Wednesday, December 22, 2004
"Remember Allah in times of ease, and He will recognize you in times of distress. What hit you could not have missed you, what missed you could not have hit you. Remember that victory comes with patience, relief comes with affliction and ease comes with hardship."
-- narrated by 'Abdullah ibn Masud from the Beloved of Allah, may Allah bless him and give him peace
-- narrated by 'Abdullah ibn Masud from the Beloved of Allah, may Allah bless him and give him peace
Monday, December 20, 2004
Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:
"Allah Almighty says, 'I have declared war against anyone who shows enmity towards a friend of Mine. My slave does not draw near to Me with anything I love more than what I made obligatory for him. Then My slave continues to draw near to Me with superogatory actions until I love him. When I love him, I become his hearing with which he hears, his sight by which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. If he asks of Me, I give to him. If he seeks refuge with Me, I give him refuge.'" (Bukhari)
"Allah Almighty says, 'I have declared war against anyone who shows enmity towards a friend of Mine. My slave does not draw near to Me with anything I love more than what I made obligatory for him. Then My slave continues to draw near to Me with superogatory actions until I love him. When I love him, I become his hearing with which he hears, his sight by which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. If he asks of Me, I give to him. If he seeks refuge with Me, I give him refuge.'" (Bukhari)
Sunday, December 19, 2004
...math, again.
Hijab, Niqab, Compulsion, and Religious Change
Answered by Sidi Faraz Rabbani - 5/16/2003
Is it compulsory for women to wear Niqab according to Hanafi fiqh? Can you please briefly explain this with some evidence?
Walaikum assalam,
I asked Mufti Mahmoud Ashraf Usmani, an ocean of knowledge and humility, this Question. He answered that in our times, with things as they are, what must be insisted on is that women cover properly, such that they reveal nothing besides their face and hands. This has to be done with loose, heavy clothing that is modest, does not attract attention, and does not imitate the fashions of the unbelievers. This is what we must emphasize.
Beyond this, we know that the niqab was the way of the wives of our Beloved Prophet (Allah bless him, his family, companions and those who love them, and give them peace), and the female companions too.
In the Hanafi school, the face, hands, and feet are not awrah. However, the recorded position since the earliest times is that it is necessary (wajib) to cover the face for other than old women, because of the fitna. It is still possible to implement this ruling in the Muslim world. We see, for example, Shaykh Wahbi Sulayman Ghawji, a major Albanian Hanafi alim of great knowledge, wisdom, and taqwa, who lived a long time in Syria and is an author of countless useful works, authoring numerous works reinforcing the necessity (wujub) of niqab according to the vast majority of the jurists of Islam, and criticizing modernists and some Salamis (such as Nasir al-Albani) for saying it is not recommended.
HOWEVER , this is very hard to implement in the West. As such, Mufti Mahmoud’s answer, echoed by many other god-fearing scholars who know about the West, can be safely acted upon. Anyone who can, in his or her circumstances, wear niqab, without fear of harm or trouble, is undoubtedly doing that which is best.
How is a father/brother/husband responsible for making their wife/sister/mother wear niqab (or hijab if not compulsory)? Are we allowed to force them to wear it, if so do they get any reward for wearing it after that, or is it a personal choice, where they are sinful if they do not wear it?
The problem many men now is that they resemble mice and behave like bears. A Muslim is responsible for his family. Allah has ordered us to save ourselves and our families from the Fire whose fuel is people and stones. As such, fathers, or other adult household members, with the mother, have the responsibility of raising children who truly believe and understand their religion. This is something that requires much attention, and is a great responsibility, particularly in the West. Children have to be raised loving Allah and His Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace), and the way of the Muslims. Such children would not normally question applying the rulings of Islam.
Now, when none of this has been done, the ruling of course remains: it is obligatory for the wife/sister/mother to cover. Her not doing so is an evil (munkar). The other household members are obliged to try to get her to cover, while this is most incumbent on her husband or father. However, it is not a simple as throwing a piece of cloth on the lady’s unprepared head. Sometimes, much groundwork and background work may be needed. A teen who does not know a thing about her religion, why she is a Muslim and let alone why she “has to cover” will not usually react well to a “cease, desist, and cover” order. It may shake their deen out of them.
