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Showing posts with label Hadith: Specific Subject - Women. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hadith: Specific Subject - Women. Show all posts

Wednesday, 18 September 2024

The Prophetic Wisdom behind advising women to give alms (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Today we share a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which is carry an advice for women only. Women are generally involved in slandering and cursing, and gossiping and backbiting, may be not as an ill will, but just as a habit of gossiping.

Before we share the Hadith and the Prophetic Advice, let it be mentioned that this hadith has been the subject of considerable discussion and interpretation. Thus it is essential to approach it within the broader context of Islamic teachings and the social context of the time. The statements of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in this hadith are not meant to degrade women but rather to highlight certain religious and legal rulings and to encourage self-reflection, especially in terms of gratitude, charity, and behavior.

The Hadith is mentioned in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī  (Book 6 Menstrual Periods كتاب الحيض/ Chapter 6: A menstruating women should leave observing Saum (fasting) باب تَرْكِ الْحَائِضِ الصَّوْمَ) as Hadith 304 and also found in Jami` at-Tirmidhi  (Book # 40 The Book on Faith كتاب الإيمان عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم/ Chapter # 6 Regarding the Completion of Faith, Its Increasing And Decreasing باب مَا جَاءَ فِي اسْتِكْمَالِ الإِيمَانِ وَزِيَادَتِهِ وَنُقْصَانِهِ ‏) as Hadith number # 2613:

Narrated by Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri:

حَدَّثَنَا سَعِيدُ بْنُ أَبِي مَرْيَمَ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي زَيْدٌ ـ هُوَ ابْنُ أَسْلَمَ ـ عَنْ عِيَاضِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، قَالَ خَرَجَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي أَضْحًى ـ أَوْ فِطْرٍ ـ إِلَى الْمُصَلَّى، فَمَرَّ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ فَقَالَ ‏"‏ يَا مَعْشَرَ النِّسَاءِ تَصَدَّقْنَ، فَإِنِّي أُرِيتُكُنَّ أَكْثَرَ أَهْلِ النَّارِ ‏"‏‏.‏ فَقُلْنَ وَبِمَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏"‏ تُكْثِرْنَ اللَّعْنَ، وَتَكْفُرْنَ الْعَشِيرَ، مَا رَأَيْتُ مِنْ نَاقِصَاتِ عَقْلٍ وَدِينٍ أَذْهَبَ لِلُبِّ الرَّجُلِ الْحَازِمِ مِنْ إِحْدَاكُنَّ ‏"‏‏.‏ قُلْنَ وَمَا نُقْصَانُ دِينِنَا وَعَقْلِنَا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏"‏ أَلَيْسَ شَهَادَةُ الْمَرْأَةِ مِثْلَ نِصْفِ شَهَادَةِ الرَّجُلِ ‏"‏‏.‏ قُلْنَ بَلَى‏.‏ قَالَ ‏"‏ فَذَلِكَ مِنْ نُقْصَانِ عَقْلِهَا، أَلَيْسَ إِذَا حَاضَتْ لَمْ تُصَلِّ وَلَمْ تَصُمْ ‏"‏‏.‏ قُلْنَ بَلَى‏.‏ قَالَ ‏"‏ فَذَلِكَ مِنْ نُقْصَانِ دِينِهَا ‏"‏‏.

Once Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) went out to the Musalla (to offer the prayer) of `Id-al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer. Then he passed by the women and said, "O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women)." They asked, "Why is it so, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)?" He replied, "You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you." The women asked, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! What is deficient in our intelligence and religion?" He said, "Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?" They replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Isn't it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?" The women replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her religion."

