Stay Away From What Many of the Women are Doing Today

Shaykh Saalih Al-Fawzaan:

“It is upon the woman who fears Allaah and the hereafter to stay away from what many of the women are doing today such as being lackadaisical with the hijaab and easy-going with wearing decorative garments when going outside and being lax with using perfume when going out of the house and intermingling with men and joking with them.

Allaah, the Most High, said to His Prophet’s wives:

“Then do not be soft in speech, lest he in whose heart there is a disease (of fornication) should be moved with desire. But rather speak in an honorable manner.” [Ahzaab: 32]

If a woman has a need to speak to a man that is not one of her mahaarim, she may speak to him, but with a casual tone that has no softness or gentleness in it, and not in a joking or laughing manner.

Rather her speech must be ordinary and in accordance with what necessity dictates – i.e. a question and an answer – as per the need only.

She must not speak in a tone that appears friendly, laughing or teasing, or in a mellow or beautiful voice, thus stirring the desire of the one who has a disease in his heart. This is based on Allaah’s saying:

“But rather speak in an honorable manner.” [Ahzaab: 32]

So the Muslim women of today must fear Allaah with respect to themselves and their societies.”

[Taken from "Four Essays On The Obligation Of Veiling". Chapter: "Advice To Muslim Women" by Shaykh Saalih Al-Fawzaan, p. 72]

Women are but an ‘awrah

‘Abdullâh b. Mas’ûd – Allâh be pleased with him – said:

Women are but an ‘awrah (something private to be covered). A woman might leave her house without there being any problem with her, but the Shaytân(Satan) seeks her out and says [to her], “You will not pass by anyone except that you will impress/please him.”

A woman puts on her clothes and is asked where she is going, to which she replies, “To visit a sick person,” or “to attend a funeral”, or “to pray in the masjid”; but a woman never worships Allâh in the way she does when she worships Him in her house.

[Al-Tabarânî. Graded sahîh by Shaykh Al-Albânî in Sahîh Al-Targhîbi wa Al-Tarhîb Vol. 1 p84]

Which is better for a Muslim woman, seeking knowledge or taking care of the house?

Which is better for a Muslim woman, seeking knowledge or taking care of the house?

Question: Which is better for a Muslim woman, taking care of her house and husband, or devoting her time to seeking knowledge, and bringing a servant to take care of the house?

Answer: Yes, it is obligatory for a Muslim woman to strive to understand her religion as much as possible, but serving her husband, obeying her husband and raising her children are also important obligations. She should make time to learn every day, even if it is only a little. Or she should put aside some time for reading and then the rest of her time will be for her daily work. In this way she will not be neglecting learning and she will not be neglecting her work and children and leaving them to a servant to look after. Seeking balance in this matter, by setting aside time for learning, even if it is a little, and time for her housework, will be sufficient for her.

~Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan|| al-Fataawa al-Jaami’ah li’l-Mar’ah al-Muslimah, part 3, p. 1085

Female Mufti

Female Mufti

Fatimah al-Samarqandiyyah Rahimahal-lah was the daughter of Sheikh Ala-uddin Muhammad Ibn Ahmad Ibn Abi Ahmad al-Samarqandi Rahimahul-lah, the author of Tuhfat al-Fuqaha. A commentary on this book, entitled Bada'i us-Sanaa'i, was written by Imam Abu Bakr Ibn Masoud Al-Kaasaani Rahimahul-lah, a student of Sheikh Ala'uddin. This commentary is one of the masterpieces of Hanafi Fiqh.  When Imam Kaasaani presented this book before his mentor, he was so pleased with it and accepted it as a mahr for his daughter's marriage to him. Fatimah had received proposals from the kings of the time but these had been rejected by her father. Contemporary scholars would say: "He wrote a commentary on his Tuhfah and married his daughter!