Wisdom is needed. But wisdom cannot be confused with accepting wrong. We should still hate this disobedience of the command of Allah in our hearts, but figure out the best, most effective way to change things. A good place is ourselves. The reason that Muslim “awakenings” don’t often have much impact on those around is that those who awaken to religious practice quickly become heedless of themselves and turn to bash everyone else into imaginary Islamic molds.
Had they only worked on themselves, their light would have shown other the way without much need for words.
And Allah alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani
Is it necessary to wear niqab? Isn't the hijab enough?
Answered by Sidi Faraz Rabbani - 5/16/2003
Is it necessary to wear niqab? Isn't the hijab enough?
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate
In the West, and for those in difficult social or family situations in Muslim lands, what is emphasized and unquestionable is the obligation for women to wear hijab.
As for wearing niqab (the face veil), this was considered necessary (wajib) by the classical scholars of the Hanafi school, as well as other Sunni schools such as the Shafi`i school. However, this is often not reasonably possible to follow for many people, given their personal, family, or social situation.
The Transmitted Ruling
The transmitted position of the Hanafi school is that a woman’s face, though not considered of a woman’s ‘nakedness’ (awrah), is necessary (wajib) to cover because of the fitna involved in not doing so. This mentioned in virtually all its major texts, including the Hashiya of Ibn Abidin, the Hashiya of al-Tahtawi, al-Bahr al-Ra’iq, al-Hidaya, its commentaries, and other texts.
The Ruling For Our Times and Situation
As for what the ruling is in our times, the scholars differ.
Some scholars say that this ruling would remain the “basic ruling” on the matter. As Shaykh Wahbi Sulayman Ghawji, a Syrian Hanafi scholar of Albanian origin, shows, the evidence for covering the face is far stronger, from the Qur’an, Sunna, and is the position of the vast majority of classical Qur’anic exegetes, hadith commentators, and jurists.
However, as Shaykh Mahmoud Ashraf Usmani and other major god-fearing scholars explain, in our times, what we necessarily emphasize is the need to wear hijab. For many people, and in many situations, this is all that is reasonably possible to wear.
I heard similar rulings from scholars in Damascus. This is also what major traditional scholars who understand the reality of Muslims in the West state.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani
Niqab as Sunnah doesn’t make sense to me…
Answered by Shaykh Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf - 6/21/2004
Is it proper to refer to actions of the wives of the Holy Prophet (sallalaho alaihe wassalam) as "Sunnah" actions? I ask because some sisters refer to wearing niqab as Sunnah but that doesn’t make sense to me. I understand if they said it is a sunnah of the wives of the prophet, but Sunnah (with a capital) doesn’t make sense to me!
Assalamu alaykum
In the name of Allah the Inspirer of truth
Sunna is a way that is followed in the din. It includes the way followed by the Messenger of Allah (upon him be peace), whether it was something he did himself or told others to do or approved of in others (as in the case in question).
As for the niqab, it is more than just a "Sunna" in your understanding of the word. It has been considered wajib by many scholars. See previous posts on the issue on www.sunnipath.com
Wassalam
Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf
Niqab in Ihram
Answered by Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam, Darul Iftaa (Leicester, UK) - 12/25/2003
Is it necessary for a woman to cover her face during Ihram (during Umrah/Hajj)? Will she be excused for not covering her face due to the difficulties associated with niqabs hanging from baseball caps? Insha'Allah as soon as my state of Ihram is complete, I would wear the Niqab but what about during the days of ihram?
In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
The ruling in the Hanafi Madhhab (and even in other madhhabs) is that, although the face is not considered to be part of one’s nakedness (awra), it is necessary to cover it, due to the fitna involved in not doing so. This is the transmitted position in the Hanafi School, as mentioned in virtually all the major fiqh books.
Some contemporary scholars have a more lenient approach to this issue, especially in the West. However, my understanding is (according to what I have learnt from my teachers) that a woman is required to cover her face even in the west except in dire situations.
As such, if you are travelling for Hajj, and you normally cover your face at home, then you must cover it whilst in the state of Ihram also. However, if it becomes very difficult, in that it becomes virtually impossible to wear the niqab (even with a cap, etc), and you fear harm onto yourself, then in such a case you will be excused in leaving the face exposed, but try to keep the face away from non-Mahram men whenever reasonably possible.
