318. Should We Cover Our Feet During Salaah?

By Asma bint Shameem 

QUESTION

I know that women have to cover their hair and body. 

Should I also cover my feet?

ANSWER

Yes it’s much better and more on the safe side that we cover our feet as well. 

That’s because, according to the majority of the scholars, the feet are included in the 'awrah' (what needs to be hidden from non-mahram) for the woman. 

Proof:

If we look at the Mothers of the Believers and the other Sahaabiyaat, we will see that they took the matter of covering themselves very seriously and would make sure they were covered well, including their feet. 

Umm Salamah radhi Allaahu anhaa asked the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam: 

“What should women do with their hems? 

He said: 
“They should let them down a hand span.” 

She said: 
*Then their feet will show.* 

He said: “Then let it down a cubit, but no more than that.” 

(al-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa'i--saheeh by al-Albaani)

The fact that Umm Salamah said *"but their feet will show"*, shows that she was so concerned and worried about her feet being exposed to  non-mahram men. 

And that’s the reason why the  clothes of the women companions were *long* and the hem of their clothes hung *low*.

In fact, their clothes used to be so long that the lower edge would touch the  ground and get dirty. 

So one of them asked Umm Salamah, the wife of the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam about its purity. 

She said:

"I am a woman whose garment drags, and I may walk through a dirty place.  (So what to do?)

Umm Salamah radhi Allaahu anhaa said: 

“The Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

‘That which comes after it purifies it.” (al-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawood-- saheeh by al-Albaani)

The above hadeeth shows that their hems were touching the ground *to make sure that their feet don’t show*. 

Shaikh ibn Uthaymeen said:

"Covering the feet is something that is prescribed for women and is in fact obligatory for them according to many scholars. What a woman should do is cover her feet, either with her garment which is long and covers them or by wearing socks or shoes and the like."

(Fataawa al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah, 1/437)

And Shaikh Ibn Baaz said:

"With regard to women, they have to make their clothes long enough to cover their feet, because the feet are ‘awrah."

(Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz)

 *But isn’t there an opinion that I don’t HAVE to cover my feet*?

Yes there’s a difference of opinion among the ulama about covering the feet. 

But think about it this way. 

What if we ARE supposed to cover our feet and we don’t.

We can’t take that ‘chance’ and put our Hijaab and Salaah in jeopardy. 

After all, this is the *Hijaab*, the *Salaah* we’re talking about. 

Wouldn’t it better and MUCH SAFER and more PRUDENT to cover the feet, just to be on the safe side?

BUT I get REALLY HOT with socks

Dear sister, even if it's hot, the rules of hijaab still apply, right? 

Try and find socks that are not that thick or made of breathable cotton or some light material. 

Remember there's always khair in obeying Allaah. 

These are just insignificant little 'challenges' and tests from Allaah that He sends our way to see how steadfast we are in our obedience to Him. 

All we need to do is prove to Him, no rather to ourselves, that we're ready to push ourselves and strive in His obedience. 

*Last but not the least*

Obviously all this is in effect if we are wearing proper hijaab. 

I mean it's pretty useless to cover our feet while our hair and the rest of the bodies are not covered properly. 

May Allaah give us the taufeeq to implement His Orders and obey Him in a manner that’s pleasing to Him. Ameen.

And Allaah knows best.

317. Kill An Animal

In fact it’s recommended to kill the lizard 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam encouraged us to kill certain animals or pests because they’re HARMFUL. 

He Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

“There are five animals for which there is no blame on the one who kills them: crows, kites (hawk-like birds), mice/rats, scorpions and mad dogs.”

 (al-Bukhaari, 1828)

These are so harmful that the  Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam instructed us to kill them EVEN when we’re in the Haram. 

Similarly he Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam instructed us to kill the ‘wazagh’ which is translated by some as a ‘lizard’ or ‘gecko’ or ‘salamander’ for the SAME reason. 

The wazagh is a very harmful pest that can cause severe allergies and even be poisonous if it falls in our food. 

That’s the reason for it’s killing and nothing else. 

The scholars such as Shaikh Saamee al-Maajid said:

"The animal in question is a type of house gecko or lizard known in Arabic by the name “wazagh”. It is a common household pest in the Middle East that lives on the walls and in the crevices of people’s homes. The instruction to kill the wazagh is NO DIFFERENT than the instruction to kill the scorpion, the poisonous snake, the mouse, and the feral dog that attacks people." 

And they said:

“The instruction to kill the wazagh is for the same reason – it is a pest that poses harm to people. If a wazagh comes in contact with the skin, it can sometimes induce serious irritation. For this reason, it is also known to Arabs as sâmm abras (literally, “the leprosy venom”).

It is not killed because of its blowing on the fire kindled for Ibraheem Alaiyhis-Salaatu was-Salaam. 

