ummtaalib

Question I was born Muslim, but a 25 years old I am not able to accept Islam.I am torn between what I do not believe in and what I was raised to believe in? I think Islam is a man's religion why does a man get 70 virgins in heaven, what about women. Why cant women have the same? [The following answer is given regarding the Hurs after mentioning the ill treatment of women in other places as well as in pre-Islamic Arabia. Full Q/A regarding "I think Islam is a man's religion" HERE] Answer Now, regarding the answer to the question; it is stated in (Fatawa Mahmudiyah Vol 5, P298), the wives of the believers will have their husbands in Paradise. The unmarried woman will have whatever man she desires in Paradise and if she does not desire any of them, a special male Hur will be created for her. Not only will she have this favor but she will also have superiority over the Hurs (beautiful damsels of paradise). عن أم سلمة قالت قلت : يا رسول الله أنساء الدنيا أفضل أم الحور العين ؟ قال بل نساء الدنيا أفضل من الحور العين كفضل الظهارة على البطانة قلت : يا رسول الله وبما ذاك ؟ قال : بصلاتهن وصيامهن وعبادتهن Narrated from Hazrat Umme Salamaرضي الله عنها she said “I said, Oh Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه و سلم are the women of this world superior or the Hurs? He replied “The women of this world will have superiority over the Hurs as the outer lining of a garment have superiority over the inner lining. I said “Oh Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه و سلم, why is this? He replied “Because they performed Salah, fasted, and worshipped (Allah)”. (Ma’jam Kabeer, vol23, p367) Allah Ta’ala also mentions in the Holy Quran: لَهُمْ مَا يَشَاءُونَ فِيهَا وَلَدَيْنَا مَزِيد “They will have whatever they wish therein (Jannat) and with Us is more.”(50:35) Therefore we should bear in mind that Almighty Allah in His infinite Wisdom and Knowledge has created man and woman from a single being and it is only Allah who knows the true biological, mental and spiritual structure of each individual, their needs and desires; hence, if Allah Ta’ala wills that males should get Seventy virgins, He knows what pleases them. Similarly, females will be given what pleases them. Allah Ta’ala can do as He wishes and there is none to question His authority. Despite your doubt regarding Islam, it is pleasing to know that you seek the truth. Undoubtedly the truth will be found in Islam; however, this is a fact that needs to be discovered by you. If you have any doubts or queries in future, we will be more than happy to assist you to the best of our ability. References a) Kittel, Gerhard, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Michigan, U.S.A.:W.M.B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1968) 777-778. b) Rahman, Afzalur,ed. “Role of Muslim women in Society”, Encyclopedia of Seerah (London: Seerah Foundation, 1987) 4 a) Kittel.op.cit. 779-781. b) Gibbon, Edward, The Decline and fall of the Roman Empire (U.S.A.: Classic Appreciation Society,1956) 391, 441 Al Tabari, Ja’far ibn Jarir Tarikh Tabari (Beirut: Dar al-Kutub Al Ilmiyah, n.d) Vol3, 138 Walker, Benjamin, Hindu World (Great Britain: George Allan and Unwin Ltd.1968) 603-606 Encyclopedia Judaic a (Jerusalem, Israel: Keter Publishing House Ltd. 1971) 624-626 a) Ferguson, Everett, Study in Early Christianity (New York: Garland Publishing Inc. 1993)20-21. b) Ibid. 134-201. Rahman, Afzalur,op.cit. 28. The above extracted from “Morality in Islam” by Dr. Mufti Allie Haroun Sheik And Allah knows best Wassalam Ml. Zakariyya bin Ahmed, Student Darul Iftaa Checked and Approved by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In’aamiyyah

Regarding the Virtue Men have over Women: Allah says, لِلرِّجَالِ عَلَيْهِنَّ دَرَجَةٌ }البقرة: 228{ …for men is a degree above women… Qur’ān 2:228 Allah Ta’āla expounds on this higher degree in another verse, الرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُونَ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللَّهُ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ وَبِمَا أَنْفَقُوا مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ }النساء: 34{ Men are the overseer upon women with all that which Allah has bestowed some of them over the others, and with what they spend from their wealth… Qur’ān 4:34 InshaAllah the following posts will clear misconceptions and provide correct understanding.

