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Guidance for a University Principal Who Went Beyond Limits – By Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Family & Women, Fitnah, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Repentance, Scholars of Islam, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

All praise and thanks belongs to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon Allah’s Messenger, his family and companions. To proceed:

I have seen what was published by As-Siyasah newspaper- issued on 7/24/1404 AH, Number 5644 – and attributed to the Principle of Sana’a University Abdul Azeez Al-Maqalih, in which he claimed that the demand to isolate female students from male students is in opposition to the Shariah, and he utilised as proof – for the permissibility of mixing – that Muslims from the era of of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, used to pray in the same mosque- men and women- and he said, “Therefore, education must be in one place”.

I was surprised to hear this speech from the principle of an Islamic university in an Islamic country, and asked him to direct his people – men and women – to what will lead to happiness and salvation in this worldly life and the Hereafter. There is no doubt that there is in this speech that which is tantamount to a great crime against the Islamic Shariah, because indeed the Shariah did not call for free mixing, such that the demand to prevent it would be in opposition to it; rather it forbids it and did so in a very strong manner, as Allah, The Most High, said:

وَقَرْنَ فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ وَلا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ الْأُولَى

And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance.  [Al-Ahzab. 33]

Allah, The Most High, said:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُلْْ لِأَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلابِيبِهِنَّ ذَلِكَ أَدْنَى أَنْ يُعْرَفْنَ فلا يؤذين وكان اللهه غفورا رحيما

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

Allah, Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections, said:

وَقُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنََ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَى جُيُوبِهِنَّ وَلا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلاا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ آبَائِهِنَّ أَوْ آبَاءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَائِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَاءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ إِخْوَانِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِي إِخْوَانِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِي أَخَوَاتِهِنَّ أَوْ نِسَائِهِنَّ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُهُنَّ

And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like palms of hands or both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, necks and bosoms, etc.) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons, their husband’s sons, their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess…

وَلا يَضْرِبْنَ بِأَرْجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعْلَمَ مَا يُخْفِينََ مِنْ زِينَتِهِنَّ وَتُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful. [An-Nur. 31]

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُوهُنَّ مَتَاعًا فَاسْأَلُوهُنَّ مِنْ وَرَاءِ حِجَابٍ ذَلِكُمْ أَطْهَرُ لِقُلُوبِكُمْ وَقُلُوبِهِنَّ

And when you ask (the Prophet’s wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. [Al-Ahzab. 53]

In these noble verses, there is a clear demonstration that it is legislated for women to stay in their homes to guard against temptation, and that they only come out of their homes if there is a need. Then Allah warned them that they should not display themselves in a manner similar to the era of pre-Islamic ignorance, which is the display of their beauty and cause temptation among men. It has been authentically reported from Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, that he said:

“I have not left after me a trial more harmful to men than women”.

This hadith is agreed upon (i.e. recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) and it was narrated by Usamah Bin Zayd, may Allah be pleased with him.

Imam Muslim recorded in Sahih Muslim on the authority of Usamah and Sa’eed Bin Zayd Bin Amr Bin Nufayl, may Allah be pleased with them both, and also in Sahih Muslim on the authority of Abu Saeed Al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, from the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, that he said:

“Verily the worldly life is sweet and green, and verily Allah is going to place you as successors upon it in and will see how you act. So, be mindful of the worldly life and be mindful of women, because indeed the first trial for the Children of Israa’eel was due to women”. [Muslim. 2742]

And indeed Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, spoke the truth, because the temptation through women is great, especially in this era wherein most of them do not have the Hijab and they display themselves in a manner similar to the era of pre-Islamic ignorance. Immorality and evil has become rife due to this, and many youth (male and female)- in many countries- became reluctant to get married based on that which Allah has legislated. Indeed, Allah has made it clear that the Hijab is purer for the hearts of everyone and this shows that its removal is most likely to defile the hearts (i.e. corrupt the hearts) of everyone and deviating them from the path of truth.

It is known that the female student sitting with the male student is one of the greatest causes of temptation, one of the reasons for abandoning the Hijab (segregation) that is legislated by Allah for believing women and forbade them from showing their adornment others (i.e. non-Mahrams) (a), which Allah made known in the previous verse of Surah An-Nur. Whoever claims that the command regarding Hijab is only for the mothers of the believers is mistaken and far removed from what is correct – contradicted the many evidences demonstrating a general (command), and he has contradicted Allah’s statement: [ذَلِكُمْ أَطْهَرُ لِقُلُوبِكُمْ وَقُلُوبِهِنَّ – that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts]. (This is) because it is not permissible to say that the Hijab is purer for the hearts of the mothers of the believers and the male Companions and not for those after them. There is no doubt that those who came after the mothers of the believers and the male companions, may Allah be pleased with them, are more in need of Hijab, because of the great difference between them in the strength of faith and insight with regards to acquaintance with truth. This is because the Companions – men and women, including the mothers of the believers- are the best of people after the Prophets, peace be upon them, and the best of generations established by the Messenger’s, peace and blessings be upon him, statement in the hadith recorded in the Sahihayn [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].(b) Therefore, when it is the case that Hijab was purer for their hearts, then those who came after them have a far greater need of this purity.

It is not permissible to specify the texts of the Qur’an and the Sunnah to anyone in the Ummah without valid evidence that shows this specification; therefore, they are generally applied to all the Ummah during the era of the Messenger and after him until the Day of Resurrection. (This is) because, Allah sent His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, to humankind and Jinn during his era and after him until the Day of Resurrection, as Allah  said:

وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَـٰكَ إِلَّا ڪَآفَّةً۬ لِّلنَّاسِ بَشِيرً۬ا وَنَذِيرً۬ا

And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all humankind. [Saba. 28]

The Noble Qur’an was not only revealed to the people of the Prophet’s era, rather it was also revealed to those after them, as Allah said:

 هَذَا بَلاغٌ لِلنَّاسِ وَلِيُنْذَرُوا بِهِ وَلِيَعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَهٌ وَاحِدٌٌ وَلِيَذَّكَّرَ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ

This (Qur’an) is a Message for humankind (and a clear proof against them), in order that they may be warned thereby, and that they may know that He is the only One Ilah (God – Allah) – (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and that men of understanding may take heed. [Ibrahim 52]

Allah said:

 وَأُوحِيَ إِلَيَّ هَذَا الْقُرْآنُ لِأُنْذِرَكُمْ بِهِ وَمَنْ بَلَغَ

This Qur’an has been revealed to me that I may therewith warn you and whomsoever it may reach. [Al-An’am. 19]

In the era of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, women did not intermingle with men- neither in mosques nor in the markets – (in the manner people intermingle nowadays), which the callers to rectification forbid in this era- (the type intermingling which) the Qur’an, the Sunnah and the scholars of the Ummah warn against to caution against temptation; rather, women – in the Prophet’s mosque – prayed behind the men in the last rows- away from the men. The Prophet used yo say:

“The best rows for the men are the first ones and the worst are the last ones. The best of the women’s rows are the last ones and the worst of them is the first”.

