Islamic marriage advice and family advice

Working in places of Ikhtilaat

IkhtilatAssalamu Alaikum

I hope you all are fine by the grace of Allah Subhanu wa Ta'ala.

I am a female, 23, from India and working. I completed my education last year and for the past 8-9 months I m working. I am Hijabi and do wear abaya and all. I have few queries and concern regarding women working in an environment where they have to interact with males colleagues.

This question popped up in a question posted earlier : http://www.zawaj.com/askbilqis/dealing-with-people/. Here during discussion I came across the word Ikhtilaat.

Now my question is since I am working where my colleagues are muslims, I hardly talk to my male counterparts except for work related. I do not sit and chat with them, laugh and crack jokes. I observe my modesty and respect my hijab which also comprises one character.

Since I have to offer my prayers, many a times I have to do that in the prescence of males. From the earlier post I came to know its better for girls to work in a all girls environment because even if we are maintaining our modesty, our males colleagues may be leading towards fitnah and to avoid that we should in normal circumstances (ofcourse not when you are the primary bread winner of your family) avoid such jobs.

But in a country where I am living it is next to impossible to find such a job, and although I am not primary bread winner of my family but I have to work for other reasons (In our country Gals parents pay dowry etc which require hefty amount which my mother wants to give, since such families and such boys who wnt take a penny are very very hard to find and since I am completly against it the best way apart from prayers and duas I have decided that I will earn and at least pay for the gold.

And plus also financial conditions are not so rosy. anyways that is different matter. How will I be able to find a work, my job profile doesn't allow me to work from home.

And other things is in regards to education, although I did my schooling and graduation from a girls school but Masters i have completed from a co-ed university. In future I am planning to do research, i.e. Phd, and I have to do it in a university where boys and girls study together. what can be done in such a case. Since it is really difficult in such situations how are we going to maintain work or education in an only female environment.

I also travel alone to my workplace which is like 30 to 45 mins from my place, is it fine for women to travel alone, when distance is short. I am just a little confused and unclear about his matter. I would appreciate if anybody can answer and make it clear.

Its a long post and maybe things got mixed up, but I would appreciate a response.

May Allah Grants HIS blessings and mercy on all of us and show us the right path and courage to follow it. Ameen !!

- trapped


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29 Responses »

  1. Assalamu'alaikum sister,

    As you are aware, we are laymen and have no authority authority to issue fatawa. All we can do is explain based on what we know of the deen. As I said earlier in the link you mentioned, places leading to Ikhtilaat are not allowed for women to go. However, it is better to get some scholarly advise. Please read this article by Shaikh Abdul Azeez bin Baaz Rahimahullah, titled: Danger of women joining men in their workplace

    He was the grand mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in sha Allah one of the most knowledgeable people of our time, until he died, although he was blind. May Allah Have Mercy on him - Aameen.

    The Shaykh points out the prohibition of working in an environment in which men work.

    Some people may argue that today the world is modern and things have changed than they were during the time of Rasoolullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and it is difficult. Then they should know that Islam does not change for anyone, but they have to change for their own good. And afterall, And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things. (Surah at Talaq, 2 and 3). For the rest, I believe the fatwa of Shaikh bin Baaz is enough for anyone who respect knowledge and those who respect the Sharee'ah.

    Sister, your attitude about DOWRY is valid - it is an evil which is not a part of Islamic culture, but has found its way from Hindu culture into Muslims in India. May Allah Guide them all. Sister, please look to marry a man who is against dowry because it is unIslamic, that will in sha Allah ensure that this man strives to do what is correct, which is how a Muslim should be.

    Concerning travelling alone, the following hadith applies: The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to make a journey of one day and night unless she is accompanied by a Mahram (Bukhari and Muslim)

    All I have said is general. But sister, if you need any specific fatwa, you must contact a mufti. If you require, I can provide you the contact details of a Mufti in India.

    May Allah Grant HIS blessings and mercy on all of us and show us the right path and courage to follow it. Aameen.

    Abu Abdul Bari
    IslamicAnswers.com Editor

    • Assalamualaikum brother Abdul Bari. May Allah reward you and people who run this website for trying to solve the problems of those who are needing the help and May Allah reward you for providing advise to the questioner.