And Allah knows best
Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari Darul Iftaa, Leicester, UK
A Reader on the Muslim Veil (Hijab-Niqab)
Answered by Shaykh Gibril Haddad - 1/19/2004
...I have decided to wear niqab and I started to wear it to Islamic functions, and slowly out in the public. I feel I am ready to wear it now to school ( I go to a two year college) however I came across a book that plainly stated that it is not compulsory for a woman to cover her face. I really want to, but I feel shaytaan is getting to me, so I am asking you why I should wear it, and am I getting good deeds for doing it, did the prophets wives really do it, I just don't understand it but I feel that it is very good. Is it Islamic... please help.
The niqab type of hijab is not compulsory generally speaking but it can be compulsory specifically speaking. If fitna is feared wherever one goes because of unwanted attention then the right decision is to wear it. In such a case it is definitely piety and taqwa. Imam Ibn al-Qayyim spoke of five different types of jihad:
1. Jihad al-nafs (jihad against one's lower self)
2. Jihad al-shaitan (jihad against shaitan)
3. Jihad al-fasiqeen (jihad against wrongdoers)
4. Jihad al-kuffar (jihad against unbelievers)
5. Jihad al-munafiqeen (jihad against hypocrites)
An American brother commented on the above on the MSA forum in 1995:
"Does any man think that he fights his ego better than women? Though it is fard for women to cover themselves, show me one practicing Muslim woman who is not only fighting her ego, but [also] practicing all 5 of the jihads mentioned above, by wearing her hijab in public. That is because everyone hates that, including shaitan, nafs, the fasiqeen, the kuffar and the munafiqeen. She is like the mujahid waving the flag of Islam high in the land of non-believers, in the land of shaitans and evil-doers. And though the shari'ah is not so strict asking men to wear Islamic clothes, nonetheless, in doing so, the women are doing a big and difficult jihad, better than men who have never fought, though the women have not fired one bullet! May Allah bless them and strengthen their himmah." Amin.
Hajj Gibril...
Hijab vs Niqab: Sustainable Islam
Answered by Sidi Faraz Rabbani - 5/16/2003
How strict do I have to be about hijab vs. niqab (face veil)? I have been wearing hijab for 11 years Alhumdulilah. There was a time when I was more strict then I am now. There have been times when my Islam wavered so much that I thought to remove the hijab completely. Now Alhumdulilah, I am striving once again after a retreat of several years. So, I wonder should I strive to be as strict as I once was or do I just strive to remain consistent at a level that is comfortable.
Walaikum assalam,
The Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) said, “Take from works that which you are able to sustain, for Allah does not tire [of rewarding you] until you tire [of works].”
The sunna is to do everything that is obligatory, and then to build one’s deen (outwardly and inwardly) in a systematic, gradual, sustainable manner.
Shaytan wants us to take on more and more, in a rush, until we cannot manage and simply slack off or, worse, leave practicing.
How do we know what to do?
Allah Most High said in the Qur’an, “O you who believe, fear Allah and be with the righteous.” One should keep company with the best believers one can find in one’s area, and have righteous scholars one seeks guidance and knowledge from.
And Allah knows best, and He alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani.
The Fiqh of Covering One's Nakedness (Awra): A Detailed Explanation
Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari, Darul Iftaa, Leicester, UK - 7/17/2003
...The face according to the scholars is not part of the Awra, yet, as we have seen in the text of Imam al-Tumurtashi, it will be necessary to cover it due to the fear of temptation and incitement. Ibn Abidin states: “(A young woman will be prevented from exposing her face), not because it is part of Awra, rather (for the fear of temptation)”. (Radd al-Muhtar, 1/406)...
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DETAILS
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Niqab in Prostration
Answered by Sidi Faraz Rabbani
I just wanted to enquire that a sister told me while she prays she has been told to lift her Niqab up while in Sajood, can you clarify this for me please.