During the era of the Prophet, the men were commanded to wait until the women left the mosque so that the men would not mingle with them at the doors of the mosques, despite the Iman and piety they had; so how about those after them?! Women were forbidden from walking in the middle of the road in order to be careful of having contact with men, thus temptation occurs through touching each other when walking on the road. Allah commanded the women of the believers to draw their cloaks all over their bodies so that they cover their adornment with it, in order to prevent temptation. Allah forbade them from showing their adornment to other than those mentioned by Allah in His Mighty Book (c) in order to curtail the causes of temptation, urge towards chastity and distance from the manifestations of corruption and (the evil effects) of free mixing.

So, how can the principle of Sana’a University – may Allah guide and inspire him to His guidance – after all this call for mixing?! He claims that Islam calls to it- that the university campus is like a mosque and the hours of study are like the hours of prayer! For the one who understands Allah’s command and prohibition, knows Allah’s wisdom in what He has legislated for His servants and explained in His Great Book with regards to rulings for men and women, it is well-known that there is a great difference between these matters and the difference is vast. How is it permissible for a believer to say that a female student sitting with a male student is like sitting with her sisters in their rows behind the men (in the Masjid)?! No one with the least handhold of Iman and insight (in this matters) would say this. We might not even be safe together with the presence of the legislated Hijab, so how about if she is sitting with the male student while dressed in an un-Islamic manner, displaying her beauty and attractive looks, and with speech that will lead to temptation? Allah’s Aid is sought, and there is no power nor might except with Allah. Allah said:

فَإِنَّهَا لا تَعْمَى الْأَبْصَارُ وَلَكِنْ تَعْمَى الْقُلُوبُ الَّتِي فِي الصُّدُورِ

Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind. [Al-Hajj. 46]

As for his statement: “Indeed, since the time of the Messenger, Muslims have been performing prayer in the same mosque, men and women, and therefore education must be in one place)”, the answer to this is: this is true, but the women were at the back of the mosques with Hijab – with care and being careful of what would cause temptation, and the men were at the front of the mosque. They [i.e. the women] used to listen to admonitions and sermons, participated in prayer and learned the rulings of their religion from what they heard and witnessed. The Prophet,  peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, used to go to them on the day of Eid – because they were at a distance and could not hear the sermon – after delivering admonition to the men and gave them an admonition and reminder. There is no problem in all of this, but the problem is in the statements of the principle of Sana’a University -may Allah guide him, reform his heart, and give him understanding of his religion. How is it permissible for him to compare education in our time with women praying behind men in one mosque, although there is a vast difference between the reality of education that is known today and the reality of women praying behind men in the Prophet’s era?!

Due to this reason, the callers to rectification call for the separation of women and men in the arena of education:

Women in a separate place and the young men in another, so that a female can acquire knowledge from female teachers with comfort without Hijab or hardship, because the time period for education is longer than the time period of prayer.

Due to the fact that learning from female teachers in a specific place (i.e. away from men) protects everyone and keeps them away from the causes of temptation, and it is the safest thing for young men not to get tempted through women.

And because young men being alone and separated from girls, together with the fact that it is the safest thing for them against temptation, is most likely to make them pay attention to their lessons and occupy themselves with it- listening well to teachers and receiving knowledge from the teachers while distanced from paying attention to girls, being preoccupied with them, exchanging glances that will intoxicate the hearts and mind with evil desires and statements that leads to immorality.

As for his claim, may Allah rectify him, that the call to isolate female students from male students is tantamount to rigidity and an opposition to the Shariah, this is an untrue claim; rather separating male students from female students is an act of sincere devotion to Allah, sincere advice to Allah’s servants, taking good care of the religion ordained by Allah and adherence to what has already been transmitted from noble verses of the Qur’an and the two Prophetic reports. My advice to the principle of Sana’a University is to fear Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, repent to Allah for what he has done, return to the truth and what is correct, because indeed returning to (truth and what is correct) is virtue itself, a proof regarding the search for truth and equity by the student of knowledge.

And Allah is the One asked to guide all of us to the path of righteousness, protect us and other Muslims from speaking about Him without knowledge, (protect us) from the misleading trials and Shaytan’s enmity, just as we ask Allah to grant success to the scholars of the Muslims and their leaders – in every place – to that which contains rectification (uprightness, wellbeing) for the country and the servants, in this life and the next; and to guide everyone to the straight path, for Allah is Jawwaadun Kareem [Al-Jawwaad – “The Munificent. The One Whose generosity covers everything in existence. The One Who gives liberally and generously to those in need – even when they reject and disbelieve in Him. The One Who – from His generosity – has prepared in Paradise for His believing servants that which no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard of, and which has never been imagined by anyone”, Al-Kareem “The Bountiful, The Generous One. Abundant in good. The One Who causes and makes easy every good. And Who bestows generously. The One so generous that He even bestows favors upon those who reject His favors, and use them as a means to disobey Him”]. (d) And may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions and all those who follow them in righteousness until the Day of judgement.

https://binbaz.org.sa/articles/113/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AE%D8%AA%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B7-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%85.

Footnote a: The Mahaarim by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, may Allah preserve him.