      "As you are aware, we are laymen and have no authority authority to issue fatawa" --

      ------> Brother my humble advise to Brother Wael and those who moderate this website is to use fatawas of Sheik Bin Baaz ( rahimahullah) and other most renowned knowledgeable scholars.

      -------> I would also like to suggest about closing comments sections in this website. Availability of comments from a layman can cause Fitnah for the questioner cause often people use there sentiments in order to answer the questions. The questioner may be overwhelmed with the different answers which are sometimes carrying intense inclination on opposing sides.

      --------> One answer per questioner from renowned scholars with no comment option is what I suggest to my brothers who moderate this site..

      May Allah reward people who are trying to help others and also Brother Wael and every other editer for trying to help others. All the good in it is from Allah and only the mistakes are mine. May Allah forgive me and may Allah make it ease for our brothers and sisters who are having hardship and also the above questioner. Amen

  2. Salaams,

    You said "I have decided that I will earn and at least pay for the gold" regarding your marriage dowry. I just want to point out that giving a dowry to a man or his family is totally unislamic. YOU are supposed to receive a dowry/mahr from a groom, not the other way around. DO NOT save or try to earn any money/gold to give to any man for marriage. If a man won't marry you without getting some type of payment, then leave him alone and move on. Islamically the only valid marriage is the one where the wife to be receives the dowry/mahr. It also doesn't count if the man is so poor he cannot give you any gold, because even a man reciting an ayat of quran to you counts as a dowry. If you want to use your earnings to buy gold just because you like it and want to wear it, you are free to do so because your earnings are yours to do as you like with. But please don't get caught up in the delusion that you have to put anything toward your marriage dowry.

    Speaking personally on the other issue of mixed gender work environments, I live in the west and have been doing this all my life even after becoming Muslim a decade ago. Personally I don't have any issues with it, because I am not remotely attracted or bothered in any way by the men around me. I imagine if a woman were having a difficult time being around men and found it to be distracting or causing her to have lust issues then she would need to rearrange some things, but if you are observing all of the deen that you can and don't find it to be too much of an inconvenience, then at least you are doing the best you can in a situation you don't have full control over. This is a very common scenario and all we can do is make the best of things in shaa Allah.

    -Amy
    IslamicAnswers.com Editor

  3. ASSALAMALAIKUM-
    THERE RE CERTAIN CONDTITIONS OF ISLAM
    WHICH DEFY MANY PEOPLES CAREERS-
    BUT CHOICE IS OURS WE WANT WORLD WE CAN CHOOSE TO STUDY ITS SUBKECT AND TAKE ANY JOB OR EARNING SOURCE-
    OR ELSE STUDY ISLAM AND MAKE THE AKHIRAH
    LIKE OTHERS HAVE ADVISED THE DOWRY MATTER IS TOTALLY WRONG TO THINK ALSO BECAUSE IT IS A CUSTOM OF PAGANS-
    Observing the Customs of Non-Muslims (I)
    The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said:
    “Are you observing a pagan custom! I was thinking of invoking such a curse upon you that your appearances might be deformed.” [Ibn Majah]

    I also travel alone to my workplace which is like 30 to 45 mins from my place-
    QUESTION: The general understanding is that it is prohibited in the Shariah for a female to travel without a Mahram under all circumstances......
    In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
    ANSWER-Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 2.194-Narrated by Abu Huraira
    The Prophet (saws) said, It is not permissible for a woman, who believes in Allah and the Last Day, to travel for one day and night except with a Mahram."
    FINALLY COMING TO YOUR JOB OR SALAH-ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION POINTS ARE CLEAR
    MONETORY OR AKHIRAH- DECIDE-
    Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin (Radhiallaahu Ánha) "Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said
    "Allah does not accept the prayer of a woman who has reached puberty unless she wears a veil."
    Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 9, Book 89, Hadith # 293
    AFTER THIS HADEES IS KNOWN WHOEVER SAYS WHAT DOES NOT MATTER EXCDEPT THE HADEES
    TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT-
    ONE WHO TAKES WILL PROSPER HERE AND THERE BOTH-
    ONE WHO REJECTS WILL SUFFER HERE AND THERE BOTH-
    THERE IS NOT IN BETWEEN ROUTE LIKE I AM MODEST BUT HAVE TO WORK WITH MALES WITHOUT ABAYA AND WEAR ABAYA WHEN I COME OUT OF WORK -
    THIS IS EQUAL TO NO HIJAB BECAUSE-

