Watching Pornographic Movies

Watching Pornographic Movies

Question
As-Salamu `alaykum! Is watching pornographic movies haram (prohibited)? Please answer me as soon as possible! Jazakum Allahu Khayran. ( Question By Samir - Tonga )

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, 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.

In response to the question, Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, former president of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), states:

"Pornographic pictures and movies are haram (prohibited). Muslims should not watch, sell or make such movies. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: 'The eyes commit adultery, the tongue commits adultery, the hands commit adultery, the feet commit adultery and then the private parts confirm it or deny it.' (Reported by Ahmad Ibn Hanbal)

This means that watching pornographic movies, listening to such songs or singing them, using one’s hands and feet for this purpose, all these are sins that are related to Zina and then the final act of Zina takes place through haram intercourse. Of course haram intercourse is a major sin but that which leads to sin is also a sin. If one persists in a minor sin, it also becomes a major sin. Those who are involved in such addiction should repent sincerely and implore Allah earnestly to forgive them; they should pray to Allah to clean their hearts and give them the strength of resolution and protection from the Shaytan.
It is better for a person who is suffering from this addiction to stop watching TV for some time, until he gains control over himself. In addition, one should not leave obligatory prayers if one is involved in this sin. If one is involved in one sin, this does not mean that one should start other sins as well. One should try to get rid of sins, not to increase them.

Sometimes, people make promise to Allah and repent and then, under the influence of the Shaytan, they break their promises. It is for this reason that it is recommended that one should move from the place of sin or do something extra to get out of this vicious circle. It may be good to disconnect and put away the TV and VCR. This will remind one more about the promise made to Allah. As far as the punishment is concerned, I can say that sin is a serious matter and one should not take it lightly.

Only Allah knows what will be the punishment. May Allah protect us from sins and save us all from His wrath and punishment, Amen!"

Also on this issue, the prominent Muslim scholar,Sheikh `Abdul-Khaleq Hasan Ash-Shareef, adds:
"The person who watches such pornographic movies should repent to Allah sincerely and should not mosey around boasting about such nasty habit.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: 'All of my Ummah would not be punished except for those who crow over their sins (i.e., sins they commit in private).'

Hence, I advise those who are involved in such a sin to repent sincerely to Allah, keeping in mind that if one sincerely repents, Allah Almighty will accept his repentance and reward him generously."

Wife Beating in Islamic Perspective

Wife Beating in Islamic Perspective

Question
Respected scholars! Does Islam allow wife beating? Some husbands are violent and they say that the Qur'an allows them to beat their wives. Is there any logical explanation given regarding men being allowed to beat their wives, as stated in surat An-Nisa', verse 34 ? ( Question By Asif - New Zealand -Aotearoa )

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, 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.

The verse you mention has been greatly misconceived by many people who focus merely on its surface meaning, taking it to allow wife beating. When the setting is not taken into account, it isolates the words in a way that distorts or falsifies the original meaning. Before dealing with the issue of wife-battering in the perspective of Islam, we should keep in mind that the original Arabic wording of the Qur'an is the only authentic source of meaning. If one relies on the translation alone, one is likely to misunderstand it.

Commenting on this issue, Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, former President of the Islamic Society of North America, states:

"According to the Qur'an the relationship between the husband and wife should be based on mutual love and kindness. Allah says: "And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye 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: 21)

The Qur'an urges husbands to treat their wives with kindness. [In the event of a family dispute, the Qur'an exhorts the husband to treat his wife kindly and not to overlook her positive aspects].

Allah Almighty says: “Live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If ye take a dislike to them it may be that ye dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good.” (An-Nisa’: 19)It is important that a wife recognizes the authority of her husband in the house. He is the head of the household, and she is supposed to listen to him. But the husband should also use his authority with respect and kindness towards his wife. If there arises any disagreement or dispute among them, then it should be resolved in a peaceful manner.

Spouses should seek the counsel of their elders and other respectable family members and friends to batch up the rift and solve the differences.However, in some cases a husband may use some light disciplinary action in order to correct the moral infraction of his wife, but this is only applicable in extreme cases and it should be resorted to if one is sure it would improve the situation.

However, if there is a fear that it might worsen the relationship or may wreak havoc on him or the family, then he should avoid it completely.The Qur'an is very clear on this issue.

Almighty Allah says: "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more strength than the other, and because they support them from their means.

Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient and guard in the husband's absence what Allah would have them to guard. As to those women on whose part you fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (next), refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance); for Allah is most High and Great (above you all). If you fear a breach between them twain, appoint (two) arbiters, one from his family and the other from hers. If they wish for peace,

Allah will cause their reconciliation; for Allah has full knowledge and is acquainted with all things." (An-Nisa': 34-35)It is important to read the section fully. One should not take part of the verse and use it to justify one's own misconduct. This verse neither permits violence nor condones it. It guides us to ways to handle delicate family situation with care and wisdom.

