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. ( Question By : Hind )

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.

Excerpted with slight modifications from islam.ca

Husband Doesn't Pray: What to Do ?

Husband Doesn't Pray: What to Do ?

Question
Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. My husband doesn't pray. Every time I talk to him about prayer, he tells me that as long as he doesn't drink or commit adultery, then he's a good Muslim. I keep telling him about the importance of prayer, but he doesn't seem to misunderstand the broader picture.Can you help me with some arguments ? Jazakum Allahu Khayran. ( Question By : Mona - United States )

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 concern about Islam and its teachings. Also, we appreciate the confidence you have in us and implore Almighty Allah to bless your efforts in pursuit of knowledge.

There is no doubt that neglecting prayers out of laziness is one of the most heinous sins in Islam. Indeed, salah is the second pillar of Islam after the two Testifications of Faith (testifying that there is no true god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah). Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no true god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, performing salah, paying the zakah, making the pilgrimage (Hajj) to the Sacred House, and fasting the month of Ramadan" (Reported by Al-Bukhari).

So, you are advised, dear sister, to do your best to help your husband come back to the right path and understand the essence and importance of Prayer. Try to do that in a wise and kind way seeking the help of the imam of a nearby Islamic center, friends, or influential family members.

In his response to your question, Sheikh Muhammad Nur Abdullah, former president of ISNA (the Islamic Society of North America) and member of the Fiqh Council of North America, stated,

Salah is the second pillar of Islam. It is the distinction between Islam and disbelief. It is reported that "the first thing a person will be asked about on the Day of Judgment is whether he or she fulfiled his or her duty toward salah; if it is good, the rest of his or her deeds would be good; but if it is bad, the rest of his or her deeds would be bad." And the Qur'an, when addressing believers, frequently repeats the command to "establish Prayers."

You should tell your husband that Allah has commanded us to perform certain obligations and refrain from certain prohibitions. We must, therefore, fulfill our obligations and abstain from forbidden acts. Adultery (zina ) and drinking alcohol are forbidden acts; the Prayer is on the top of the obligatory acts.

Keep trying and be gentle in your approach. May Allah guide him to the right path.

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.

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.

Men and Women's Prayer

Men and Women's Prayer

Question
Respected scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. Is there any difference between the performance of salah of men and women, such as in standing or sitting, takbir or tahrima? How important is it to follow these rules if there are any such rules at all? If there are differences, why are they? Are they mentioned in the Qur'an? What are the differences IF there are any? Jazakum Allahu khayran. ( Question By Ola - Canada )

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, thanks a lot for your question, which reflects your care about the main pillar of Islam, Prayer. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Islam has been built on five pillars: to testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; to perform daily Prayers (Salah); to pay the poor-due (zakah); to fast in Ramadan; and to perform Pilgrimage (Hajj) to the Sacred Mosque in Makkah, if one is financially and physically able" (Al-Bukhari).

The general principle is that women are equal to men in all religious rulings because of the hadith "Women are counterparts of men" (Ahmad), except when there is evidence of a specific ruling that applies only to women.

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 are no major differences between men and women in the manner and method of performance of Prayer. If there had been such differences, then it is more than likely that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would not have been silent on this issue. It is our understanding that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) clearly and precisely spelled out for us the essential requirements of our religion.

However, there are minor points that have been cited by scholars as constituting a difference of some sort between males and females in this matter; differences are due to the physiology of women and their need for privacy and confidentiality in order to preserve intact their God-given dignity and honor.

1. While in ruku` (bowing) a man is to stretch out his arms slightly on his sides. Women, however, are exempt from this requirement, as they are supposed to close them in as reported by `A'ishah.

2. In sujud (prostrating), while men are supposed to distance their tummy from their thighs and stretch out their arms slightly, women, again, are supposed to close them.

There are some other points cited in the works of fiqh. There is no consensus among jurists and scholars regarding them, so they are at best controversial. The reason for this is a lack of any firm support in the authentic sources.

