Wearing Anklets on the Feet
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Question: What is the ruling on wearing anklets on the feet for adornment?
Answer: Wearing anklets on the feet for beautification is permissible, but a woman should not strike the ground with them to display them in front of non-mahram men. Allah the Exalted says:
وَلَا يَضْرِبْنَ بِأَرْجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعْلَمَ مَا يُخْفِينَ مِنْ زِينَتِهِنَّ
“And do not strike your feet to make known your hidden adornment.”
(Removing the) Shawl or Dupatta
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Question: I have a disease in my head due to which the doctor has advised me to remove the veil from my head, and indeed wearing the veil is harmful to me. Is it permissible for me to do so? And what should I do?
Answer: Yes, if there are no non-mahram (strange) people around you, you may remove the veil from your head. It is permissible to remove the veil in the presence of your husband, mahram relatives, or only women. If you want to go to the market, since there will be non-mahram men there, in that case it is necessary to cover the head, face, and other parts of the body.
First, make the wife adhere to Allah’s command
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Question: I am married to a woman who, praise be to Allah, observes hijab. However, as has become a habit in our country, my wife does not observe hijab in front of her brother-in-law, and his wife also does not observe hijab in front of me. Similarly, my wife does not observe hijab in front of my brothers, her maternal cousins, and paternal aunt’s children. Is all this against Shariah? What should I do in these circumstances, especially when in our country it is not customary to observe hijab in front of the aforementioned people? Even in our home, this is the case. When I advise my wife to observe hijab, those people accuse me of mistrusting and suspecting my wife.
Answer: All the mentioned people are non-mahram (strangers), therefore it is not permissible to uncover the face and other physical adornments in front of them. Allah Almighty has permitted the display of adornment only in front of mahram relatives. The command of Allah Almighty is:
وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ آبَائِهِنَّ
“And do not display your adornment except to your husbands or your fathers.”
First, make her understand and be certain that being unveiled in front of non-mahram people is forbidden, and make her adhere to this, even if it goes against the customs prevalent in your area and even if she accuses you of various things. Similarly, explain to your brother, your wife’s brother-in-law, her maternal cousins, and paternal aunt’s children that all of them are strangers to this woman. If, God forbid, you divorce your wife, she will become lawful for those people, which itself is proof that they are non-mahram.
Can I demand a house from my husband?
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Question: My husband’s brother wants to live with us in our house after getting married, even though he knows that I do not uncover my face in front of him, nor do I sit near him or ever look at him. Despite this, he actually got married. In this context, due to financial difficulties, would demanding a separate house from my husband be considered causing discord between the two brothers? Is making such a demand forbidden or not? It is necessary to clarify that my husband believes that it is better for the two brothers to live separately, while my mother-in-law, who lives with us, prefers that we all live together in one place.
Answer: In these circumstances, if complete hijab and an environment free of seclusion can be maintained, then living together for the happiness of the mother-in-law is better; if that is not possible, then living separately is better. If the wife of one brother behaves negligently by being unveiled in front of the husband’s brother, or if she is alone with him in the house, or if one brother adopts an unsatisfactory attitude towards the other’s wife, follows her, takes undue advantage of her negligence by going to her without permission, or looks under her clothes, then in such situations, we believe that you may demand a separate house from your husband to avoid hardship and difficulty.
A woman sitting with her husband’s brother
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Question: My mother-in-law wants me to sit with her son, that is, my husband’s brother, while watching TV or drinking tea, wearing an abaya and in a veiled state, but I refuse to do so. Am I justified in refusing?
Answer: In the above circumstances, you have the right to refuse to sit with him, because accepting this demand would lead to fitnah (temptation). Your husband’s brother, who is still unmarried, is a stranger to you. Hearing your voice or seeing your entire appearance, as well as you seeing him, is outright fitnah. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid this.
Showing the face uncovered in front of the husband’s foster father
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Question: What is the ruling on a woman uncovering her face in front of her husband’s milk father?
Answer: According to the preferred opinion, it is not permissible for a woman to uncover her face in front of her husband’s milk father. Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, also adopted this view. Because the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
يحرم من الرضاعة ما یحرم من النسب
“Those who are forbidden due to kinship are also forbidden due to breastfeeding.”