Explanation of Key Points in the Hadith
  • "Majority of the Dwellers of Hell are Women":
    • This part of the hadith can be understood as a warning to women, emphasizing the importance of rectifying common behavioral tendencies such as cursing and being ungrateful. It is not a condemnation of all women but rather a call for moral and spiritual improvement. 
    • In Islam, both men and women are individually accountable for their deeds, and everyone is encouraged to seek forgiveness and righteousness. Other hadith emphasize that the majority of the dwellers of Paradise are women, showing that spiritual standing is based on deeds, not gender.
  • Frequent Cursing and Ingratitude to Husbands:
    • The Prophet ﷺ points out two specific behaviors that can be spiritually harmful: excessive cursing and ingratitude, particularly within marital relationships. Gratitude and good character are highly emphasized in Islam for both men and women, and marriage is seen as a relationship of mutual respect and responsibility.
    • This criticism should be seen in the context of encouraging improvement in character and behavior. Islam teaches that husbands and wives should treat each other with kindness and gratitude (Qur'an, Surah An-Nisa 4:19), and both genders are called to good conduct.
  • "Deficiency in Intelligence" – Reference to Testimony:
    • The Prophet ﷺ refers to the legal rule in Islamic law (fiqh) that in certain financial or legal matters, the testimony of two women is required to equal that of one man (Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:282). This is often understood in the context of social realities at the time, where women generally had less exposure to financial and legal dealings.
    • The "deficiency" in intelligence mentioned here is not a statement about women’s overall intellectual capacity but refers to specific contexts where women’s testimony is weighed differently due to the conditions of that era. Many scholars explain that this ruling reflects practical considerations and does not imply inherent inferiority.
  • "Deficiency in Religion" – Reference to Menstruation:
    • During menstruation, women are exempt from performing certain acts of worship, such as prayer and fasting (Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:222). This exemption is seen as a concession, not a sign of spiritual deficiency. The Prophet ﷺ describes it as "deficiency in religion" in the sense that women have fewer opportunities for ritual acts of worship during that time.
    • Importantly, this "deficiency" is not a moral or spiritual flaw, but a recognition of the physical limitations during menstruation, for which women are not held accountable. Their spirituality and faith are assessed by their overall deeds, intentions, and actions, not by temporary exemptions from prayer or fasting.
Broader Context in the Qur'an and Sunnah
  • Equality in Spiritual Responsibility:
    • The Qur'an emphasizes that men and women are spiritually equal and will be judged based on their actions, not their gender. In Surah Al-Ahzab (33:35), Allah says: "Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women...for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward."
    • This reinforces that the hadith should be understood within a larger framework of equality, where both men and women are encouraged to strive for righteousness.
  • Encouragement of Charity:  The Prophet ﷺ encourages the women to give alms (Sadaqah) as a way to atone for sins and seek nearness to Allah. Charity is one of the most important acts in Islam, and women are being reminded of its spiritual benefits.
This hadith is not meant to diminish women but serves as a reminder for all to reflect on their behavior, give charity, and strive for self-improvement. The references to "deficiency" are contextual and should be understood in the light of specific rulings related to testimony and menstruation, not as a general comment on women's worth or capabilities. The Qur'an and other hadiths make it clear that both men and women are fully capable of attaining spiritual excellence and are judged by their faith, intentions, and actions.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.  
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ related to Muslim Women  for more Hadiths on the status of women in Islam.

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
Photo | Source of Hadith | Resource References: | 1 | 2 |

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Monday, 16 September 2024

What is Hijab in Islam - a broader viewpoint

Hijab is one of the most misunderstood word as for Islam is concerned. It is usually taken in context of Muslim women for covering their body contours from the eyes of the men. In fact the concept of Hijab in Islam goes far beyond merely covering one’s body or wearing a headscarf of women. It, in fact, represents a broader set of guidelines and principles related to modesty, dignity, privacy, and morality. The term "Hijab" generally means "to cover, conceal, or separate." In Islamic teachings, Hijab encompasses both outward physical coverings and inward spiritual conduct.

Thus apart from its women specific meaning, Hijab actually means covering - that is all things from the eyes of others which either concern our Awrah or many other facets of life which may be inadvertently hurting to others, if not properly taken care of. Let us dwell on it in some details:

