Do I Need My Husband's Permission to Cut My Hair ?

Do I Need My Husband's Permission to Cut My Hair ?

Question
Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. If a woman wants to cut her hair, should she seek the permission of her husband ? Jazakum Allah khayran. ( Question By : Salwa )

Answer
Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear questioner, we commend your pursuit of knowledge and your keenness to seek what is lawful and avoid what is not. We earnestly implore Allah to bless your efforts in this honorable way.

It is to be stressed that the relations between the spouses should be based on tranquility, love and mercy. It is the duty of the husband and wife to see that they are a source of comfort and tranquility for each other. They should do everything physically, emotionally and spiritually to make each other happy and comfortable and avoid anything that violates this happiness and comfort.

In response to the question you raised, the European Council for Fatwa and Research issued the following Fatwa:

There is hair trimming that a woman does from time to time and that a husband may not even notice due to the very slight alteration being made. Women usually do this so that their hair does not become so long as to be difficult to manage. This form of hair shortening does not usually require the permission of the husband.

However, there are forms of hair shortening and alteration that completely change the appearance of the woman, which may surprise the husband if he wasn't consulted. This form of alteration requires the agreement of the husband and wife so that their relationship is not affected by this radical change in the woman's appearance. Due to the fact that a Muslim woman does not show her hair in public nor in front of non-mahram men, it is true that the husband has the foremost right to enjoy his wife's hair.

A wise woman would be sure to pursue all means of maintaining love and affection between herself and her husband, ultimately leading to good Muslim households becoming the real basis of good Muslim societies.

Muslim Woman Shaking Hands With Males

Muslim Woman Shaking Hands With Males

Question
Is it permissible for a Muslim woman to shake hands with males at an interview or workplace. This is due to the Western culture of "eye contact and hand shaking."

Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Thanks for your question, we implore Allah to guide us all to the best and to reward us all for whatever we do for His sake.

The basic rule is that Muslims should avoid shaking hands with members of the opposite sex unless they find themselves in an awkward situation. The issue is primarily governed by one's own conscience.

Responding to the question, Muhammad Al-Mukhtar Al-Shinqiti, Born in 04/12/1966 at Islamic Republic of Mauritania, director of the Islamic Center of South Plains, Lubbock, Texas, states the following:

There are two common hadiths concerning shaking hands with the opposite sex. In the first hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said, "I do not shake hands with women" (Al-Bukhari).

The second hadith is narrated on the authority of Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), he said, "The female slave from Madinah would take hold of the hand of Allah's Messenger and lead him wherever she wished, without withdrawing her hands from his hands until the Prophet fulfils her need" (Ahmad).

Based on the two hadiths, we conclude that the basic rule discourages shaking hands with members of the opposite sex, but if one were put in an awkward situation, then there would be no harm to shake hands with members of the opposite sex. This ruling applies to Muslims living in the West because of the social customs prevailing in these countries.

Women Praying in an Open Space

Women Praying in an Open Space

Question
Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum.I'm a Muslim woman regularly attends the musalla [Arabic for: Prayer hall] for salah on my campus.Recently, the barrier separating our musalla from the rest of the mosque was opened to provide an open space for the sisters to pray.Some brothers have objected to the sisters performing Sunnah prayers in that open space, saying it is not right for a sister to pray Sunnah without a barrier. Is this true?Do I have no right to pray sunnah in a barrier-free zone ?Jazakum Allahu khayran.


Answer
Wa `alaykum as-salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear sister in Islam, thank you for your question, which reflects your care to have a clear view of the teachings of Islam. Allah commands Muslims to refer to people of knowledge to get themselves well-acquainted with the teachings of Islam as well as all aspects of life.

As far as Islamic Shari`ah is concerned, a Muslim woman is allowed to pray in an open space for the sisters to pray without a barrier. It should be clear that Almighty Allah did not prescribe segregation of males from females in the Qur'an; He only forbade indiscriminate mingling and mixing and khalwah. The woman is required to wear decent clothes that cover her `awrah (Arabic for: parts of the body that must be covered) and at the same time men are required to lower their gaze.

In his response to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, stated,

It is perfectly fine for you to pray in the same hall as men do as long as it is an open space —provided, of course, there is no indiscriminate mingling.

It is important for us to know that during the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), men and women used to pray in the same hall without any barriers. This is amply clear from the sources. Thus, women were able to see the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and they were able to learn the lessons he imparted from the minbar (Arabic for: pulpit) directly from his mouth. How often we read in the sources women saying that they learned such and such surah (Arabic for: chapter of the Qur'an) directly from the mouth of the Prophet, as he was used to reading them during sermons.Hence, it is only reasonable to state that the barrier separating men and women at mosques today is a later-on innovation; therefore, there is nothing sacred about it.