The husband’s father is not forbidden to the wife because of kinship but because of the in-law relationship. Therefore, also because Allah Almighty has stated in the Holy Quran:
وَحَلَائِلُ أَبْنَائِكُمُ الَّذِينَ مِنْ أَصْلَابِكُمْ
“The wives of your biological sons are forbidden to you.”
A milk son is not in the same ruling as a biological son. On this basis, observing hijab from the husband’s milk father is obligatory. The woman cannot uncover her face in front of him. If, hypothetically, the woman separates from the milk son of that man, then out of precaution she will not be lawful to marry the milk father. This is the opinion of the majority of scholars.
Wearing a nose ring
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Question: What is the ruling on wearing a nose ring for adornment?
Answer: A woman can wear any jewelry that is customarily worn. If it requires piercing the body, there is no harm in that. For example, wearing earrings in the ears.
It is possible that wearing a nose ring is permissible just like piercing a camel’s nose and putting a ring in it. However, both examples are different from each other.
The ruling on uncovering the face
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Question: Can a woman uncover her face in front of non-mahram men?
Answer: A woman cannot uncover her face in front of non-mahram men; rather, doing so is forbidden. The veil is not complete without covering the face because the face is the main adornment. The evidence for this is Allah’s statement:
وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَى جُيُوبِهِنَّ
“Let the women draw their veils over their bosoms.”
In this verse, Allah commands the woman to draw her head covering over her bosom. When the veil is drawn over the bosom, it covers both the face and the bosom.
Further, it is stated:
وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ آبَائِهِنَّ
“And not display their adornment except to their husbands.”
It is forbidden for a woman to display her adornment except to her husband and mahram relatives.
Using hair extensions (Baruqa) and beautifying oneself is commanded by the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
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Question: Can a woman use Barwakah (artificial hair) for her husband, and does this act fall under the category of Wasil and Muttasil (attachment)?
Answer: The use of Barwakah, meaning artificial hair, is forbidden, although it is not considered Wasil (attached), it is still counted among them. Artificial hair makes a woman’s natural hair appear longer than it actually is, which makes it similar to Wasil. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) cursed both the one who applies and the one who gets artificial hair applied. However, if a woman has no hair at all on her head, she may use artificial hair to conceal this defect, because concealing a defect is permissible. The Prophet (peace be upon him) allowed a man whose nose was cut off in battle to wear a golden nose to cover the defect. The scope of this issue is even broader. All matters related to beautification and other related actions, such as making the nose smaller, are included. Beautification is not the same as removing defects. If the purpose is to remove defects, then there is no harm, for example, a crooked nose can be straightened, scars can be removed. But if such actions are not for removing defects but for other purposes, such as applying kohl or plucking facial hair, then these are prohibited. The use of artificial hair is forbidden even if done with the husband’s permission and consent, because the permission or consent of anyone is of no benefit in matters prohibited by Allah.
Mother’s uncle and maternal uncle are among the mahram relations
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Question: Is it permissible for a woman to keep her face uncovered in front of her mother’s uncle and maternal uncle or her father’s uncle and paternal uncle? That is, are these people mahram relations for the woman? I have been told that these people should be considered as branches of the woman’s mother or father, while they are the roots of the woman’s mother or father.
Answer: Yes! The real uncle of a woman’s mother or father, or her maternal or paternal uncle, these people are among the woman’s mahrams, because your father’s uncle is your uncle and your father’s maternal uncle is your maternal uncle. Similarly, your mother’s uncle and her maternal uncle by lineage are also your uncle and maternal uncle.
Obedience of Muslim women to rulers in a non-Muslim country
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Question: In my Islamic country, an order has been issued by the higher authorities prohibiting all women, including young girls, from observing hijab and especially covering their heads. Is it permissible for me to comply with this? Be aware that those who refuse to comply with this order face various punishments such as dismissal from employment, expulsion from the madrasa, imprisonment, etc.
Answer: The calamity that has befallen your country is such that it serves as a test for the servant. Allah the Exalted says:
الم ٭ أَحَسِبَ النَّاسُ أَنْ يُتْرَكُوا أَنْ يَقُولُوا آمَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ ٭ وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ فَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ اللَّـهُ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ الْكَاذِبِينَ
“Alif Lam Mim. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, ‘We believe,’ and will not be tested? And We certainly tested those before them, so Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.”