When Prophet Muhammad Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam informed us that the wazagh blew upon the fire of Ibraheem Alaiyhis-Salaatu was-Salaam to help fan the flames, he was merely depicting the distastefulness of the animal and the extent of its harmfulness. 

He was merely characterizing this species as an unpleasant one.” (Fataawaa- Islamtoday)

Shaikh Sulaymaan al-‘Alwaan said:
"Killing the wazagh is prescribed because there is a great deal of evidence to that effect. It should be done with a tool or implement, etc. 

Yes we can kill pests like ants, mice, lizards, cockroaches, etc if they’re a bother to us. 

But we should kill them in a way which is the most merciful and not torture them. 

So we can use insecticides but we should not use those methods that cause slow death or torture. 

Shaikh Ibn Baaz said:

“If these insects are harmful, they may be killed with insecticides, but not with fire. 

The Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

“There are five pests that may be killed whether one is in ihraam or not: rats, scorpions, crows, kites [a hawk-like bird], and mad dogs.” (Muslim, 2071). 

Another report adds a sixth, snakes. 

Thus the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam told us that they are harmful pests, and that they are unlike other animals which do not do harm, and so he told us to kill them whether we are in ihraam or not. 

If other creatures, such as ants or cockroaches or dung-beetles, cause harm, they may also be killed with insecticides, but not with fire.”

(Fataawa Islaamiyaah, Ibn Baaz, 451)

And Allaah knows best

316. Combining Two Intentions In Our Ibaadaat

By Asma bint Shameem 

Ibaadaat are of two kinds:

A) Those you can combine. 

B) And those you cannot combine. 

*A) The Ibaadaat you can combine:*

You can combine two (or more) intentions for one act of ibaadah in those situations where one of the two acts of worship is NONSPECIFIC, meaning it's not intended for its own sake. 

Some examples of nonspecific prayers are: Tahiyyatul masjid and tahiyyatul wudhu (the two rakaat following wudhu)

So if you want to pray ANY of your prayers, you can combine this with the intention of praying TAHIYYATUL WUDHU  with it as well. 

That's because the purpose of the tahiyyatul wudhu is to pray straight after making wudhu, whether it's the fardh prayer, nafil prayer or any other prayer. 

Similarly, the purpose of TAHIYYATUL MASJID is to offer two rakaat prayer as a greeting to the masjid before we sit down. 

And it can be combined with ANY prayer with our intention. 

So we could combine the intention of two rakaat nafl on entering the masjid with ANY prayer, whether it’s the sunnah prayer or the fardh. 

Shaykh Khaalid al-Mushayqih said: 

“Tahiyyatul Masjid” or “Greeting the masjid” is not a prayer that is intended for its own sake, so it may be combined with another prayer, such as the regular Sunnah prayer. 

So if you enter the masjid to pray Dhuhr, then you can pray two rak‘ahs with the intention of the regular Sunnah prayer and with the intention of greeting the masjid. 

If you intend to greet the masjid and to offer the regular Sunnah prayer, you will attain the reward of two prayers in two rak‘ahs. 

If you do wudoo’ and come to the masjid with the intention of offering the regular Sunnah prayer AND greeting the masjid AND praying the two rak‘ahs following wudoo’, then you will attain the REWARD of THREE prayers in two rak‘ahs. 

This is one of the benefits of forming the intention. 

Similarly, if a person does wudoo’ for Duhaa, then prays two rak‘ahs, intending them to be the two rak‘ahs following wudoo’ and the two rak‘ahs of Duhaa, he will attain the reward of TWO  prayers in TWO rak‘ahs."

(al-‘Aqd ath-Thameen (p. 161).

*B) The kind of ibaadaat that are NOT ALLOWED to be combined:

Those ibaadaat that are SPECIFIC or INDEPENDENT of other acts of ibaadaat are NOT allowed to be combined.*

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen gave an example of that.

He said:

"If a man missed the Sunnah prayer of Fajr, until the sun rose and the time for Duhaa prayer came. 

In this case, the Sunnah of Fajr can NOT suffice for Duhaa prayer, and Duhaa can NOT suffice for the Sunnah of Fajr, and they can NOT be combined either, because the Sunnah of Fajr is INDEPENDENT and the Sunnah of Duhaa is SEPARATE and INDEPENDENT. 

Doing one of them does not suffice for the other.

Similarly, if one of them is CONNECTED to the one that came before it, then they cannot be combined. 

If someone were to say: I want to form the intention to combine the OBLIGATORY prayer of Fajr and the regular SUNNAH of Fajr, we say: 

That is NOT VALID, because the regular Sunnah prayer is CONNECTED to the (obligatory) prayer, so doing one of them does not suffice for the other."

And he said: 

"A similar example is the Sunnah prayer following Tawaaf and the Sunnah prayer of Fajr. 