It is important in this connection to point out that women have every right to see the speaker and imam while delivering the khutbah (Arabic for: sermon).

That the women during the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) were assertive in this is also clear from the sources. For the very idea of setting up a minbar for the Prophet to deliver the khutbah was suggested by a woman. She pointed out to him that she had a carpenter who could carve some wooden steps; if he were to stand on them while delivering sermons, everyone would be able to see him.

Therefore, the right of women to see and hear the speaker directly is a legitimate one. You can continue to pray in the open space without a barrier separating men and women.

Having said this, however, I must also point out that you should have a barrier in front of you to mark your prayer space so that people can pass in front of you, should a need arise. For this purpose, all that is needed is to use a prayer rug or place a book or handbag in front of you. The purpose of it is simply to allow for people to pass in front of the worshipper without distracting him or her.

Faking Marriage & Divorce for Obtaining Green Card

Faking Marriage & Divorce for Obtaining Green Card

Question
As-Salam Alaykum, I am from the Subcontinent and I have a question about marriage and divorce. I came to the United States to set up a business and to become financially well-off. However, I have run into a problem that I cannot get a green card. My question is that would it be permissible for me to divorce my wife from the Subcontinent on paper only so that I can marry an American woman for some time to get the green card ? My intention is to divorce the American woman after I have the green card and remarry my wife from the Subcontinent. Is this permissible in Islam ? ( Question By : Foulan )

Answer
Wa `Alaykum As-Salam Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All thanks and praise are due to Allah and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger. Dear questioner! Thanks for your good question which reflects a desire to acquire knowledge and have a clear view of Islamic teachings.

In the very beginning, we would like to stress the fact that Islam aims at creating a stable atmosphere wherein every true believer establishes a stable and good Muslim family. Marriage is meant to be the strong bond of Allah and the lawful means of setting the corner stone of a society.

Brother, you have to keep in mind the fact that marriage contract, in Islam, is so solemn that Shari`ah lays down rules and regulations that guarantee its stability and continuity. Thus, Islam renounces all forms of temporary marriage.

Answering the question in point, the prominent Muslim scholar Dr. Taha Jabir Al-`Alwani, president of the Graduate School of Islamic and Social Sciences and president of the Fiqh Council of North America, (Dr. Al-`Alawani occupies the Imam Al-Shafi’i Chair in Islamic Legal Theory as a professor in his specialty field. Particularly interested in the social implications of Islamic law, he is a major participant in the activities of Muslim social scientists, publishing works such as his Ethics of Disagreement, The Rights of the Accused in Islam, and Linking Ethics and Economics: The Role of Ijtihad, in the Regulation and Correction of Capitol Market (a co-authored occasional paper )states the following:

Allah Almighty declares cheating as prohibited. This applies to any form of cheating, whether to individuals or government. Upon entering the States, you applied for visa. This application is a contract between you and the U.S. government. Being here in the States, you should respect the law and the constitution of the country.

To marry a woman just on papers without having a real intention to establish a family is really an evil deed. Such an act involves telling lies and cheat which are both Haram. Marriage, being a sacred institution, is to be shown due respect and never played with.

At the same time, making paper divorce without having the intention to do so, thinking that this will render the divorce invalid is a total miscalculation, for the divorce is still valid according to the majority of scholars. In the Hadith, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is reported as having said: “Three things are considered valid whether done seriously or jokingly; divorce, marriage and manumitting slaves.”

Even if you find an American lady who accepts such a fake marriage, both of you will be conspiring against the law of the country. You will have only yourself to blame.

I would like to urge all Muslims in the West to be a good examples and representatives of their religion. Muslims are commanded always to be pure and straight forward. In the life of a Muslim, there is no lies, forms of deceit or cheating.”

Wife's Emotional Neglect

Wife's Emotional Neglect

Question
We live about 10 minutes driving distance from the mosque. But whenever my husband decides to go to the prayer, he is usually gone for about an hour. The rest of the day he is at work. I spend most of the time alone up until after `Isha'. I keep telling him that I need to feel the bond of marriage more than this. He knows I am not feeling too well lately, and now mentally this is taking its toll on me. However, he feels there is nothing he can do about this since he has to pray in congregation.

What is your advice to solve this problem? For some reason, I doubt that this was the intent of the Shari`ah for the family. I guess either way one of us feels guilty. What is the right thing to do ?

Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Thanks for your question, and we implore Allah earnestly to guide us all to the best both in this world and in the Hereafter.

Every Muslim husband is ordered by Islam to treat his wife gently and kindly. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "The best among you are the ones who are best to their wives" (At-Tirmidhi). In addition, there is a special consideration to the relationship between the spouses, as Allah says: (And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect) (Ar-Rum 30:21).