 

To understand the scholarly greatness of this woman we first need to understand the luminosity of her husband. Imam Kaasaani was one of the great scholars of his time. He was known by the title 'Malikul Ulama' - the Ruler of the Scholars. His status can be gauged from his magnum opus, Bada'i us-Sanaa'i, in ten volumes. According to a number of Ulama, including Alaamah Aabideen Shaami Rahimahul-lah and others, this book is without a parallel in its field. He was extremely knowledgeable in the usool and furoo’, the principles and derivatives of jurisprudence. After completing his studies in Bukhara he traveled to Byzantium. From there he took up a position of teaching Hadeeth and Fiqh at Aleppo on the insistence of Noor ud-Deen Mahmood Ibn Zangi. Imam Kaasaani became renowned as a great scholar and author who was not afraid to speak out against the Mu’tazilah and the Innovators in his lectures. He was a dedicated teacher who took special care in teaching. Amazingly historical sources mention: "When he was in doubt he would consult his wife. She would advise him regarding the correct opinion and he would then accept her opinion."

Fatimah was a great scholar of hadeeth and Fiqh. She had memorized her father's compilation, Tuhfat al-Fuqaha. She was so proficient that when fatawaa were passed from this household, they would bear her signature, together with the signature of her father and her husband.

Lessons

1. Such women are the true role models for Muslim women to emulate. Their biographies have far more to offer than the film actresses, pop-stars and fashion models who have unfortunately been made into icons on the grounds of superficial beauty. 
2. An intelligent father sees to the religious upbringing of his daughter and marries her to the pious not necessarily the wealthy and influential.

References

1. Raddul Mukhtaar
2. Taaj at-Taarijim fi Tabaqaatil Hanafiyyah
3. Iqd ul-Jumaan fi Taareekh Ahl al-Zamaan
4. Bughyatut talab Fi Taareekh Halb


Taken from www.back2thebasics.net

Marriage with the Intention of Divorce

Marriage with the intention to divorce Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan

Reference: Fatwa No.38215 http://www.alfawzan.ws/AlFawzan/bookTabs/tabid/70/Default.aspx?mode=title&PageID=38215

Category: Marriage

What is the ruling regarding marriage with the intention to divorce, bearing in mind there is no such agreement between the man and the woman, and the woman is unaware of this (i.e. that she is entering a marriage where the man intends - from the outset - to divorce her)?

This is deception on the part of the husband. She did not marry him upon this (intention), (rather), she married him on the basis that this will be a lasting marriage. So if he conceals this intention, then he has deceived her. Deception is not permissible, (and) marriage with the intention to divorce is not permissible for that which entails therein (much) evil and corruption. Now, those who travel to the Far East and get married every night, they marry and divorce, marry and divorce – much evil and corruption has ensued from that, so this is not permissible.

Translator: Mohammed Akhtar Chaudhry, Abu Abdullaah

Date Published: Friday, 04 September 2009

The Obligation of Veiling the Face and Hands

http://abdurrahman.org/women/theobligationofveiling.pdf

Why Should I Wear the Hijaab?

Why Should I Wear the Hijaab?

http://www.troid.org/

"PIVOTAL QUOTE"

Dear Muslim sister! Come towards the gates of Paradise with us! Fulfill your duties towards Allaah, put on your adornment - put on your hijaab, and race towards Jannah (Paradise) by doing all good actions.

This is a good question and there is a beautiful answer! Allaah has commanded us with every action that is good for us and prohibited us from performing every action that is bad for us. Allaah orders the Muslim woman to wear the hijaab when she steps out of the security of her home or when in the presence of strange men. So to wear the hijaab is a source of great good for you – the Muslim woman - for many reasons. Among them:

1. You please Allaah. You are obeying the commands of your Lord when you wear the hijaab and you can expect great rewards in return.

2. It is Allaah’s protection of your natural beauty. You are too precious to be "on display" for each man to see.

3. It is Allaah’s preservation of your chastity.

4. Allaah purifies your heart and mind through the hijaab.

5. Allaah beautifies your inner and outer countenance with hijaab. Outwardly your hijaab reflects innocence, purity, modesty, shyness, serenity, contentment and obedience to your Lord. Inwardly you cultivate the same.

6. Allaah defines your femininity through the hijaab. You are a woman who respects her womanhood. Allaah wants you to be respected by others, and for you to respect yourself.

7. Allaah raises your dignity through the hijaab. When a strange man looks at you, he respects you because he sees that you respect yourself.

8. Allaah protects your honour 100% through your hijaab. Men do not gaze at you in a sensual way, they do not approach you in a sensual way, and neither do they speak to you in a sensual way. Rather, a man holds you in high esteem and that is just by one glance at you!