The word "beating" is used in the verse, but it does not mean "physical abuse". The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) explained it "dharban ghayra mubarrih" which means "a light tap that leaves no mark". He further said that face must be avoided. Some other scholars are of the view that it is no more than a light touch by siwak, or toothbrush.

Generally, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to discourage his followers from taking even this measure. He never hit any female, and he used to say that the best of men are those who do not hit their wives. In one hadith he expressed his extreme repulsion from this behavior and said, "How does anyone of you beat his wife as he beats the stallion camel and then embrace (sleep with) her?” (Al-Bukhari, English Translation, vol. 8, Hadith 68, pp. 42-43)

It is also important to note that even this "light strike" mentioned in the verse is not to be used to correct some minor problem, but it is permissible to resort to only in a situation of some serious moral misconduct when admonishing the wife fails, and avoiding from sleeping with her would not help. If this disciplinary action can correct a situation and save the marriage, then one should use it."

Dr. Jamal Badawi, professor at Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and a cross-appointed faculty member in the Departments of Religious Studies and Management, adds:

"If the problem relates to the wife's behavior, the husband may exhort her and appeal for reason. In most cases, this measure is likely to be sufficient. In cases where the problem persists, the husband may express his displeasure in another peaceful manner, by sleeping in a separate bed from hers. There are cases, however, in which a wife persists in bad habits and showing contempt of her husband and disregard for her marital obligations. Instead of divorce, the husband may resort to another measure that may save the marriage, at least in some cases. Such a measure is more accurately described as a gentle tap on the body, but never on the face, making it more of a symbolic measure than a punitive one.

Even here, that maximum measure is limited by the following:
a. It must be seen as a rare exception to the repeated exhortation of mutual respect, kindness and good treatment. Based on the Qur'an and Hadith, this measure may be used in the cases of lewdness on the part of the wife or extreme refraction and rejection of the husband's reasonable requests on a consistent basis (nushuz). Even then, other measures, such as exhortation, should be tried first.

b. As defined by Hadith, it is not permissible to strike anyone's face, cause any bodily harm or even be harsh. What the Hadith qualifies as "dharban ghayra mubarrih", or light striking, was interpreted by early jurists as a (symbolic) use of siwak! They further qualified permissible "striking" as that which leaves no mark on the body. It is interesting that this latter fourteen-centuries-old qualifier is the criterion used in contemporary American law to separate a light and harmless tap or strike from "abuse" in the legal sense. This makes it clear that even this extreme, last resort, and "lesser of the two evils" measure that may save a marriage does not meet the definitions of "physical abuse," "family violence, " or "wife battering" in the 20th century law in liberal democracies, where such extremes are so commonplace that they are seen as national concerns.

c. The permissibility of such symbolic expression of the seriousness of continued refraction does not imply its desirability. In several hadiths, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) discouraged this measure. Here are some of his sayings in this regard:"Do not beat the female servants of Allah";"Some (women) visited my family complaining about their husbands (beating them). These (husbands) are not the best of you."In another hadith the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: “How does anyone of you beat his wife as he beats the stallion camel and then he may embrace (sleep with) her?”

d. True following of the Sunnah is to follow the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) who never resorted to that measure, regardless of the circumstances.

e. Islamic teachings are universal in nature. They respond to the needs and circumstances of diverse times, cultures and circumstances. Some measures may work in some cases and cultures or with certain persons but may not be effective in others. By definition, a "permissible" act is neither required, encouraged or forbidden. In fact it may be to spell out the extent of permissibility, such as in the issue at hand, rather than leaving it unrestricted or unqualified, or ignoring it all together. In the absence of strict qualifiers, persons may interpret the matter in their own way, which can lead to excesses and real abuse.

f. Any excess, cruelty, family violence, or abuse committed by any "Muslim" can never be traced, honestly, to any revelatory text (Qur'an or Hadith). Such excesses and violations are to be blamed on the person(s) himself, as it shows that they are paying lip service to Islamic teachings and injunctions and failing to follow the true Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)."

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.

Women Riding Bikes

Women Riding Bikes

Question
Dear scholars, as-Salamu `alaykum. I would like to know if a Muslim girl or woman can ride a bike as a means of transportation? Jazakum Allah khayran. ( Question By Amina - England)

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, may Allah reward you abundantly for your interest in knowing the teachings of your religion. We appreciate the great confidence you have in us, hoping that our efforts meet your expectations.