With the question in mind, we do call upon the husband to spend more time with his wife and to pray some of his prayers in congregation with her and his children.

Responding to the question, Dr. Sano Koutoub Moustapha, professor of jurisprudence and its principles at the International Islamic University, Malaysia, states the following:

Thank you for your kind question. May Allah bless you and your beloved husband.
Surely congregational prayer is strongly recommended for both males and females. Some scholars do consider it a communal obligation or fard kifayah. Yet, it is definitely an obligation upon husbands to give the rights to their spouses, especially in responding to their emotional and psychological needs, such as spending time with them. In this context, I call upon your beloved husband to spend more time with you and to avoid staying longer in the mosque after praying.

Since prayers take only 10 to 15 minutes, there is therefore no reason for spending hours at the mosque after prayer. Spending time at the mosque is considered optional or recommended; while staying and spending time with the spouse is considered an obligation.
Based on this, I remind your beloved husband that in Islam, obligations come first. In other words, spending enough time with you is considered an obligation upon him. Therefore, he has to refrain from spending longer time outside the house, especially after prayers. Furthermore, there is no harm or prohibition for him to perform some of his prayers with you at home. Thus if you pray together, this prayer is actually considered as a congregational prayer, especially when you have children who can join you in congregational prayer.

Finally, your husband is also advised to to bring you along with him to the mosque in order for you to be able to gain the rewards of the congregational prayer. It is very unfortunate that some Muslims nowadays have decided to exclude Muslim women from congregational prayer while at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) Muslim women were attending all congregational prayers, especially Fajr Prayer, regardless of the darkness of the night.

Women Praying in Mosques

Women Praying in Mosques

Question
As-Salamu `alaykum, please kindly explain as to which is most preferable for a woman: to pray alone in her house or to follow the congregation in the Mosque.

Answer
Wa`alykum As-Salaamu Warahmatullahi Wabarakaatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dear questioner, we would like to commend you for showing keenness on knowing the teachings of Islam. We hope our efforts meet your expectations.

There is no any hindrance for women to pray in the Mosques along with men. At the time of the Prophet, women used to perform prayers in the Mosque along with men. Not only that, but they used to attend religious classes and share the events such as the `Eid prayers with men. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said, “Do not prevent the she-servants of Allah from Allah's mosques.”

Responding to the question, Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, states the following:
Women used to attend the jama`ah or congregational Prayers and the Friday Prayers in the Prophet's Mosque. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to urge them to stand in the last rows behind men.

At the beginning, men and women used to enter through the same door. When this caused overcrowding on entrances and exits, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him, said: "(It would be better) if this door is left for women." Upon saying so, the men made that door for women, and it became known up until today as "The Women's Door".

Moreover, women, at the time of the Prophet, used to attend the Friday Prayer; they used to perform the Prayer regularly and listen to the khutbah to the extent that one of them could recite Surat Qaf as she heard the Prophet recite it several times in the Friday khutbah. Women also used to attend the `Eid Prayers and participate in that big Islamic festival that included the old and the young, men as well as women, out in the open, all worshipping Allah.
Umm `Attiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated, "We used to be ordered to come out on the Day of the `Eid and even bring out the virgin girls from their houses and menstruating women so that they might stand behind the men and say takbir along with them and invoke Allah along with them and hope for the blessings of that day and for purification from sins." (Reported by Al-Bukhari)

Moreover, women used to attend religious sermons with men at the Prophet's house and they used to inquire about religious matters that many women nowadays would find embarrassing to ask about. For instance, `A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) praised the women of Al-Ansar for trying to understand their religion without being held back by bashfulness for they used to ask about such matters as major ritual impurity, wet dream, purificatory bath, menstruation, chronic vaginal discharge, etc.

And when women found that men's questions were taking most of the Prophet's time, they plainly requested the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to make a special day for women. So the Prophet dedicated a day for them when he used to give them lessons and sermons. (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

Shedding more light on the issue, Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, president of the Fiqh Council of North America, adds:

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) explicitly told men not to exclude women from going to the Mosque. It is reported that the wife of `Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) used to attend the congregational Prayer in the Mosque at Fajr and `Ishaa' Prayers. It was said to her, "Why do you leave home, you know that `Umar does not like that and he feels ashamed (that you leave home at that time)?" She said, "So what prevents him from stopping Me?" The person said, "It is the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) 'Do not prevent the she-servants of Allah from Allah's Mosques.'" (Reported by Al-Bukhari)

It is not obligatory for women to attend the jama`ah or congregational Prayers at the Mosque, because they have other obligations as regards their home and children. However, if they have time and feel safe to attend the Mosque, in proper Islamic dress, then they should not be stopped.