9. Allaah gives you nobility through the hijaab. You are noble not degraded because you covered not naked.

10. Allaah demonstrates your equality as a Muslim woman through the hijaab. Your Lord bestows upon you equal worth as your male counterpart, and gives you a host of beautiful rights and liberties. You express your acceptance of these unique rights by putting on the hijaab.

11. Allaah defines your role as a Muslim woman through the hijaab. You are a someone with important duties. You are a reflection of a woman of action not idle pursuits. You display your sense of direction and purpose through your hijaab. You are someone that people take seriously.

12. Allaah expresses your independence through the hijaab. You are stating clearly that you are an obedient servant of the Greatest Master. You will obey no one else and follow no other way. You are not a slave to any man, nor a slave to any nation. You are free and independent from all man-made systems.

13. Allaah gives you the freedom of movement and expression through the hijaab. You are able to move about and communicate without fear of harassment. Your hijaab gives you a unique confidence.

14. Allaah wants others to treat you – a Muslim woman - with kindness. And the hijaab brings about the best treatment of men towards you.

15. Allaah wants your beauty to be preserved and saved for just one man to enjoy – your husband.

16. Allaah helps you to enjoy a successful marriage through wearing hijaab. Because you reserve your beauty for one man alone, your husband’s love for you increases, he cherishes you more, he respects you more and he honours you more. So your hijaab contributes to a successful and lasting marriage relationship.

17. Allaah brings about peace and stability in the society through the hijaab! Yes this is true! Men do not cause corruption by forming illegal relationships because you - the Muslim woman - calm their passions. When a man looks at you, he feels at ease, not tempted to fornicate…

So a Muslim woman in hijaab is dignified, not dishonoured, noble, not degraded, liberated, not subjugated, purified, not sullied, independent, not a slave, protected, not exposed, respected, not laughed at, confident, not insecure, obedient, not a sinner, a guarded pearl, not a prostitute…

Dear Muslim sister! Come towards the gates of Paradise with us! Fulfill your duties towards Allaah, put on your adornment - put on your hijaab, and race towards Jannah (Paradise) by doing all good actions. You should agree by now that wearing hijaab is extremely beneficial – it must be - because Allaah only commands what is good…

…and believe me dear sister, it is good to obey the commands of your Lord…

"Their reward is with their Lord: Gardens of Eden underneath which rivers flow wherein they will dwell for ever; Allaah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him; this is (in store) for whoever fears his Lord." [Sooratul-Bayyinah 98:8]

The Ruling on a Woman's Slaughter

The Ruling on a Woman's Slaughter

Question: Is it permissible for a woman to slaughter an animal? And is it permissible to eat from it?

Answer: It is permissible for a woman to slaughter an animal, the same as a man, as has been confirmed by the Sunnah from the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam. It is permissible to eat from the animal she has slaughtered, if she is a Muslim or one of the People of the Scripture and the animal was slaughtered according to the Islamic Law, even if a man was available to do it for her. It is not a condition for the permissibility of her sacrificial animal that there be no man present.

Shaykh `Abdul-`Azeez Bin Baz

Fatawa Islamiyah, Darussalam, vol 6, page 315

Khadeejah

From 'ad-Da'wah ilallaah'

She was the first wife of the Prophet and the first heart to be affected and to accept his call to Islâm. She was Khadeejah bint Khuwaylid. When she reached adolescence, she came to be known as Taahira (righteous, virtuous) due to her noble and sublime character. (Al-Isaabah of Ibn Hajr (8/60))

She was married but soon both her father and husband died, leaving her in charge of the trade. Khadeejah became a business woman in her own right, know and respected throughout the Qur'aysh (The noblest tribe in Makkah; they were the keepers of the Ka'bah and the tribe that Khadeejah & the Prophet came from) for her noble character, wealth and good manners.

She heard the Prophet's fair dealings and how he was acclaimed to be al-Ameen (the trustworthy) amongst the people, and so she asked if he could accompany her merchandise to its various destinations - he agreed.

At the age of twenty-five, the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam accepted the proposal of Khadeejah, his distant cousin, who was fifteen years his senior. They had six children: two sons, Qaasim and 'Abdullaah, both of whom died in infancy, and four daughters, Zaynab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthoom, and Faatimah.