Hijab as mostly understood, specially by Non Muslims
We have already shared a number of posts on Hijab, which refer to Hijab as generally understood. The links are shared in under for detailed reading:
Let us sum up the concept of Hijab as for its Physical Aspect: Modesty in Dress is concerned:
  • For Women: The Hijab in its most common sense refers to the modest dress code prescribed for Muslim women. This includes covering the hair and body except for the face and hands (though some interpretations recommend covering the face as well). The objective is to maintain modesty and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to oneself in public.
  • Quranic Reference:
    • Surah An-Nur (24:31): "And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests..."
    • Surah Al-Ahzab (33:59): "O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves part of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused."
These verses establish the guidelines for modest dress, emphasizing covering parts of the body that are considered private (awrah) in public spaces.
  • For Men: Although the Hijab is often associated with women, men also have guidelines regarding modesty. Men are required to dress modestly, cover their private parts (from the navel to the knee), and avoid clothing that draws excessive attention or is tight-fitting.
Surah An-Nur (24:30): "Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed,llah is Acquainted with what they do."
 
Modesty in dress for men also discourages extravagance or dressing in a way that could lead to pride or vanity. Please read our previous post for details: Let believing men cast down their looks

Broader meaning of Hijab in Islam
Let us now turn to meaning of Hijab in aspects other than women specific or covering of Awrah:
  • Hijab of Behavior: Modesty in Conduct
    • Lowering the Gaze: In addition to modest dress, Hijab includes the concept of "lowering the gaze" and avoiding inappropriate interactions with members of the opposite gender.
Surah An-Nur (24:30-31): Both men and women are commanded to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, which means avoiding lustful looks or inappropriate behavior.
    • Respectful Interaction: Hijab also involves how individuals conduct themselves in social interactions. Conversations and interactions should be respectful, with the boundaries of modesty upheld. Inappropriate flirtation or physical contact with members of the opposite gender is discouraged.
    • Segregation (in Certain Contexts): In certain social or religious settings, Islam encourages gender segregation to prevent any temptations or improprieties. While this varies depending on culture and context, the underlying principle is to create an environment of modesty and respect.
  • Hijab of the Heart: Spiritual Modesty: Modesty in Islam is not limited to outward appearance; it also has a spiritual dimension. Hijab of the heart refers to cultivating a sense of modesty, humility, and God-consciousness (taqwa) within.
    • Spiritual Purity: A believer is expected to guard their heart from pride, vanity, and immoral desires. The concept of Hijab thus extends to internal modesty, where one’s thoughts, intentions, and desires should align with Islamic teachings of morality and decency.
  • Hijab of Speech: Modesty in Words
    • The way one speaks is also part of the broader understanding of Hijab. Islam encourages believers to use their speech in a modest and respectful manner. This means avoiding vulgarity, slander, gossip, or flirtatious conversation.
    • Quranic Reference:
Surah Al-Ahzab (33:32): "O wives of the Prophet, you are not like anyone among women. If you fear Allah, then do not be soft in speech [to men], lest he in whose heart is disease should covet, but speak with appropriate speech."    
    • This verse encourages women to speak respectfully and not in a manner that could be misinterpreted or lead to inappropriate attraction. The principle of modest speech applies to men as well.
  • Hijab of Privacy: Protecting Personal Space
    • The concept of Hijab also emphasizes the importance of personal privacy. Muslims are taught to respect the private space of others, including their homes and personal affairs.
    • Quranic Reference: "O you who have believed, do not enter houses other than your own houses until you ascertain welcome and greet their inhabitants." Surah An-Nur (24:27)
    • This verse stresses the importance of respecting others’ privacy, which is another aspect of modesty and courtesy in Islam.
  • Hijab as Protection
    • One of the purposes of Hijab in all its forms—dress, behavior, speech, and privacy—is to protect individuals from harm, unwanted attention, and immorality.
    • Surah Al-Ahzab (33:59): "That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused."
    • The outward expression of modesty, especially through clothing, is meant to provide a layer of protection from harassment or unwanted attention, ensuring dignity and safety.
Hijab of Projectionist Desires
Man swells out of his self when blessed with position, wealth and status better than others. Islam strictly prohibits projection of such desires for these not only display arrogance and pride rather than humbleness and humility. Some such projectionist desires are given herein under which inadvertently hurt many others, blessed less than them, are appended hereinunder:
  • Hijab against exhibiting one's wealth in front of the poor
  • Hijab against eating lavishly when being watched by a poor and hungry who cannot even afford a decent meal in a day
  • Hijab against patting and pampering your children in front of the orphans lest their 
  • Hijab against exposing others' faults and sins if you happen to know of
  • Hijab against peeping into personal lives of others not exposing these to others
Thus the broad meaning of Hijab in Islam encompasses much more than the headscarf worn by women. It represents a comprehensive framework of modesty, respect, and dignity, which applies to both men and women. Hijab includes:
  • Modesty in dress for both genders,
  • Modesty in behavior such as lowering the gaze and maintaining proper boundaries in interactions,
  • Modesty in speech, avoiding inappropriate language or tones,
  • Spiritual modesty, maintaining purity of thought and intention.
  • Privacy and protection of oneself from harm or exploitation. Read our post: Believers! Do not be  Over-inquisitive and unnecessarily curious
  • At its core, the concept of Hijab reflects a holistic approach to living a modest, dignified, and respectful life in accordance with Islamic principles. It is designed to preserve the honor and morality of individuals and to foster a society built on mutual respect and decency.
Let us then very cautious of Hijab in its boarder meaning for it covers everything that that may lure into evil or hurt someone by exposure of acts as mentioned above.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Photo