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
It is superior to raise the face veil (niqab) when prostrating—as it is sunna to prostrate directly on one’s forehead—but not obligatory, in the Hanafi school. [Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani
Interacting with my sister-in-law
Answered by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari, UK
Because I am currently a student, my wife and I live with my parents. Sometimes, when my brother and his wife visit the home, some issues regarding interaction arise. It is a two floor house, so generally I would stay downstairs if my sister in law is upstairs and vice versa. At other times, I would at least avoid being in the same room for an extended period of time, and I would also avoid unnecessary conversation. I have read other responses on the list archives regarding mixed gatherings, etc., so I guess that one question would be in this situation, would it be haram for non- mahrams to come in each others site and be in the same room temporarily (not alone, with other people there) given that the women wear hijab? Or is complete "purdah" and wearing niqab a must? Also, there is a question regarding the female voice. If I am downstairs in the home, for example, I may sometimes hear my sister in law laughing, or just talking with kids, etc. I read the response on the list about the female voice, but I would like to know that if a women is not talking with a non-mahram directly but her voice might be heard elsewhere in the house (as sometimes happens in my case), is this considered unlawful?
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate
Imam al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim narrate in their respective Sahih collections, which are the most authentic books after the Book of Allah itself, from Uqba ibn Amir (Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah said: “Beware of going near (non-mahram) women.” A person inquired: “What about in-laws?” The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) responded, “The in-laws are death.”
The Prophet of Allah (Allah bless him & give peace) compared male in-laws to death. This means that one should be especially careful with in-laws with regards to interaction as there is greater risk for fitna, especially given the comfortable, social atmosphere that may exist, in which both parties may lower their guard and forget lowering their gazes.
However, according to the Hanafi school, the face, hands and feet are not considered Awra (although it is wajib to cover the face for other then old women due to fitna), and thus many contemporary scholars have given a dispensation with regards to covering within the house.
A legal verdict (fatwa) issued by top scholars at Dar al-Uloom Karachi, approved by Shaykh Taqi Usmani, states that in the case of a joint family where non-immediate family members (such as in-laws, or one’s brother’s wife) regularly come in and out of the house and it becomes very difficult for the women to keep her self covered all the time, then there is a dispensation in that she can expose her face, hands [up to the wrists] and feet. The rest of the body must be properly covered. Similar fatwas have been issued by top Arab scholars.
At the same time, one must ensure not be alone in privacy with a non-Mahram (khalwah) in one room or the house, and keep the gazes low as much as possible. One must also avoid talking unnecessarily and where the need arises, limit it to the essentials and abstain from being open and free.
As far as the female voice is concerned, according to the preferred opinion in the Hanafi School, it is not considered as part of that which must necessarily be concealed (`awra). However, both men and women may not talk or interact in ways that may lead to temptation (fitna).
Therefore, in your situation, if your sister in-law’s voice is heard by you, then this would be generally permitted. However, if you fear temptation (fitna) by listening to her voice, then you must avoid it.
And Allah knows best
Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari
“There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejects falsehood and believes in Allah has grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower. Allah is the Protecting Guardian of those who believe. He brings them out of darkness into light.”
No Veil, Please?
Answered by Sidi Faraz Rabbani
What does a wife do if her husband doesn't like or allow her to wear niqab (face veil)? He doesn't want her to wear it with him but allows it only when she is alone (not with him).
Walaikum assalam,
The wife should use hikma, and do that which less harmful, in her situation, in the short term, and pursue that which will maximize the good in her family life in the long term.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani
Hijab, Niqab, Compulsion, and Religious Change
Answered by Sidi Faraz Rabbani - 5/16/2003
Is it compulsory for women to wear Niqab according to Hanafi fiqh? Can you please briefly explain this with some evidence?
Walaikum assalam,
I asked Mufti Mahmoud Ashraf Usmani, an ocean of knowledge and humility, this Question. He answered that in our times, with things as they are, what must be insisted on is that women cover properly, such that they reveal nothing besides their face and hands. This has to be done with loose, heavy clothing that is modest, does not attract attention, and does not imitate the fashions of the unbelievers. This is what we must emphasize.
Beyond this, we know that the niqab was the way of the wives of our Beloved Prophet (Allah bless him, his family, companions and those who love them, and give them peace), and the female companions too.