May Allah grant us all the wisdom to keep the pristine purity of the Islamic acts of worship without any tampering and interference by whimsical human opinions. Ameen.

Entering the Mosque in a School Uniform

Entering the Mosque in a School Uniform

Question
Sometimes, I'm afraid I will miss my prayer when I reach home from school. One who enters the mosque should be in proper attire. What can I do to be able to enter the mosque when I wear my school uniform (shirt and skirt) ?

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 earnestly implore Allah to guide us all to the best and easiest ways by which we can apply the teachings of Islam and carry out our religious duties as ordained by Allah.

All Muslim women should try their best to stick to the Islamic dress code in public and to take special consideration of their outward appearance when entering a mosque. In addition, every Muslim is required by Islam to perform daily prayers on time.

Responding to the question, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore states the following:

Performing prayer on time has higher priority than being worried because of wearing a skirt such as your school uniform. Thus, you should strive to perform your prayer on time, even though it means you have to enter a mosque wearing a school uniform. What we can advise you is to carry a long light-weight skirt and put it on over your uniform in the mosque. And if you can bring along something like a long-sleeved sweater and a tudung (hijab) that will be much better. Or better, bring a long head covering that covers the arms. But if that is impossible, you may approach the mosque attendant and explain to him your situation that you will be performing your prayer there on a regular basis. We are sure the attendant will allow you to keep prayer clothes there that will cover your `awrah.

Is Tarawih Mandatory on Women ?

Is Tarawih Mandatory on Women ?

Question
Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Is Tarawih mandatory on women? Is it a confirmed Sunnah? Can you please shed some light on this issue for women who can’t go to the mosque for some reasons? Must they perform Tarawih as compulsory prayer, or is it nafl (supererogatory)? Jazakum Allah khayran. ( Question : Hiba - Alaska )


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.Ramadan is the month of the Qur'an, fasting, and qiayam (staying in late night vigilance praying). Ramadan comes to Muslims with mercy, release from sins, patience, and spiritual nourishment and hygiene. Fasting in Ramadan is not a punishment but a way to perfect our behavior, to sharpen our sense of responsibility, and to be more united.

In his response to the question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:
According to the consensus of Muslim scholars, Tarawih is not considered mandatory on either men or women. Rather, it is only considered a recommended act. There is no evidence in the sources to make it obligatory. As far as I know, no jurist or imam has expressed such an opinion.Tarawih can be performed individually at home or at the mosque. If for some reason you cannot go to the mosque, you can pray Tarawih at home.We know from the traditions that the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and other companions often used to pray Tarawih at home. Some of them even opened the Qur'an and read from it while performing Tarawih.Based on the above, if you are not able to go to the mosque, you would not be deprived of the reward or blessings if you were to perform it at home.

Moreover, the prominent Muslim scholar Dr. Muhammad Abu Laylah, professor of the Islamic Studies & Comparative Religions at Al-Azhar Univ., adds:
Tarawih prayer is a Sunnah and to do it in a Mosque is also a Sunnah.Women and even children should attend it at the Mosque because it displays the unity among Muslims and cements their relationships.Remember that we should honor the month of Ramadan to the utmost of our ability because in this month the Qur'an which is our light, guide, and legal and spiritual force was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

Women Performing Funeral Prayer

Women Performing Funeral Prayer

Question
As-Salamu `Alaykum. What is the Islamic ruling concerning Muslim women praying Funeral Prayer?

Answer
Wa`alaykum As-Salaamu Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
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, thank you very much for having confidence in us, and we hope our efforts, which are purely for Allah's Sake, meet your expectations. In his response to the question, Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, former president of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), states the following:

“Some people think that Muslim women are not allowed to perform the Funeral Prayer or Salatul Janazah. There is no basis for this belief. Both Muslim men and women are urged to perform Funeral Prayer for those who die among them. It is the right of the deceased Muslim upon those who are living that they take good care of him. The Funeral Prayer is a collective obligation or Fard Kifayah for men. If a person dies in a community and some people among them perform the Janazah Prayer for the deceased, then all others have no blame. But if no one in the community performs it then the sin of this negligence will fall on the whole community.