We should rather make our Mosques in such a way that men and women both have equal chance to pray there observing the rules of Prayers.

Some people, in voicing objection against women going to the Mosque, rely on what `A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said in this regard. She is quoted to have said, sometime after the Prophet’s death: "If the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would have seen what the women do now, he would have stopped them from coming to Mosques."

But the great scholar of Hadith Ibn Hajar states: "This statement does not say very clearly that `A'ishah gave the Fatwa that women are forbidden to come to Mosques." (Fath Al-Bari, p. 928).

It is not known that any Companion of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) or a prominent jurist forbade women from attending the prayers in the Mosque. The custom of preventing women from attending the Mosques started later in times. This unfortunately has negative impact on many of our sisters, drawing them backward and making them ignorant of their faith.

Women in the West go everywhere. They are in the markets, in malls, in restaurants, and in offices. It is ironic that some men allow them to go to all the places of temptation, but they want to stop them from coming to the places where they can pray to their Lord and learn about their faith.

Mixed Gatherings for Weddings

Mixed Gatherings for Weddings

Question
Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. What is the ruling on men and women being together for weddings? Jazakum Allah khayran. ( Question By : Muslim - Belgium )

Answer
Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear questioner, we would like to thank you for the great confidence you place in us, and we implore Allah Almighty to help us serve His cause and render our work for His Sake.

Islam does not object to events or gatherings where members of the opposite sex are present in the same place as long as all abide by the Islamic teachings and manners. If such gatherings abide by the Shari`ah rulings, then there is nothing wrong with them. What is forbidden is khalwah (seclusion or between two members of the opposite sex); tabarruj (revealing women's attractions and `awrahs and all other forbidden acts such as seductive talk or walk); and physical contact between members of the opposite sex. Therefore, if the mixed wedding sticks to these instructions, it is allowed. But if people do not abide by these conditions—which is common nowadays—then the presence of men and women in the same place is unlawful.

Responding to the question you raised, the European Council for Fatwa and Research issued the following fatwa:

The term “mixed” is one which is not used by either the Qur’an or the Sunnah, while most people believe it to be an unquestionable matter in Islam, as though there were something in the Qur’an or in the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) that states clearly that mixed congregations are haram (forbidden). This is one of the grave mistakes which many Muslims commit today, unfortunately.

Our opinion in this matter is that Islamic Shari`ah did not object to men and women being present in one place on condition that three matters are avoided and refrained from:

First: Seclusion (khalwah), that is, that a man and woman meet in a place where no one else can see them.

Second: Adornment of women, that is, that a woman uncovers what Allah (Mighty and Exalted be He) decreed to be covered of her body, or she wears perfume or jewelry or walks or talks in such a way that draws attention and raises ill-thoughts and feelings.Third: Physical contact.If these three matters are avoided and refrained from, then there remains no legal objection to the congregation, whether it be a marriage ceremony or any other thing else. However, we see that people often do not abide by these conditions in weddings, and thus the presence of men and women in one place becomes unlawful.

Internet Chats Between Males and Females

Internet Chats Between Males and Females

Question
Respected scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Many teens seek out boy/girlfriends online, and have actually dated. Furthermore many Muslims are using online chats to seek friends and chat, but as we all know most men and women are seeking more than just friends. They are possibly looking for a future wife or husband. What is the Islamic stance on that ? ( Question Muslimah - United States )

Answer
Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear sister in Islam, you have raised a very important question, which reflects what is common nowadays among youth, or, rather, what has become a vogue on which majority don't even bother to know what are the restrictions dictated by religion, in order to preserve morality in the society. Thanks to the sophisticated means of modern communication, everyone finds himself at the mercy of all what is new in technology.Thus, it's very important for Muslim youth to know where he stands, and to always keep in mind that, as he is given full right to make use of any golden opportunity offered by modern technology, he is also required not to forget the duty he owes the Mighty Power that subjects to Him all such avenues of comfort and prosperity. He must not deviate, whatsoever, from the teachings of his religion, in order to preserve his noble identity.

