671. Is Woman’s Prayer Different From Man?

By Asma bint Shameem 

Whenever there’s ‘confusion’ about anything, Allaah tells us what to do. 

He says:

“(And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allaah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allaah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination” (al-Nisa’ 4:59)

Referring to Allaah, means looking at the Qur’aan and referring to the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam, means looking at his authentic Sunnah. 

So what’s important and correct is where we have *proof* from the practice of the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam and the Sahaabah. 

So the question is 

“Did the Sahaabiyaat pray different from the way the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam and the men Companions prayed?

When we look at history and the authentic ahaadeeth, there’s *no authentic proof* that the women Companions prayed differently from the men. 

If they had prayed differently we would have had EVIDENCE regarding that. 

Obviously Salaah was the most  important deed in their lives and their whole lives revolved around it. 

Yet there’s *no authentic hadeeth* telling us that the women prayed differently from the men. 

In fact, the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam specifically told us. 

He said:

“Pray as you have seen me praying.” (al-Bukhaari)

He said this to *BOTH men AND women*. 

He did not say “this is for the men only” or “the women should pray differently” etc. 

If there *was* any difference in the prayers, surely the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam would have specifically said so. 

And he Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam also said:

"Women are the twin halves of men" (Ahmad - saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami)

So the women will have the same rulings for everything in our Deen as men except when there is evidence of a specific ruling which applies only to women.

And since there’s no specific instructions of the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam regarding how women are to stand together in the rows, that’s different from the men, then the same rulings as the men applies to them as well. 

So we should also stand shoulder to shoulder and foot to foot. 

And we should also try and straighten the rows when we pray. 

Similarly we should sit the same way, make rukoo and sujood the same way. 

Shaykh al-Albaani said: 

“Everything that we have said above about the way in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) prayed applies equally to men and women. There is nothing narrated in the Sunnah which implies that women are exempted from any of that. Rather the general meaning of the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “Pray as you have seen me praying,” include women too.” 

(Sifat Salaat al-Nabi)

Objection

What about the ahaadeeth that say there’s a difference between the prayer of a man and a woman

Answer 

Those who say that there is a difference between the prayer of men and women quote only ahaadeeth that are *WEAK*. 

And as you know, if a hadeeth is weak, that means it’s highly *doubtful* that the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam ever said that, did that or approved of that. 

So why go into doubtful things when we have clear authentic ahaadeeth from Saheeh al-Bukhaari?

Or they might be practicing their own ijtehaad for saying that. 

But there’s no solid proof from the practice or ahaadeeth of the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam  

It’s Logical

Besides, its even *logical* to pray the same way as the men. 

Why?

Those who say women should pray differently from men say that we should pray in a manner that is befitting our ‘hayaa’ and we should *compress* ourselves when making sujood and not to bend our backs too much when making rukoo’ etc. because other ‘men’ might look at us and we’ll be exposing our bodies. 

But why do we need to compress ourselves?

Who will be looking at us when most of our lives we pray in the privacy of our homes?

And even in the masjid, are there any men praying behind us? 

No of course not.

The reason WHY women are supposed to behind the men in congregation IS BECAUSE there will be no chance of anyone ‘looking’ at the women.  

So there’s no ‘need’ for worrying about ‘compressing’ ourselves because of ‘hayaa’ or modesty. 

EXCEPTION 

One concession to the above may be if women are praying in an *open* area where there may be men around and our bodies may be exposed if we make rukoo and sujood like the men. For example if we’re at a park, or airport or even the Haram. 

Sometimes there are no corners or secluded areas where women can pray in such open places. 

In *such* situations if a woman will compress herself while making rukoo and sujood, then the ulama say it’s allowed. 

But that’s a *specific* situation. 

*Generally speaking*, women should be praying exactly the same as the men and there’s no difference in how we pray. 

Minor difference 

There are a few MINOR differences in the prayer of men and women such as:

-Men give adhaan and iqaamah, women don’t, according to some ulama. 

- the male Imaam leads the men by standing ahead of them alone in the front while a female Imaam will stand WITH the other women in the *same* row and *not* ahead of them.  

- a male Imaam may lead men and women while a female Imaam cannot lead men. She can only lead women.

- women have to cover everything except their face while the men don’t have to cover all that. 

- it’s better for women to pray at home while the men are supposed to pray in the masjid 

- when praying in Jama’ah, men pray in *front* of the women. Women cannot pray in front of men. 