In the Hanafi school, the face, hands, and feet are not awrah. However, the recorded position since the earliest times is that it is necessary (wajib) to cover the face for other than old women, because of the fitna. It is still possible to implement this ruling in the Muslim world. We see, for example, Shaykh Wahbi Sulayman Ghawji, a major Albanian Hanafi alim of great knowledge, wisdom, and taqwa, who lived a long time in Syria and is an author of countless useful works, authoring numerous works reinforcing the necessity (wujub) of niqab according to the vast majority of the jurists of Islam, and criticizing modernists and some Salamis (such as Nasir al-Albani) for saying it is not recommended.
HOWEVER , this is very hard to implement in the West. As such, Mufti Mahmoud’s answer, echoed by many other god-fearing scholars who know about the West, can be safely acted upon. Anyone who can, in his or her circumstances, wear niqab, without fear of harm or trouble, is undoubtedly doing that which is best.
How is a father/brother/husband responsible for making their wife/sister/mother wear niqab (or hijab if not compulsory)? Are we allowed to force them to wear it, if so do they get any reward for wearing it after that, or is it a personal choice, where they are sinful if they do not wear it?
The problem many men now is that they resemble mice and behave like bears. A Muslim is responsible for his family. Allah has ordered us to save ourselves and our families from the Fire whose fuel is people and stones. As such, fathers, or other adult household members, with the mother, have the responsibility of raising children who truly believe and understand their religion. This is something that requires much attention, and is a great responsibility, particularly in the West. Children have to be raised loving Allah and His Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace), and the way of the Muslims. Such children would not normally question applying the rulings of Islam.
Now, when none of this has been done, the ruling of course remains: it is obligatory for the wife/sister/mother to cover. Her not doing so is an evil (munkar). The other household members are obliged to try to get her to cover, while this is most incumbent on her husband or father. However, it is not a simple as throwing a piece of cloth on the lady’s unprepared head. Sometimes, much groundwork and background work may be needed. A teen who does not know a thing about her religion, why she is a Muslim and let alone why she “has to cover” will not usually react well to a “cease, desist, and cover” order. It may shake their deen out of them.
Wisdom is needed. But wisdom cannot be confused with accepting wrong. We should still hate this disobedience of the command of Allah in our hearts, but figure out the best, most effective way to change things. A good place is ourselves. The reason that Muslim “awakenings” don’t often have much impact on those around is that those who awaken to religious practice quickly become heedless of themselves and turn to bash everyone else into imaginary Islamic molds.
Had they only worked on themselves, their light would have shown other the way without much need for words.
And Allah alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani
Is it necessary to wear niqab? Isn't the hijab enough?
Answered by Sidi Faraz Rabbani - 5/16/2003
Is it necessary to wear niqab? Isn't the hijab enough?
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate
In the West, and for those in difficult social or family situations in Muslim lands, what is emphasized and unquestionable is the obligation for women to wear hijab.
As for wearing niqab (the face veil), this was considered necessary (wajib) by the classical scholars of the Hanafi school, as well as other Sunni schools such as the Shafi`i school. However, this is often not reasonably possible to follow for many people, given their personal, family, or social situation.
The Transmitted Ruling
The transmitted position of the Hanafi school is that a woman’s face, though not considered of a woman’s ‘nakedness’ (awrah), is necessary (wajib) to cover because of the fitna involved in not doing so. This mentioned in virtually all its major texts, including the Hashiya of Ibn Abidin, the Hashiya of al-Tahtawi, al-Bahr al-Ra’iq, al-Hidaya, its commentaries, and other texts.
The Ruling For Our Times and Situation
As for what the ruling is in our times, the scholars differ.
Some scholars say that this ruling would remain the “basic ruling” on the matter. As Shaykh Wahbi Sulayman Ghawji, a Syrian Hanafi scholar of Albanian origin, shows, the evidence for covering the face is far stronger, from the Qur’an, Sunna, and is the position of the vast majority of classical Qur’anic exegetes, hadith commentators, and jurists.
However, as Shaykh Mahmoud Ashraf Usmani and other major god-fearing scholars explain, in our times, what we necessarily emphasize is the need to wear hijab. For many people, and in many situations, this is all that is reasonably possible to wear.