For more Q&A about Understanding Islam, please refer to our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q&A

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Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Thursday, 18 July 2024

How Islam ensures the rights of women in deciding the matrimonial matters (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Marriage is one of the most difficult and crucial decision for every man and woman, more so for the women. Women by accepting a proposal make a life long pledge to be wedded to a man, specially if she has not known him before. Many marriages break when a hurried or forced decision turns into a union of two people entirely strangers to each other or even if known, their mindset at completely divergent axis. 

Islam, therefore, stresses upon taking the consent of women, whether previously married or not, so that she knows for sure whom she want to to marry. However, despite clear framework of marriages, many in Muslim countries still force their daughters into marriage, which in many cases turn out to be an utter misery or mismatch. 

We share herein under a Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in which he explicitly asks to take the consent of the women when a proposal is received.  This Hadith is mentioned in Sunan Ibn Majah /  Book 9 he Chapters on Marriage / باب  النكاح) / Chapter 11: Seeking the consent of virgins and previously-married women / باب  اسْتِئْمَارِ الْبِكْرِ وَالثَّيِّبِ / as Hadith number # 1871 under:

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that:
The Messenger of Allah said: “A previously-married woman should not be married until she is consulted, and a virgin should not be married until her consent is sought, and her consent is her silence.”

Arabic Text:‏
حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ الدِّمَشْقِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا الْوَلِيدُ بْنُ مُسْلِمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا الأَوْزَاعِيُّ، حَدَّثَنِي يَحْيَى بْنُ أَبِي كَثِيرٍ، عَنْ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ قَالَ ‏ "‏ لاَ تُنْكَحُ الثَّيِّبُ حَتَّى تُسْتَأْمَرَ وَلاَ الْبِكْرُ حَتَّى تُسْتَأْذَنَ وَإِذْنُهَا الصُّمُوتُ ‏"‏ ‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