    IN ALL OUR CITIES IN INDIA ALL MAID SERVANTS COME TO WORK WEARING ABAYA AND ROAM IN FRONT OF ALL MALES WITHOUT ABAYA TILL THE WORK IS OVER-AND WHEN THEY GO BACK HOME THEY WEAR ABAYA AGAIN SAME WAY IF THE EDUCATED SISTERS DO THE SAME IN WORK PLACES THEN THE MATTER IS VERY SERIOUS-
    WE ARE LIVING IN DELUSION WHEN WE COMPARE OUR PRACTICE WITH THE ABOVE HADEES-

    REST ALL INDIVIDUALS WILL FACE ALLAH WITH OUR AMAAL-Alliances fall apart-

    READ AND PONDER AND COME TO CONCLUSION-THIS VERSE APPLIES TO ALL RELIGIONS AND DEVAITED MUSLIMS ALIKE ....What the Quran teaches......
    In the name of Allah, the merciful, the beneficent.
    Yet there are people who take to worshiping objects which they allege to be equal to Allah, loving them as Allah alone should be loved, but those who believe love Allah most. Oh, that the wrong doers had but seen, as see they will when they receive their punishment, that all power belongs to Allah and that Allah's punishments severe.(On that day) THOSE WHO WERE FOLLOWED DISOWN THEIR FOLLOWERS.They behold their doom and all their ties are broken. Those who followed them will say:'would that we could live again, so that we could disown them as they have disowned us.'Thus will Allah show them their deeds(causing them) bitter regrets. They shall never come out of the Fire. Mankind, eat of what is lawful and wholesome on earth, and do not follow Satan's footsteps. He is indeed your declare enemy.
    (The Cow, "Al-Baqarah":2; 165-168)

  4. Jazak Allah Khair for your responses

    Brother Abul Abdul Bari,

    I would defintly visit the link and study about it 🙂

    I would like to share some points here.

    Sister Amy,
    Regarding my working in mixed environment I am ok with it because I follow all Islamic Hidayat by observing a strict and to the point attitude with my males as I know my pure intentions.

    I know girls are not supposed to give dowry but it is other way round, but it is very difficult to find such a family, even if the boy won't have any issue its the family of the boy side who makes situation worst. Following my religious belief I am very much against it and always make duas so that I may get a pious religious spouse who may increase my deen and brings me closer to Allah but even my parents have accepted this as a fact and do not mind giving anything and everything only if the boy is so called GOOD.

    so just to ease out that burden I am working even though I personally would like to spend my time by doing Islamic studies. Moreover my father does not support us financially and its always my brothers who supported us, me and my sisters wedding and education and everything. Now that I can earn well I want to give them a support by financing my own wedding cost.

    I just pray that people, even girls family do understand this, even if they are rich and capable to spend extravangances on wedding but it does have a ugly impact on society as a whole and effects the weaker section.

    Brother Ali Yousuff

    I would like to thank you for your resonse with references from hadith and Quran but I want to make something clear.

    Hijab does not only means covering yourself but it also means hijab of your character and hence being modest in your conduct. Me being modest at my workplace certainely does not mean that I take off my hijab when in office and wears when I leave. I take my hijab seriously and does not play around with it.

    There might be many girls who does not respect their hijab but even so we cannot generalise this situation in India. If I got your point wrong then kindly forgive me.

    While being in office, I have to pray my Salah and since I cannot compromise on that matter, I just wanted to know whether it is modest or fine if in such a situation I offer my salah in the presence of male collegues.

    I am a learning Muslimah. Observing salah 5 times and keeping rozas I use to do but now I have started working on learning, understanding and studying our holy book Quran and Hadiths and following those small things that many a times are missed. I want to avoid doing anything that is prohibited in Islam. and this topic is a part of my exploring my beautiful religion.

    Jazak Allah khair once again !! 🙂
    Duas 🙂

    • Sister Trapped ,

      The mixed environment especially in corporate environment is fitnah . I have seen so many Muslim girls falling for temptation so you need to be careful ..May Allah make it easy for you.