- the front rows are better for the men while the back rows are better for women (when there’s no partition in between them)

- Salatul Jumu’ah is fardh for the men and not for the women. 

And some other minor differences. 

And Allaah knows best

670. What Is The Etiquette Of Boy Meeting A Girl Who Is In Hijab?

By Asma Bint Shameem

1. The families of the boy and the girl meet and talk to each other. 

The males can look at the perspective groom and the females can look at the bride, and get to know him or her. 

They also can ask around and get to know the friends of the perspective groom or bride and get an idea of the kind of person he or she is. 

Then when all looks good, the boy can meet the girl in the presence of the girl’s Wali a couple of times or so. 

And they can discuss things in front of the wali without any khulwah. 

They can also see if there’s chemistry/attraction between them. 

If everyone is pleased, the marriage should be arranged soon. 

And should not be delayed unnecessarily. 

A long engagement is discouraged because the two might fall into fitnah. 

So if both parties like each other, there’s no reason why they should not get married. 

2. There’s a difference of opinion among the scholars about 

how much of a woman may be seen if a man wants to look at her for marriage purposes. 

According to Imaam Ahmad, a woman may be seen without hijaab so he can see her hair, face and hands. 

  

But once he’s seen her, she should wear hijaab from him and he cannot see her hair anymore until the Nikaah is done. 

This can easily be achieved by looking at a photograph. 

Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah said: 

“The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam 

said: 

“When one of you proposes to a woman, if he can look at that which may encourage him to go ahead and marry her, let him do so.” 

He said: 

I proposed to a girl and I used to hide myself from her until I saw that which encouraged me to marry her, and I went ahead and married her.”

(Abu Dawood-saheeh by al-Albaani)

Muhammad ibn Maslamah radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

“I proposed marriage to a woman, then I hid and waited to see her until I saw her among some date palm trees that belonged to her. 

It was said to him: “Do you do such a thing when you are a companion of the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam?” 

He said, 

“When Allaah causes a man to propose to a woman, there is nothing wrong with him looking at her.” 

(Ibn Maajah-saheeh by al-Albaani)

Shaikh ibn Baaz said:

“If she uncovers her face, hands and head for him, there is no objection, according to the most correct opinion.Some of the scholars said that it is sufficient for him to see her face and hands, but the most correct opinion is that there is no objection to him seeing her head, face, hands and feet, according to the aforementioned Hadeeth. But it is not permissible for him to do so, while being alone with her; rather, her father, her brother or another must be present with her. 

This is because the Prophet sallallaahu alayhi was salaam said:

‘A man may not be secluded with a woman except with a Mahram.’ Muslim no. 1341 (Fatawa Islamiyyah,207/208)

And shaikh al-Albaani was of the view that one is allowed to see the hair after one has proposed. 

Someone asked him:

“Is it permissible for a man to look at other than the face and hands of the woman he wishes to propose to, such as looking at her hair and her neck?”

The Shaikh said:

“That which is apparent to me, and Allaah knows best, is that this is permissible without a previous agreement. 

He sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam said that which means:

“If anyone’s heart settles on proposing to a woman, then he can look at that which will lead him to marry her”, 

[This is the hadeeth of Jaabir ibn ‘Abdillaah radhi Allaahu anhu  who said: 

The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam 

said:

“If any of you has proposed to a woman, and if he is able to look at that which will lead him to marry her, then he should do so”

As regards a previous agreement, then it is not permissible to look at more than the face and hands.

(Fataawa Muhimmah li-Nisaa. al-Ummah – Page 138)

And Allaah knows best

669. What Are The Names That Only Belong To Allah Alone?

By Asma Bint Shameem

The names of Allaah are of two kinds.

1. Names that only belong to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala Alone and no one can be given these names.  

For example Allaah, al-Rabb, al-Rahmaan, al-Ahad, al-Samad, al-Mutakabbir, etc. 

There’s consensus of the scholars that we can’t name a child these names except by adding the word  ‘Abd’ in front of it. 

(Abd means ‘slave of..’)

So Abd-Allaah, AbdurRabb, AbdurRahmaan, AbdulAhad, etc is permissible. 

2. Names that don’t apply to Allaah Alone. 

These names can be used for humans. 

For example Samee’, Baseer, Ali, Hakeem, Raheem etc. 