For example, if a person finishes his Tawaaf  after the adhaan for Fajr prayer and before the iqaamah, and he intends to combine the Sunnah prayer of Tawaaf with the Sunnah prayer of Fajr, this is not valid, 

That’s because doing one of them does not suffice for the other, because the SUNNAH of TAWAAF is to be intended for its OWN SAKE, and the SUNNAH of FAJR is to be intended FOR  ITS OWN SAKE."

(Liqaa’aat al-Baab al-Maftooh)

Another example would be combining the intentions for FASTING. 

If someone wants to make up their fardh fast that they missed in Ramadhaan, on Monday and Thursday, that is perfectly fine and allowed because fasting on Monday and Thursday is a NONSPECIFIC fasting. 

And if they want to make up their fardh fasts on these two days, with two intentions, (one for making up the fardh, the other to follow the sunnah of fasting on Monday and Thursday), they get DOUBLE rewards. 

Similarly if they have their fardh Ramadhaan fasts left to make you, they CAN COMBINE the intention to make up their fardh Ramadhaan fasts with the fasts of Dhul-Hijjah or Ashooraa etc. 

That’s because fasting in the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah is a NONSPECIFIC fast. 

BUT one can NOT combine fasting of their “make up fardh days”  with the sunnah fasting of the six days of shawwaal. 

Why?

Because making up your fardh fasts is INDEPENDENT and SPECIFIC and fasting the six days of shawwaal is *”ALSO”*  INDEPENDENT and SPECIFIC. 

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen explains:

“If a person fasts the day of ‘Arafah or the day of ‘Ashoora’, and he still owes fasts from Ramadhaan, his fast will be valid, but if he intended to fast that day to make up for a missed Ramadhaan fast, he will have two rewards: the reward of the day of ‘Arafah or the day of ‘Ashoora’, and the reward for making up the missed fast. 

This applies to voluntary fasts in *general*, that have nothing to do with Ramadhaan. 

But with regard to the six days of Shawwaal, they are connected to Ramadhaan, and can only be done after making it up. 

If a person fasts these days before making up missed Ramadhaan fasts, he will not attain the reward for them, because the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam 

said: 

“Whoever fasts Ramadhaan then follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime.” 

And it is well known that if a person owes missed fasts, then he cannot be regarded as having fasted Ramadhaan until he completes the days that he owes.”

(Fataawa as-Siyaam (438)

And Allah knows best.

315. Saying Inna Lillahi Wa Ina Ilayhi Rajion

By Asma Bint Shameem

If a non Muslim dies, we can say:

 “inna lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’oon” for non Muslims just like we say when a Muslim dies. 

If we understand what “inna lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’oon” means, then we will know that we say this phrase when someone dies as a REMINDER for “US” that we all belong to Allaah and that’s Who we go back to. 

It has NOTHING to do with the person who’s died. 

It’s NOT a duaa for him. 

Nor will the statement DO anything for him or benefit him. 

It’s a statement that reminds “US” that everything belongs to Allaah including our own lives. 

It reminds us that everything in the dunya is temporary and our ultimate goal is the Aakhirah. 

And that when a person’s life ends, he goes back to his Creator where he gives ACCOUNT for his deeds on the dunya. 

So we better prepare because our turn is coming too just like this person died. 

Also that we must be PATIENT in times of any loss because it’s only a loss of the dunya. 

Shaikh Ibn Baaz said:

“If the person was your relative etc, then there is no harm in saying these words. That is because everyone returns to Allaah and everyone belongs to Allaah, He owns all people. 

However, it is not allowed to *supplicate* for the unbeliever, and to seek forgiveness for him― so long as he was a non-Muslim and died as such, then supplication for forgiveness is not made for him because those who died whilst disbelieving in Allaah, His Revelation (the Qur’aan) and in the Messenger of Allaah will not be forgiven.”

And Allaah knows best

314. Is Family Planning Or Contraception Allowed In Islaam?

By Asma bint Shameem 

Contraception is *generally* allowed in our deen as long as it’s not something PERMANENT. 

The Sahaabah would practice ‘Azl (coitus interruptus) and the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam allowed that. 

Proof:

Jaabir radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

“We used to practise ‘azl at the time when the Qur’aan was being revealed” – i.e., at the time of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam.”

[al-Bukhaari, 4911; Muslim, 1440]

Sufyaan said: 

“If there had been anything wrong with it, the Qur’aan would have forbidden it.” (Saheeh Muslim)

Ibn Taymiyah said: 

“With regard to ‘azl, some of the scholars regarded it as haraam, but the view of the four imams is that it is permissible with the wife’s permission.” (Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 32/110)

One time a man said, 

“O Messenger of Allaah, I have a slave woman and I engage in ‘azl with her, because I do not want her to get pregnant, but I want what men want. But the Jews say that ‘azl is a lesser form of infanticide.” 

He said, 

“The Jews are lying. If Allaah wants to create (a child) you cannot prevent that.” 

