each of them does their suitable works, the society will then be good and the welfare will be complete. But if this order were to be shaken, the society would then become deficient. That is why the prophet (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) cursed the masculine women and the feminine men. All of this just to preserve the woman and allow her to stay in her natural nature, religion, character and honour. The glory and honour should be protected and preserved. Read the chapter “an-Nûr” (of the Qur’ân). You will find therein how greatly and notably the women are protected with covering and permission before one enters into the homes. The same goes for the Sunnah. The prophet (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) forbade the woman from travelling alone without a Mahram and said:

“It is not allowed for a woman who believes in Allâh and the Last day to travel without a Mahram.”
(al-Bukhari [3006] and Muslim [1341])

He forbade that she is alone in private with a man who’s not her Mahram and said:

“A man is not alone with a woman but that the Shaytân makes a third.” (at-Tirmidhi 1171)

He forbade the women from mixing with the men. That is why the women prayed with the Muslims behind the messenger of Allâh (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and behind the men in the mosque of the messenger of Allâh (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam). They were so covered that no one could recognize them. They prayed behind the men. Herein is a proof that mixing is prohibited between both of the sexes. If a woman is not allowed to mix with men in the mosque, which is a place of worship and piousness, one can then ask how she would be allowed to mix with them in offices, amusement parks, parties, and markets. This matter is very serious. We’re surrounded by the enemy now and an ideological warfare. You are well aware of the ideological warfare that is taking place now. The Kuffar (disbelievers) are waging war against the Muslim countries with weapons, ideologies and all other means. We are, as I said before, surrounded by the enemy. We have to be observant.

If we are with Allâh, Allâh is with us. He said:

لَا تَخَافَا إِنَّنِي مَعَكُمَا أَسْمَعُ وَأَرَى

“He (Allâh) said: “Fear not, verily! I am with you both, hearing and seeing.” (The Qur’ân 20:46)

If we are with Allâh, Allâh is then with us. And if Allâh is with us, nobody can hurt us:

لاَ تَحْزَنْ إِنَّ اللّهَ مَعَنَا

“Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allâh is with us.” (The Qur’ân 9:40, interpretation of the meanings)

But who is Allâh with? Allâh is especially with the pious, those who do the right and the believers. We thusly have to be with Allâh (subhânahu wa ta’âlâ). The prophet (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to Ibn ‘Abbâs [what means]:

“Boy! Take care of Allâh and He will take care of you. Take care of Allâh and you will find Him in front of you.”
(at-Tirmidhî 2516)

We have to, as I said before, be with Allâh, obey Him and follow His commands and avoid His prohibitions for Him (subhânahu wa ta’âlâ) to be with us with His victory, His support and His help.

I ask Allâh for forgiveness and I repent before Him. And I ask Allâh to preserve us and you with His preservation and that He looks after us and you with His victory and help. And may the blessings and peace be upon our prophet Muhammad and all of his family and companions

 Footnotes:

1: What is intended here is not severe beating as is generally done in west by indecorous men, see Tafsir ibn Kathîr verse 4:34 for the explanation.

2: Obviously, the beauty of this poetical verse cannot be seen in the English language.

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