The Mahrams of a Woman (Male Chaperones) for Travel and Sittings – Mindmap

Footnote b: Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “The best people are those of my generation, then those who come after them, then those who come after them. Then, there will come people after them whose testimony precedes their oaths and their oaths precede their testimony”. [Al-Bukhari 6065 and Muslim 2533]

Footnote c: Allah said:

وَقُل لِّلۡمُؤۡمِنَـٰتِ يَغۡضُضۡنَ مِنۡ أَبۡصَـٰرِهِنَّ وَيَحۡفَظۡنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبۡدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنۡهَا‌ۖ وَلۡيَضۡرِبۡنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَىٰ جُيُوبِہِنَّ‌ۖ وَلَا يُبۡدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوۡ ءَابَآٮِٕهِنَّ أَوۡ ءَابَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوۡ أَبۡنَآٮِٕهِنَّ أَوۡ أَبۡنَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوۡ إِخۡوَٲنِهِنَّ أَوۡ بَنِىٓ إِخۡوَٲنِهِنَّ أَوۡ بَنِىٓ أَخَوَٲتِهِنَّ أَوۡ نِسَآٮِٕهِنَّ أَوۡ مَا مَلَكَتۡ أَيۡمَـٰنُهُنَّ أَوِ ٱلتَّـٰبِعِينَ غَيۡرِ أُوْلِى ٱلۡإِرۡبَةِ مِنَ ٱلرِّجَالِ أَوِ ٱلطِّفۡلِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمۡ يَظۡهَرُواْ عَلَىٰ عَوۡرَٲتِ ٱلنِّسَآءِ‌ۖ وَلَا يَضۡرِبۡنَ بِأَرۡجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعۡلَمَ مَا يُخۡفِينَ مِن زِينَتِهِنَّ‌ۚ وَتُوبُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُفۡلِحُونَ

And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like palms of hands or one eye or both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms, etc.) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons, their husband’s sons, their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful. [Surah An-Nur. Verse 31]

Footnote d: Names and Attributes of Allah by Shaikh Abu Talhah, may Allah have mercy upon him and his wife]: https://www.salafisounds.com/the-names-attributes-of-allaah-by-abu-talhah-dawood-burbank/

Madam Ambiguous

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Family & Women, Fitnah, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak goodness or remain silent”. [1]

Heba Yosry, may Allah guide her, said: “When society convinces young girls that it is forbidden for them to speak, they will grow to become muzzled women. Dar Al Ifta’s statement, as intuitive and as commonsensical as it is, is crucial. It took me some time to be able to say it. My voice is not ‘awra, and I am not ‘awra”.

https://english.alarabiya.net/views/2021/07/18/Women-s-voices-are-being-heard-across-the-Islamic-world

Firstly, this above statement can be utilised for both truth and falsehood. Allah, The Most High, said:

وَلَا تَلْبِسُوا الْحَقَّ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُوا الْحَقَّ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

And mix not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth while you know (the truth). [l-Baqarah. 42]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said,

“Allah forbade us from mixing truth with falsehood, and thus leading to concealment of the truth. Mixing truth with false is by mixing the two until one of them is confused for the other. This is forgery and deceit by way of which what is made apparent is the opposite of what it is in reality. Likewise, when truth is confounded with falsehood, the culprit manifests falsehood in the image of truth and speaks with a statement that carries two meanings- a correct meaning and false meaning, so the listener is under the illusion that the speaker intends the correct meaning, whilst he (i.e. the speaker) intends the corrupt meaning”. [2]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“Falsehood does not spread except with a mixture of some truth, just as Ahlul Kitaab (i.e. those Jews and Christians who strayed after the departure of their Prophets) mixed truth with falsehood. And by way of the little truth they had, they misguided many from the truth and called them to a lot of the falsehood”. [3]

Indeed, the truth in Heba’s statement is that the voice of a woman is not Awrah, as Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated, “A woman’s voice is not awrah at all, her voice is not awrah. So, she has the right to ask, and the one who is asked must respond. During the era of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, they [i.e. the women] used to ask the Prophet [i.e. questions] and he used to respond to them. Indeed, Allah, The Most High, said:

قَدۡ سَمِعَ ٱللَّهُ قَوۡلَ ٱلَّتِى تُجَـٰدِلُكَ فِى زَوۡجِهَا وَتَشۡتَكِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ

Indeed Allah has heard the statement of her (Khaulah bint Tha’labah) that disputes with you (O Muhammad ) concerning her husband (Aus bin As-Samit), and complains to Allah]. [Al-Mujaadilah. 1]

They used to ask the male Companions and those who came after the Companions, and this is a well-known matter. But the Awrah with regards to this matter is that it (i.e. the voice) should not be coquetry or softened. This is what is forbidden. Allah said:

يَا نِسَاءَ النَّبِيِّ لَسْتُنَّ كَأَحَدٍ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ إِنِ اتَّقَيْتُنَّ فَلَا تَخْضَعْنَ بِالْقَوْلِ فَيَطْمَعَ الَّذِي فِي قَلْبِهِ مَرَضٌ وَقُلْنَ قَوْلًا مَعْرُوفًا

O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner. [Al-Ahzab. 32]

Therefore, Allah forbade them from softening their voices lest the corrupters- those with lusts and diseased hearts- would desire them. [وَقُلْنَ قَوْلًا مَعْرُوفًا – but speak in an honourable manner]. Allah commanded them to speak with an honorable and moderate voice that does not involve softening- neither a means to obscenity nor harshness, but it should be moderate. Neither speak in a harsh manner and with evil speech nor with a sweet voice in which there is softness and coquetry; rather it should be ordinary speech in the middle between the two – neither obscene speech nor evil speech; neither speech in which there is harshness and forcefulness; nor soft adorned speech. Neither this nor that. This is the truth that has been stated by the scholars”. [4]

Therefore, if Heba, may Allah guide her, means that a woman’s voice is not Awrah in the manner clarified by Saudi Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, then indeed this is truth, but anything besides that is tantamount to falsehood, evil and sin.

