It is not permissible to

It is not permissible to congratulate the kuffaar on their festivals in any way whatsoever

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What is the ruling on eating the food (rice, meat, chicken or cake) that is given to us by a Christian friend that he made for his birthday or for Christmas or the Christian New Year? What is your opinion on congratulating him by saying, “Insha Allaah you will continue to do well this year” so as to avoid saying Kull ‘aam wa antum bi khayr (approx. “season’s greetings”) or “Happy New Year” etc?.

Praise be to Allaah.

It is not permissible for a Muslim to eat things that the Jews and Christians make on their festivals, or what they give him as a gift on their festivals, because that is cooperating with them and joining in with them in this evil, as is explained in question no. 12666. 

It is not permissible for him to congratulate them on their festivals in any way whatsoever, because that implies approval of their festival and not denouncing them, and helping them to manifest their symbols and propagate their innovation, and sharing their happiness during their festivals, which are innovated festivals that are connected to false beliefs that are not approved of in Islam. See also question no. 47322. 

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

Guidelines on women working outside the home

Guidelines on women working outside the home

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I am a 20-year-old girl studying engineering. I work during the summer in a stationary store; in order to pay my college fees, am I sinful? I wear niqab, and sometimes feel that no religious man proposes to me for this reason.

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly: 

The basic principle is that a woman should remain at home, and not go out except for necessary purposes. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance”

[al-Ahzaab 33:33]. 

Although this is addressed to the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), it also applies to the believing women. It is only addressed to the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) because of their honour and status with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and because they are examples for the believing women. 

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Woman is ‘awrah, and if she goes out, the shaytaan raises his hopes (of misguiding her). She is never closer to Allaah than when she stays in her house.” Narrated by Ibn Hibbaan and Ibn Khuzaymah; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Shaheehah, no. 2688. 

And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said concerning a woman’s prayer in the mosque: “Their houses are better for them.” Narrated by Abu Dawood (567) and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood. 

For more information please see the answer to question no. 6742. 

Secondly: 

It is permissible for a woman to go out of her house for work, but that is subject to certain conditions. If they are met, it is permissible for her to go out. They are: 

-         That she needs to work in order to acquire the money she needs, as in your case.

-         The work should be suited to the nature of woman, such as medicine, nursing, teaching, sewing, and so on.

-         The work should be in a place that is only for women, and there should be no mixing with non-mahram men.

-         Whilst at work she should observe complete shar’i hijab.

-         Her work should not lead to her travelling without a mahram.

-         Her going out to work should not involve committing any haraam action, such as being alone with the driver, or wearing perfume where non-mahrams can smell it.

-         That should not lead to her neglecting things that are more essential for her, such as looking after her house, husband and children. 

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen said: The field in which a woman works should be only for women, such as if she works in teaching girls, whether in administration or technical support, or she works at home as a seamstress sewing clothes for women and so on. As for working in fields that are for men, this is not permissible for her because it requires her to mix with men, which is a great fitnah (source of temptation and trouble) and should be avoided. It should be noted that it is proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I have not left behind me any fitnah that is more harmful to men than women; the fitnah of the Children of Israel had to do with women.” So the man should keep his family away from places of fitnah and its causes in all circumstances. End quote. 

Fataawa al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah (2/981) 

If these conditions are met in your work, then there is nothing wrong with you doing it in sha Allaah. 

We ask Allaah to grant you a righteous husband, for He is able to do that. 

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

In front of a blind man

Is it permissible to take off the khimar in front of a blind man?

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Is it ok to take off the kimar and niqab infront of a blind man?.

Praise be to Allaah.

There is nothing wrong with a woman taking off her niqab or khimar in front of a blind man. 

It was narrated from Faatimah bint Qays (may Allaah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told her to observe her ‘iddah in the house of Umm Shareek (that was when her husband died), then he said: “She is a woman whom my companions visit. Observe your ‘iddah in the house of Ibn Umm Maktoom, for he is a blind man and you can take off your garment.” Narrated by Muslim (1480). In another report it says: “If you take off your khimar he will not see you.” 

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked: What is the ruling on observing hijab in front of a blind teacher? 