Fifteen years later, what do we find Khadeejah saying when the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam came to her with his heart trembling after receiving the first Revelation? He informed her of the happening and said to her "O Khadeejah what has happened to me? I fear for myself?" She replied: "It can't be. Be happy. I swear by Allâh that he will never humiliate you. By Allaah, you join ties of relationship, you speak the truth, you bear people's burdens, you help the destitute, you entertain guests and you help the vicissitudes which affect the people." (Reported by 'Aa'ishah & collected by Muslim (eng. Trans vol.1 pp.96-8 no.301). Imaam an-Nawaawee, who wrote the commentary on Saheeh Muslim said that the scholars have explained Khadeejah's statement by saying that she knew that Allâh would never allow one who had been given such a generous character and noble manners by Him, to be affected by madness, since good manners is itself such a blessing from Allaah)

Look at her conviction in what the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said. Pause for a moment and note her weighty words. She didn't doubt him, nor show the slightest hesitation towards the words he uttered. In fact she was his greatest source of comfort, the first to provide security for him and be sincere to him. He attested to the messengership of her husband and was the first to believe in him, and who could have known him better? After all, she had been married to him for fifteen years. She was convinced that it could only be one of such eloquent character who could be worthy of revelation from Allâh and thus hers was the first heart to be moved, and to accept Islâm.

However, her loyalty and assistance didn't culminize there. By accepting and supporting his call to the worship of Allâh alone, Khadeejah, a woman highly esteemed among the Qur'aysh, was now denouncing their way of life, and the Qur'aysh were a proud and affluent people; and Makkah was at the heart of trading and the home of the idols - much revered by the Qur'aysh. They were not going to stand back and allow a man to now come and preach a way of life alien to theirs, rejecting their beliefs and everything they stood for. And remember when Islâm was first cultivated, the Muslims were small in number, and, in such a trying period, Khadeejah remained alongside the Messenger of Allâh in support whenever the Qur'aysh disclaimed him or contracted hostility towards him. She assisted him in preaching the words of Allâh and hence witnessed the division between the people of faith (eemaan) and those of disbelief (kufr).

This continued until her death on the eleventh of Ramadaan in the tenth year of the Prophethood - at the age of sixty-four. The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam would think of Khadeejah often. Open up any book written on the life of the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and you will not fail to find Khadeejah bint Khuwaylid mentioned and evidences pertaining to her excellence. The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Sufficient for you, from the women of the worlds are, Maryam bint Ibraaheem [the mother of Eesaa], Khadeejah bint Khuwaylid, Faatimah bint Muhammad [sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam] and 'Aasiyah, the wife of Fir'awn [Pharoah]." (Saheeh - Reported by Anas in Ahmad, at-Tirmidhee & others. Declared authentic by al-Albaanee in his Tarteeb Saheeh ul-Jaami' (no.18). The "sufficiency" mentioned here means 'sufficient regarding obedience to Allaah' (Shaykh Alee Hasan al-Halabee))

Further proof of the Prophet's inherent love for Khadeejah can be seen in 'Aa'ishah's statement: "I was not so jealous of any of the Prophet's wives as I was of Khadeejah. I never saw her, but he frequently mentioned her and he would often kill a sheep, cut it in pieces and send them round among Khadeejah's friends. I often said to him: 'It seems as if Khadeejah was the only woman in the world!' And he replied: ' She was indeed a fine woman and I had children from her." (Collected by al-Bukhaaree (eng. Trans. Vol.5 p.104 no.166) & Muslim (eng. Trans. Vol.4 p.1297 no.5972))

So we have the perfect role models, and it is only through reading about them, that we can truly love them and love to be like them, and understand why they are happy occupants of al-Jannah. And Jibreel, 'alayhis-Salaam, came with the good news from Allaah, saying to the Messenger, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, "When she [Khadeejah] comes, give her a greeting from her Lord and me, and give her the good news that in Jannah she will have a house of brilliant pearls, in which there will be no clamor or toil." (Reported by Abu Hurayrah & collected by al-Bukhaaree (vol.5 pp.104-5 no.168) & Muslim (vol.4 p.1297 no.5967))

May Allâh be pleased with her and grant us all ability to be like her.