Secondly, regarding Heba’s statement, “I am not awrah”. This is an ambiguous statement! There is no doubt that Heba is not Awrah when dealing with those men that are related to her and she is allowed to free mix with them. See here:https://www.abukhadeejah.com/mind-map-illustration-showing-the-mahrams-male-chaperones-of-a-woman-for-travel-and-sittings/

A woman is not required to cover her hair, neck, forearms and ankles up to just the beginning of her shin in the presence of her father, brother, nephew etc. As for that which is other than this, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, prohibited both men and women from showing their Awrah, except to their spouses. [Sunan Abu Dawud. 4017]

Therefore, if this is what Heba Yosry means that she is not Awrah to her Mahaarim with regards those parts of a woman’s body that can be seen by the Mahaarim and the specific parts of the body that can only be seen by a spouse, then indeed her statement is correct; but anything other than that is tantamount corruption, falsehood and evil. Indeed, it was incumbent upon her to detail and explain her ambiguous statement as Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“The basis of Banee Adam’s misguidance is as a result of ‘General Terms’ and ‘Ambiguous Meanings’ [i.e. terms and statements that can either be utilised for truth or falsehood when not explained in detail and distinguished], especially if they come in contact with a confused mind, then how about when [evil] desires and misguided enthusiasm is added to that? Therefore, ask the One Who keeps the hearts steadfast [i.e. Allah] to keep your heart firm upon His Religion and not allow you to fall into this darkness”. [5]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, also said:

“It is obligated on you to give detail and make a distinction, because unrestricted and general [statements] without clarification has indeed corrupted this existence [i.e. the world], and misguided the intellects and views [of the people] in every era”.

The Mufti, Al-Allamah Salih al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, commented on the above statement as follows:

“There has to be detail explanation. The one who is not proficient in giving detail should keep quiet, because benefit is not acquired from his speech. And every time error occurs, its cause is due to an absence of detail explanation regarding truth and falsehood. There has to be detail explanation and distinction and not to mix up [affairs]. Indeed, it may be that there is something of truth and falsehood in an opponent’s statement, so all of it is neither deemed to be false nor truth; rather there has to be a distinction between its truth and falsehood. All of it is neither rejected nor accepted; rather a distinction is made regarding the truth and what is correct and the falsehood and error in it. And if you are not proficient in giving detail, then you should not enter into this field”. [6]

Heba should not quote Fatwa as she pleases. May Allah guide all of us to that which is beloved to Him Amin.

[1] al-Bukhari 6136 and Muslim 47

[2] Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim. 1/124

[3] Majmu 35/190]

[4]https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/4140/%D9%87%D9%84-%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A9.

[5]An Excerpt from ‘As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah Alal Jahmiyyah Wal Mu’attilah’ – 3/927

[6] An Excerpt from At-Ta-leeqaat Al-Mukhtasar Alaa Al-Qaseedah an-Nooniyyah: 1/216

A Balanced Approach to Marriage Between Relatives and Hereditary Diseases

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Contemporary Issues, Family & Women, Fatawa-Rulings, Featured, Islamic Jurisprudence - 'Fiqh', Marriage (Nikkah), Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked:

يا سماحة الشيخ

We have heard that indeed there is danger in marrying relatives as I want to marry off one of my children. Is there any hadith regarding this? May Allah reward you.

Answer: There is no danger therein. What is said (regarding this) is an error. There is no danger in marrying relatives, rather, it is good. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, married from his relatives. Umm Salamah was from his relatives, Aisha was from his relatives, and Umm Habiba was from his relatives. All of them are from Quraysh, all from his tribe. There is no harm in that. Ali married Fatimah, the daughter of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, who was the daughter of his cousin (i.e. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him). Uthman married the Prophet’s daughters, Ruqayyah and Umm Kulthum (i.e. after of them died he married the other). Abu Al Aas Ibn Ar-Rabee married the Prophet’s fourth daughter, Zainab, and all of them were cousins. There is no harm in this. [1]

The Imam, may Allah have mercy upon him, was also asked: Some people would not marry the daughter of their uncle out of fear that the children might be born with deformities. Does this negate the perfection (completeness) of (one’s) belief in pure Islamic monotheism?

Answer: Many among the people of knowledge have clarified these matters , and that indeed a person should choose a suitable spouse for their offspring to the extent that some of the Fuqaha said: “The best is that one marries a non-relative, rather than the daughter of his uncle”. This is a mistake and it has no basis, whether it is the daughter of his paternal uncle or not the daughter of his paternal uncle, the daughter of his maternal uncle or not the daughter of his maternal uncle. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, married the daughter of his uncle.

But, one should examine (give thought or consideration) that if the woman comes from a family that is afflicted with hereditary defects, mental illness, or physical deformities, he should not marry (someone among) them from the angle of employing the means of precaution, because this could bring you hereditary (issues). Diseases can be passed down – by the will of Allah- to the child, the grandchild and the daughter’s child. If this (such and such) family is well-known to have hereditary diseases that affect the children, he should avoid (marrying into such family). And if nothing is known about the family (i.e. regarding hereditary diseases), he marries (someone) among them. These matters that are known – (through experience, observation etc) regarding what is passed down do occur. Due to this, scholars and physicians advise that one examines (pays attention) to these matters. [2]

[1]Paraphrased:https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/8826/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AC-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A8

[2]Paraphrased:https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/2565/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%AA%D8%B1%D9%83-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AC-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A8-%D8%AE%D8%B4%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B6

[1] Dialogue With Anyone Using Customs or Changing Times to Alter Muslim Spousal Roles

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Family & Women, Fatawa-Rulings, Marriage (Nikkah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

The First Admonition and Clarification

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“It is obligated to every Muslim that he does not depend on custom; rather he presents it to the pure Islamic legislation, so whatever the Islamic legislation affirms is permissible and whatever it does not affirm is impermissible. The customs of the people are not proof to determine the lawfulness of anything. All the customs of the people in their countries or tribes must be presented to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, for judgement, then whatever Allah and His Messenger made permissible is permissible, and whatever they forbid, it is obligatory to abandon it even if it is the custom of the people”. [1]

The Imam, may Allah have mercy upon him, also said:

“Let every Muslim be careful of being deceived by the great numbers, whilst saying, “Indeed, the people have become such and such, and have become accustomed to such and such, so I am with them”. This is a great calamity, for indeed many people of the past were destroyed due to this. Therefore, O sensible one! It is obligated to you to examine yourself, take account of yourself and adhere to the truth, even if the people abandon it. Beware of what Allah has forbidden, even if the people do it, for indeed the truth is more worthy of being followed, just as Allah, The Most High, said: [وَإِنْ تُطِعْ أَكْثَرَ مَنْ فِي الْأَرْضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَنْ سَبِيلِ اللَّه ِ -And if you obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah’s Path. [Surah Al An’am Ayah 116]