What I understand is that it is obligatory for the women of this country to refuse obedience to such orders from the rulers because obedience to rulers in matters that are not Shariah-compliant is unacceptable. Allah the Exalted says:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّـهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ
“O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.”
If you carefully study this verse, you will find that Allah did not repeat the imperative verb with أولي الأمر along with أطيعوا, and this is evidence that obedience to rulers is subject to obedience to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. If their command contradicts the command of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ, then their words are by no means worthy of being listened to or acted upon because:
لا طاعة لمخلوق فى معصية الخالق
“That is, there is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator.”
The women of this country are afflicted with hardships, and there is no remedy except patience. One should pray to Allah the Exalted for steadfastness in patience. We pray that Allah, the Lord of Glory, guides the rulers. I believe this prohibition applies when going outside the home; it probably does not apply inside the home. Therefore, to avoid this, it is possible for women to remain at home. As for education that results in sin, acquiring such education is not permissible. The education sufficient for women is that which they need religiously and worldly-wise, and which is generally possible to acquire at home. In summary, obedience to rulers in matters that are wrong is not permissible.
Unpopular Prayer
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Question: I often observe voluntary fasts so that Allah may forgive those slips and shortcomings that occur unknowingly. Alhamdulillah, I am committed to my religion, but my mother prays to Allah that He does not accept my fasts. I do not know the reason for this because my fasting does not affect household chores. Moreover, she is not dependent on me. I am very distressed and anxious that due to my mother’s curse, Allah will not accept my good deeds and fasts, because the prayers of parents are accepted in the court of Allah. What is your opinion regarding this?
Answer: You are commendable for your dedication to worship and voluntary fasts (that is, we appreciate you for this act of kindness and goodness). You should observe them as much as possible and apologize to your mother because this is a virtuous act and the rights of the mother are assured with its fulfillment. Voluntary fasts do not prevent good treatment, serving her, and fulfilling her rights. Your mother should have encouraged you to perform such good deeds, then she would have followed your example. She needs voluntary prayers and fasts more than you for the elevation of ranks and forgiveness of sins. As far as her curse on you is concerned, InshaAllah it will not be accepted. Especially because your action is entirely good and righteous. Probably she does this out of maternal affection and compassion?
My mother loves me immensely and treats me like a child.
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Question: My mother loves me immensely and treats me with extreme affection. Perhaps the reason is my illness and weakness, but her love seems to exceed limits. I am currently twenty-one years old. Despite this, she treats me like a ten-year-old child. If possible, she feeds me with her own hands. By the grace of Allah, I speak to her in a gentle tone and show good behavior.
Answer: Parents are generally kind in this way. They love their children and treat them with affection. For various reasons or sometimes naturally, this feeling may be more or less in one or both parents. Perhaps the reason is the child’s good behavior and obedience towards the parents, or the child’s illness or weakness encourages the parents to show mercy and affection. Since this behavior of parents can sometimes cause harm, as mentioned in the question, the child should apologize to the mother or father and inform them that such care is no longer necessary. Moreover, parents should treat all children equally regarding love, affection, and their manifestations. Some of the pious predecessors, considering justice and fairness, even maintained equality when kissing their children. As mentioned in the saying of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him:
اتقوا الله واعدلوا بين أولادكم
“Fear Allah and be just among your children.”
My mother passed away while being upset with me
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Question: ① About six years ago, my mother passed away during the blessed month of Ramadan. In my childhood, I often used to quarrel and argue with her. Therefore, when she died, she was upset with me. With the increase in age, there has also been an increase in wisdom and understanding, and now I regret my behavior and can do nothing except repent, seek forgiveness, and pray to Allah Almighty for mercy and forgiveness for my mother. Is all this enough for Allah Almighty to forgive my past sins and have mercy on me on the Day of Judgment?
② Now we are unable to fast on behalf of our mother. Are we sinful for this? Can we fast on her behalf now? It is necessary to clarify that we only recently became aware of this matter.