  5. Since I have to offer my prayers, many a times I have to do that in the presence of males.

    Do you wear niqab while praying ? Brother Abu Abdul Bari, does she have to wear niqab while praying ? I've known that it is disliked to wear niqab while praying but in case of non mahram male present, then she is obliged to wear niqab.

    Try your best to pray in seclusion (in a room or behind a table etc) or atleast the wall behind your back.

    • Salaams,

      I don't think niqab is obligatory on women under any circumstances.

      I do agree that praying in a conference room or something is preferable if it can be done. I myself pray in my cubicle, and I wear an abaya over my regular clothes only when praying in case any men pass by. But that happening is very rare, and even rarer that they would do so when I was in sujood (arguably the most "compromising" position).

      I've heard of some women praying in the restroom if it's that big a deal to them. But personally I prefer not to unless there's no choice.

      -Amy
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

      • " I don't think niqab is obligatory on women under any circumstances."

        Yes, there is a difference of opinion in that issue and this is the position held by Shaikh Albani Rahimahullah.

        Abu Abdul Bari
        IslamicAnswers.com Editor

        • Salaams,

          I follow Hanafi madhab, and no the Hanafis do not believe it is fard. My husband follows shafii madhab, and neither do they believe it's fard. Of the four main madhabs, the only one I've heard putting a premium on it is the maliki. From what I've heard over all, the shaykhs or scholars that deem niqab as fard are actually in the minority, not the majority. Even from what I can tell as Abu Abdul Bari mentioned, shaykh Albani says only that it is recommended and praiseworthy, but not obligatory.

          I think the fact in this distribution of opinion are best seen in its practice, given that the majority of Muslim women who wear hijab do NOT wear niqab. Most masjids have women with their faces showing, and perhaps a few who are wearing niqab out of their own taqwa in shaa Allah.

          -Amy
          IslamicAnswers.com Editor

        • @ sis Amy,

          I follow shafi'i madhab and in shafi'i madhab, it is obligatory for women to cover their faces in front of non mahram men. According to Imam Shafi'i, Imam Nawawi, Imam Ibn Hajar etc these scholars makes the legal ruling of shafi'i madhab especially, the first two and according to them 'it is not permissible for women to go out in public without covering their face', see reliance of travellers. According to Ibn Hajr, a woman must wear niqab if there is fear of fitna (a person must be sleeping if they think that we are not living in times of fitna). Your husband might have got it wrong sis. Read the books on shafi madhab.

          Most of my Indian and Pakistani friends follow the hanafi madhab and they told me that the legal ruling of hanafi madhab is that it is obligatory. Hope someone can clarify.
          Hanabli madhab is the main madhab of Saudi Arabia and their madhab also holds that it is obligatory in times of fitna.

          What about the sahabas who hold the view that it is obligatory? What about the saheeh hadith sister ?

          Only one weak hadith says that it is not.

          Also, many muslim women spoil the purpose of hijab. Leave alone niqab, majority of them wear the hijab with tight jeans, tops etc, high heels, half head hijab, 5 kg make up, perfumes etc. Basically, the whole shape of body can be seen. We should not see their practice and hold it as possible rulings. I live in middle-east and this is the situation here. I don't know about USA, but I can't think that it'll be better than in middle-east. Last friday prayer, I went to masjid late and was praying outside in the hot sun when the temp was around 40', few women were entering the masjid and they wore unIslamic clothing with hijab, masha'Allah I couldn't feel the heat of the sun after that because of what they would face. Remember that our prophet said that Islam began as something strange and it will go back being strange so good news to stranger, stranger are those who follow Islam properly that they will be seen as 'wierd/strange' by the community.

        • Salaams,

          Reliance of the Traveller does say "The nakedness(awra) of a woman that she is forbidden to reveal differs in the Shafi'i school according to different circumstances. In the privacy of the home, her nakedness is that which is between the navel and the knees. In the prayer it means everything besides the face and hands. And when outside the home on the street, it refers to the entire body." (w23.1 page 899).