And Allah, The Most High, said: [ وَمَآ أَڪۡثَرُ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَوۡ حَرَصۡتَ بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ-And most of mankind will not believe even if you desire it eagerly]. [Surah Yusuf Ayah 103] [2]

Al-Allamah Muqbil Bin Haadee Al-Wadi’ee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

If numbers are the scale through which you judge, then the majority are mostly blameworthy; and if persuasive speech and eloquence is the scale through which you judge, then indeed Allah described the Munaafiqoon that they have tongues that utter beautiful speech. Allah said: [وَإِن يَقُولُواْ تَسۡمَعۡ لِقَوۡلِهِمۡ – And when they speak, you listen to their words]. [Surah Al-Munaafiqoon. Ayah 4]

Therefore, what is given consideration is that one knows the people of truth by their characteristics – that they call to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, and companions, and they neither desire reward from the people nor seeking to be thanked. [3]

To be continued InShaAllah

[1] Majmu Al-Fataawaa 6/510

[2] An Excerpt from ‘Majmu Al-Fataawaa 12/ 412-416

[3] قم المعاند – 2/547

Muslim Youth – Marriage, Education and Having Children

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Family & Women, Fatawa-Rulings, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “If you are able to exercise patience and seek knowledge, then exercise patience- meaning, study before getting married, just as Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said “Some people might be prevented from (seeking) knowledge due to marriage”. So, when he gets married, he abandons seeking knowledge and becomes relaxed, and tires himself (i.e. it becomes difficult for him to combine family responsibilities and seeking knowledge at the same time). But if he has the ability to combine the Maslahatayn (i.e. the benefits of marriage and seeking knowledge), then that is good, (as long as) he does not consider himself as one who might commit immoral deeds and fornicate. If this is the case (i.e. fears falling into evil), then -by Allah- it becomes more incumbent upon him to get married to protect himself and guard his chastity”.(1)

Question to Imam Muhammad Bin Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, “If a young man delays marriage until he reaches 30 years of age while having the ability (to get married), is there anything incumbent upon him, because he wants to build his future and complete his education?

Response: Yes, something is incumbent upon him and it that he has followed the guidance of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, “O young people! Whoever from among you is able to get married, then you should do so for verily it is the most effective in keeping the gazes lowered and maintaining chastity. [Sahih Muslim. Number 1400]

Thus, the Prophet commanded the youth to get married and clarified its benefits. The statement [i.e. the reason given] that he is preoccupied with studies and building his future is false. How many people were not at ease during their studies until after getting married! They found ease and enough provision, and restraint from looking at what Allah has forbidden, such as women, (forbidden) pictures etc. Therefore, my advice to the youth in general is that they should get married at the earliest opportunity by following the command of the Messenger of Allah and seek provision. This is because the married individual desires chastity and modesty, and Allah helps him, as it has been been stated in the narration, ‘It is a right Allah (has obligated upon Himself) to aid three (types of people)… and one of them is ‘the man who marries wanting chastity’.(2)

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] was asked about a husband and a wife who agreed not to have children and whether this is allowed? So, he responded, “This agreement of theirs is not permissible. As long as the woman is able (to bear children), then it is not permissible for them to do this because the Islamic legislation requires that the people give concern to bearing children and make the Ummah numerous. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, ‘Marry the childbearing, loving woman for I shall outnumber the peoples by you on the Day of Resurrection’. In another wording (of this narration the Prophet said), ‘Outnumber (i.e. the followers of the other) Prophets on the Day of Judgement’. This is because by way of this (i.e. having many children) those who worship Allah among the Muslims will be numerous, the Ummah will be numerous and strong in opposing their enemies. It is not permissible for a man to abandon having children out of fear of either tiredness in seeking after a livelihood or due to difficulty, or due to expenditure, or due to a desire to enjoy one’s wife and other than that. It also not permissible for a woman to do this, rather it is obligated on both of them to pursue the means of having offspring -be eager to seek the means to having children so that the Ummah becomes numerous and to fulfil what the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] stated. However, if the woman either suffers a lot of pain due to an illness of the womb or she cannot give birth except by way of surgical operation, then this is an excuse to not have children. If the surgical operation [or caesarean] will harm her- it is feared that something will happen to her, and also if the children are many- born at close intervals and bringing them up becomes difficult upon her, then there is nothing to prevent her from taking some pills [or contraception] or some preventative measures for a year or two – the period of breastfeeding- so that she becomes strong enough to nurture the children and able to nurture the other newly born”. (3)

[1] http://www.rabee.net/ar/questions.php?cat=51&id=623 paraphrased.

[2] Fatawa Nur Alad Darb 728

[3] Audio link with transcript http://www.binbaz.org.sa/noor/11853 [NB: This is a general Fatwa, therefore married should ask the scholars about their specific circumstances, in order to receive specific ruling related to their situation].

Children do not Forget Their Early Lessons and Advice – Shaykh Al-‘Uthaymin

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Family & Women, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Al-‘Allaamah Ibn ‘Uthaymin (رحمه الله تعالى) said:

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“O young boy, say Bismillah, and eat with your right hand.”

Know that when manners and etiquettes are taught to a child at a young age, they are not easily forgotten. A child will not forget what you teach him while he is young. However, when he grows older, it is possible that he may forget what you taught him, or even show some resistance. But whilst he is still young, he is more likely to be responsive and accepting of what you teach him.”