I heard similar rulings from scholars in Damascus. This is also what major traditional scholars who understand the reality of Muslims in the West state.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani
Niqab as Sunnah doesn’t make sense to me…
Answered by Shaykh Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf - 6/21/2004
Is it proper to refer to actions of the wives of the Holy Prophet (sallalaho alaihe wassalam) as "Sunnah" actions? I ask because some sisters refer to wearing niqab as Sunnah but that doesn’t make sense to me. I understand if they said it is a sunnah of the wives of the prophet, but Sunnah (with a capital) doesn’t make sense to me!
Assalamu alaykum
In the name of Allah the Inspirer of truth
Sunna is a way that is followed in the din. It includes the way followed by the Messenger of Allah (upon him be peace), whether it was something he did himself or told others to do or approved of in others (as in the case in question).
As for the niqab, it is more than just a "Sunna" in your understanding of the word. It has been considered wajib by many scholars. See previous posts on the issue on www.sunnipath.com
Wassalam
Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf
Niqab in Ihram
Answered by Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam, Darul Iftaa (Leicester, UK) - 12/25/2003
Is it necessary for a woman to cover her face during Ihram (during Umrah/Hajj)? Will she be excused for not covering her face due to the difficulties associated with niqabs hanging from baseball caps? Insha'Allah as soon as my state of Ihram is complete, I would wear the Niqab but what about during the days of ihram?
In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
The ruling in the Hanafi Madhhab (and even in other madhhabs) is that, although the face is not considered to be part of one’s nakedness (awra), it is necessary to cover it, due to the fitna involved in not doing so. This is the transmitted position in the Hanafi School, as mentioned in virtually all the major fiqh books.
Some contemporary scholars have a more lenient approach to this issue, especially in the West. However, my understanding is (according to what I have learnt from my teachers) that a woman is required to cover her face even in the west except in dire situations.
As such, if you are travelling for Hajj, and you normally cover your face at home, then you must cover it whilst in the state of Ihram also. However, if it becomes very difficult, in that it becomes virtually impossible to wear the niqab (even with a cap, etc), and you fear harm onto yourself, then in such a case you will be excused in leaving the face exposed, but try to keep the face away from non-Mahram men whenever reasonably possible.
And Allah knows best
Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari Darul Iftaa, Leicester, UK
A Reader on the Muslim Veil (Hijab-Niqab)
Answered by Shaykh Gibril Haddad - 1/19/2004
...I have decided to wear niqab and I started to wear it to Islamic functions, and slowly out in the public. I feel I am ready to wear it now to school ( I go to a two year college) however I came across a book that plainly stated that it is not compulsory for a woman to cover her face. I really want to, but I feel shaytaan is getting to me, so I am asking you why I should wear it, and am I getting good deeds for doing it, did the prophets wives really do it, I just don't understand it but I feel that it is very good. Is it Islamic... please help.
The niqab type of hijab is not compulsory generally speaking but it can be compulsory specifically speaking. If fitna is feared wherever one goes because of unwanted attention then the right decision is to wear it. In such a case it is definitely piety and taqwa. Imam Ibn al-Qayyim spoke of five different types of jihad:
1. Jihad al-nafs (jihad against one's lower self)
2. Jihad al-shaitan (jihad against shaitan)
3. Jihad al-fasiqeen (jihad against wrongdoers)
4. Jihad al-kuffar (jihad against unbelievers)
5. Jihad al-munafiqeen (jihad against hypocrites)
An American brother commented on the above on the MSA forum in 1995:
"Does any man think that he fights his ego better than women? Though it is fard for women to cover themselves, show me one practicing Muslim woman who is not only fighting her ego, but [also] practicing all 5 of the jihads mentioned above, by wearing her hijab in public. That is because everyone hates that, including shaitan, nafs, the fasiqeen, the kuffar and the munafiqeen. She is like the mujahid waving the flag of Islam high in the land of non-believers, in the land of shaitans and evil-doers. And though the shari'ah is not so strict asking men to wear Islamic clothes, nonetheless, in doing so, the women are doing a big and difficult jihad, better than men who have never fought, though the women have not fired one bullet! May Allah bless them and strengthen their himmah." Amin.
Hajj Gibril...