          However, Shaykh Nuh Keller ( A scholar in Shafi'i Fiqh, Hanafi Fiqh, and Shadhili Tariqa and translator of Reliance of the Traveller, Al Maqasid, and other works) did a talk about the Niqab. In his talk for people living in the West, in which the West is not accustomed to the niqab, one may wear the hijab (ie without the face veil, showing only face and hands).

          As it happens, it also says in Reliance of the Traveller under the same paragraph cited above that "for Hanafis, all but the face and hands (implied-may be visible), just as in prayer." As it happens, Hanifi's are the only madhab which allow women to leave their feet uncovered during salat as well, and consider them as excluded from one's awra.

          This is all based on the views of the scholars quoted, no hadith involved. Wherever they conclude their views is in the hands of Allah.

          But speaking for the USA, I will say that most sisters I have seen out and about observe hijab (albeit without niqab) well. They cover all their hair and wear loose clothing. I have seen exceptions to this (the tight clothing and gaudy make up etc), but guess what....most of those sisters appear to be immigrants from the middle east. I've sometimes thought that perhaps certain immigrants are more western than us converts are lol.

          -Amy
          IslamicAnswers.com Editor

          • Since someone keeps on deleting authentic stuffs, I ask you to check the reliance of traveler (m2.3), which says that most scholars except 'some' hanafi scholars agree on the obligation of niqab whether or not there is temptation but ALL agree that it is obligatory during the times of temptation.

      • assalamalaikum-
        I myself pray in my cubicle, and I wear an abaya over my regular clothes only when praying -
        Hijab… a Must, Not a Choice.......
        The main reason of hijab is that the women must be in abaya from the time she leaves home to ot return.becuase the Na mohrims are present from the exit door to the mrket/office/places and then all over the city-

        The mention of out side[means road Mall market etc etc]hijab is good in these places and then once the Hijab is taken out in office places and males roam about and have interaction inspite of modestly coverede with dupata[colorfuls etc]the attraction cant be avoided actually seeing it looks more appealing and very beautiful amd also very good when others dont do that-
        it makes a man turn more times towarsd such person who likes real beauty-

        Over and above that if the voice is good that becomes an extra attraction and makes the hearing more like making a person to wit when she will open her mouth so that we can hear her in her own style and politeness-

        There are so many things only a male can explain so the whole concept of hijab is lost when abaya is removed in the office and then taken up when they leave it is just our own satisfaction that we are maintaining Hijab and we are modest-
        Meaning of the Arabic Word Hijab
        Hijab in Arabic means “barrier” or “screen” and thus it appears in various Quranic verses, referring to many things besides the woman’s head cover. For example:
        Allah Almighty says in the Quran that He only talks to humans from behind a hijab. The Quran says-
        (It is not given to any human being that Allah should speak to him unless [it be] by revelation, or from behind a veil) (Ash-Shura 42:51).
        The Virgin Mary worshipped behind a hijab:
        (She placed a screen [to screen herself] from them) (Maryam 19:17)
        WHEN ABROAD THIS MUST BE NOTED[REAL MEANING OF ALL PLACES MENTIONED ABOVE]
        (O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women that they should cast their outer garments over their persons [WHEN ABROAD] that is most convenient, that they should be known [as such] and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful) (Al-Ahzab 33:59)
        Hijab Includes Conduct

        Complete hijab, besides the six criteria of clothing, also includes the moral conduct, behavior, attitude, and intention of the individual. A person only fulfilling the criteria of hijab of the clothes is observing hijab in a limited sense. Hijab of the clothes should be accompanied by hijab of the eyes, the heart, the thought, and the intention. It also includes the way a person walks, talks, and behaves. Therefore, the hypocritical use of hijab is not a good example of Muslim conduct.

        REGARDS

      • As-salamu Alaykum,
        Not to get side-tracked, but it sounds wrong (and I would think haram) to pray in the restroom as it is a place of filth. If someone finds that the only place they can pray is in the bathroom, they really need to find an alternative.

        • Salaams,

          I don't know about other places, but in the US sometimes there is no alternative. I've been on travels where there is only one gas station around for miles. If a sister were to pray openly in the parking lot or somewhere visible, depending on the type of people around (and you never know) it could be an invitation to be hurt in some way. The bathroom, though not the best choice, is private and safe. Same with some work environments. If you work in a fast food restaurant, there may be few other options and delaying the salah is sometimes less desirable.