Sharh Riyadh as-Salihin, vol. 3, p. 172

Some etiquettes with the wife when returning home

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Family & Women, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Scholars of Islam, Uncategorized, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Once Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him, was returning from an expedition with the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and he was riding fast in order to get home as he was newlywed, so the Prophet told him to slow down in order to give the women time to prepare themselves. Jabir said, “When we were about to enter (Al-Madinah), the Prophet said, ‘Wait so that you may enter in the afternoon so that the lady of unkempt hair may comb her hair and the one whose husband has been absent may shave her pubic region'”. [1]

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, said:

It is disliked to enter (i.e. the house) without seeking permission and giving salam, especially when returning from a journey. One should not come to his family and his wife unless they are aware of his entry, so that they may prepare themselves. He should not come to her suddenly, whilst she is in a state [i.e. physical appearance, clothing etc] in which she does not like her husband to see her. [2]

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Travelling is a portion of torment. It prevents one of you from your sleep, food, and drink. So when one of you fulfils his (need behind that travelling), then let him hurry back to his family” . [Muslim 1927]

Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: One is prevented from full sleep and its full enjoyment due (to) difficulties, tiredness, heat and cold, worries, fear, isolation from one family and rough (circumstances). Therefore, it is recommended that one returns to his family after fulfilling his business and does not delay his return due to something else  that is not important. [3]

[1]Al-Bukhari 5079]

[2] An Excerpt from It’haf at-Tullab Bi-Sharh Mandhoomah Al-Aadab. page 144

[3] An Excerpt from ‘Saheeh Muslim Bi-Sharh An-Nawawi 13/60. Publisher: Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyyah’ 1st edition 1421AH (Year 2000)

Gently tease our women with it, and sternly warn the men of our clans and tribes

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Family & Women, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq'.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Al-Allamah Abdur Rahman Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

In this era of ours, you even see a woman who comes across an affair related to the religion – in which there is a difference of opinion between the mother of the believers Aa’isha and others amongst the companions, may Allah be pleased with all of them, thus, she defends Aa’isha’s position solely due to the fact that she is a woman like her. So, when she presumes and then claims that Aa’isha is correct and those men who oppose her position are mistaken, then in this is an affirmation of Aa’isha’s virtue over those men, which then becomes a virtue for women unrestrictedly and she receives some of that. And through this appears – to you – the underlying reasons behind the illegal partisanship of an Arab to an Arab, a Persian to a Persian, a Turk to a Turk and other than that.

Aathaar Ash-Shaikh Abdur Rahmaan Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee. 11/294

The Comprehensive Message

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Brotherhood, Charity (Sadaqah), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Death, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Eid, Family & Women, Fasting, Hajj, Dhul Hijjah, Eid al Adha, Hijrah (Migration), History of Islam, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Islamic Jurisprudence - 'Fiqh', Jahannam (Hell Fire), Jannah (Paradise), Literature, Marriage (Nikkah), Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Muharram and Ashoorah, Pearls of Wisdom, Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Ramadhan, Refutations, Repentance, Sahaabah, Salaah - Prayer, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Salafi Mosques & Centres, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Shirk, Sin, Tamyee', Taraweeh, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zakaat, Zuhd (Abstinence).

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy. 

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Muhammad’s, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, Ummah is not in need of anyone after him; rather the only need they have is someone to convey what he came with.

Muhammad’s message is comprehensive, universal and preserved. This universality, comprehensiveness and preservation is not limited to (any time, place or situation), rather it is comprehensive for those to whom Muhammad was sent [the whole world] and likewise with regards to everything that is needed in the fundamental and subsidiary issues of the religion.

Muhammad’s message is sufficient, all embracing and universal- nothing else is needed besides it. It has not isolated any affair of truth needed by his Ummah in their sciences and deeds. The Messenger of Allah did not leave this world until he acquainted his Ummah with everything. He even taught them the etiquettes of using the toilet; the etiquettes of sexual relations; the etiquettes of sleep and after waking up; the etiquettes of eating, drinking and travel.

He acquainted them with the etiquettes of speech and silence; the etiquettes of keeping company with the people and seclusion. He acquainted them with the affairs of illness, good health, poverty and wealth. He acquainted them with all the affairs of life and death. He described Allah’s throne, the angels, the jinn, the hell fire and the day of judgement in such a manner as if one has seen them with the naked eye. He informed them about their Lord and His Perfect Names and Attributes, and that Allah alone is their true object of worship.

He acquainted them with the Prophets of old and their nations – the events that took place between them and their nations – in such a manner as if one was present at that time. He acquainted them with all the means to good and the paths of evil- in general and in detail- which no other prophet informed his nation. He acquainted them with death and what will take place in the grave – either bliss or punishment. He acquainted them with the evidences and proofs of Tawhid [i.e. the oneness of Allah in His Lordship, Names and Attributes, and that Allah alone has the right to be worshipped].

He acquainted them with Prophet hood and the affairs of the Afterlife, and he refuted all the sects of disbelief and misguidance. He acquainted them with war strategies- how to confront the enemy, the way to achieve victory and conquests. If only they knew and understood these affairs in the correct manner [i.e. the manner it should be understood], they would not be overcome by their enemy. He acquainted them with the plots of Iblees and the ways through which he approaches them, and the ways to repel those plots and plans. He acquainted them with the soul- its characteristics and faults- in such a manner that they are not in need of anyone else to tell them about it. He taught them how to live their daily lives and had they acknowledged and acted upon this; their worldly affairs would be firmly established. He brought them all the means of success in this life and the next, and they do not need anyone besides him. So how can it be said that the path of Muhammad is in need of something else outside of it. The reason for such a claim is due to the weak and little understanding of a person. Allah [The Most High] said:

أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِهِمْ أَنَّا أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَرَحْمَةً وَذِكْرَىٰ لِقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ

Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe.

Allah [The Most High] said:

وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ تِبْيَانًا لِّكُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ

And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Allah as Muslims).

Allah [The Most High] said:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاءٌ لِّمَا فِي الصُّدُورِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Qur’an, ordering all that is good and forbidding all that is evil), and a healing for that (disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences, etc.) in your breasts, – a guidance and a mercy (explaining lawful and unlawful things, etc.) for the believers.