Aameen.

Umm Salamah

Umm Salamah

by 'Abdul Wâhid Hamid

http://www.islaam.net

Umm Salamah! What an eventful life she had! Her real name was Hind. She was the daughter of one of the notables in the Makhzum clan nicknamed "Zad ar-Rakib" because he was well known for his generosity partlcularly to travellers. Umm Salamah's husband was Abdullah ibn Abdulasad and they both were among the first persons to accept Islam. Only Abu Bakr and a few others, who could be counted on the fingers of one hand, became Muslims before them.

As soon as the news of their becoming Muslims spread, the Quraysh reacted with frenzied anger. They began hounding and persecuting Umm Salamah and her husband. But the couple did not waver or despair and remained steadfast in their new faith.

The persecution became more and more intense. Life in Makkah became unbearable for many of the new Muslims. The Prophet, peace be upon him, then gave permission for them to emigrate to Abyssinia. Umm Salamah and her husband were in the forefront of these muhajirun, seekers of refuge in a strange land. For Umm Salamah it meant abandoning her spacious home and giving up the traditional ties of lineage and honour for something newرhope in the pleasure and reward of Allah. Despite the protection Umm Salamah and her companions received from the Abyssinian ruler, the desire to return to Makkah, to be near the Prophet and the source of relevation and guidance persisted. News eventually reached the muhajErun that the number of Muslims in Makkah had increased. Among them were Hamzah ibn Abdulmuttalib and Umar ibn al-Khattab. Their faith had greatly strengthened the community and the Quraysh they heard, had eased the persecution somewhat. Thus a group of the muhajErun, urged on by a deep longing in their hearts, decided to return to Makkah.

The easing of the persecution was but brief as the returnees soon found out. The dramatic increase in the number of Muslims following the acceptance of Islam by Hamzah and Umar only infuriated the Quraysh even more. They intensified their persecution and torture to a pitch and intensity not known before. So the Prophet gave permission to his companions to emigrate to Madinah. Umm Salamah and her husband were among the first to leave.

The hijrah of Umm Salamah and her husband though was not as easy as they had imagined. In fact, it was a bitter and painful experience and a particularly harrowing one for her.

Let us leave the story now for Umm Salamah herself to tell . . .

When Abu Salamah (my husband) decided to leave for Madinah, he prepared a camel for me, hoisted me on it and placed our son Salamah on my lap. My husband then took the lead and went on without stopping or waiting for anything. Before we were out of Makkah however some men from my clan stopped us and said to my husband:

"Though you are free to do what you like with yourself, you have no power over your wife. She is our daughter. Do you expect us to allow you to take her away from us?"

They then pounced on him and snatched me away from him. My husband's clan, Banu Abdulasad, saw them taking both me and my child. They became hot with rage.

"No! By Allah," they shouted, "we shall not abandon the boy. He is our son and we have a first claim over him."

They took him by the hand and pulled him away from me. Suddenly in the space of a few moments, I found myself alone and lonely. My husband headed for Madinah by himself and his clan had snatched my son away from me. My own clan, Banu Makhzum, overpowered me and forced me to stay with them.

From the day when my husband and my son were separated from me, I went out at noon every day to that valley and sat at the spot where this tragedy occurred. I would recall those terrible moments and weep until night fell on me.

I continued like this for a year or so until one day a man from the Banu Umayyah passed by and saw my condition. He went back to my clan and said:

"Why don't you free this poor woman? You have caused her husband and her son to be taken away from her."

He went on trying to soften their hearts and play on their emotions. At last they said to me, "Go and join your husband if you wish."

But how could I join my husband in Madinah and leave my son, a piece of my own flesh and blood, in Makkah among the Banu Abdulasad? How could I be free from anguish and my eyes be free from tears were I to reach the place of hijrah not knowing anything of my little son left behind in Makkah? Some realised what I was going through and their hearts went out to me. They petitioned the Banu Abdulasad on my behalf and moved them to return my son.

I did not now even want to linger in Makkah till I found someone to travel with me and I was afraid that something might happen that would delay or prevent me from reaching my husband. So I promptly got my camel ready, placed my son on my lap and left in the direction of Madinah.