          I've heard that saying the name of Allah is forbidden while using the restroom, but nothing haram about praying in there per se. And of course I guess a lot depends on how clean a restroom is as far as personal comfort levels. Some places have pristine restrooms and others....not so much.

          But again, I'd just like to say a lot of what I share is not about super-shariah as much as it is about just trying to get by in the anti-Islam west. Unless someone lives here and goes through the same things we do (and I live in the south in particular, which still is struggling with basic racism between blacks/whites let alone Islamophobia), others might not understand.

          -Amy
          IslamicAnswers.com Editor

          • Salam Amy,
            I understand that it is sometimes difficult to find a place to pray. According to the following website, however, it is haram to pray in the bathroom:

            http://islamqa.info/en/ref/14506

            I think this needs to be pointed out so people try harder to find alternatives. Not saying that people do not face genuine difficulties but we do need to be mindful of where we pray. If someone has a situation like this, he/she should investigate the possibility of combining prayers.

          • To add to what I stated above, this fatwa says it is preferrable to combine prayers instead of praying in the bathroom:

            http://islamqa.info/en/ref/153572

            The writer states that one can pray in the bathroom only in cases of extreme fear or when it is not possible to combine prayers.

  6. Sister Amy,

    You may have been referring to Niqab not being obligatory from info found on:

    http://www.islamawareness.net/Hijab/Niqab/questions.html

    Though other viewpoints are that it is obligatory.

    • No, I've never been on that particular website, although I'm sure the information is probably similar to others I have been on....that's often the case with the internet.

      -Amy
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

  7. Women also 'typically' wear the hijab even before Islam. But once that surah was revealed according to ahadeeth and majority scholarly opinion, both of them are obligatory.

    • Assalamu'alaikum,

      (This is about the Niqab)
      We must not thrust our opinions on anyone, being laymen. If scholars debate on this matter it is a different thing. Being a layman, I consider both to be permissible. Moreso, because dalaail exist for both practices and there is no opposing daleel, in which case, the stronger daleel is chosen. For example, all scholars agree that beard is obligatory for men, but the length is disputed. Many say one must not even trim it (including Shaikh bin Baaz and Shaikh ibn Uthaimin Rahimahumallah), but others say one fist length is enough (including Shaikh Albani Rahimahullah). So, one must not be debating on these, as dalaail support both views.

      I will quote Shaikh Albani's view from Maktabah as Salafiyyah:

      Shaykh al'Abani´s position about Niqab of muslim woman from his famous book: Jilbab Ul-Mar’at Il-Muslimah It was narrated from Aishah that Asma bint Abi Bakr entered upon the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) wearing a thin garment. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) turned away from her and said:.“Oh Asma, when a woman reaches the age of menstruation, it is not proper for anything to be seen of her except this and this,” and he pointed to his face and hands.”

      [Sunan Abu Dawud (Darussalam Publishers, 2007), volume 4, p. 422, The Book of Clothing, chapter 31: “What a woman may show of her beauty,” Hadith number 4104. Classed as Da’if by Hafiz Abu Tahir Zubair Ali Za’i. Imam Abu Dawud said: “This Hadith is Mursal. Khalid ibn Duraik did not meet Aishah. (And Sa’eed bin Bashir is not strong (in narrating)).”]

      The Hadith is weak by itself but authentic due to supporting narrations and is used as evidence for this matter . . . It was authenticated by Sheikh Al-Albani in Sahih Sunan Abu Dawud, vol. 2, p. 774, number 3458.

      Sheikh Al-Albani explains reasons behind this Hadith’s authenticity in great detail:

      “. . . (The narration’s chain is) Bashir from Qatadah from Khalid ibn Duraik from Aishah. Ibn Adiy added that he (Khalid) once attributed it to Umm Salamah instead of Aishah. Abu Dawud said after citing it, ‘This Hadith is Mursal. Khalid ibn Duraik did not meet Aishah.’ Also, Sa’eed ibn Bashir is weak according to Hafidh ibn Hajar in At-Taqrib. However, this Hadith has been reported via other ways that strengthen it:

      (1.) A Mursal report recorded by Abu Dawud (no. 437) from Qatadah with an authentic chain that includes neither ibn Duraik nor ibn Bashir: ‘Indeed, once a young girl reaches menses, it is not right for her to expose except her face and hands to the wrists.'