It is noteworthy that Islam deals with women on an equal footing with men. At the same time, Islam pays much more attention to protecting women against any harm. Islam sets certain rules in order to safeguard Muslim women against immorality and indecency and to preserve their chastity. Therefore, it requires women to stick to the Islamic code of dress and to observe haya’ (modesty) in their walk, speech, and conduct.

As regards riding bikes by women we'd like to state that riding bikes, cars and other means of transportation is in itself permissible. In the pre-Islamic era Arab women used to ride camels. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The best women who rode camels are the women of Quraysh. They are the best to show affection towards children and to care for their husbands' wealth."

Also, this practice may have something to do with the culture of a certain society. In some societies it is common that women use certain means of transportation rather than others. Islam doesn't reject cultures which don't conflict with the teachings of Islam. One of the distinguishing features of Islam is easiness. Allah Almighty says: (He hath chosen you and hath not laid upon you in religion any hardship) (Al-Hajj 22:78).

The only condition is that women should stick to the Islamic manners while riding the bike. She should abide by the Islamic code of dress and she should not sit on the same bike behind or in front of a non-Mahram male, for this leads to forbidden touching.

“If riding a bike or a horse is a common practice, if the horse or bike is the method of transportation in the local area, and if the woman can ride it without revealing any of her `awrah (parts of her body that should not be exposed in public), then the answer is yes, the woman may ride it.”

Having a Girl / Boy Friend: Permissible?

Having a Girl / Boy Friend: Permissible ?

Question
What Does Islam say about having girfriends or boyfriends ? ( Question By Jewan - 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.

Dear bother in Islam, thank you very much for having confidence in us, and we implore Allah to guide you to the best and to direct you to that which pleases Him, Amen.

It stands to reason that having a girlfriend is not the manner of a Muslim. It is forbidden for a male Muslim to have a girlfriend, as it is forbidden for a female Muslim to have a boyfriend.

Tackling this point in details, Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, former president of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) states:

Muslims should have good relations with all people, males as well as females, at school, at work, in you neighborhood etc. You should be kind and courteous to everyone. However, it is not allowed in Islam to take a non-mahram person or persons of the opposite gender as a very close friend. Such friendship often leads to haram.

In the Qur’an, Allah mentioned that good men and women are those who marry, do not have fornicating relationships and do not have "paramours" or Akhdan see An-Nisaa’: 25, Al-Ma'idah: 5). Akhdan are "sweethearts" or for a man a "mistress" and for a woman a "lover".

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upom him, is reported to have stated that “whenever two strangers of the opposite gender are alone with each other, Satan becomes the third one between them.” (At-Tirmidhi)” So it is not allowed for a Muslim boy to have a girlfriend or for a Muslim girl to have a boyfriend.

Howsoever pure your intentions may be, the danger is that it will lead you to sin. Or at least you will be alone with each other and spend more time together. Thus, you should be friendly with your classmates, boys and girls both; but do not take a girl as your intimate friend. Of course, homosexuality is also forbidden in Islam. So do not take a boy either as your intimate friend in the "gay sense" of the word. If your friend, not girlfriend, is interested in Islam, by all means help her to become Muslim. Give her the Islamic books and ask her to attend Islamic meetings and lectures. Let her accept Islam by her own will. Do not force her or put any pressure on her to become Muslim. May Allah bless you and keep you on the right path.

Shedding more light on this, the eminent Muslim scholar, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Hanooti, member of the North American Fiqh Council, states:

A friendship wth the opposite sex is not of Islam. It used to be of the Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic era) style of life.

A friendship of the two sexes can never be safe or sex-free. I agree that in some exceptional cases, it could be innocent. But, a law is usually amended for social regulations. There is no law to be customized for a certain person or few people.

The Qur'an and Sunnah guidance for the sexes dealing with each other has a main major issue for which Islam has set principles and rules to govern. It is the desire and lust. The Qur'an prohibits anything that motivates one's heart in a seductive way towards the other. The Qur'an tells a woman when she speaks to a man to speak in a way that doesn't show any interest in him lest he should feel seduced to build up an unhealthy relationship. If there is a possibility in any kind of action that it could lead by some percentage into catastrophe, no one will ever take that risk. I can say what you call friendship could have some percentage of leading into haram. How would you go to that risk whereas if a doctor says to you an operation of a certain organ could lead you into death? You would say I don't want to risk my life, but I will take the pain.

Firstly, this is a deen but not a man's opinion. Lastly, if you take it, you certainly will be on the safe side. If you want to follow reason, reason has a lot of defects and sometimes we cannot draw the line to know who is sane and who is insane. Sometimes you cannot know which is which.