Allaah called the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam ‘Raheem’ and ‘Ra’oof’ in Surah at-Taubah. 

He said:

‎لَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيْكُم بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ

“Verily, there has come unto you a Messenger (Muhammad) from amongst yourselves. It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty. He (Muhammad) is anxious over you (to be rightly guided, to repent to Allah, and beg Him to pardon and forgive your sins, in order that you may enter Paradise and be saved from the punishment of the Hell-fire); for the believers (he is) full of pity, kind, and merciful.” (Surah at-Taubah: 129)

What is forbidden is only those names that apply to Allaah Alone, such as al-Rahmaan, al-Ahad, al-Khaaliq, etc. 

Ibn al-Qayyim said: 

“Names which it is forbidden to give to people include the names of the Lord, may He be blessed and exalted, so it is not permissible to call people by names such as al-Ahad (the Unique), al-Samad (the Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor drinks), al-Khaaliq (the Creator) or al-Razzaaq (the Provider), or any of the other names that apply only to the Lord, may He be blessed and exalted. And it is not permissible to call kings al-Qaahir (the Subduer) or al-Zaahir (the Most High or the Manifest), or to call them al-Jabbaar (the Compeller), al-Mutakabbir (the Majestic), al-Awwal (the First), al-Aakhir (the Last), al-Baatin (the Most Near or the Hidden), or ‘Allaam al-Ghuyoob (Knower of the unseen).”

[Tuhfat al-Mawdood (p. 125)]

So it’s best not to name the child Ahad or Khaaliq or Rahmaan or Qudoos but you can add ‘Abd’ in front of it to make it Abdul Ahad, or Abdul Khaaliq or AbdurRahmaan or Abdul Qudoos etc. 

And Allaah knows best.

668. Yaum Al-Mazeed

By Asma bint Shameem 

Did you know that Friday is also called “Yaum al-Mazeed” or “The Day of More”?

And why is that?

Well, there’s a very special reason for that. 

It’s called Yaum al-Mazeed because not only will the believers enter Jannah and that itself is a humongous, incomparable blessing, but the believers will ALSO be able to see their Rabb, their Master, their Creator, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala on Fridays!

Part of the belief of Ahl as-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa‘ah is that the believers will see Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala on the Day of Judgment and in Jannah. 

Allaah says:

“Some faces that Day shall be Nadirah (shining and radiant).

Looking at their Lord (Allaah).” [al-Qiyaamah :22-23].

And Allaah says:

لَهُم مَّا يَشَاءُونَ فِيهَا وَلَدَيْنَا مَزِيد

“There (in Jannah) they will have all that they desire, and We have “MAZEED” (“MORE”  for them, i.e. a glance at the All-Mighty, All-Majestic)” [Qaaf 50:35]).’ 

Ali and Anas ibn Maalik radhi Allaahu anhumaa said: “What is meant by “more” here is looking upon the Face of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala.”

The people of Jannah will have a gathering with their Lord every Friday on which they will have the blessing of gazing upon His noble Countenance. 

This is the “MAZEED” on that Day.

Allaah says:

“For those who have done good is the best reward and “EVEN MORE” (i.e. having the honor of glancing at the Countenance of Allaah)”[Yoonus 10:26]

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam explained the above Aayah and said::

“When the people of Paradise enter Paradise, Allaah will say, ‘Do you want anything more?’ They will say, ‘Have You not brightened our faces, admitted us to Paradise and saved us from Hell?’ Then the veil will be lifted and they will not have seen anything more dear to them than looking upon their Lord, may He be glorified and exalted. This is what is meant by ‘EVEN MORE.’” Then he recited the Aayah from Surah Yunus “ (Saheeh Muslim 266)

The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam also said:

“Jibreel came to me with something like a white mirror in his hand, on which there was a black spot. 

I said: 

‘What is this, O Jibreel?’ 

He said: 

‘This is Jumu‘ah (Friday); it is the master of days and we call it Yawm al-Mazeed (“the day of more”) 

I said: 

‘O Jibreel, what does “more” mean?’ 

He said: 

‘That is because your Lord has allocated a valley in Paradise that is more fragrant than white musk. When Friday comes, among the days in the Hereafter, the Lord, Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala, will descend from His Throne (‘Arsh) to His Kursiy, and the Kursiy will be surrounded with seats of light on which the Prophets will sit. 