      (2.) At-Tabarani (in Al-Kabir 24/143/378 and Al-Awsat 2/230/8959) and Al-Bayhaqi recorded via ibn Lahi’ah from Iyadh from Abdullah from Ibrahim bin Rufa’ah Al- Ansari from his father from (he believed) Asma bint Umays that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) entered Aishah’s house while she had with her sister Asma bint Abi Bakr, who was wearing wide- sleeved clothes (see the report in question for the remainder of this Hadith’s text) . . . There is no doubt that a report by ibn Lahi’ah does not go below the level of Hasan when it has supportive narrations, as is the case here . . .” (Jilbab Ul-Mar’at Il-Muslimah pp. 58-59)

      Therefore, we can see that the correct view is that the Niqab is recommended, and not obligatory.

      Sheikh Al-Albani's knowledge of the Shawahid (supporting narrations in Hadith) was something which was uncontested to by other scholars of his day. Sheikhs Ibn Baz and Uthaymeen even testified to this. While some Hadith scholars would only grade the single Hadith, Sheikh Al-Albani would take into account all supporting narrations of the Hadith. So some Ahadith are authentic due to other texts with the same meaning, so please take note of this. This made his methodology more correct versus other scholars of his day.

      However, wearing the Niqab is better. Sheikh Al-Albani said:

      “Whoever adheres to the obligation, it is good enough; and whoever does the recommendation, it is better.” (Jilbab Ul- Mar’at Il-Muslimah, p. 28, which is a Preface to the 2nd Edition)

      End quote...

      Abu Abdul Bari
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

  8. When a person is in the niyah of ihram he vows to adhere by the highest level of piety. He intends to condition his faith,observe complete obedience surrender himself/herself to climb the higer levels of spirituality to get as close as he can get to Allah. Most rules that one must follow in the condition of ihram are those that a good muslim of higher taqwa would follow anyway. My question is if niqab is really compulsory then why should women be forbidden (not just excused) from covering their faces in the condition of their highest level of piety, especially when they are travelling with not just their mehram but in large groups of mehrams and lots of non mehrams together? besides it is not possible to perform the arkans like tawaf and sayi for women folk in seclusion or at a special time for women folk alone. To add to that i have seen fitnah lovers myself in religious places like Mecca and Madina too. So to keep my question short i want to know if it is compulsory then y arent women SUPPOSED to wear a niqab in the condition of ihram?

    i wear abaya and i dont wear makeup or perfume, i cover my feet and try not to get any attention in anywayi have also tried to wear the niqab a couple of times but i felt like i could not breathe till a point where i felt like i would faint but if some1 could explain it from the quran and the sunnah (not what different imaams say) coz then ill wear it no matter what. i have come a long way from what i was and will do more insha allah if obligatory . Just waiting for a convincing argument..Anything for Allah.

    p.s i have difficulty in breathing, probably b'coz of my sinus problem so i cannot handle steam either, but like i said i can at least strive to do what is a must in islam.

  9. Then it goes to individual analysis after all. Comparing the evidences of niqab given on both sides, the one supporting its obligation holds the stronger view due to proofs from hadith, sahaba knowledge etc.

    P.S. The four madhab have serious issues with Albani because of his grading of hadith.

    • Now don't begin speaking against scholars because they do not support your opinion. Shaikh Albani is the mujaddid of this era as all scholars agree, like Imam ash Shafi'i was during his. Only the ignorant and self appointed "scholars" have grudge against him, not true scholars. Madhhabs have nothing against him, but people who do not follow evidence do. Now please...do not debate on this, too.

      Abu Abdul Bari
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

  10. Salaams,

    The main issue I'm having with this whole thing is the fact that niqab was not even a part of the original post. From what it sounds like, she wasn't wearing niqab to begin with, and wasn't asking if she should (if I'm wrong and she was wearing it already, then all this arguing was pointless and moot). I feel when other issues of fiqh are brought into a conversation that weren't originally part of it and wind up becoming an unresolvable debate, that's just plain fitna.