(Abu Dawood, 1856; saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 1903)

So as these Ahaadeeth prove, contraception is allowed as long as it’s temporary. 

But it should not be permanent unless there’s risk to the mother. 

That’s because we’re supposed to have many kids, if the situation allows. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Marry those who are loving and fertile, for I will be proud of your great numbers before the nations.” (Abu Dawood- saheeh by al-Albaani) 

But taking measures that will *permanently* prevent a person to have a child is not allowed, UNLESS it would jeopardize the mother’s health or life. 

Then in such situations, permanent contraception would be *permissible*. 

Shaikh Salih al-Munajjid said:

“Contraception is permitted under the following conditions:

1. Mutual agreement of both husband and wife.

2. It does not cause harm.

3. It is not be practiced on a permanent basis, but rather for a temporary period.”

And Shaikh Salah as-Sawy said:

“It is not permissible to pursue contraceptive methods which would completely prevent the ability to conceive, except as a way of protecting the life of the mother. 

In such a case, it would be allowed as a *special exemption* to the rule, in view of the obvious, exigent need, and such a need would have to be determined through the testimony of trustworthy, specialized physicians. As for family planning to delay pregnancy or space births, the matter in that is wide, and there would be nothing wrong with doing so, if need be.” 

(AMJA Fatwa # 77382)

Is it allowed to take measures to space out pregnancies for proper upbringing of the children?

Shaikh Ibn Baaz said:

“ If a woman has a lot of children, and it is difficult for her to give them a proper Islamic upbringing because they are so many, then there is nothing wrong with her taking something to space her pregnancies in order to achieve this important purpose, so that pregnancy will not adversely affect her or her children, as Allah has permitted ‘azl for this and similar purposes.”

[Fataawa Noor ‘ala ad-Darb (21/394)]

And Allaah knows best

313. Hijaab

ByAsma Bint Shameem

Just because some of the sisters have their head covered, they think that the requirement of Hijaab is fulfilled. 

They don’t realize that wearing a Hijaab requires much more than just covering your head.

Actually, if you think about it, Hijaab is the way you talk…..the way you walk….the very way you carry yourself. 

In fact, Hijaab is an attitude in itself. 

Its a whole way of life.

Allaah says:

“And say to the believing women to lower their gazes, and to guard their private parts, and not to display their beauty (zeenah) except what is apparent of it, and to extend their headcoverings (khimars) to cover their bosoms (jaybs), and not to display their beauty except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband's fathers, or their sons, or their husband's sons, or their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their womenfolk, or what their right hands rule (slaves), or the followers from the men who do not feel sexual desire, or the small children to whom the nakedness of women is not apparent, and not to strike their feet (on the ground) so as to make known what they hide of their adornments. And turn in repentance to Allah together, O you believers, in order that you are successful.” (Surat-un-Nur: 31).

Here are some of the more common issues in light of this verse about the Hijaab.

1. Well, my head is covered. Is that not enough?

If you look carefully at the above ayah, it clearly states that the head covers (khumur) should be drawn over the neck slits (juyoob). 

Yet, some sisters just cover their head with something, and think they are fulfilling the rights of Hijaab, although part of their hair or body is showing, or their whole neck and chest area are exposed. 

Dear sister,

That’s not the proper way to cover yourself.

Actually, that was the way of the women of Jahilliyah 

(pre-Islaamic ignorance).

Al-Qurtubi said: 

"Women in those days used to cover their heads with the khimaar, throwing its ends upon their backs. This left the neck and the upper part of the chest bare, along with the ears. Then Allah commanded them to cover those parts with the khimaar."

So secure the scarf well around your face, covering your neck/chest area, and keep those half sleeves and capri pants for the times you’re with your Mahrams

2. Sorry.…No tight jeans and short shirts allowed. 

You can’t wear tight jeans and a short shirt with a piece of cloth on your head and think this is Hijaab. 

Nor can you wear anything else that is tight, describing the shape of the body in any way, even if it is long. 

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

"In later (generations) of my ummah there will be women who will be dressed but naked. 

On top of their heads (what looks) like camel humps. 

They will not enter into paradise or (even) get a smell of it." (Muslim)

3. If it is see-through, its NOT Hijaab

You CANNOT use chiffon or other see through material to cover your hair and body. 

Everything should be covered with an opaque material and the color of the skin underneath should not be visible.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) once received a garment as a gift. 

He gave it to Osamah b. Zayd, who in turn gave it to his wife. 

When asked by the Prophet why he did not wear it, Osamah indicated that he gave it to his wife. 

The Prophet then said to Osamah "ask her to use a "gholalah" under it (the garment) for I fear that it (the garment) may describe the size of her bones." 

(Ahmad, Abi-Dawood- Hasan)

(The word gholalah in Arabic means a ‘gown’ worn under the dress to prevent it from describing the shape of the body).

4. The clothes themselves shouldn’t attract attention

The dress should not be such that it attracts men's attention to the woman. 