Explanation of the terminologies of married and virgin women:
  • Previously-married Woman (Thayyib):
    • A previously-married woman, known as a "thayyib" in Arabic, refers to a woman who has been married before, regardless of whether she is currently divorced or widowed.
    • The hadith stipulates that such a woman should not be married off without her explicit consultation and consent. Her experience in marriage and life grants her the right to have a direct say in her marital decisions.
  • Virgin (Bikr): 
    • A virgin, referred to as "bikr" in Arabic, is a woman who has never been married. 
    • For a virgin, the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentions that her consent should be sought before marriage. Since a virgin might feel shy to express her consent verbally, her silence in response to the proposal is considered an indication of her agreement.
Significance of Silence:
  • In the cultural context of the time, a virgin's silence was interpreted as her implicit consent. This does not mean she cannot speak up if she disagrees, but rather it respects her modesty and shyness.
  • It ensures that her silence cannot be taken as coercion, but as a socially acceptable way of indicating her approval.
Importance in Islamic Jurisprudence:
  • Protection of Women's Rights and Autonomy
    • Personal Autonomy: Islam recognizes the individual's right to make personal decisions. By ensuring that a woman's consent is required, it protects her autonomy and respects her personal choice. 
    • Prevention of Coercion: Mandating consent helps prevent forced marriages, ensuring that women are not compelled into a relationship against their will.
    • The hadith underscores the protection of women's rights in marriage by ensuring that their consent is a prerequisite for the marriage contract to be valid.
  • Dignity and Respect: By requiring consent, Islam promotes equality and respect for women's choices, emphasizing that their preferences and decisions must be honored.
    • Respecting Women's Decisions: By requiring consent, Islam upholds the dignity of women, ensuring they are treated as equal partners in marriage.
    • Empowering Women: It empowers women by giving them the right to accept or reject a marriage proposal, thus recognizing their capability to make significant life decisions.
  • Mutual Agreement:
    • Foundation of a Healthy Marriage: Marriage in Islam is viewed as a partnership based on mutual respect, love, and understanding. Consent ensures that both parties enter the marriage willingly and are committed to making it work.
    • Harmonious Relationship: A marriage entered into with mutual consent is more likely to be harmonious and successful, as both partners have agreed to the union without any external pressure.
  • Psychological and Emotional Well-being:
    • Emotional Security: Consent ensures that the woman is emotionally prepared and willing to enter the marriage, which is crucial for her psychological well-being.
    • Prevention of Resentment: A forced marriage can lead to resentment, dissatisfaction, and various emotional issues. Ensuring consent helps in mitigating these risks.
Legal and Ethical Framework:
  • Sharia Compliance: The requirement for consent is in accordance with Sharia (Islamic law), which emphasizes justice and fairness. Ensuring consent aligns with the ethical and legal framework of Islam.
  • Precedent in Prophetic Traditions: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of consent in numerous hadiths, setting a precedent for the Muslim community.
  • Quranic Principles:
    • Justice and Kindness: The Quran emphasizes justice and kindness in all dealings. Ensuring a woman's consent in marriage is a manifestation of these principles. 
    • Mutual Agreement in Contracts: The Quran speaks about mutual agreement in various contexts, including trade and contracts. Marriage, being a significant contract, is no exception.
Reference from the Quran:
The importance of mutual consent in marriage is also supported by the Quran. For instance:

"O you who have believed, it is not lawful for you to inherit women by compulsion. And do not make difficulties for them in order to take [back] part of what you gave them unless they commit a clear immorality. And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them - perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good." Surah An-Nisa (4:19):

"And when you divorce women and they have fulfilled their term, do not prevent them from remarrying their [former] husbands if they agree among themselves on an acceptable basis. That is instructed to whoever of you believes in Allah and the Last Day. That is better for you and purer, and Allah knows and you know not."  Surah Al-Baqarah (2:232)

These verses underscore the importance of treating women with kindness, justice, and ensuring their free will in marital matters.

The hadith reinforces the principle that a woman's consent is essential for a valid marriage in Islam. This aligns with the broader Islamic teachings on justice, respect, and the protection of individual rights.

Islam's emphasis on taking a woman's consent for marriage is a reflection of its broader principles of justice, respect for personal autonomy, and the importance of mutual agreement. It is a safeguard against coercion and ensures that marriages are entered into willingly and harmoniously, contributing to the well-being of individuals and society.

Let us then not force our daughters and sisters in consenting to unmatched proposals. Rather they should be included in the matrimonial matters concerning them right form outset. Remember, forcing the women is something that is disliked in Islam and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through this hadith is given a very clear direction whenever deciding the future of women in Islam. 

The silent nod by women should not be misused for in some cases the women are threatened of dire consequences in case of disagreeing with the proposal so put forward In such cases, the forced silent nod is totally against the above quoted hadith and commandment of Allah to treat women kindly. Let the women make their decision. However, in case of virgins who are still not very mature to decide, it is the duty of their parents to explain to them the pros and cons. Yet still, let the women decide.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ related to Muslim Women  for more Hadiths on the status of women in Islam.

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.


Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Thursday, 19 October 2023

How can daughters lead parents to Jannah (Paradise) - Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Women in Islam assume a great significance in terms of respect and dignity. While many non-Muslims see Muslim women dressed in complete body covering in a lose over garment as a sign of oppression and violation of human rights, they fail to understand how much respect the Muslim women get from their menfolk both inside and outside of their household. Our last post was about "The higher pedestal for women as MOTHERS in Islam," as a premise to write more about status of women in Islam.

