Wife's Work & Family Duties

Wife's Work & Family Duties

Question
Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. How should an educated Muslim woman make advantages of her university degree, especially if it is from an international university, without affecting her duties as a wife and a mother ? Jazakum Allahu khayran. ( Heba - United Kingdom )

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, thank you for your interest in getting better acquainted with the teachings of Islam.

In Islam, the status of women is unique and unprecedented. Islam honors women as mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives. Muslim women should make use of their university degree, but only in a way that does not affect her family in a negative way. They should strike a balance between work and family obligations and should never neglect their essential role as wives and mothers.

Responding to the question, Zainab Al-Alwani, instructor of fiqh and Islamic studies, Graduate School of Islamic and Social Sciences, Leesburg, Virginia, states the following:

This is a very important question because people tend to solve it by going to the extremes. Educated Muslim women should make use of their university degree, but only in a way that does not affect their family in a negative way. Educated women should consider:

1. Choosing a job that suits her situation. They shouldn't take a difficult job that exhausts them and makes them neglect their duties towards their husband and children.

2. Choosing to work less hours. This may allow them to spend more time with their family.

3. Choosing a job with flexibility. This may give them a chance to adjust their work schedule according to their family responsibilities.In brief, Muslim women should strike a balance between work and family obligations and they should never neglect their essential role as a wife and mother.

Films and Drama in the Islamic Perspective

Films and Drama in the Islamic Perspective

Question
As-Salamu `alaykum! What does Islam say on watching or making films, drama that are void of licentious scenes and deal with war, heroism, etc. ? ( Question : Marzouq - India )

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, we commend your eagerness to become well acquainted with Islam and its teachings, which is the way Allah has chosen for the welfare of His servants.

As regards your question, we would like to say that basically watching films, plays and artistic works is permissible as long as they do not present what is contrary to Islamic teachings. Art that provokes vices and temptation is prohibited.

It is permissible to watch films that uphold virtue, morality and humane principles while maintaining the rule of lowering gazes. Islam does not go against beautiful art. On the contrary, it always encourages art that agree with pure humane nature. Art is an effective tool which could be placed at the head of the good deeds in our world only if it is perfectly used. That is why Muslims should not ignore this field, leaving it to enemies of religion and humanity.

It becomes incumbent upon all Muslim intelligentsia to make use of what Allah endows them with in reforming society. We greatly need, through films or serials, to remind the new generation about the heroic lives of Muslim reformers and scholars. Moreover, society is in great need to present good morals, history of Islam, and to provide solutions for its problems through works of art that strongly affect different classes in society.

Focusing more on the question, the late Sheikh Ahmad Ash-Sharabaasi, a prominent Azharite scholar says:

"Movie, unlike theatrical works, depends more on pictures. According to actors, acting aims at analyzing life experiences. It depicts faults as something to be avoided and highly praises virtue and calls people to adhere to it. It exposes lessons and experiences in a way that makes the message presented indirectly, through inspiration. As long as acting, either cinematic or theatrical, achieves this aim, presents morality and good taste, does not reveal private parts or provokes sexual instincts , it is deemed lawful as religion does not prohibit this kind of acting.

However, it is prohibited to watch x-rated movies or plays, as well as any form of acting that attacks religion and virtue, encourages vices, and presents what is prohibited, for this kind of acting spreads evil and corruption. This is based on the juristic rule that what leads to something prohibited is in itself prohibited, and we are ordered to block all channels of evil.

Concerning movie in particular, Al-Azhar scholars consider it a double-edged weapon, as some people use it in proper way to benefit the whole nation, upholding religion and good manners, while others misuse it, by encouraging crimes, vices, and stirring sensual, psychological, ethical and social corruption in the society.

What we need now is to employ this sophisticated technology in the service of religion, airing ethical values and spiritual principles, as well as filling the mind of the new generation with patriotism. Al-Azhar scholars urge film directors all over the world to respond to the call of religion, morality, and patriotism and produce pure and serious films that could strengthen principles of good and virtue in man. They also urge the filmmakers to encourage building social relations among people, based on religious principles, for this will help in developing art."

A Woman Traveling for Conferences without a Mahram

A Woman Traveling for Conferences without a Mahram

Question
As-Salamu `alaykum wa rahamatullahi wa barakatuhu. My wife, who is a university lecturer (and a new Muslim), occasionally needs to travel abroad for conferences related to her area of research (i.e., the perception of Islam in the West). Given that I am unable to travel with her for personal reasons (work, financial, children) and that we live in a non-Muslim country, the only options available to us are that she travels on her own or with her female colleagues. Is the latter acceptable in Islam? If it is not, can you please explain whether or not the prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) hadith that, “There will come a time when a woman will ride her camel to Iraq from Madinah on her own in total security” is of value here? It seems to me that the prohibition of women traveling without mahrams is related to safety, according to this hadith. Your advice will be much appreciated and may Allah reward you. ( Question By : Amin - 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 brother in Islam, thanks a lot for your interest about Islam and its teachings. We do really appreciate your question which shows how far you are interested about adherence to the dictates of Shari`ah. May Allah save us all from the traps of Satan and enlighten our hearts with the light of Islam!

Regarding your question, it should be clear that Islam cares for the dignity and honor of the woman. Because of her weakness and vulnerability to being targeted by vile men, Islam is keen to close the doors to such situations by insisting that a woman should not travel long distances or stay away from home by herself unless she has taken adequate measures to ensure her protection.

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

"Islamic laws are always based on tangible purposes, benefits and wisdom for humankind. Therefore, the interdict against a woman traveling by herself is intended to ensure her honor and dignity; it is not in any way intended to restrict her freedom of movement or prevent her from attaining her full potential.