Yet, Subhaan Allaah, some Hijaabi sisters are dressed in such a way that they attract more attention to themselves than they would if they didn’t wear Hijaab!

Dressing in such a way beats the very purpose of Hijaab.

Allaah tells us: 

“And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance…” [al-Ahzaab:32]

5. What about make-up and perfume?

Wearing make up is also part of the zeenah that Allaah orders us NOT to display. 

So if your head and body are appropriately covered yet you are wearing bright lipstick, bold lashes or heavy makeup, etc that’s not Hijaab. 

And please keep those nice fragrances for the home, between you and your husband. 

That’s part of Hijaab too, even if you are going to the Masjid. 

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 

“Any woman who puts on perfume and passes by people so that they can smell her fragrance, is an adulteress.” (al-Nasaa’i, Tirmidhi: hasan by Albaani)

6. Tinkling Jewelry and Jingling bracelets

‘Loud’ and tinkling anything, be it jewelry, bracelets, clip-clopping shoes, little bells on clothes, you name it, if it jingles or makes noise, it is against the principles of Hijaab, because it attracts attention to the one wearing it. 

That is what is meant when Allaah orders us in the above verse…

“not to strike their feet (on the ground) so as to make known what they hide of their adornments.”

7. No laughing, joking, or hanging out with non-Mahrams 

Some sisters assume that since they are properly covered, its okay for them to sit around and talk, laugh, joke, etc. with the men, but that’s not right, even if he is ‘the Shaikh’ that you’re talking to. 

He’s a man too. 

Allaah says:

". . . then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner." [al-Ahzaab:32]

So talk to them when there is a specific need, and in a manner that is not necessarily rude, but it is polite but firm.

8. Staring at the brothers or ‘checking them out’ is NOT Hijaab

Allaah orders us to “lower your gaze” in the above verse. 

Why? 

Because a single ‘look’ can say more than a thousand words. 

So, even if you are properly covered, keep those eyes down, conduct yourself with ‘Hayaa’, and avoid ‘fitnah’.

9. ‘Chatting’, texting on the internet/phone/social media is not part of Hijaab, either.

There is no such thing as “we’re just friends” when it comes to nonmahrams. 

Talking to non-Mahrams is wrong even if it is through the internet or telephone. 

There are too many stories of illegal relationships, fornications, broken homes, extra-marital affairs and runaway brides to even mention. 

That is why in Islaam, anything that leads to haraam is also haraam. 

Allaah says: 

“Do not (even) come close to fornication, for it is an indecency, and its way is evil.” (Surah Israa:32)

10. Be careful, even in the way you walk

Remember, you shouldn’t be walking with an enticing gait. 

Walk with modesty and hayaa and you will be respected. 

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 

“There are two types of the people of Hell that I have not seen yet….women who are clothed yet naked, walking with an enticing gait…..” (Muslim).

11. Don’t shake hands with non-Mahrams

That’s also part of Hijaab

It is not permissible to shake hands with a non-Mahram.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 

“For one of you to be stabbed in the head with an iron needle is better for him than to touch a woman who is not permissible for him.” 

(at-Tabaraani saheeh by al-Albaani). 

And no, it is not rude to refuse to shake hands with non-Muslims. 

Simply politely explain that its part of your religion and they are very understanding.

12. Stay away from the men’s areas

I see many sisters entering the Masjid from the men’s entrance, or standing idle in the hallways or in the way where there is a chance of unnecessary mixing with the brothers. 

What for?

Don’t we have a separate entrance for ourselves? 

That’s the reason Allaah ordained the Hijaab in the first place, right?

To avoid fitnah, by reducing temptation and separating the genders.

“The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said to the women on his way out of the masjid when he saw men and women mixing together on their way home: 

‘Give way (i.e., walk to the sides) as it is not appropriate for you to walk in the middle the road.’ Thereafter, women would walk so close to the wall that their dresses would get caught on it.” (Abu Dawood- Hasan by al-Albaani )

13. Hijaab is also to conceal your sister

Although some sisters wear the Hijaab themselves, they forget that they cannot talk about another sister and her beauty in front of their own husbands, brothers, etc. 

Remember, part of your Hijaab is to cover your sisters ‘awrah’ as well.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 

“No woman should mix with a woman and describe her to her husband so that it is as if he can see her.”  (Muslim)

Conditions of Hijaab 

In order for our Hijaab to count, we MUST cover hair COMPLETELY.

Just loosely placing a scarf on your head, with hair showing from the sides, is NOT hijaab.

We MUST cover our necks and chest.

Our sleeves should be LONG, ALL the way to the wrist; 

our scarves and dupattas can NOT be see-through;

Our clothes can NOT be tight.

the shape of our thighs can NOT be seen because the of the long slits of our shirts.

Shaikh al-Albaani outlines the conditions of Hijaab. 

