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Monday, May 16, 2000

 

QUESTION:

Dear Bilqis,

AsSalaamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu,

Is it halal for one to forbid someone in his care to perform acts which are mustahabb? I have wanted to wear niqab for almost two years but my husband forbids it because he does not personally like it. He insists that my obedience to him in this matter will open the abwab of jannah for me, Insha'Allah. I believe he is committing haram by preferring his own personal opinion above the sunnah to the extent of forbidding an act which is sunnah.

Please respond with any naseeha you may have for him or me.

Jazzak Allahu Khairun.

- U.H.

 

BILQIS ANSWERS:

Dear Sister U.H.,

My understanding of the term "niqab" is the "face veil" and I will answer your question according to this definition. Simply put, you husband is right as you have related the matter to me in this question. Wearing of the face veil is generally accepted as not obligatory (fardh) for a Muslim woman. I think we can agree on that point. The majority of scholars seem to agree that covering of everything except the face, hands and feet of a woman is prescribed. Hence, to do or not to do anything more than that does not constitute sin or a haram action. Thus, if your husband prefers that you do not cover your face, it would not constitute a sin and actually would be better for you not to do it.

This seems a simple request of a husband as opposed to something else that might cause you hardship. As women in many ways our duties have been made simple. I have been Muslim for many years now and have seen wives sometimes create differences where there really should be none. I'm not saying this is the case in your situation, but I would say to beware of debating with your husband over small matters. Islam is clear on this issue. Do not loose sight of the big picture which spiritually is your relationship with Allah (swt). The many barakahs (blessings) that you would receive from aligning yourself with your husband's request should help to make this an easy task if righteousness is what you truly seek.

-Bilqis