I had just about reached Tan'im (about three miles from Makkah) when I met Uthman ibn Talhah. (He was a keeper of the Ka'bah in preIslamic times and was not yet a Muslim.)

"Where are you going, Bint Zad ar-Rakib?" he asked.
"I am going to my husband in Madinah."
"And there isn't anyone with you?"
"No, by Allah. Except Allah and my little boy here."
"By Allah, I shall never abandon you until you reach Madinah," he vowed.
He then took the reins of my camel and led us on. I have, by Allah, never met an Arab more generous and noble than he. When we reached a resting place, he would make my camel kneel down, wait until I dismounted, lead the camel to a tree and tether it. He would then go to the shade of another tree. When we had rested he would get the camel ready and lead us on.

This he did every day until we reached Madinah. When we got to a village near Quba (about two miles from Madinah) belonging to Banu Amr ibn Awf, he said, "Your husband is in this village. Enter it with the blessings of God. "

He turned back and headed for Makkah.
Their roads finally met after the long separation. Umm Salamah was overjoyed to see her husband and he was delighted to see his wife and son.
Great and momentous events followed one after the other. There was the battle of Badr in which Abu Salamah fought. The Muslims returned victorious and strengthened. Then there was the battle of Uhud in which the Muslims were sorely tested. Abu Salamah came out of this wounded very badly. He appeared at first to respond well to treatment, but his wounds never healed completely and he remained bedridden.

Once while Umm Salamah was nursing him, he said to her: "I heard the Messenger of God saying. Whenever a calamity afflicts anyone he should say, "Surely from Allah we are and to Him we shall certainly return." And he would pray, 'O Lord, give me in return something good from it which only You, Exalted and Mighty, can give.'"

Abu Salamah remained sick in bed for several days. One morning the Prophet came to see him. The visit was longer than usual. While the Prophet was still at his bedside Abu Salamah passed away. With his blessed hands, the Prophet closed the eyes of his dead companion. He then raised these hands to the heavens and prayed:

"O Lord, grant forgiveness to Abu Salamah. Elevate him among those who are near to You. Take charge of his family at all times. Forgive us and him, O Lord of the Worlds. Widen his grave and make it light for him."

Umm Salamah remembered the prayer her husband had quoted on his deathbed from the Prophet and began repeating it, "O Lord, with you I leave this my plight for consideration . . ." But she could not bring herself to continue . . . "O Lord give me something good from it", because she kept asking herself, "Who could be better than Abu Salamah?" But it did not take long before she completed the supplication.

The Muslims were greatly saddened by the plight of Umm Salamah. She became known as "Ayyin al-Arab"ر the one who had lost her husband. She had no one in Madinah of her own except her small children, like a hen without feathers.

Both the Muhajirun and Ansar felt they had a duty to Umm Salamah. When she had completed the Iddah (three months and ten days), Abu Bakr proposed marriage to her but she refused. Then Umar asked to marry her but she also declined the proposal. The Prophet then approached her and she replied:

"O Messenger of Allah, I have three characteristics. I am a woman who is extremely jealous and I am afraid that you will see in me something that will anger you and cause Allah to punish me. I am a woman who is already advanced in age and I am a woman who has a young family." The Prophet replied:

"Regarding the jealousy you mentioned, I pray to Allah the Almighty to let it go away from you. Regarding the question of age you have mentioned. I am afflicted with the same problem as you. Regarding the dependent family you have mentioned, your family is my family."

They were married and so it was that Allah answered the prayer of Umm Salamah and gave her better than Abu Salamah. From that day on Hind al Makhzumiyah was no longer the mother of Salamah alone but became the mother of all believersر Umm al-Mu'mineen.

The Muslim Woman: Her Status in the Ummah

The Muslim Woman: Her Status in the Ummah

By Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez Ibn Baaz (d.1420H) (rahimahullaah) [1]

This small article was a response to a particular question concerning the position and status of Muslim women, and has been taken from his Majmoo' Fataawaa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi'ah (3/348-350).