Islam does not insist that women must come out for the Janazah Prayer, but if they are available then they should join other Muslims in the prayers. Of course, like other prayers, this Janazah Prayer also requires purification or Taharah and ablution. Women during their menses are not allowed to perform the Janazah Prayer. When we perform the Janazah Prayers we do not only seek Allah’s Blessings and Forgiveness for the Muslim male or female who passed away, but we also receive the Blessings of Allah for our own selves. It is important that more and more Muslims attend the Janazah Prayers of other Muslims. Abu-Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, quoted the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, as saying:"(A believer) who accompanies the funeral procession of a Muslim out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's reward and remains with it till the funeral prayer is offered and the burial ceremonies are over, he will return with a reward of two Qirats. Each Qirat is like the size of the (Mount) Uhud. He who offers the funeral prayer only and returns before the burial, will return with the reward of one Qirat only.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari)” If you have any further comments, please don't hesitate to write back! May Allah guide you to the straight path, and guide you to that which pleases Him, Amen.

Wearing Jewelry During Ihram

Wearing Jewelry During Ihram

Question
Respected scholars, as-salamu`alaykum warahmatullah.
After a week, in sha' Allah, I will be traveling to perform `Umrah, and I have gold jewelry to wear as adornments. So, is it permissible for me to wear it during my ihram?Thanks for your efforts.

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.

Sister, thanks for your question. Your keenness to learn more about the rulings of `Umrah is commendable; may Allah help you to perform it and reward you best for practicing such an important act of worship.

The majority of Muslim jurists find no harm for a woman to wear jewelry during ihram, unless it is used for tempting or grabbing attention of men.

In response to your question, Dr. `Abdul-Kareem Zidan, professor of Shari`ah at Baghdad University , states the following,

It is permissible for a woman to wear any jewelry during ihram, as it has been reported by Al-Bukhari that `A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) did not find any harm in wearing jewelry for a muhrimah (a woman who is in the state of ihram).

In addition, it is stated in Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudamah that Imam Ahmad reported that Nafi` said, "Ibn `Umar's wives and daughters used to wear jewelry and dresses dyed with safflower during ihram, and he used not to contest their action." Imam Ahmad also reported — as mentioned in Al-Mughni — that `A'ishah elaborated that a woman can wear in ihram whatever she used to wear when she is not in state of ihram, such as silk and jewelry.

Thus, the Hanbali school of thought — as far as I could conclude — allows wearing jewelry by women during ihram, as it is reported by Hanbal that Imam Ahmad said, "A muhrimah can wear jewelry and clothes dyed with safflower."

Likewise, Malikis and Hanafis adopt the same view based on the juristic ruling that wearing jewelry is a permissible adornment, and a muhrimah is not prohibited from wearing adornments, along with the proofs that maintain the permissibility of wearing jewelry.

Shedding more light on this issue, Mahmoud Isma`il, the editor of Hajj and `Umrah counsels at IslamOnline.net's Arabic website, states,

The majority of Muslim jurists rule that wearing jewelry by women during ihram is permissible; however, we must differentiate between wearing adornments that are permissible according to the boundaries of Shari`ah and wearing jewelry with the intention of exposing it in front of men — other than the husband or mahrams— for temptation and/or grabbing attention, which is impermissible in general whether at the time of ihram or otherwise.Wearing jewelry for unlawful goals is worse during ihram and inside the Sacred House of Allah.

Seeking Husband's Permission to Go to Hajj: Necessary?

Seeking Husband's Permission to Go to Hajj: Necessary ?


Question
Can a Muslim woman perform Hajj without seeking the permission of her husband ?

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 sister in Islam, thanks for your question, which emanates form a God-fearing heart, since it shows your commitment to Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no true god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, performing Prayer, paying the Zakah, making the pilgrimage to the Sacred House (Hajj), and fasting the month of Ramadan.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari) Also, we’d would like to commend your pursuit of Islamic counseling.