Today, we will talk of the blessings that daughters bring to their parents and how they would pave their way to Jannah / Paradise on the Day of judgement, as mentioned by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This post is even applicable for parents today who dislike the birth of daughters and even are ashamed to break the news to their relatives that they have been blessed with a daughter.

Those interested in history would know that the era before advent of Islam in Arabia was the worst as far women were concerned. The girl babies used to be buried alive right upon their birth and the women in general were nothing but means of amusement and satisfaction of sex of their men. Even they paraded around the Kaabah during the annual rituals.

It was after the advent of Islam, that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ strictly disallowed burial of girls born to Muslim parents and later when Islam prevailed over the entire Arab, this unholy and gruesome practice was abolished altogether. Please refer to our earlier post "When the girl-child buried alive shall be asked for what offence was she killed" that explains these gruesome traditions and its abolishment. 

Today we share a hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as mentioned in This Hadith is mentioned in Sunan Ibn Majah / Book (33) of Etiquette كتاب الفتن / Chapter # 3 Honoring one's father and being kind to daughters /باب بِرِّ الْوَالِدِ وَالإِحْسَانِ إِلَى الْبَنَاتِ) as Hadith number # 3669. Besides references are also given to other hadiths that hinge on the same theme.

Uqbah bin Amir said, I heard the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) say:
"Whoever has three daughters and is patient towards them, and feeds them, gives them to drink, and clothes them from his wealth; they will be a shield for him from the Fire on the Day of Resurrection.'"
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

Arabic Text:
حَدَّثَنَا الْحُسَيْنُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ الْمَرْوَزِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ الْمُبَارَكِ، عَنْ حَرْمَلَةَ بْنِ عِمْرَانَ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عُشَّانَةَ الْمَعَافِرِيَّ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ عُقْبَةَ بْنَ عَامِرٍ، يَقُولُ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ مَنْ كَانَ لَهُ ثَلاَثُ بَنَاتٍ فَصَبَرَ عَلَيْهِنَّ وَأَطْعَمَهُنَّ وَسَقَاهُنَّ وَكَسَاهُنَّ مِنْ جِدَتِهِ - كُنَّ لَهُ حِجَابًا مِنَ النَّارِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Imagine when baby girls were deemed a source of shame and buried alive, the Prophet came to rectify this grave wrong and brought relief and solace to mothers who had to part within their baby girls they had taken pains to bear them in their wombs for nine months and then bid them farewell forever.

As for the number of daughters, someone asked the Prophet, what if they are two daughters only. He replied, “[He gets that reward,] even if they are [only] two. “Some of those present believed that had the Prophet been asked about only one daughter, he would have answered that the reward was applicable too. (Authenticated by Al-Albani)

In another hadith, Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (pbuh) said: If anyone has a female child, and does not bury her alive, or slight her, or prefer his male children to her, Allah will bring him into Paradise.

The last hadith is specially for parents who prefer sons over daughters. In fact, it should be the other way around. Daughters bring blessings to their parents and blessed are those parents who welcome the baby girls, bring them up well and marry them off. Such are the parents who can be rest assured of being shielded from the hell fire and entered into Jannah.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may refer to our reference page:  Hadiths related to Muslim Women for more Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Muslim women

Please also refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah / Hadith of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Wednesday, 11 October 2023

Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ related to Muslim Women

Generally, the hijab observing Muslim women are sympathized by the non-Muslims and branded as symbol of oppression and cruelty. But if one tries to read Islamic history, both prior to the advent of Islam and thereafter, the critics of Hijab wearing women will be bewildered to know the status Islam accords to women in Islam.

Prior to Islam, baby girls used to be buried right after their birth and the women folk were treated as a symbol of sex and nothing else. They were paraded naked around the Kaabah and put under extreme repression by the pagans of Makkah. The slave girls were treated worse than humans like the male slave. This was the time when two earlier Divine religions, that is Jewism and Christianity, were thriving both in Arab lands and beyond. Yet the Jew and Christian women were deprived of rights of inheritance and were also subject to repression and treated not at par with men.