An Excerpt from I’lam Al-Muwaqqi’een 4/375-377

So called “Women’s Day” – [Should be honoured every day, not just once a year]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Family & Women, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allah [The Exalted] said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱتَّقُواْ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفۡسٍ۬ وَٲحِدَةٍ۬ وَخَلَقَ مِنۡہَا زَوۡجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنۡہُمَا رِجَالاً۬ كَثِيرً۬ا وَنِسَآءً۬‌ۚ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِى تَسَآءَلُونَ بِهِۦ وَٱلۡأَرۡحَامَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ رَقِيبً۬ا

O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship) . Surely, Allah is Ever an All-Watcher over you. [Al-Nisaa. 1]

Allah [The Exalted] said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقۡنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ۬ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلۡنَـٰكُمۡ شُعُوبً۬ا وَقَبَآٮِٕلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓاْ‌ۚ إِنَّ أَڪۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَٮٰكُمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ۬

O people! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has more fear of Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. [Al-Hujurat. Verse 13]

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Women are the twin halves (or counterparts of) men”. [Sahih Abu Dawood. No 236]

Meaning, they are twin halves of men as created beings and shaped by natural characteristics, as if they are the other halves from men because Hawaa, may peace be upon her, was created from Adam, peace be upon him.. [Mirqat Al-Mafatih Sharh Mishkat Al-Masabih 2/428]

Imam Muhammad Bin Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “Women are the twin halves of men, meaning they are the other half from them, because a woman is the daughter of her father and a part from him, just as the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, ‘Fatimah, may Allah be pleased with her, is from me’. The narration has another meaning, that ‘Twin halves (or counterpart) of men’ means the same as men with regards to what Allah has obligated to men and women where neither women nor men are specified.  [https://binothaimeen.net/content/11305 ]

Al-Miqdam Ibn Ma’dee, may Allah be pleased with him] said: Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Verily, Allah commands you to be good to women. Verily, Allah commands you to be good to women because they are your mothers, sisters your aunts'”. [Silsilah Al-Hadith as-Sahihah 2871]

Aa’isha, may Allah be pleased with him, said that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said to her, “O Aa’isha! Be gentle, for indeed when Allah wishes good for a household, He guides them to gentleness”.

Al-Allamah Zaid Bin Hadi al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “This hadith contains proof regarding the fact that it is obligatory to give sincere advice and the first people one should give sincere advice is the members of the household- the wives, sons, daughters and others. Also this hadith contains proof regarding the virtue of gentleness in all affairs, for indeed gentleness is not found in any affair except that it beautifies it, and it is not removed from anything except that it damages it. On the other hand, the opposite of gentleness is warn against and it is the harshness that is applied in other than its rightful place, because its end result will be alienation and disharmony”. [at-Ta’liqat Al-Malihah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahadith As-Sahihah 1/277]

Aai’sha, may Allah be pleased with him] said: “Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, never struck anything with his hand- neither a woman nor a servant, unless he was fighting in the path of Allah”. [Ṣaḥih Muslim 2328]

Imam Ibn Qutaybah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Marry your daughter to a man who fears Allah, because he will be kind if he loves her and will not oppress her when he is angry with her”.[Kitab Uyun Al Akhbar 3/308]

Males Are Different From Females

Allah [The Exalted] said: [ وَلَيۡسَ ٱلذَّكَرُ كَٱلۡأُنثَىٰ‌ۖ – And the male is not like the female]: Imam Muhammad Bin Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “The males are not like the females – neither in their nature nor behaviour, nor with regards to how they are dealt with; rather not even with regards to rulings of the religion in some (cases, situations, circumstances etc). And when it is case that the male is not like the female, then also the female is not like the male. (1)

Cases Where The Same Rules Apply to Both Men and Woman

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked: Is there a distinction between males and females regarding the manner in which the prayer should be performed?

Answer: Some of the scholars differentiate the prayer of the man and the woman, but what is correct is that the prayer of the woman is the same as that of the man. The manner she sits during the two Sujuds, during the last Tashahud, because Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Pray in the manner you have seen me pray”, but he did not say, “The women should do such and such”. Therefore, the what is that he (i.e. Prophet) is followed in both the prayer of a man and a woman and there is no evidence to differentiate between the two. (2)

Allah [The Exalted] said:

مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَى وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُ حَيَاةً طَيِّبَةً وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْرَهُم بِأَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ

Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to (them) We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter). [Surah An-Nahl. 97]

Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَـٰتُ بَعۡضُهُمۡ أَوۡلِيَآءُ بَعۡضٍ۬‌ۚ يَأۡمُرُونَ بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِ وَيَنۡهَوۡنَ عَنِ ٱلۡمُنكَرِ وَيُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَيُؤۡتُونَ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَيُطِيعُونَ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥۤ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ سَيَرۡحَمُهُمُ ٱللَّهُ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ۬
وَعَدَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَـٰتِ جَنَّـٰتٍ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِهَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَا وَمَسَـٰكِنَ طَيِّبَةً۬ فِى جَنَّـٰتِ عَدۡنٍ۬‌ۚ وَرِضۡوَٲنٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ أَڪۡبَرُ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ هُوَ ٱلۡفَوۡزُ ٱلۡعَظِيمُ

The believers, men and women, are Auliya’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma’ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they perform the prayer and give the Zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. Allah has promised to the believers -men and women, – Gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein forever, and beautiful mansions in Gardens of ‘Adn (Eden Paradise). But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allah. That is the supreme success. [at-Tawbah. 71-72]

Allah [The Exalted] said:

هَلۡ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّا ٱلسَّاعَةَ أَن تَأۡتِيَهُم بَغۡتَةً۬ وَهُمۡ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ
ٱلۡأَخِلَّآءُ يَوۡمَٮِٕذِۭ بَعۡضُهُمۡ لِبَعۡضٍ عَدُوٌّ إِلَّا ٱلۡمُتَّقِينَ
يَـٰعِبَادِ لَا خَوۡفٌ عَلَيۡكُمُ ٱلۡيَوۡمَ وَلَآ أَنتُمۡ تَحۡزَنُونَ
ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا وَڪَانُواْ مُسۡلِمِينَ
ٱدۡخُلُواْ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ أَنتُمۡ وَأَزۡوَٲجُكُمۡ تُحۡبَرُونَ
يُطَافُ عَلَيۡہِم بِصِحَافٍ۬ مِّن ذَهَبٍ۬ وَأَكۡوَابٍ۬‌ۖ وَفِيهَا مَا تَشۡتَهِيهِ ٱلۡأَنفُسُ وَتَلَذُّ ٱلۡأَعۡيُنُ‌ۖ وَأَنتُمۡ فِيهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ
وَتِلۡكَ ٱلۡجَنَّةُ ٱلَّتِىٓ أُورِثۡتُمُوهَا بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ
لَكُمۡ فِيہَا فَـٰكِهَةٌ۬ كَثِيرَةٌ۬ مِّنۡهَا تَأۡكُلُونَ