As for your question, we’d cite the following from Sheikh Sayyed Sabiq’s Fiqh-us-Sunnah:

“It is mandub (recommended) for a woman to seek her husband's permission for performing wajib (obligatory) Hajj. If he grants her the permission she may leave for Hajj, but if he refuses she may still proceed for Hajj, for a husband is not supposed to deny his wife the right to perform the obligatory Hajj. Hajj is an obligatory act of worship, and such it is unlawful to obey the husband at the expense of disobeying Allah the Almighty. A woman should perform obligatory Hajj as soon as possible, just as she should offer her prescribed daily prayers at their earliest appointed times. In either case a husband has no right to prevent his wife from doing what is her obligatory duty.

The same applies when a wife has vowed a Hajj, because it is mandatory like the obligatory Hajj.

However, in case of nafl (voluntary) Hajj (i.e. Hajj performed after the first time), the husband may prevent his wife from going, and the wife must obey her husband. This is supported by a hadith reported by Ad-Daraqutni on the authority of Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) who narrated that while speaking about a wealthy lady whose husband had refused to give her permission to perform Hajj, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "She must not go for Hajj except by her husband's permission.” ”

Should a Wife Wait for Her Husband Before She Goes for Hajj?

Should a Wife Wait for Her Husband Before She Goes for Hajj ?

Question
Respected sheikh, as-salamu `alaykum. I performed Hajj before I married, al-hamdulillah. Now my wife wants to perform Hajj, and I have other important financial obligations (children's education and so on). Is Hajj fard (obligatory) on her in this situation? If not, does she have to wait? If she has enough money for herself only, and I do not have sufficient money for the Hajj expenses for myself and four children (since we cannot leave them here, as we do not have any close relatives here), will the Hajj still be fard on her, or does she have to wait till I, as the mahram, can also afford to accompany her? Jazaka Allahu Khayran for your answer.

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.

Brother, thanks for your question, and your concern about your wife and your family.

If your wife has enough money to perform Hajj, it is obligatory upon her to do so. She is not advised to delay performing Hajj and should offer it as soon as possible. She may go in the company of trustworthy women who have their own mahrams (a non-marriageable male relative) or husbands, with whom her safety is assured.

In his response to your question, Sheikh Muhammad Nur `Abdullah, former president of the ISNA (Islamic Society of North America) and member of the Fiqh Council of North America, states:

I don’t believe she has to wait until you can afford to accompany her. If she has a sufficient amount of money for her Hajj expenses, she can join a company of trustworthy and reliable Muslim sisters who are also going to perform Hajj.

In this case, you can stay home with the children and allow your wife to go and fulfill her religious obligation. The problem that many people face is that they continue delaying it for ongoing reasons that do not seem to end. A Muslim never knows what might happen and when he is going to meet his Lord.

Woman Acting as President of the Mosque

Woman Acting as President of the Mosque

Question

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Can a Muslim womaan be president of the mosque? If so, how would she assume her duties at times of menses? I heard that menstruating women cannot enter the mosque. 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 that 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, there is nothing wrong in a woman taking over the leadership of administrative and financial affairs and necessities of a mosque or to be a director of an Islamic Center. As for a menstruating woman attending the mosque, this is a controversial issue among Muslim jurists and the most correct opinion is that it is permissible as there is no authentic text to forbid menstruating women from attending the mosque and most mosques today have offices and adjacent rooms other than the prayer hall.

In his response to your question, Sheikh Mohamed El-Moctar El-Shinqiti, director of the Islamic Center of South Plains, Lubbock, Texas, the US, stated,

There is no impediment for a woman to be a president of the mosque, i.e. to take over the leadership of administrative and financial affairs and other mosque necessities. Many Muslim women in the past built mosques as part of the Islamic waqf (Arabic for: endowment) system, and they used to have the final say in choosing imams, teachers, and other employees of the mosque, as well as handling the mosque's finances. This is similar to what any director of an Islamic center in North America does nowadays.