Hijab vs Niqab: Sustainable Islam
Answered by Sidi Faraz Rabbani - 5/16/2003
How strict do I have to be about hijab vs. niqab (face veil)? I have been wearing hijab for 11 years Alhumdulilah. There was a time when I was more strict then I am now. There have been times when my Islam wavered so much that I thought to remove the hijab completely. Now Alhumdulilah, I am striving once again after a retreat of several years. So, I wonder should I strive to be as strict as I once was or do I just strive to remain consistent at a level that is comfortable.
Walaikum assalam,
The Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) said, “Take from works that which you are able to sustain, for Allah does not tire [of rewarding you] until you tire [of works].”
The sunna is to do everything that is obligatory, and then to build one’s deen (outwardly and inwardly) in a systematic, gradual, sustainable manner.
Shaytan wants us to take on more and more, in a rush, until we cannot manage and simply slack off or, worse, leave practicing.
How do we know what to do?
Allah Most High said in the Qur’an, “O you who believe, fear Allah and be with the righteous.” One should keep company with the best believers one can find in one’s area, and have righteous scholars one seeks guidance and knowledge from.
And Allah knows best, and He alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani.
The Fiqh of Covering One's Nakedness (Awra): A Detailed Explanation
Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari, Darul Iftaa, Leicester, UK - 7/17/2003
...The face according to the scholars is not part of the Awra, yet, as we have seen in the text of Imam al-Tumurtashi, it will be necessary to cover it due to the fear of temptation and incitement. Ibn Abidin states: “(A young woman will be prevented from exposing her face), not because it is part of Awra, rather (for the fear of temptation)”. (Radd al-Muhtar, 1/406)...
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DETAILS
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Niqab in Prostration
Answered by Sidi Faraz Rabbani
I just wanted to enquire that a sister told me while she prays she has been told to lift her Niqab up while in Sajood, can you clarify this for me please.
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
It is superior to raise the face veil (niqab) when prostrating—as it is sunna to prostrate directly on one’s forehead—but not obligatory, in the Hanafi school. [Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani
Interacting with my sister-in-law
Answered by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari, UK
Because I am currently a student, my wife and I live with my parents. Sometimes, when my brother and his wife visit the home, some issues regarding interaction arise. It is a two floor house, so generally I would stay downstairs if my sister in law is upstairs and vice versa. At other times, I would at least avoid being in the same room for an extended period of time, and I would also avoid unnecessary conversation. I have read other responses on the list archives regarding mixed gatherings, etc., so I guess that one question would be in this situation, would it be haram for non- mahrams to come in each others site and be in the same room temporarily (not alone, with other people there) given that the women wear hijab? Or is complete "purdah" and wearing niqab a must? Also, there is a question regarding the female voice. If I am downstairs in the home, for example, I may sometimes hear my sister in law laughing, or just talking with kids, etc. I read the response on the list about the female voice, but I would like to know that if a women is not talking with a non-mahram directly but her voice might be heard elsewhere in the house (as sometimes happens in my case), is this considered unlawful?
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate
Imam al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim narrate in their respective Sahih collections, which are the most authentic books after the Book of Allah itself, from Uqba ibn Amir (Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah said: “Beware of going near (non-mahram) women.” A person inquired: “What about in-laws?” The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) responded, “The in-laws are death.”
The Prophet of Allah (Allah bless him & give peace) compared male in-laws to death. This means that one should be especially careful with in-laws with regards to interaction as there is greater risk for fitna, especially given the comfortable, social atmosphere that may exist, in which both parties may lower their guard and forget lowering their gazes.
However, according to the Hanafi school, the face, hands and feet are not considered Awra (although it is wajib to cover the face for other then old women due to fitna), and thus many contemporary scholars have given a dispensation with regards to covering within the house.
A legal verdict (fatwa) issued by top scholars at Dar al-Uloom Karachi, approved by Shaykh Taqi Usmani, states that in the case of a joint family where non-immediate family members (such as in-laws, or one’s brother’s wife) regularly come in and out of the house and it becomes very difficult for the women to keep her self covered all the time, then there is a dispensation in that she can expose her face, hands [up to the wrists] and feet. The rest of the body must be properly covered. Similar fatwas have been issued by top Arab scholars.
At the same time, one must ensure not be alone in privacy with a non-Mahram (khalwah) in one room or the house, and keep the gazes low as much as possible. One must also avoid talking unnecessarily and where the need arises, limit it to the essentials and abstain from being open and free.