    Fiqh, shariah, and fatwas are not the main emphasis of this website. If people want clarity on any of those issues there are several places they can go to get answers. This website is about friends helping friends live the complexities of Islam in modern times and in heathen cultures while we are all still struggling and imperfect. It's about real life, which is often more grey than it is black/white. When we can help people solve their problems in practical ways without going against Islam, we've succeeded. When we get caught up in details and debating and scrutinizing the impersonal aspects of law, we've missed the point.

    -Amy
    IslamicAnswers.com Editor

  11. @ Trapped,
    I am originally from the U.S. but currently live in a Muslim country. I cannot tell you what is right in your situation, but I do have an observation after seeing how men and women interact in mixed work environments in this country, where most people are Muslims.

    Sometimes you find men and women interacting quite freely although they are Muslims. On the other hand, you also see people (men and women alike) who keep to themselves and focus on their work. If you must work in a mixed environment (and there may be valid reasons to do so), you can choose which group to be in.

    I personally turned down an excellent job offer that I was very interested in because it was a mixed environment. Things were tight financially, and the pay was quite tempting. In the end, though, I was able to find another job that did not require mixing. It did not pay as well, but I feel better about it.

    I realize that everyone has different circumstances, and some types of mixing are inevitable, such as in the hospital, where men and women typically work together and there is a genuine need for medical professionals of both genders to be there.

    Men and women both need to be honest with themselves in order to determine whether their work environments are Islamically acceptable. If you are working with other Muslims, it should be easier to observe the limits as most people know what they are and will respect you if you show that you are serious. But if you find yourself in uncomfortable situations where you have to be alone with male colleagues or can't easily pray, then it may be time to look for a new job. I would also ask myself if my contribution to the company is essential, or if I could better serve society in another work environment. These are sometimes difficult questions without straightforward answers. No one can tell you to give up a good salary that you may be in need of, but you, on your own, can continuously take steps towards making your work environment more halal. If you desire to work from home, please share your field with us so that we can make suggestions. There are many jobs one can do from home these days, and you may have not considered all the possibilities.

  12. Whilst on the topic of ikhtilakh, I am a single mother with kids to feed so I have to work. I have no choice and do not posses in skills to work from home. It is impossible to find a women only work place.

    I am grateful to Allah that in my work place there are many Muslims and designated prayer area. So I avoid missing prayers. I do not feel any fitnah as men are always covered from head to toe( trousers suits etc) but it is the non Muslim and some Muslim women who dress in tight clothing short tops or skirts etc. I feel there is much more temptation for men in the workplace then women!

    How do the men lower their gaze when they have to liase with female work colleagues who are also dressed in appropriately. I heard of many men having affairs with their female work colleagues and customers. How do men avoid this fitna? Even there are Muslims with long beards very religous talking and laughing flirting with the female colleagues. They see this as acceptable as they are at work!.

    Allah allowed women to work and earn. Ideally how do men or women work in segregation. I wonder in Muslim countries is there separate office for male and separate offices for females? Separate train carriage for men only and women only? What about doctors and dentists can they only see female patients ? Is there desperate entrance for male and female? I am just wondering ideally how should it be?

    I understand in the prophet PBH time women were always at home. Men worked shopped etc. only men went outside. There were only men in the street only men in the shops no women in sight. Women only went out for exceptional reasons or necessety.

    What about women like me with no husband and no mahrem, my father is elderly I need to look after him. Can I travel alone as I have no one ?

    • Temptation and fitnah for men - a reason why Ikhtilaat is prohibited. Men with beards mixing with stranger women you have seen is evidence to this.

      Generally, people who have taqwa and are concerned about this literally make strategies to avoid unnecessary interactions and seclusion to fight the fitan.

      Sister, whether you can work or you should do something else, I don't think anyone here can tell you. I have no right to declare permissible what has been made forbidden by Allah and His Rasool. Nor do I have any right to say you must stop working. You must instead approach a qualified Shaikh, a Mufti who understands the matter well, so that he can offer a fatwa.

      However, I can suggest you to look for alternatives such as odesk.com which offer "work from home" jobs for skilled people.

      And Allah Knows Best.

      Abu Abdul Bari
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

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