Do they only wait for the Hour that it shall come upon them suddenly, while they perceive not? Friends on that Day will be foes one to another except the pious. (It will be said to the true believers of Islamic Monotheism): My worshippers! No fear shall be on you this Day, nor shall you grieve, (you) who believed in Our Ayat (proofs, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and were Muslims (i.e. who submit totally to Allah’s Will, and believe in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism). Enter Paradise, you and your wives, in happiness. Trays of gold and cups will be passed round them, (there will be) therein all that the one’s inner-selves could desire, all that the eyes could delight in, and you will abide therein forever. This is the Paradise which you have been made to inherit because of your deeds which you used to do (in the life of the world). Therein for you will be fruits in plenty, of which you will eat (as you desire). [Az-Zukhruf 66-73]

Freedom For Women 

Firstly, a true believer understands freedom in a manner that is pleasing to the Creator. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The worldly life is a prison for the believer (in Allah and the final Messenger) and a paradise for the disbeliever (in Allah and the final Messenger)”. (3)

Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy be upon him] said: Every believer is imprisoned and prevented – in the worldly life – from evil and repugnant desires and obligated to perform demanding acts of obedience. But after death, he relaxes and receives what Allah [The Exalted] promised of permanent bliss and perfect relaxation. As for the disbeliever [in Allaah and the final Messenger], he gets what he receives in the worldly life together with the fact that it is very little and disrupted by distress. And after he dies, he finds himself in permanent punishment and eternal wretchedness. (4)

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Regardless how great the affair of the worldly life is – its good days and its dwelling places (surrounded by beautiful trees, plants, scenery etc), then indeed it is like a prison for the believer, because a believer looks forward to a bliss that is better, more perfect and loftier. As for the disbeliever [in Allah and the final Messenger], the worldly life is his paradise because he enjoys himself in it [i.e. outside the boundaries of halaal and haraam] and forgets the afterlife, and thus becomes like those about whom Allah [The Exalted] stated:

وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ يَتَمَتَّعُونَ وَيَأۡكُلُونَ كَمَا تَأۡكُلُ ٱلۡأَنۡعَـٰمُ وَٱلنَّارُ مَثۡوً۬ى لَّهُمۡ

Those who disbelieve enjoy themselves and eat as cattle eat, and the Fire will be their abode. [Surah Muhammad Aayah 12]

Therefore, when the disbeliever dies, he does not find anything in front of him except the fire and Allah’s punishment, and woe to the people of the fire. So that which is found in the worldly life of distress, grief, sadness and sorrow is like a paradise in relation to the state of affairs of the disbeliever [in Allah and the final Messenger], because he will leave this world to receive Allah’s punishment.

It has been mentioned about Ibn Hajar Al Asqalani – the author of Fat’hul Baari – that he used to be the chief of the judges in Egypt in his era, and he used go past the market with an entourage. So, one day a Yahudi stopped him and said, “Your Prophet said, ‘The worldly life is a prison of the believer and paradise of the disbeliever’, and how can this be the case whilst you are in a state of luxury and joy, and I am in a state of extreme poverty and low status?” So, Ibn Hajr said to him, “If in your view I am in state of joy and that people are at my service, then this state is a prison in comparison to what a believer will receive of bliss in Paradise. As for yourself, even though you are in state of extreme poverty and low status, then it is like paradise in comparison to what a disbeliever will receive in the fire”. So, the Yahudi was amazed by this statement and then testified that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. (5)

Therefore, we say to the ideologues, “Yes indeed freedom is a valuable thing and that is why the believers utilize it to perform deeds that will benefit them in the afterlife, and strive to distance themselves from the chief deceiver shaytan, because either a person willingly submits to Allah or he is enslaved by other things – desires etc.

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: If a free person says that he is liberated (or free) and intends by it freedom from slavery to the creation, then yes he is free from slavery to the creation. However, if he intends by this that he is liberated (freed) from servitude to Allah [The Mighty and Majestic], then indeed he has erred in his understanding of servitude and he does not understand the meaning of freedom because servitude to other than Allah is bondage. As for servitude to Allah [The Mighty and Majestic], then this is real freedom because if he does not humble himself to Allah, he will humble himself to other than Allah. So he deceives himself when he says that he is free [or liberated]- meaning: he is liberated from obedience to Allah. (6)

The Imam also said, “Women are portrayed as if they are mere images- pictures which people attached no importance to except that which is connected to the woman’s figure (outward appearance). See how they have decorated and beautified her! See how they have brought about beautifications for her and presented her in a desirable condition, in relation to (her) hair, skin, legs, arms, face and everything else; until they make it the most important issue for the woman, like a picture made out of plastic. They neither present to her the importance of establishing Ibadah nor bearing children”. (7)

The Islamic Ruling On Days Specified For Such and Such Celebrations

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “Everything that is taken as a day of day of celebration (festival, annual celebrations), repeated every week and every year and is not legislated in Islaam, then it is tantamount to a Bidah [innovation in religious]. Therefore, to make these celebrations (festivals) that are repeated every week or every year means that they [i.e. the people who do so] have likened them to Islamic festivals [days of celebrations, days set aside for religious observance] and this is forbidden. There is nothing in Islam related to festivals (celebrations) except Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, (and a day specified for a specific religious observance which is) Friday. (8)

Women in Islam – By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]

https://www.salafisounds.com/women-in-islam-by-abu-khadeejah/https://www.salafisounds.com/women-in-islam-by-abu-khadeejah/

Be Aware Regarding the Rights of Women
https://www.salafisounds.com/be-aware-regarding-the-rights-of-women-by-abu-khadeejah/

The Muslim Woman In A Modern World
https://www.salafisounds.com/the-muslim-woman-in-a-modern-world-by-abu-khadeejah-abdul-wahid/

We ask Allah to protect us and our families from the call of those who seek to corrupt the sound natural disposition created in us by our Lord Aameen. We ask Allah:

 رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَٱجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا

“Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the pious.”

رَبِّ ٱجْعَلْنِى مُقِيمَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِى رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَآءِ

“O my Lord! Make me one who performs As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and (also) from my offspring, our Lord! And accept my invocation.

رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِي ۖ إِنِّي تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَإِنِّي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ

“O my Lord, grant me the ability to be grateful to you for Your favour (of guidance) which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and to work righteousness that pleases You, and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I repent to you and I am of the Muslims (in submission to You alone).”