Answer: Perhaps during your mother’s lifetime, you were not only young but also unaware and ignorant. If this is true, then you are excused. Now that you have gained wisdom and understanding and are remorseful and seeking forgiveness for your past behavior, InshaAllah, this attitude will compensate for previous shortcomings because repentance erases past sins. Your prayers and seeking forgiveness for your mother, and giving charity and alms on her behalf are such deeds that Allah Almighty will forgive your past sins because of them. As for the fasts she missed during her illness, she was excused due to her sickness and could not make up for them because of it. Therefore, it is not obligatory for you to fast on her behalf.
I am afraid of the solar eclipse
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Question: My problem is that I am afraid to look at the sky. Especially at night and when the sky is cloudy, I feel more fear. Similarly, I also feel fear from solar and lunar eclipses. Please tell me a prayer that, by Allah’s permission, will remove this fear when recited, or suggest a method that I can follow to get rid of this fear.
Answer: I do not find any reason for this fear. The earth and sky, the moon and sun, all these things are creations of Allah Almighty, which Allah has dedicated for the service of His servants and has commanded us to observe them as lessons. My sister! Frequently remember the names and attributes of Allah the Exalted. Recite the Holy Quran. Reflect and ponder over the signs of power and the wonders of the Creator of the earth and sky. Pray with humility and devotion before Allah and seek solutions to your difficulties from Him. It is hoped that in this way your fear will go away, and, God willing, you will attain peace and tranquility in its place.
I prayed but it has not been accepted yet
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Question: I have been praying for more than ten years that Allah Almighty grants me a righteous husband and then righteous children, but it is Allah’s will that no result has come out of it yet. This decision is definite. Under these circumstances, I have stopped praying for some time, not because I am disappointed in the acceptance of my prayer by Allah Almighty, but because when He did not accept my prayer, it means this matter is not beneficial for me. Now I have stopped praying because Allah Almighty knows well what is better for me. This is despite the fact that I have a strong desire and eagerness for the acceptance of prayer. What should I do about this? Should I keep praying continuously or should I be content and sit quietly thinking that this matter is not beneficial for me?
Answer: It is mentioned in the noble Hadith that a servant’s prayer is accepted until he shows impatience. The meaning of impatience is explained as: the servant wants the acceptance of the prayer quickly, and if that does not happen, he stops praying and starts saying that I have prayed repeatedly but it is never accepted. Actually, sometimes Allah Almighty delays the time of acceptance of prayer due to some special causes or general reasons. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said that Allah Almighty grants the one who prays one of three things: either He accepts his prayer and fulfills his desire, or He stores it for the Hereafter, or He removes an equivalent amount of evil from him. My sister! Do not show impatience. Keep praying continuously even if many more years pass. On the other hand, if someone expresses the desire to marry you, do not reject him, even if he is older than you or already married. It is quite possible that Allah Almighty will create great blessings in this.
Cursing Children
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Question: Often parents curse their children for small mistakes. Please guide them regarding this.
Answer: We advise parents to overlook the shortcomings of children during their childhood. They should show knowledge and patience towards their painful matters. Since children possess immature intellect, they may make mistakes in conversation or other matters. If the father is gentle-natured, he should overlook these mistakes and explain to the child with great love and kindness. He should advise the child, hoping that the child will accept his words and begin to behave respectfully.
Some parents commit a serious mistake when they curse their children with death, illness, or pain and suffering, and continue to do so repeatedly. When they become angry, they later regret it, admit their mistake, and say that they do not want their curses to be accepted. This happens because the father is naturally kind and compassionate. Since he does this only out of intense anger, Allah forgives him. Allah Almighty says:
وَلَوْ يُعَجِّلُ اللَّـهُ لِلنَّاسِ الشَّرَّ اسْتِعْجَالَهُمْ بِالْخَيْرِ لَقُضِيَ إِلَيْهِمْ أَجَلُهُمْ
“And if Allah were to impose blame on the people for their wrongdoing, He would not leave upon the earth any creature, but He defers them for a specified term. And when their time comes, then indeed Allah has ever been, of His servants, Seeing.”
Therefore, parents should exercise patience and tolerance, and try to correct their children with mild discipline. Children are more affected by education and admonition than by physical punishment. Cursing them is absolutely unbeneficial; the child does not know what might come out of his mouth. Whatever the father says is recorded, and the child gains no benefit from it.