Source: Al-Istiqaamah , Issue No.1 - Dhul-Hijjah 1416H / May 1996

The status of the Muslim woman in Islaam is a very noble and lofty one, and her effect is very great in the life of every Muslim. Indeed, the Muslim woman is the initial teacher in the building of a righteous society, providing she follows the guidance from the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Since adherence to the Qur'aan and the Sunnah distances every Muslim male or female from being misguided in any matter. The misguidance that the various nations suffer from, the path of Allaah the Most Perfect, the Most High, and from what His Prophets and Messengers, may Allaah's peace and prayers be upon them all, came with. The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "I am leaving behind two matters, you will not go astray as long as you cling to them both, the Book of Allaah and my Sunnah."

The great importance of the Muslim woman's role - whether as wife, sister or daughter, and the rights that are due to her and the obligations due from her have been explained in the noble Qur'aan, and further details of this have been explained in the purified Sunnah.

The secret of her importance lies in the tremendous burden and responsibility that is placed upon her, and the difficulties that she has to shoulder. In terms of responsibilities, some of which not even a man can bear. This is why from the most important obligations upon a person is to show gratitude to the mother, and kindness and good companionship with her. And in this matter, she is to be given precedence over and above the father. Allaah the Most High, says:

"And We have enjoined upon man to be dutiful and good to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness upon weakness and hardship upon hardship, and his weaning is in two years. Show gratitude and thanks to Me and to your parents. Unto Me is the final destination." [Al-Qur'aan 31:14]

Allah the Most High, said: "And We have enjoined upon man to be dutiful and kind to his parents. His mother bears him with hardship, and she brings him forth with hardship. And the bearing and the weaning of him is thirty months." [Al-Qur'aan 41:15].

A man came to Allaah's Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: O Messenger of Allaah! Who from amongst mankind warrants the best companionship from me. He replied: "Your mother." The man asked: Then who? So he replied: "Your mother." The man asked: Then who? So the Prophet replied again: "Your mother." The man then asked: Then who? So he replied: "Then your father." So this necessitates that the mother is given three times the likes of kindness and good treatment than the father.

As regards the wife, then her effect in making the soul tranquil and serene, has been clearly shown in the noble aayah (verse), in His - the Most High's - saying:

"And from amongst His Signs is this: That He created for you wives from amongst yourselves, so that you may find serenity and tranquility in them, And He has put between you love and compassion. Indeed, in this are signs for those who reflect." [Al-Qur'aan 30:21]

Al-Haafidh Ibn Katheer (d.774H) - rahimahullaah - said, whilst explaining the terms mawaddah and rahmah which occur in the above verse. "Al-mawaddah means love and affection, and ar-rahmah means compassion and pity, since a man takes the hand of a woman either due to his love for her, or because of compassion and pity for her; by giving to her a child from himself..."

And the unique stance that the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam's wife Khadeejah - radiallaahu 'anhaa - took, had a huge effect in calming and reassuring Allaah's Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, when the angel Jibreel - 'alayhis-salaam - first came to him in the cave of Hiraa. The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayi wa sallam returned to Khadeejah with the first Revelation and with his heart trembling and beating severely, saying to her, "Cover me! Cover me!" So she covered him until his fear was over, after which he told Khadeejah - radiallaahu 'anhaa - everything that had happened, and said: "I fear that something may happen to me." She said to him: "Never! By Allaah! Allaah will never  disgrace you. You keep good ties with relations, you help the poor and  the destitute, you serve your guests generouly and assist those who have been affected with calamities."

And do not forget about 'Aaishah - radiallaahu 'anhaa - and her immense contribution. Even the eminent Sahaabah (Companions) used to take knowledge of Hadeeth from her, and many of the Sahaabiyaat (female Companions) learnt the various rulings pertaining to women's issues from her.

And I have no doubt that my mother (may Allaah shower His mercy upon her) had a tremendous effect upon me, and has a great excellence over me, in encouraging me to study, and she assisted me in it. May Allaah greatly increase her reward and reward her with the best of rewards for what she did for me. And there is no doubt also, that the house in which there is kindness, gentleness, love and care, with the correct Islaamic tarbiyah (education and cultivation) will greatly affect the man. So he will become, if Allaah wills, successful in his affairs and in any matter whether it be seeking knowledge, trading, earning a living, etc. So it is Allaah alone that I ask to grant us all success and to guide us all to that which He loves and is pleased with. And may the prayers and peace of Allaah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his Family, his Companions and his followers.