Answering the questions you raised, Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, former President of the Islamic Society of North America, states:

You have raised a number of serious questions. First is the question about the Internet chats between males and females. Second is about seeking a matrimonial partner - husband or wife - in this way and talking to the future spouse.Internet chat is very similar to writing letters or talking to someone on phone. Actually it is a combination of both. Muslims have to observe the same rules as they observe in writing letters or making telephone calls. Islam does not permit love letters or intimate conversations between males and females who are not married to each other.In all our correspondence and conversations we must observe haya' or modesty. Boys and girls should not chat with each other just for socialization or passing time. It is haram (unlawful) for a non-mahram Muslim male and female to indulge in long conversations with each other unless it is necessary for education or for business. All conversation must be decent. The Qur'an reminds us again and again that all our words are recorded and we shall be held accountable for our words as well as our deeds on the Day of Judgment. (See Al-Ahzab 33:70; Qaf 50:18)If one finds an interesting partner through Internet and there is a desire to know more about each other in order to get married, then one should involve one's elders in this matter. Let the elders or some responsible friends do the investigation and negotiation on your behalf. Even when you want to talk to that person, it is good to have an elder present in this chat. In Islam the khalwah (privacy) with the non-mahram female (ajnabiyyah) is forbidden. Khalwah of course occurs when a male and a female are alone in person. But a virtual khalwah can also happen through conversation by phone or Internet. Just as men and women should not be alone with each other, in a similar way they should not be alone to talk to each other on phone or via Internet chat, especially if this conversation is about personal matters.

Any communication or chatting between a man and a woman if not for a good cause, it will be a possibility for the cause of Shaytan (Satan). One should always ask him/herself why do I want to write to that man/woman or to talk to him/her? The answer will be helpful to take action. Keep far away from desire as Satan has very complicated approaches to insinuate you deviate from righteousness.

Husband Disowning His Wife’s Child

Husband Disowning His Wife’s Child

Question
If a husband is certain about his wife’s infidelity and that she has got pregnant because of committing adultery, is it permissible for him to disown the child she is carrying in her womb, or should he keep quiet about the matter ? ( Sayed )

Answer
Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Thanks for your question, and we implore Allah to guide us all to the best and to reward us abundantly for whatever good deeds we do for His sake.

Islam considers parentage extremely important because of the rights and duties that depend upon it. According to Islam, it is impermissible for a person to disown himself from his father; it is even called “disbelief” in the sense that it shares the same repulsiveness and hideousness of disbelief. Similarly, Islam does not permit the husband to disown his wife’s child except in these two cases:

1. When the husband is certain of his wife’s adultery in a phase of purification during which he has not had sexual intercourse with her, then he abstains from having sex with her until she gives birth. In such case, the husband must disown the child so as not to add to his lineage a child that is not his.

2. When he is quite sure about his assumption that the child is not his but his assumption has not reached the degree of complete certainty.

As for the cases of doubt and uncertainty, it is impermissible to disown the child.

In this regard, the eminent Muslim scholar Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi states the following:
Islam does not allow a Muslim to ascribe to himself a child who is not his own, nor a Muslim to disown himself from a confirmed lineage, nor a father to disown his child without right. That is why scholars say, “It is impermissible for a man to disavow his child, unless he sees his wife committing adultery in a phase of purification during which he has not had sexual intercourse with her, and then he abstains from having sexual intercourse with her until she gives birth to a child after six months or more.” In such a case he is permitted, or rather must, disown the child, for fear that recognizing the child as his might entail other rulings such as

This child may inherit without deserving any inheritance.
The child may disinherit rightful heirs.

The child may see the `awrah (the body parts that are forbidden to be exposed) of women who are lawful for him to marry. So he will regard the wife of his foster father as his real mother whom he might kiss and hug while she is not his mother. He will also consider the daughters of this man as his sisters while they are not related to him at all, and the sisters of this man as his aunts while, in reality, they are not. The same applies if the child is a girl; she will consider a non-mahram man her father, his sons as brothers, his brothers as uncles, etc.

For the above reasons, scholars say that if a husband is certain about his wife’s infidelity, he must disown her child. In some other instances they say that if the husband has a strong assumption that the child is not his and his assumption is close to certainty, such as when a husband sees his wife committing adultery in a phase of purification in which he had sexual intercourse with her and then she gives birth to a child that resembles the adulterer. Another similar case of strong assumption of the husband's part is when the husband is sterile and his sterility is certain.

In the first case, he must disown the child, while in the second he is permitted to do so.

Concerning the same issue, the following was mentioned in the book Matalib An-Nuha Sharh Ghayat Al-Muntaha:

The husband must disown the child in these two cases:
If he sees her committing adultery in a phase of purification in which he has not had sexual intercourse with her and then she gives birth to a child that resembles the adulterer, then he is to accuse her of committing adultery and disown the child through li`an (public imprecation) because, in such case, the husband is certain that the child belongs to the adulterer. Unless the husband disowns the child, the child would be his and would consequently inherit from him and his relatives, and so would they [inherit from the child]. This child would also see the husband’s daughters, sisters, and their likes [without hijab], which is impermissible. Thus, the child has to be disowned because of all such consequences. Furthermore, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said, “Any woman who brings to her family one who does not belong to it has nothing to do with Allah (i.e., expects no mercy from Allah), and Allah will not bring her into His Paradise. Allah the Exalted will veil Himself from any man who disowns his child when he looks at him, and disgrace him in the presence of all creatures, first and last” (Abu Dawud).