He replied: 

There is no hijab in front of a blind teacher because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to Faatimah bint Qays: “Observe your ‘iddah in the house of Ibn Umm Maktoom, for he is a blind man and you can take off your garment.” End quote.  

Fataawa Noor ‘ala al-Darb by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (Fataawa al-Nisa’/ 170). 

Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan said in al-Muntaqa min Fataawa al-Fawzaan (3/question no. 410): 

The correct view – and Allaah knows best – is that she does not have to observe hijab in front of a blind man, i.e., covering her face in his presence. End quote. 

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

His wife does not think that niqaab is obligatory

His wife does not think that niqaab is obligatory; should he force her to wear it?

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I read many fatwas regarding niqab, and that it is obligatory according to the better opinion of the scholars. My wife is convinced that it is preferable, taking other scholars’ opinions. She says that she might wear it in the future if Allah wills. My wife is religiously committed Alhamdulillah. My question is: Do I have to force her to wear it now or shall I let her choose and just keep advising her?.

Praise be to Allaah.

Women have to cover their faces in front of non-mahram men according to the more correct of the two scholarly opinions, because of evidence that has been explained in the answer to question no. 11774. 

Many of the fuqaha’ who do not think that the face is ‘awrah are of the view that it must be covered if there is the fear of fitnah, and when there is a great deal of corruption. 

The husband is enjoined to protect his family and warn them against haraam things. Hence he should strive to convince his wife to cover her face, and if she refuses he should force her to do so and she is required to obey him, because he is telling her to do something that is permissible in her view, and it has to do with his right to protect his honour and she does not think it is haraam. 

In the answer to question no. 97125, we explained how couples should deal with issues concerning which there is a difference of scholarly opinion. Among the things that we said there was: With regard to everything that is permissible for her, he has the right to prevent her from doing it or make her follow his opinion if he thinks it is haraam, and she must accept that if her doing it will cause harm to her husband and expose him to humiliation or disrespect. For example, covering the face is an issue concerning which the scholars differed, but there is no one who says that it is haraam to cover the face. If she thinks that it is acceptable to uncover the face, he has the right to prevent her from showing it before non-mahrams, and he has the right to make her follow his opinion, which is that it is obligatory to cover the face – which is the more correct view – and she does not have the right to go against him. She will be rewarded for doing that if she seeks reward for obeying her Lord by obeying her husband and does that which is more concealing. 

Moreover we say: what is preventing the wife from covering her face and protecting herself from the gaze of those who would stare at her? It is well known that the face is the focus of beauty and the source of fitnah, and the first thing that attracts the gaze. If she thinks that it is mustahabb and not obligatory, there is nothing wrong with doing what is mustahabb and brings one closer to one’s Lord and pleases the husband, and makes her more like the believing women such as the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and the wives of the Sahaabah. 

Every believing woman should be keen to cover in this manner, and should hasten to do it, and to praise Allaah for having caused her husband to tell her and encourage her to do it.

We ask Allaah to enable us all to do that which He loves and is pleased with.

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

Her husband is forcing her to wear niqaab and she wants advice.

Her husband is forcing her to wear niqaab and she wants advice

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I wear Hijab but do not wear Niqab, my husband says that if I do not start covering my face then he will divorce me. He says that whatever he asks me to do I should do. I do not want to disobey my husband but to wear niqab would cause me great hardship and sadden me deeply. I guess it is due to lack of eeman that I feel this way but feel that he is trying to force me to do something that I do not want to do. Can you please advise me on this matter.

Praise be to Allaah.  

The evidence of the Qur’aan and Sunnah indicates that it is obligatory for women for cover their faces. This evidence includes the verse in which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way)”
[al-Ahzaab 33:59] 

The cloak (jilbaab) is a garment that the woman places over her head and lowers over her face. 

So you have to fear Allaah in this matter and respond to two commands: the command of Allaah and the command of your husband. Undoubtedly this will be very good for you. This matter will make your husband happy and bring happiness to your home. Feelings of difficulty will pass if you are patient and get used to it. These feelings of difficulty will turn to joy when you see the effect that your way of dressing has on him, so you will be responding to Islamic commands and the command of your husband which is in accordance with the laws of Allaah. You will be closing the door to the shaytaans of those who may look at you, and will also be protecting the gaze of chaste and good people from looking at something which they are not permitted to see. And there are other benefits which you will see and appreciate when you respond to this command. 