As for menstruating women entering the mosque, it is a controversial issue in Islamic jurisprudence. The Hanbali School, for example, do not see a problem with women attending the mosque while in their cycle. Some of those who opposed to women entering the mosque during menstruation based their argument on the fear of contaminating the mosque, which is easy to avoid nowadays.

In general, there is no authentic text to forbid menstruating women from attending the mosque. But the hadith encouraging menstruating women to attend the `Eid Prayers, states that they should avoid the Prayer area.Anyway, most of the masajid (Arabic for: mosques) today, especially those in Western countries, have offices and halls outside the prayer area.

Anyway, most of the masajid (Arabic for: mosques) today, especially those in Western countries, have offices and halls outside the prayer area.

Differences between Men and Women in Prayer

Differences between Men and Women in Prayer

Question
Dear Sheikh, As-Salaam `Alakum wa Rahmatuallah wa Barakatuh. Is there any evidence that woman's manner of performing the Prayer is somehow different from that of man?

Answer
Wa`alykum As-Salamu Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

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.

Sister in Islam, thanks a lot for your question, which reflects your care about the main pillar of Islam, Prayer. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him said: "Islam has been built on five pillars: to testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; to perform daily Prayers (Salah); to pay the poor-due (Zakah); to fast in Ramadan; and to perform Pilgrimage (Hajj) to the Sacred Mosque in Makkah, if one is financially and physically able.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari) In another Hadith, he said, “Prayer is the cornerstone of Islam…”

Answering your question, Sheikh M. S. Al-Munajjid, a prominent Saudi Muslim lecturer and author, states:

“The general principle is that women are equal to men in all religious rulings, because of the Hadith: "Women are counterparts of men." (Reported by Ahmad), except when there is evidence of a specific ruling which applies only to women. One of the cases in which the scholars mention specific rules for women is Prayer, as follows:

1. Women do not have to give Adhan (call to Prayer) or Iqamah (second call to Prayer). Ibn Qudamah, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "We don’t know any difference between Muslim scholars (on this point)." (Al-Mughni ma`a Ash-Sharh Al-Kabir, 1/438).

2. All of the woman’s body must be covered during Prayer, except for her face and hands, because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "No prayer will be accepted from an adult woman unless she wears a Khimar.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari) There is some dispute as to whether her heels and feet should be covered.

3. The woman should keep her limbs close to her body during bowing and prostration, and not spread them out, because this is more modest and covering. (Al-Mughni, 2/258) Al-Nawawi said: "In his Al-Mukhtasar, Ash-Shafi`i said that there is no difference between men and women in Prayer, except that women should keep the parts of their bodies close to one another, and they should make their stomachs touch their thighs during prostration. This is more covering and preferable in bowing and the rest of the Prayer as well." (Al-Majmu`, 3/429)

4. It is preferable for women to pray in congregation, led by another woman, because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, told Umm Waraqah to lead the women of her household in Prayer. There is some difference among scholars on this matter. (See Al-Mughni, 2/202 and Al-Majmu`, 4/84-85) The woman leading the Prayer should read aloud as long as no non-mahram man can hear her. It is permissible for women to go out and pray in the mosque with men, although their Prayer at home is better, because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Do not prevent the women from going out to the mosques, even though their homes are better for them."

Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "Women differ from men in congregational Prayer in some ways:

a) Congregational Prayer is not required of them in the same way as it is of men.

b) In case a woman leads a group of women in Prayer, she stands in the middle of the (first) row.

c) If one woman led by a man, she should stand behind him, not next to him.

d) If women are praying in rows behind men, the back rows are better for them than the front rows.” (Al-Majmu`, 3/455)”

Moreover, the following are some other differences: “1. When the Imam makes a mistake in a congregational Prayer, men would correct him by saying, “Subhanallah”, while women would correct him by clapping (some describe it as clapping the palm of one hand against the back of the other). This is confirmed in a well-known Hadith.

2. The Friday Prayer is not obligatory upon women. If a woman performs the Friday Prayer, then she doesn't have to pray the Zuhr Prayer.”