If the husband saw his wife committing adultery in a phase of purification in which he had sexual intercourse with her and he had a strong reason [to believe] that the child belongs to the adulterer because of the strong resemblance between them or if the husband is sterile, he is allowed to disown this child. The resemblance is a proof that the child is the outcome of the adulterer’s fluid, that is, after the confirmation of adultery. In such case, strong assumption replaces certainty (vol. 6, p. 198).

In any other circumstances, it is impermissible to disown the child of one’s wife, for it entails the child’s loss. On the other hand, it is also impermissible to adopt a child as one’s own without right, because it is a dangerous forgery and it is the adoption prohibited by Allah, His Messenger, and all the scholars of Islam.

Is Going to Movies in Mixed Groups Permissible?

Is Going to Movies in Mixed Groups Permissible ?

Question
Is it permissible for young Muslims to go to movies with a group of friends, boys, and girls? What are the limits of interaction allowed between men and women in this regard ? ( Samih )

Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dear questioner, thanks for your important question, we implore Allah Almighty to help us to understand the teachings of Islam.

Islam allows Muslim males and females to interact in a business-like environment with certain guidelines that should be strictly followed by members attending a certain event or sharing the same occasion. Moreover, movies are not rejected in Islam as long as they do not contain what is contradictory to the Shari`ah.

We do not refuse the idea of going to the cinema, but if it would lead people to commit sins, then it is be prohibited in Islam. Thus, going to movies is permissible as long as the content of the movie itself doesn't contain a prohibited element.

Responding to the question, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Mukhtar Al Shinqiti , director of the Islamic Center of South Plains, Lubbock, Texas, states the following:

First of all, we have to make sure the content of the movie is education and does not contradict the teachings of Islam. If it includes immoral scenes, then would not allowed in any case.

Second, we have to make sure that there is no khalwah or illicit privacy involving members of the opposite sex. The group should always stay together.Third, the boys should sit together, and the girls should sit in another group.Fourth, there can't be any sort of physical contact or immoral talk between members of the opposite sex.If the above mentioned conditions are met and the trip is both physically and morally safe, then it is permissible. However, if the members of the group are mainly teenagers, then teachers or family members must supervise them.

Men and Women in Public Transports

Men and Women in Public Transports

Question
While taking the public transports, especially during the rush hour, members of the opposite sex are jam-packed together in a way that hardly leaves any space between them. Will I be held accountable if I come in a close contact with the opposite sex ? ( Question Abu `Umar - Canada )

Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

First of all, we’d like to say that we are impressed by your question, which emanates from a thoughtful heart. May Allah Almighty help us all adhere to the principles of this true Religion, Islam, and enable us to be among the dwellers of Paradise in the Hereafter, Ameen.

It’s the duty of Muslims, males and females, to abide by the dictates of morality and decency everywhere. In public transports men should avoid coming into close contact with women.

Answering the question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:

In situations such as the one you are facing, you must consider whether you have any other options to take in order to avoid such close encounters with members of the opposite sex: Consider the possibility of changing your work hours, or changing your route to work, or even changing the time of travel by preferring to travel in less crowded times. If any of the above options are available, you must try it out.

If, however, you are faced with no reasonable option, then you may travel, provided you do everything possible to shift your focus away from thinking of the members of the opposite sex. Concentrate on Dhikr and Istighfar and discipline your mind in such a way that it would not make a difference for you whether you are standing beside a piece of furniture or a member of the opposite sex.

By doing your best to do what is within your means and ability, you have fulfilled your religious duty, the rest is with Allah. Allah reassures us in the Qur’an, (Allah does not impose on anyone a duty that he has no strength to bear.) (Al-Baqarah 2: 286) We are told to fear Allah as best as we can.

Finally, continue to seek Allah’s help in guarding yourself against temptations of all kinds. Allah says, (Whosoever puts his trust in Allah, Allah suffices him.) (At-Talaq 65 : 3)

Never forget to say the Du`aa' taught by the Prophet when venturing out into the world of temptations: Here are the two main Du`aas we are required to recite while venturing out. They will definitely prove to be tremendous source of spiritual empowerment for believers in all walks of life:

“Bismillaahi tawakkaltu `ala Allaah, laa hawla walaa quwwata illaa bilaah (In the name of Allah, I place all my trust in Allah; there is no power to shun evil, nor strength to earn good except with Allah’s assistance).

“Allaahumaa innee 'a`udhu bika an adillaa aw udalaa aw azilla aw uzalla, aw ajhala or unjhala `alayya (O Allah, I certainly seek refuge in You from leading people astray or being led astray, from slipping up or being led to slip up, or acting foolishly or others acting foolishly towards me).”