He said:

1. It should cover all the head and body, apart from whatever has been exempted (meaning face and hands).

2. It should not be an adornment in and of itself. 

3. The material should be thick and not transparent or "see-through"

4. It should be loose, not tight so that it describes any part of the body

5. It should not be perfumed with fragrance. 

6. It should not resemble the clothing of men. 

7. It should not resemble the dress of non-Muslim women.

8. It should not be a garment of fame and vanity.

May Allah guide us and bless us with the TRUE understanding of His Commands to observe hijaab.

 Ameen.

312. Dowry

By Asma Bint Shameem

Anything that the woman receives as dowry or gifts or her own earning is her property. 

And she can spend it or save it as she likes. 

Shaykh ‘Abd-Allaah al-Jibreen said: 
“The wife owns her wealth and she has the right to dispose of it. 
She may give it as gifts, give it in charity, pay off her debts, give up her rights to money that she is owed or give up her right to inheritance to whomever she wants, whether relatives or others. 
Her husband has no right to object if she is mature and of sound mind. Her husband does not have the right to dispose of any of her wealth except with her consent.”
(Fataawa al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah, 2/674).

1. First of all, the concept of ‘dowry’ in Islaam is totally opposite of what the Muslims of the Subcontinent have understood it to be. 

It’s not the ‘father’ who gives the dowry. 

It’s the *’groom’* that brings the dowry and gifts for his new bride. 

That is separate from the house, furnishings, clothes, jewelry and whatever else he wants to gift her. 

2. We’re supposed to be moderate in our weddings without extravagance and pomp. 

A person should spend on what he needs and whatever is appropriate. 

Spending too much and focusing on “looks” or “appearances” is not appropriate. 

Extravagance means “to exceed the limits of what is required or what is customary”

And Allaah has prohibited this. 

Allaah  says: 

“Verily the spendthrifts are the brothers of the devils.” [Surah al-Isrâ’: 27] 

On the other hand, miserliness or stinginess, meaning spending less than what is required, is also something which is prohibited. 

What is needed is to strike a just balance between the two extremes, the middle path between these two. 

3. If a father wants to give his daughter something as a gift on her wedding, that’s fine. 

However he must remember that it counts as a “gift”. 

And he has to be fair to all of his kids when gifting them anything. 

If he gives one and does not give the other, then that’s unfair and the person is sinful in front of Allaah. 

al-Nu’maan radhi Allaahu anhu said that his father brought him to the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam 

and said, 

“I have given this son of mine a slave.” 

He said,
“Have you given a similar gift to all of your sons?” 

He said, 
“No.” 

He said, 
“Then take it back.” (al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

According to another version he said: 

“Fear Allaah and treat your children fairly.” 

So he went back and took back his gift.” (al-Bukhaari)

And Allaah knows best

311. Surah Kahf- Review

By Asma bint Shameem 

Ever wonder WHY it’s Sunnah to read Surah al-Kahf again and again every Friday?

It’s to be reminded REPEATEDLY of some VERY IMPORTANT LESSONS contained in the Surah.

LESSON 1: The Trial Of Faith

The first story that Allaah mentions is  the story of the young men of the Cave or Kahf in Arabic (Hence the name al-Kahf)

They was a group of young men who believed in the Oneness of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala while the rest of the community committed shirk. 

When these young Muslims were persecuted beyond limit, they decided to flee to a cave from the harms of the people. 

Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala miraculously hid them in that cave and protected them for several hundred years. 

This beautiful story reminds us *every week* that one of the most common trials that we, as Muslims, will face is the trial of FAITH. 

So know, for sure that we will be tested when we *practice* our Deen. 

But if we are strong in our Imaan just like these young men and not waver, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala Himself will shower us with His Mercy, protect us and provide for us from ways we can’t even imagine. 

As Allaah says:

وَإِذِ اعْتَزَلْتُمُوهُمْ وَمَا يَعْبُدُونَ إِلَّا اللَّهَ فَأْوُوا إِلَى الْكَهْفِ يَنشُرْ لَكُمْ رَبُّكُم مِّن رَّحْمَتِهِ وَيُهَيِّئْ لَكُم مِّنْ أَمْرِكُم مِّرْفَقًا

“And when you withdraw from them, and that which they worship, except Allaah, then seek refuge in the Cave, your Lord will open a way for you from His Mercy and will make easy for you your affair.” (Al-Kahf, 18:16)

So remind yourself every Friday of this *cardinal* lesson...

The tests will come but don’t let that daunt you. 

Just ignore the people, their snide remarks, their hateful stares. 

Don’t worry if they mock your beard or laugh at your hijaab. 

And don’t give it a second thought if they give you a hard time. 

You’re obeying Allaah and He will protect you and show you Mercy. 

He will reward you for your patience and find ways of provision for you. 

And He will grant you relief from your difficulties from sources you did not even know existed. 