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1. He is the exemplary Scholar: Abu 'Abdullaah, 'Abdul-'Azeez bin 'Abdullaah bin Baaz. He was born in the city of Riyaadh (Sa'udi Arabiah) on the 12th Dhul-Hijjah in the year 1330H. He began seeking knowledge by first memorising the Qur'aan before reaching the age of maturity. He then went on to study the various Islaamic sciences, such as 'Aqeedah (Beliefs), Fiqh (Jurisprudence), Usoolul-Fiqh (Fundamentals of Jurisprudence), Hadeeth (Prophetic Narrations), Faraa'id (Laws of Inheritance), Nahw (Grammar) and Sarf (Morphology) - even though the Shaykh became permanently blind at the age of seventeen. He studied these sciences under some of the most prominent Scholars of Riyaadh and Makkah of his time, including Shaykh Muhammad ibn 'Abdul-Lateef ibn Abdur-Rahmaan ibn Hasan and also the former grand-muftee and noble scholar, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem - whom he studied under for ten years. He is eighty-six years old, mild, generous and forbearing in nature, whilst firm, yet wise, when speaking the truth. He is a zaahid (one who abstains) with respect to this world and is one of the foremost Scholars of Ahlul-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'at in this present age. The noble Shaykh has - by Allaah's grace - devoted his whole life to the cause of Islaam and its people, authoring many books and booklets, teaching and serving the masses, along with being very active in the field of da'wah. May Allaah protect our noble father and Shaykh, and may He continue to benefit the Ummah with him.
This small article was a response to a particular question concerning the position and status of Muslim women, and has been taken from his Majmoo' Fataawaa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi'ah (3/348-350).
2. Hasan: Related by Maalik in al-Muwatta (2/899) and al-Haakim (1/93), from Ibn 'Abbaas radiallaahu 'anhu. It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in as-Saheehah (no.1871).
3. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 5971) and Muslim (7/2), from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu 'anhu.
4. Tafseer Qur'aanul-'Adheem (3/439) of Ibn Katheer.
5. Related by al-Bukhaaree (1/22) and Muslim (1/139), from the lengthy narration of 'Aa'eshah radiallaahu 'anhaa.

Rulings Derived From the Evidences on Hijaab

AUTHOR:  Shaikh Zayd bin Muhammad Al-Madkhalee
SOURCE:  His Treatise "Wujoob Sitr-il-Wajhi wal-Kafayn"
PRODUCED BY:  Al-Ibaanah.com


First: A clarification of the rulings that can be derived from the evidences o­n Hijaab, and they are as follows:

1. The obligation of the legislated Hijaab is definite and binding o­n all of the believing women, there being no room for lenience or negotiation with regard to abolishing it or belittling its status and its significance.

2. A clarification that the Prophet’s (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) chaste wives and noble daughters serve as the best examples and most outstanding role models for all Muslim women when it comes to implementing the issue of Hijaab.

3. The prescribed Hijaab is that which covers a woman’s adornment, garments and all of her body, which includes the face and the hands.

4. The obligation of wearing the Hijaab o­n the Muslim woman consists of honoring her status, raising her rank, and protecting her dignity and personality. In fact it protects the whole society from the avenues of mischief and corruption appearing in it and the spreading of vile acts amongst its people and inhabitants.

5. A severe warning to the Muslim woman against her wearing that which will make the eyes of men look towards her or which will make their hearts incline to her or which will incite the causes of mischief. Such enticements include wearing perfumes and cosmetics. However she is permitted to wear these when she is in the presence of her husband or her male guardians according to the limits of the noble Religion.

6. There is nothing wrong with children, young boys and whoever else falls under their ruling, to enter into a woman’s presence due to the lack of there occurring any fitnah or danger from them, as is apparent from the Qur’aan.

7. The obligation of repenting to Allaah in general and to seek forgiveness for falling short of abiding by the Hijaab in particular, hoping for Allaah’s Contentment and Mercy, and desiring to attain success in both this world and the next life, acting o­n Allaah’s statement:

“And turn in repentance to Allaah, all of you, O believers, in order that you may be successful.” [Surah An-Noor: 31]