As far as the female voice is concerned, according to the preferred opinion in the Hanafi School, it is not considered as part of that which must necessarily be concealed (`awra). However, both men and women may not talk or interact in ways that may lead to temptation (fitna).
Therefore, in your situation, if your sister in-law’s voice is heard by you, then this would be generally permitted. However, if you fear temptation (fitna) by listening to her voice, then you must avoid it.
And Allah knows best
Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari
“There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejects falsehood and believes in Allah has grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower. Allah is the Protecting Guardian of those who believe. He brings them out of darkness into light.”
No Veil, Please?
Answered by Sidi Faraz Rabbani
What does a wife do if her husband doesn't like or allow her to wear niqab (face veil)? He doesn't want her to wear it with him but allows it only when she is alone (not with him).
Walaikum assalam,
The wife should use hikma, and do that which less harmful, in her situation, in the short term, and pursue that which will maximize the good in her family life in the long term.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani
Thursday, December 16, 2004
"I read the Qur'an and look at one verse, contemplating its meaning - thus, I am struck with awe over it. The huffaz puzzle me; though they read the book of Allah day and night, how does sleep overtake them, how can they be busy* with the things of this world? If they truly knew what they read, if they tasted its beauty, and if they enjoyed seeking Allah through it, they wouldn't be able to sleep with the love of this." -- Ahmad ibn Abi'l-Hawari (ra)
*make one's heart busy with other than Allah - where the Qur'an and Sunna, on the other hand, express the centrality of the need to make one's heart busy with nothing other than Allah, and our limbs busy only with that which is pleasing to Him.
*make one's heart busy with other than Allah - where the Qur'an and Sunna, on the other hand, express the centrality of the need to make one's heart busy with nothing other than Allah, and our limbs busy only with that which is pleasing to Him.
Sunday, December 12, 2004
...scribbled on a napkin found in between the mus'haf:
"Do a good deed,
Throw it into the sea,
If the fish don't know,
The Khaliq* will."
* Creator
"Do a good deed,
Throw it into the sea,
If the fish don't know,
The Khaliq* will."
* Creator
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
...for those sick or troubled (and others) it is good to recite the Salat al-Tibbiyya, along with the sunna ways of sending blessings and peace:
اللهُمّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِنا مُحَمَّدٍ
طِبِّ القُلُوبِ وَدَوائِها
وَنُورِ الأَبْصَارِ وَضِيَائِهَا
وَعَافِيَةِ الأَبْدَانِ وَ شِفَائِهَا
وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ وَسَلِّمْ
Allahumma Salli `ala Sayyidina Muhammadin
Tibbil qulubi wa dawaa’iha
Wa nuril absari wa diya’iha
Wa `afiyatil abdaani wa shifaa’ha
Wa `ala Aalihi wa Sahbihi wa Sallim.
O Lord! Send blessings on our master Muhammad,
The medicine of hearts and their cure,
The light of eyes and their illumination,
The health of bodies and their healing,
And upon his family, companions, and send peace.
اللهُمّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِنا مُحَمَّدٍ
طِبِّ القُلُوبِ وَدَوائِها
وَنُورِ الأَبْصَارِ وَضِيَائِهَا
وَعَافِيَةِ الأَبْدَانِ وَ شِفَائِهَا
وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ وَسَلِّمْ
Allahumma Salli `ala Sayyidina Muhammadin
Tibbil qulubi wa dawaa’iha
Wa nuril absari wa diya’iha
Wa `afiyatil abdaani wa shifaa’ha
Wa `ala Aalihi wa Sahbihi wa Sallim.
O Lord! Send blessings on our master Muhammad,
The medicine of hearts and their cure,
The light of eyes and their illumination,
The health of bodies and their healing,
And upon his family, companions, and send peace.
Sunday, December 05, 2004
“…and so the point of the Qur’an is what? Is that it is dhikrullah, that it’s the noor of Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). And to experience this noor you have to have ikhlaas, you have to have a decision, you have to be with Allah as He wants you to be, and He will be with you as you want Him to be. And so this is the way in which we find the noor, and we know it…”