In such deploring conditions meted to women, Islam came to their salvation and there are umpteen number of verses in Qur'an that address the rights of women and restored their status as respectable beings. There are numerous Islamic laws that spell out share of women in the share of property of inheritance and even that from their husbands. Many non-Muslims may now recall that this status was given to women only recently in the history lane. This speaks of void in their religious books and their indifferent attitude towards their women. In fact, Qur'an completes the inadequacies which were not addressed in the earlier scriptures. That is why it is said that Qur'an completes the last stage of completion of Divine Commandments.

Even the women were granted protection against pre-Islamic period of divorce and also granted the right to seek divorce from their husbands. A complete chapter of Qur'an was revealed as an answer to the redress of grievance by a woman, besides a complete chapter named after women and explains their rights and obligations.

Please read our previous posts on issues related to women, as mentioned in Qur'an: 
While Qur'an speaks extensively about women, there are number of Hadiths attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about status, respect of Muslim women, in addition to many cautions so that they do not deviate from their stated role and importance as enunciated in Qur'an. This post is primarily means to share these Hadiths. 

We have just started developing this page and will add Hadiths related to women in Islam in time. Please do follow our later posts. All these Hadiths will clarify the mis norm being spread about Muslim women by non-Muslims on social media to belittle Islam and its "treatment " of women.

Some of the Hadiths about women / daughters are as under:
This is just the beginning. We will add explanation of the Hadiths mentioned above and more to these in time, In Sha Allah.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah / Hadith of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
Photo

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Sunday, 24 June 2018

Hijab for Muslim Women

Hijab for Muslim women is more often than not a subject of discussion among non Muslims and many of them take the concept of Hijab against the basic human rights of the women. In this post I will try to put across of the concept of Hijab and misconceptions related to this word and why Muslim women have been directed to cover themselves by Allah in the Holy Qur'an.

First of all let be clarify the misconception about the word Hijab which is often related to the head covering of the Muslim women. In Arabic, the word Hijab means a partition, normally made of a cloth which was hung at the door of the ancient Arabia to shield the inside of the house for the outsiders as keeping the door closed was not a norm. Even this practice continues in many parts of Arabian villages and even in many other Muslim countries.

The use of this word is specially used in the same context in the following verses of Surah Al Ahzab 33:53-
O you who have believed, do not enter the houses of the Prophet except when you are permitted for a meal, without awaiting its readiness. But when you are invited, then enter; and when you have eaten, disperse without seeking to remain for conversation. Indeed, that [behavior] was troubling the Prophet, and he is shy of [dismissing] you. But Allah is not shy of the truth. And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition (Hijab in Arabic). That is purer for your hearts and their hearts. And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him, ever. Indeed, that would be in the sight of Allah an enormity.
The word Hijab in Arabic also means separation between deity and mortals (42:51), wrongdoers and righteous (7:46, 41:5), believers and unbelievers (17:45), and light from darkness (38:32).

As for the head covering of Muslim women, the correct word used in Qur'an is Khimer, meaning a loose headdress worn by the women with a part covering their bosom. And the Allah's commandment as for covering of women's head and bosom is explained in these very verses of Surah Al Nur 31-32:

وَقُلْ لِّـلۡمُؤۡمِنٰتِ يَغۡضُضۡنَ مِنۡ اَبۡصَارِهِنَّ وَيَحۡفَظۡنَ فُرُوۡجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبۡدِيۡنَ زِيۡنَتَهُنَّ اِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنۡهَا​ وَلۡيَـضۡرِبۡنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلٰى جُيُوۡبِهِنَّ​ وَلَا يُبۡدِيۡنَ زِيۡنَتَهُنَّ اِلَّا لِبُعُوۡلَتِهِنَّ اَوۡ اٰبَآئِهِنَّ اَوۡ اٰبَآءِ بُعُوۡلَتِهِنَّ اَوۡ اَبۡنَآئِهِنَّ اَوۡ اَبۡنَآءِ بُعُوۡلَتِهِنَّ اَوۡ اِخۡوَانِهِنَّ اَوۡ بَنِىۡۤ اِخۡوَانِهِنَّ اَوۡ بَنِىۡۤ اَخَوٰتِهِنَّ اَوۡ نِسَآئِهِنَّ اَوۡ مَا مَلَـكَتۡ اَيۡمَانُهُنَّ اَوِ التّٰبِعِيۡنَ غَيۡرِ اُولِى الۡاِرۡبَةِ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ اَوِ الطِّفۡلِ الَّذِيۡنَ لَمۡ يَظۡهَرُوۡا عَلٰى عَوۡرٰتِ النِّسَآءِ​ وَلَا يَضۡرِبۡنَ بِاَرۡجُلِهِنَّ لِيُـعۡلَمَ مَا يُخۡفِيۡنَ مِنۡ زِيۡنَتِهِنَّ​ ؕ وَتُوۡبُوۡۤا اِلَى اللّٰهِ جَمِيۡعًا اَيُّهَ الۡمُؤۡمِنُوۡنَ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُفۡلِحُوۡنَ‏
Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.
And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their head-covers (Khimer in Arabic) over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or *those male attendants having no physical desire*, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed. (Surah An-Nur 24:31)
In the above verses, it is amply highlighted that the concept of modesty is not only restricted to women alone. Even all men are commanded to lower their gaze (that is not staring women lustfully) and guard their private parts. This means a man is not to open his private parts to anyone except his lawfully wedded wife. This is a great commandment with far reaching ramification which lay the basis of piety, modesty and respect. And it is the very basis of directing men from extra marital relations.

As for the women, the same commandment is given with certain additional requirements. We all know that a woman's naked or exposed body is lustful due to which many ills are born in societies where women are not dressed modestly. That is why Allah's commandment for the women is to  wrap [a portion of] their head-covers (Khimer in Arabic) over their chests" and have been asked no to appear before men except for the relations clearly spelt out in the above verses. Even the women have been asked "not to stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment."

Talking of the Khimar being used before the advent of Islam, the women of Medina used to put one part of their headscarf Khimar on their head and the remaining at the back exposing their ears and neck and the upper front of the body. With this commandment of Allah "Place the khimer over the bosoms,” what actually is being told to the women that by doing so their ears and neck will also be hidden beside their upper half of the body including their bosom. This thus formed a covering to ensure modesty and piety of the woman from the lustful gazes of men.

Explanation of Khimar by Muhammad Asad:
The noun khimar (of which khumur is the plural) denotes the head-covering customarily used by Arabian women before and after the advent of Islam. According to most of the classical commentators, it was worn in pre-Islamic times more or less as an ornament and was let down loosely over the wearer's back; and since, in accordance with the fashion prevalent at the time, the upper part of a woman's tunic had a wide opening in the front, her breasts were left bare. Hence, the injunction to cover the bosom by means of a khimar (a term so familiar to the contemporaries of the Prophet) does not necessarily relate to the use of khimar as such but is, rather, meant to make it clear that a woman's breasts are not included in the concept of "what may decently be apparent" of her body and should not, therefore, be displayed.

Interestingly when the nuns in Christianity wear the same cloak, no one objects as nuns are cloaked exactly how a modest and pious women should when out of her house. If the dress of nuns is the dress of modesty, why it is objected for Muslim women who Allah wills to appear with honour, dignity and piety.

And then for older women, there is yet another concession given to them as for Khimer is concerned:
And women of post-menstrual age who have no desire for marriage* - there is no blame upon them for putting aside their outer garments [but] not displaying adornment. But to modestly refrain [from that] is better for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing. Surah An-Nur [24:60]
In Saudi Arabia and some other countries, these instructions and commandments have been interpreted meaning a cloak covering the entire body of the woman. This to an extent is true for the reason that a head to toe cloak obscures the contours of the body of the woman which are so lucrative to men. However, if a Khimer is aided by loose dress covering the contours of a woman, the purpose is the same. However, there is no mention of covering of the face of a woman which some Muslim women very ardently observe which creates problems in their identity.


For more posts on Women in Islam, please refer to our reference page: Women in Islam. You may also refer to our reference pages: Islam and the rest of the World and Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

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If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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