BELIEVE.

Then Stand STRONG. 

NOTHING can stand in your way if He’s with you.

And Allaah knows best.

LESSON TWO: The Trial of Wealth

The next story in Surah al-Kahf is about a wealthy man who Allaah had blessed with abundance. 

He had two flourishing gardens, continuously yielding plenty of quality fruit and produce, gushing rivers that naturally flowed through his property providing irrigation, along with servants, attendants and children. 

In other words, a life of prosperity, ease and luxury. 

But instead of attributing his success to Allaah, he became arrogant and even belittled his companion who advised him to be grateful to his Rabb. 

He thought this wealth and blessing is a sign that Allaah is pleased with him and it will last forever. 

And “IF” he is ever resurrected he will receive even MORE blessings. 

After all, hasn’t Allaah blessed him in this world? Then surely He will bless him EVEN MORE later. 

So what happened to his garden and wealth?

Allaah *destroyed* it overnight. 

Down to nothing. 

Gone completely. 

All his arrogance, his wealth, his entourage. 

Why?

Because of the man’s arrogance. 

His lack of gratefulness. 

His foolish belief that wealth is a sign of Allaah’s pleasure. 

And his disbelief in the Hereafter. 

Wealth is not a sign of Allaah’s Pleasure or Displeasure. 

Rather it’s a TEST to see HOW we will behave and react to this wealth. 

Will we be grateful to our Rabb?

Will we earn it in a halal way?

Will we spend it in His obedience?

Will we become arrogant and look down upon others who don’t have as much?

Will we spend it in Allaah’s way? 

For our needy relatives, for the poor and destitute, for our oppressed brothers and sisters all over the world?

Or will we hoard it for ourselves?

So REMIND yourself EVERY FRIDAY when you read al-Kahf:

1. KNOW that ALL WEALTH belongs to Allaah Alone. It is HIS. 

And He can GIVE it to whoever He wants and TAKE IT AWAY from WHOEVER He wants, WHENEVER He wants. 

2. This wealth is a TEST for you. Allaah is giving it to you to see how you will handle it. And how you will react to it. 

3. So always be GRATEFUL to your Rabb. And THANK Him for granting you blessings you know and blessings you don’t know. Blessings you can’t even count. 

4. Don’t let the wealth get to your head. Always be HUMBLE and know that the *True Giver* is only Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala. And you deserve NO CREDIT for what you own or have. 

5. SPEND in the path of Allaah for His sake, on your needy relatives, community members and the poor Muslim brothers and sisters 

6. Be MODERATE in spending on yourself and don’t be EXTRAVAGANT 

7.  KNOW that it’s not wealth or property that Allaah looks at. 

It’s your GOOD DEEDS and SINCERITY to please Him that will bring Allaah’s Mercy. 

8. ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND that this dunya is TEMPORARY and the REAL LIFE is the life of the Hereafter. Don’t ever let this thought slip your mind. 

So prepare for it NOW before the time comes when we return to our Creator. 

الْمَالُ وَالْبَنُونَ زِينَةُ الْحَيَوةِ الدُّنْيَا وَالْبَـقِيَاتُ الصَّـلِحَاتُ خَيْرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابًا وَخَيْرٌ أَمَلاً 

“Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds that last, are better with your Lord for reward and better for hope”. 

(Surah al-Kahf: 46)

And Allaah knows best.

LESSON THREE: Trial of KNOWLEDGE 

Every week, when we read Surah al-Kahf, we’re reminded again and again about how Allaah tests people in their Faith and in their Wealth. 

Another lesson that we’re reminded of again and again every week is that we may also be tested in our *Knowledge*. 

The story resolves around Musa and his meeting with al-Khidr Alaiyhimas-Salaam. 

Someone asked Musa Alaiyhis-Salaam about the most knowledgeable person on earth at that time. Musa Alaiyhis-Salaam thought that since he was a Prophet of Allaah, he would be the most knowledgeable. And so without thinking, he hastily said, “I am”. And he didn’t refer that knowledge to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala.

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Allaah rebuked him because he did not refer knowledge to Him. So Allaah revealed to him: “There is a slave of Mine at the junction of the two seas who is more knowledgeable than you.” 

(al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

So Musa Alaiyhis-Salaam set out with a servant to look for the one who had more knowledge than him, namely, al-Khidr, and then asked to accompany him. 

With al-Khidr, Musa Alaiyhis-Salaam set out on a strange and amazing journey where he experienced three confusing incidents, because of which he was not able to keep his promise not to ask any questions. 

And thus this wondrous journey comes to an end. 

But it taught Musa Alaiyhis-Salaam (and us) some very important lessons 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said: 

“Would that Moosa had been patient so that Allaah could have told us more about their story.” (al-Bukhaari)

Lessons learnt 

Knowledge is also a fitnah if you don’t attribute it to the right source. 