It is in this spirit that many scholars and jurists, even in the early days, understood the interdict of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) concerning a woman traveling. That is why they said that she can travel in the company of women or any safe company. The Prophet's hadith quoted above can definitely be taken to indicate that the safety of the woman is the major issue; so there is nothing preventing women from traveling if the way is considered to be safe and if there is no fear of molestation.

Today's planes and public transportation provide sufficient protection. They are far safer than traveling in the desert. Even in the latter cases, pious Muslim women did not hesitate to travel with a group that would ensure her safety. So I do not see any reason why your wife should hesitate to travel, provided she has taken all necessary precautions, and that she places her trust in Allah after having done her best, so as to provide the essential service that she offers the community.”

Any Restrictions on Women Going Out ?

Any Restrictions on Women Going Out ?

Question
Respected scholars, As-Salamu `Alaykum. I am a sister who lives in Canada. I was wondering if it's permissible for women to go out, especially, if it's with good Muslim sisters or to an event held by an MSA (Muslim Student Association). If there's nothing wrong with it, how can I explain to my parents that there's nothing wrong with it ? Jazakum Allahu khayran. (Question By Mai )

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, 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 cares for the dignity and honor of women. In order to protect women, Islam insists that women should not travel long distances or stay away from home by themselves unless they have taken adequate safeguards for their own protection.

So if a Muslim woman has a genuine reason to travel and there is no mahram who can accompany her, then she is allowed to travel without a mahram — provided that she has taken all the necessary precautions for her safety and security during the course of her journey.

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:

Women are free to go out as long as they feel safe to do so. There is nothing in the Islamic sources to restrain the freedom of movement of women as long as they feel safe. The only restriction is that when and where it is unsafe to do so, women should venture out only while being accompanied by a mahram or in safe company of other women. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) never restricted women's movements. He only told them that they should not travel a journey of three days and three nights without a mahram. This was because of the safety issue, for molestation and kidnapping were all too common in the unsafe conditions of Arabia at the time, where the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) began his mission. Making Arabia safe for women was an issue of utmost concern for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) even in the early days of his mission. This fact is clear from a statement he made in Makkah: "I will continue to struggle with this mission until a woman can travel freely all by herself without any fear of molestation!" We must remember while making the above statement, he and his followers were being persecuted by the Makkans.

Furthermore, we also learn from the authentic Sunnah and the biography of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that women Companions of the Prophet were not confined to their homes; rather, they used to go around doing their business in the city. It is well known that the second caliph, `Umar, appointed a woman called Ash-Shifaa' as a supervisor of markets in Madinah. How could he do so if women were supposed to be confined to their homes? We also know that even the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) were accustomed to travel for Hajj and `Umrah without mahram in the safe company of other women. No one can fault the most honorable Mothers of the Faithful (may Allah be pleased with them all) for ignorance of such vital rules of Islam, including rules of travel for women. Among the wives of the Prophet who traveled were `A'ishah and Umm Salamah, who were considered unsurpassed in their expert knowledge of Hadith and fiqh.

It is therefore unreasonable on the part of any parent or husband to insist that his daughter or wife cannot travel to attend classes or conferences or beneficial gatherings to enhance their education and career. The case you have mentioned is a perfectly justified one.

Having said this, however, let me rush to add this: Try to have a free and frank discussion with your dad. You may refer him to this answer. He can also seek clarification from other qualified scholars in the city on the issue.

I pray to Allah to grant us discernment and rectitude in words and actions. Ameen.

Women Working as TV Announcers

Women Working as TV Announcers

Question
Salamu `Alaykum. I am an Egyptian girl. I love journalism very much. It is my major in the AUC. Could you please enlighten me on whether women are allowed to work as journalists or not? Can women also work as TV announcers?

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 sister in Islam, thank you very much for having confidence in us, and we hope our efforts, which are pure for Allah’s Sake, meet your expectations.

In Islam, women are the counterparts of men. Every Islamic injunction addressed to man is also addressed to woman. The Islamic law is gender neutral. Both men and women are permitted to work and seek Allah’s Provision. Allah Almighty says: “And their Lord hath heard them (and He saith): Lo! I suffer not the work of any worker, male or female, to be lost…” (Aal-`Imran: 195)

In her response to the question, Dr. Su`aad Ibrahim Salih, head of the department of Islamic Jurisprudence at the Girl’s College, Al-Azhar University, states the following:

“Basically, men and women are permitted to work. However, the prime obligation here is on men, as they are the breadwinners of the family.

Women, on the other hand, are permitted to work in public, if there is a necessity that warrants it. But in the context of her work, the Muslim woman has to keep away from what may jeopardize her religion and honor.

As regards working in Journalism, there is a possibility that a woman will find herself entangled in mixed social gatherings with different media-related sources and personnel, especially when she works as a correspondent, that’s why I think that it is better for a Muslim woman to avoid working in that field. This view is based on what is known in Islamic Jurisprudence as ‘blocking the means’ or Sad Adh-Dhara` (i.e. blocking the means leading to evil).

But in working as TV announcer, I say that there is nothing wrong in that as long as the announcer sticks to the Islamic dress code, avoids any form of illicit privacy or Khalwah, softening her voice beyond the normal, and avoiding wearing perfumes. This is based on the following Qur’anic verse: “O ye wives of the Prophet! Ye are not like any other women. If ye keep your duty (to Allah), then be not soft of speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease aspire (to you), but utter customary speech.” (Al-Ahzab: 32)