These seats will be surrounded with footstools of gold on which the martyrs will sit. 

The people of the chambers will come down from the chambers and sit on sand hills of musk, and those who sit on the sand hills will not think that those who sit on the footstools and seats are any better off than them. 

Then the Owner of Majesty and Honor  will appear and say: 

‘Ask of Me.’ 

They will say: 

‘We ask for Your good pleasure, O Lord.’ 

He will say: 

‘It is because I am pleased with you that you are in My Paradise, and you are honored.’ 

Then He will say (again): 

‘Ask of Me.’ 

They will say all together: 

‘We ask for Your good pleasure.’ 

He will ask them to testify that He is pleased with them. 

Then He will say (once more): 

‘Ask of Me,’ and they will ask of Him until each one of them is finished. 

Then He will grant them that which no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and it has not crossed the mind of any human.” 

(At-Tabaraani in al-Mu‘jam al-Kabeer 6717)

And in another narration, the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam added:

“… there is nothing that they are more eager for than Friday; the more they gaze upon their Lord, the more they will increase in honor.” 

(Ibn Abi’d-Dunya in Sifat al-Jannah 88; hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh at-Targheeb, 3761)

Amazing, Subhaan Allaah!

Imagine the joy and blessing of being able to see Allaah, your Rabb!

The One you never saw...Yet you believed!

The One you made duaa to, the One you cried to and complained and poured your heart to.

The One you worshipped all these years, believing in Him without seeing Him. 

The One Who knows each and every thing about you, your each secret, your every sin...

The One you hope will forgive you and grant you mercy....

And now on Fridays in Jannah, you get to see Him!

Allaahu Akbar!

There will be nothing more dear to you and nothing more honorable than the best reward” in Jannah, and “EVEN MORE”....

to gaze upon the Holy Countenance of the Lord of the heavens and the earth.

Isn’t this the greatest blessing that the Most Merciful will bestow upon you?

This is “Yaum al-Mazeed”

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam  said: 

“In Paradise there is a market to which they will come every Friday. 

Then the north wind will blow and will blow on their faces and garments, and increase them in beauty. Then they will return to their families having increased in beauty and their families will say to them: 

By Allaah, you have increased in beauty, and they will say: 

By Allaah, you too have increased in beauty.” (Muslim 2833) 

Al-Hasan said: 

“They will look at their Lord and their faces will become radiant with His Light.” 

Jareer ibn ‘Abd-Allaah radhi Allaahu anhu said

“We were sitting with the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam looking at the moon on the night of the fourteenth (of the month). 

He said, 

‘You will see your Lord with your own eyes just as you are looking at this (moon), without any doubt that you are seeing Him.’” 

(al-Bukhaari 6883; Saheeh Muslim 1002)

Abdullah ibn Mas‘ood radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

“Hasten to Jumu‘ah, for verily Allaah will appear to the people of Jannah every Friday when they gather at a sand hill of camphor, and their closeness to Him will be commensurate with the degree to which they hastened to Jumu‘ah in this world.” 

Ibn Taimiyyah said: 

“Seeing Allaah in the Hereafter in general is connected to the *congregational prayers*. 

If it was prescribed for people in this world to gather to remember Allaah, converse with Him, and find joy in meeting Him in prayer every Friday, then in the Hereafter they will be allocated a meeting every Friday to converse with Him, see Him and find joy in meeting Him. 

If the Sunnah stated that the women should be enjoined to go out on ‘Eid, even those who remained in seclusion and those who were menstruating, and at the time of the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam most of the women went out on the Eid, their Eid in the Hereafter will include seeing Him, commensurate with their Eid in this world.”(Majmoo‘ al-Fataawa, 6/420)

And Ibn al-Qayyim:said:

“Friday is the day when the people of Jannah will receive the ever-increasing reward. It is the day when they will see Allaah, the Exalted. Those who were the earliest to go to the masjid on Friday will be the first to receive this honor. Thus, the nearest to Allaah were those nearest to the Imaam on Friday. The residents of Jannah are eager for Friday, the day of “More”, due to the honor they will receive on that day.” 

(Zaad Al-Ma’ad 1/59-65)

So strive HARD for that “Day of Mazeed”.

Hasten to the prayer every Friday, sit close to the Imaam and be eager to listen to him. 

May Allaah make us among those who witness Yaum al-Mazeed. 

And Allaah knows best