So Always, ALWAYS attribute your knowledge, your blessings, your success to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala. 

It’s not your doing. 

It’s the bestowal of the One Who gives. 

 No one and that means NO ONE, has ALL the knowledge of everything, EXCEPT al-Aleem al-Khabeer, the All Knowing, even if they’re prophets. 

it’s not demeaning or insulting to learn from others and it’s in no way degrading, even if you’re very knowledgeable yourself. 

 Don’t let knowledge make you arrogant. 

And just because you have more knowledge than someone, does not make it right for you to look down upon them. 

In fact you may learn from anyone. 

No matter how knowledgeable you are, there’s still room for improvement. 

There are still things to learn, facts to master, skills to conquer. 

 if you’re sincere in attaining knowledge, you have to learn to be patient. 

Nothing is achieved with haste. Everything requires hard work and perseverance. 

 Sometimes things happen in life that APPARENTLY seem hurtful, or wrong or unfair, but in reality, Allaah is looking out for you. 

Whatever He decrees is best for you even if you don’t understand it. 

That’s because it is He Who has the Ultimate Knowledge about everything and we don’t. 

These are only some of the lessons that one can learn from these noble ayaat. And there are more....

Remind yourself of these important lessons every time you read Surah al-Kahf. 

After all, there’s a reason why it’s Sunnah to repeat it every Friday

And Allaah knows best

LESSON FOUR: Trial of POWER

Last week we learnt that the reason why we are supposed to read Surah every week is to repeatedly remind ourselves that Allaah will test us with the blessings of Faith, Wealth and Knowledge. 

Another blessing that Allaah will test us with is the blessing of POWER. 

And that’s mentioned in the next story of Dhul-Qarnayn. 

Dhul-Qarnayn was a powerful king and leader who Allaah had blessed with knowledge, might, authority..... basically everything necessary to become a conqueror and ruler of the world. 

Yet, all that power, all that might, all those blessings did not corrupt him. 

Instead he established the sovereignty of Allaah upon earth wherever he went and shouldered the responsibility of a ruler with Fairness, Justice and Wisdom. 

Dhul-Qarnayn ruled with the Laws of Allaah and rewarded those who did good and punished the bad. 

At the same time, he was also kind, and caring and protected the weak and oppressed against their transgressors. 

And when they offered him monetary help, he refused and was not greedy. 

Rather, he humbly associated all his successes with Allaah and recognized that power and authority come from Allaah Alone. 

Lessons learnt

1.  Never let power corrupt you. 

Even if the whole world is under your control, always... always refer your blessings back to Allaah. 

Your position, your authority, your control... 

it’s all a TRUST. 

And it’s all a TEST....

A test to see how you behave, how you react, who you turn to. 

Always remember, it’s only Allaah that gave you this position, this power. 

And just like He gave it to you, He can also take it away whenever He wants. 

So be humble as Dhul-Qarnayn was humble. 

And say... *Alhamdulillaah*. 

2. Just like Dhul-Qarnayn, every single one of us plays a leadership role in one setting or another. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock.” (al-Bukhaari, Muslim) 

Meaning we all are ‘leaders’ in our own way, in our own little settings and have responsibilities that we’ll be held accountable for in front of Allaah. 

Are we fulfilling those responsibilities that Allaah has placed on us as ‘shepherds’ over our ‘flock’?

Are we keeping Allaah’s Laws in mind when dealing with them?

Are we kind and caring to the people under our care?

Do we treat them fairly?

As parents, are we fulfilling the rights of our children? 

Are we giving them an Islaamic upbringing?

These questions apply to all who are in a ‘leadership’ position....as a husband, a parent, a teacher, an employer, a business owner, a doctor....

The list goes on. 

3. Always do your best to *help* out whenever you can. 

Be it the weak and oppressed or someone in need. 

Or someone in your family. 

Or even a complete stranger. 

If you’re in a position to help them and  solve their problem, then do so. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“The Muslim is the brother of his fellow Muslim; he does not wrong him or let him down. The one who meets the needs of his brother, Allaah will meet his needs. 

Whoever relieves a Muslim of distress, Allaah will relieve him of distress on the Day of Resurrection.”

(al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

4.  Always be Fair and judge by Allaah’s Laws

Always rule by Allaah’s Rules when dealing with your spouse, kids, parents, families, employees, students, colleagues, neighbors. 

Be fair and just. 

Always do the right thing. 

Do that which pleases Allaah and stay away from what displease Him. 

These are only some of the morals we learn from this beautiful story. 

Remember these and other lessons when you read al-Kahf every Friday. 

Get *inspired* by Dhul-Qarnayn’s pious commitment to Allaah’s Commands. 

*Learn* from this legendary king by striving to emulate his personal qualities of *humility, compassion, self-control and his sincere dedication to justice. *

After all, there’s a reason why it’s Sunnah to repeat it every Friday 

And Allaah knows best