Sisters who wear niqaab often come to regret the years in which they used to uncover their faces, after Allaah honoured them with the niqaab. If one of them were to be given all the wealth in the world to uncover her face, she would not do it. We have even seen many chaste women who have left their husbands because they wanted them to take off the niqaab. So think about the great difference between your situation and theirs. Where now can we find a man who is keen to keep his family chaste and covered? There are very few of them. Should we disregard these few or should we appreciate their actions which spread good in society? 

We remind you to fear Allaah, and we remind you of the actions of the believing women when they responded to the command of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning): 

“and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)”

[al-Noor 24:31] 

al-Bukhaari (4481) narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “When this verse was revealed, the muhaajir women took their waist wrappers and tore them at the edges, and covered their faces with them. 

See also the answer to question no. 21134, which explains the obligation of women covering their faces. 

Your husband should also read question no. 20343, which explains the husband’s duty to offer sincere advice to his wife, and ways of doing that. 

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

should the principal tell the teachers and students to wear it?

Shar’i description of hijab and niqaab, and should the principal tell the teachers and students to wear it?

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I am a manager of Quran memorizing school. I have ordered the teachers not to wear the see through niqab or the two layer see through one. But they refused and said that it is not haram. How shall I stop the students wearing it; as they intentionally raise one of the two layers up after they leave school, and also in transportation. When I ask the students to wear the full covering niqab they refuse because the teachers are not doing this themselves. I wish I receive a detailed answer from you.

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly: 

May Allaah reward you with good for your eagerness to cover and remain chaste, and to make precautions, and to advise and guide the teachers and students. This comes under the heading of fulfilling the trust. 

Secondly: 

We cannot say that it is obligatory for a Muslim woman to cover the face with a multi-layered khimar. What is required is for her to cover the face, whether it is with a single layer or several layers. 

Islam allows the khimaar and the niqaab. Those scholars who disallow the niqaab do not do so because it is not prescribed in principle, rather it is because some women choose a type of niqaab that does not meet the  shar’i conditions, such as making the opening for the eyes too big. The same may also be said of the khimaar. It is not disallowed in and of itself, but because of its nature, if the fabric is too thin and the face can be seen through it.  

The scholars of the Standing Committee were asked about the Islamic ruling on the niqaab. They replied:  

As for the niqaab, Abu ‘Ubayd said, concerning the definition of niqaab among the Arabs: It is that from which the socket of the eye appears, and they used to call it al-waswasah or al-burqa’. As for the ruling concerning it: it is permissible. It was originally mentioned in the report narrated by ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: “A woman in ihraam should not wear niqaab or gloves.” According to another report he said: I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbid women to wear gloves when in ihraam. 

The fact that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade the woman in ihraam to wear niqaab indicates that it is permissible to wear it when not in ihraam. Moreover it cannot be understood from this hadeeth that it is permissible for the woman in ihraam to uncover her face if non-mahram men can see her; rather she must lower the khimaar or niqaab (over her face) until they have passed her. The basic principle concerning that is the report narrated by Imam Ahmad, Abu Dawood and Ibn Majaah from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) who said: The riders would pass by when we were with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in ihraam. When they drew near to us one of us would lower her jilbab from her head over her face, and when they had passed by we would uncover (our faces). End quote. 

Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz, Shaykh ‘Abd al-Razzaaq ‘Afeefi, Shaykh ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Ghadyaan, Shaykh ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Qa’ood. 

Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah (17/171, 172). 

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked: 

What is the ruling on the burqa’ (niqaab) if it is not worn for adornment, but for covering, and also wearing a cover (on top of it). 

He replied: 

There is nothing wrong with it, because it will not be seen, as it is going to be covered with something over it. But as for the burqa’ that is on the face and is not covered, we do not say that it is permissible, because it is fitnah and because women do not limit themselves to that. If women would stick to the eye opening then we would say that this is niqaab, which was known at the time of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and there is nothing wrong with it. But believe me, if you say that it is permissible for women to wear niqab up to the eyes and look out from behind the niqab, within a short time the hole in this niqab would widen to include the forehead and cheeks, then the cover would decrease until the whole face is exposed. This is well known to be the way of women, so shutting the door to that is the best way. End quote. 