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) reminded us that by praying thus we become protected, and empowered.

Love Poetry From an Islamic Perspective

Love Poetry From an Islamic Perspective

Question
Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. I write poetry and it may be published, but I need to know if it is OK to write poetry that it is not Islamic. Like for example love poems and friendship poems. I have been told many different things, and I thought it is best to ask somebody who has more experience. Jazakum Allahu khayran. ( Omar )

Answer
Wa`alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear brother in Islam, thanks a lot for your question, which reflects your care to have a clear view of the teachings of Islam. Allah commands Muslims to refer to knowledgeable people to become well-acquainted with the teachings of Islam in all aspects of life.

Poetry is an art that is part of every culture and every religion. Poetry in its absolute sense is not haram (unlawful). It can be used for good purposes and bad. It becomes haram only when it transcends the boundaries and guidelines set in Islam.

In his response to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states the following:

Poetry in general can never be described as either halal (lawful) or haram (unlawful) unconditionally, for it is not like any other medium or means of communication, electronic or print, or like any genre of literature, either fiction or non-fiction. As is the case with any of the above, its religious status (hukum shar`i) is solely dependent on its precise use, function, or purpose. When used for the specific purpose of conveying truth, upholding justice, spreading virtue and good, it is considered halal, or is even recommended or obligatory. If, on the other hand, it is used for disseminating falsehood, injustice, corruption, and evil, it is deemed haram.

The Qur'an was revealed in a milieu that considered poetry as the hallmark of literate Arabs. The Arabs cherished poetry very highly. The status of poetry then can be compared to that of television and newspapers in the contemporary world. Poets could bring down tribes or kingdoms, or bolster them and boost their fame and glory.

The poets in those days often used poetry for vulgar themes such as glorifying war, drinking orgies, and sexual exploits of women. The Qur'an criticizes poets who use poetry for profane purposes. However, the Qur'an never condemns poetry unconditionally; rather it singles out for praise the minority of poets who used poetry for promoting the cause of truth and sowing righteousness and virtue:

[And as for the poets – [they, too, are prone to deceive themselves: and so, only] those who are lost in grievous error would follow them. Art thou not aware that they roam confusedly through all the valleys [of words and thoughts], and that they [so often] say what they do not do [or feel]? [Most of them are of this kind –] save those who have attained to faith, and do righteous deeds, and remember God unceasingly, and defend themselves [only] after having been wronged, and [trust in God's promise that] those who are bent on wrongdoing will in time come to know how evil a turn their destinies are bound to take!] (Ash-Shu`araa' 26:224-227)

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) enlisted some of the best poets of the time in the service of truth. He not only approved of their work; he went a step further to say that they were being supported in their work by the Holy Spirit.

Examples of poetry in the service of God, spirituality, and ethics are the following:
Burdah of Imam Busiri; poetry of Mawlana Jalal ad-Din ar-Rumi; poetry of Allamah Iqbal.The latter considered Rumi his mentor who was instrumental in turning him away from the sway of materialism to the path of spirituality. By reflecting on the poetry of the above luminaries, you can surely turn poetry into a means of guiding people to Allah. Profane poetry may temporarily satisfy the carnal soul, but it will definitely render the spiritual soul sick or dead. On the other hand, the poetry we mentioned above continues to nourish souls and sustain them. So you can never go wrong in following their role model.

May Allah guide us unto the truth, guide others through us, and make us all instruments of guidance. Ameen.

Speaking With Women for Social and Friendship Purposes

Speaking With Women for Social and Friendship Purposes

Question
Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. I have tried to convince my husband that it is haram to speak with the other women for social and friendship purposes, although they are university colleagues. However, he doesn't seem to realize the importance of this issue and the problems it causes between us. I trust that there is no bad intention in his mind, but it still bothers me. What can I do to help him and myself ? Jazakum Allahu khayran. ( Question By : Shaima )

Answer
Wa`alaykum as-salamu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dear questioner, we would like to thank you for the great confidence you place in us, we implore Allah Almighty to help us serve His cause and render our work for His Sake.

In principle, contacts between men and women are not totally rejected; rather, they are recommended as long as the intentions are pure and the subject of conversation is lawful and involves either beneficial knowledge, good work, charitable project, jihad, or many other deeds that require efforts and cooperation from both sexes.However, this by no means calls for the transgression of limits or forgetting about the nature of both sexes. In all their dealings, both men and women should abide by the teachings of Islam that call for cooperation on the basis of goodness and piety, while at the same time, they should observe the rules of morality and politeness.

In his response to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states the following:

There is no harm if your husband is establishing business-like contacts with his colleagues at work or university, strictly for professional reasons, provided that he keeps his interaction with members of the opposite sex within the bounds of Islamic ethics. Islam teaches that it is never allowed for a male and a female to be isolated in a private location; this forbidden isolation also includes phone and Internet conversations.

Therefore, if your husband's relations with members of the opposite sex go beyond the acceptable limits, then of course your concerns are perfectly valid. He is certainly violating the laws of Allah if he pursues carefree, social relations with members of the opposite sex. Such unrestrained contacts fall under the category of the forbidden khalwah (isolating oneself with a member of the opposite sex). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "No man shall be isolated with a woman (with whom he is not related in blood or marriage)" (Al-Bukhari, Muslim, and At-Tirmidhi). He also told us that Satan runs through the veins of the sons of Adam. In other words, such practices may inadvertently lead to temptations.

Thus, those who break the laws of Allah will eventually hurt themselves. It is therefore your responsibility as a caring wife to advise your husband to put an end to this practice immediately. Ask him if he would be comfortable if you were to establish contacts of a similar nature with other men?

You may advise him to ponder the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), "Wise people are those who subdue their carnal soul (by obeying Allah's laws) and work for life after death, whereas foolish people are those who do what their carnal soul dictates, and yet vainly hopes for the mercy of Allah" (At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, Ahmad, and others).

The laws of Allah are intended to protect us from our own carnal souls, which may lead us into sins. So you have every right to be concerned about your husband's behavior. May Allah help us guard against the evil inclinations inherent in our souls. Ameen.

JEANS for girls

JEANS for girls

Question

1. I am a new convert and I am having issues on dressing moderately. At the moment, I do not have the means to be able to get new clothing, and I'm very confused if what I do have is appropriate because I do have to leave the house a lot.Mostly, I have just T-shirts and jeans, not even any long-sleeved shirts. For the time being, is this alright? This has really been confusing me as every Muslim I talk to says something different. Thank you so much. ( Question By : Fatima- England )

2. Actualy I wear jeans and peaple says me that u should wear suit but jeans is long and i wear long and lose top which covers my back also and I sometimes use muffler also. It covers everything like suit then also some people says that jeans and all are male dress, but acording to islam suit is not islamic dress bcoz its punjabi. In saudia nobody wears suit. I want some sugestions from u that cant i wear jeans and if the answer is no or yes then why ? ( Question By : Sara- N-Delhi, India)

Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Sisters, we are very happy to receive your questions and see how far our Muslim sisters are concerned about the ethics of their religion.

First of all, it should be clear that Islamic dress code for women is primarily intended to safeguard their modesty, dignity, and honor. Though Islam doesn't force women to wear a specific style or type of clothes, it declares some conditions that the Muslim woman dress should meet. While abiding by these Islamic ethics, a woman can still choose good-looking and comfortable clothes.

New Muslims should try their best to adopt Islamic ethics and morals. They will be greatly rewarded by Allah for their patience and forbearance.

Responding to your question, Wael `Abdel-Mut`aal Shihab is the Deputy of the Managing Editor of the IOL Shari`ah Department (Eng.). He graduated from Al-Azhar University, and got his M. A. from Al-Azhar in Islamic Studies, major on Islamic Jurisprudence and Its Principles. Now, he is working on his Ph. D. on the Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence at Al-Azhar university, states,

Sisters, thank you for your question. We welcome you to Islam among your Muslim brothers and sisters.Regarding your question, as a Muslim, you should wear proper clothes that meet the Shari`ah conditions. In case you are not able to buy new clothes that meet the requirements of hijab, try to pick and choose from among your clothes what is suitable and acceptable. You will be greatly rewarded by Allah for abiding by these ethics. Following are the requirements that your clothes should meet:

1. They should cover all your body with the exception of the hands and face.
2. They should not be transparent or revealing.
3. They should not be tight in a way that shows your body features; the clothes should be loose-fitting.
4. They should not be clothes that are peculiar to men in your community; women should not wear clothes that are known to be worn only by men and vice versa.

Having stated the above, it should be clear that Islam does not ask women to wear a specific style or type of clothes. Hence, any clothes that you wear which meet the above requirements—whether it is one, two, or three pieces, or it is made of jeans, cotton, or polyester—are acceptable.

Sister, if you don’t have the means to buy new clothes that meet the above conditions, then you can easily choose from your clothes what could meet these conditions. I am sure that you can successfully do that in a convenient way.

Moreover, avoid clothes that don't meet the above conditions; they are not proper for you.

Sister, though it might be difficult, especially at the beginning, to make that shift in your dress style, bear in mind that you will be greatly rewarded and blessed by Allah for abiding by the Islamic ethics.