Liqa’aat al-Baab il-Maftooh (14/question 43) 

Based on that: 

We say to the teachers, sisters and all Muslim women: whoever among you wants to cover her face has chosen that which is most concealing for herself, and that which is better for religious commitment. But she has to adhere to the prescribed shar’i form of khimaar or niqaab. It is not permissible to make the opening of the niqab to show more than the eyes, and it is not permissible to make the khimaar so thin that it shows the face. 

It was narrated from ‘Alqamah ibn Abi ‘Alqamah that his mother said: Hafsah bint ‘Abd al-Rahmaan entered upon ‘Aa’ishah the Mother of the Believers, and Hafsah was wearing a thin khimaar. ‘Aa’ishah tore it and gave her a thick khimaar to wear. 

Narrated by Maalik in al-Muwatta’ (1693) and al-Bayhaqi in al-Sunan (2/235). Its isnaad is hasan.  

Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr said: 

Any garment that shows the shape and does not conceal, it is not permissible to wear it under any circumstances, except with another garment that does conceal and does not show the shape, for the one who wears it is in effect naked, as Abu Hurayrah said, and this is narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah. End quote. 

Al-Istidhkaar (8/307). 

One other thing: Your responsibility in the Qur’aan memorization centre is to make the teachers and students observe the covering that is required of them inside the centre. As for what happens after they leave the centre, or before they get there, is not your responsibility, but you should advise them and teach them, without forcing them to wear something in particular. 

We ask Allaah to guide you to all that is good, and to guide the teachers and students to that which is good and proper. 

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

Her parents object

She is studying in a mixed university and she wants to leave it and wear niqab even though her parents object

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I have proposed to a girl who is studying with me in college. I have completed my studies, and I am now saving up by Allaah’s grace so that I can get married, but she is still studying. We agreed that she would put on niqab after we got married, but there is a great deal of harassment for any manifestation of commitment to Islam. They harass her on her way to the college but we are still very keen for her to wear niqab. We are very confused, especially in the light of this turmoil, and the situation is as you know. 
As she is about to finish her studies, her decision to give up her studies and put on niqaab has met with strong objections from her parents. 
I hope that you will advise us, because we have great confidence in you, especially as her study requires her to go to the college regularly. 
The second matter is that I am now working in a company that specialises in web design. Praise be to Allaah, I have not encountered any problems except that most of the time we use computer programs. All that I am afraid of is that my earning from this may be haraam -- Allaah forbid -- although the company is not able to buy the rights to these programs?.

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly: 

We ask Allaah to protect you and keep you and increase you in faith and guidance, and we say: May Allaah love you for Whose sake you love us. 

Secondly: 

Women are required to cover their entire bodies in front of non-mahram men, because of the evidence that we have previously discussed in the answer to question number 11774. 

Thirdly: 

It is haraam for men and women to mix in educational institutions and elsewhere, because of what that leads to of falling into many things that are forbidden in sharia, and because of the evils that result from it. See the answer to question number 1200 and 103044. 

Fourthly: 

Because of the situation in which Muslims are living in your country, and the open war against niqab and hijab, and because of what you have mentioned about the parents refusing to let their daughter give up her studies and because she is about to finish her studies, then we hope that there will be no blame on her if she continues her studies, whilst striving to reduce the evil as much as possible. So she should not converse with men, or give anyone any reason to speak to her or get to know her, and she should not go out to the University except when she has to. 

See the answer to question number 113431. 

Fifthly: 

It is not permissible to copy discs whose authors have not given permission to copy them, so as to protect copyright, which is a legitimate right which it is not permissible to transgress against, and in accordance with the conditions agreed to by both parties to the transaction, unless the discs belong to a company in a country which is in a state of war against the Muslims, in which case there is nothing wrong with it, or the copy is for personal use, especially when the original is not available and one cannot afford to pay for it. 

See the answer to question number 72848. 

We ask Allaah to guide us and you, and to make us and you steadfast. 

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A