Words of Advice With regard to the phrase, “that if one of them (two women) errs”, Ibn Katheer said: “This means, the two women, if one of them forgets the testimony, then ‘the other can remind her’, i.e., she can remind her about the matter concerning which testimony is being given.” (Tafseer Ibn Katheer, part 1, p. 724) This does not mean that a woman does not understand or that she cannot remember things, but she is weaker than man in these aspects – usually. Scientific and specialized studies have shown that men’s minds are more perfect than those of women, and reality and experience bear witness to that. Nevertheless, there are some women who are far superior to men in their reason and insight, but they are few, and the ruling is based on the majority and the usual cases. A woman may compensate for her weaknesses by striving hard, and surpass men when they are negligent. Hence we find that in some colleges, female students surpass male students because of their greater efforts and their keenness to succeed when many of the male students are negligent and are not eager to learn. A man may also excel over a woman in some fields that are basically hers, so we find that some of the most skilled chefs, tailors, cosmeticians and obstetricians on the international level are men. The point is that usually – and no wise person would dispute this – most of the prominent people in the religious sciences, such as fiqh, hadeeth, tafseer, ‘aqeedah and preaching, and in the worldly sciences such as medicine, astronomy, engineering, physics, chemistry, etc. are men. If we think about the western societies in which men and women are regarded as equal in all aspects, we will find that despite that men still prevail. Still, Allaah has given women pre-eminence and has favoured them over men in some aspects, such as caring for children, and showing patience, love and compassion towards them, and managing the home. Hence the sharee’ah gives custody to them, for the mother is the first school, from which the future men, leaders of the world and scholars of the ummah graduate. What virtue can be greater than this? Islam encourages special care for the mother and her children, and enjoins upon children to honour their mother, treat her kindly and give her preferential treatment above the father. It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: “A man said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, who among the people is most deserving of my good companionship?’ He said, Your mother, then your mother, then your mother, then your father, then those who are closest in order of closeness.’” (Narrated by Muslim, 2548). What greater honour can there be than this? So let everyone work in his or her field of specialization. Men should not interfere in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and women should not be involved in jihad, fighting the enemy, or holding the positions of khaleefah or ruler. Whatever is permitted to both of them should be done within the guidelines of sharee’ah, such as not allowing free mixing of the sexes and not neglecting other duties such as those of husbands and wives. And Allaah is the Source of strength. Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

10 Good Reasons to Do Good Deeds Allaah The Almighty enjoins us to remember Him frequently and perform good deeds because forgetfulness is a disease that leads to neglecting virtuous deeds. Allaah The Almighty says: {وَلَقَدْ عَهِدْنَا إِلَىَ آدَمَ مِن قَبْلُ فَنَسِيَ وَلَمْ نَجِدْ لَهُ عَزْماً } 'Translated' {And We had already taken a promise from Adam before, but he forgot; and We found not in him determination} [Taha: 115]. One's good deeds should be based on one's belief in Allaah The Almighty, and we must frequently remind ourselves of the reward for righteous deeds which encourages us to perform them. A person should always remember that he has been instructed to compete in virtuous deeds. Allaah The Almighty says: {..سَابِقُوا إِلَى مَغْفِرَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ } 'Translation' {Race one with another in hastening towards Forgiveness from your Lord } [Hadid: 21]. The following are a few factors that serve as incentives to perform righteous deeds in order to gain blessings in this world and eternal reward in the Hereafter. 1. Visiting charitable and humanitarian organizations encourages a Muslim to perform virtuous deeds. 2. Learning about how much our pious predecessors would cry whenever they missed out on a chance to perform virtuous deeds. The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) said: 'The people of Paradise do not regret anything more than regretting an hour they spent (in this life) without mentioning Allaah' (At-Tabaraani). Sa’eed At-Tanookhi used to cry if for any reason he had missed a congregational prayer. Ibn Mas’ood, said, "I never regretted anything more than regretting a day which passed in which I did not increase (upon) my virtuous deeds." 3. Remembering that life is short makes a Muslim exert extra efforts in performing virtuous deeds; the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) said: 'Rush towards the performance of virtuous deeds before you are afflicted with trials as dark as the night' (Muslim). 4. Reading books that soften the heart, mention virtuous deeds and encourage people to perform them. 5. Knowing that encouraging others entitles you to the same reward as theirs, as the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) said: 'He who revives a deed from Islaam (which people forgot or abandoned) gets the same reward as the one who (subsequently) performs it' (Muslim). 6. Loving those who perform virtuous deeds, because the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) said: 'A person will be (on the Day of Resurrection) with those whom he loves (in life)' (Al-Bukhaari and Muslim). 7. One should always supplicate to Allaah The Almighty to facilitate for him the performance of virtuous deeds, because performing virtuous deeds is a gift from Allaah The Almighty which He grants to whomever He wishes from amongst His slaves. Humaam ibn Al-Haarith used to supplicate saying, "O Allaah! Make me satisfied with little sleep and grant me (the ability of) staying up during the night performing acts of obedience to you" and he would sleep very little, while sitting down.The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) used to ask Allaah The Almighty to enable him to perform virtuous deeds saying: 'O Allaah! I ask You to enable me to perform virtuous deeds and (for) the abandonment of sins' (At-Tirmithi). 8. Remembering Paradise and its pleasures, and what has been prepared for the people of virtue there. Allaah The Almighty Says:'Translation' {And march forth in the way (leading to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth} [Aal-Imran:133]. 9. Realizing that the longer virtuous people live the more beloved to Allaah The Almighty they become, as the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) said when he was asked about the best people in the sight of Allaah The Almighty: 'He who lives long and performs virtuous deeds' (At-Tirmithi). 10. Knowing that persistence in virtuous deeds is beloved to Allaah even if the deeds were few in number, as the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) said: 'The most beloved deeds to Allaah are those which are persistent, even if they were little (in number)'.

Nasihah (Advice): Auctioning in Islam Anas Bin Maalik Radhiallahu Anhu reports that Rasoolullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam sold a saddle blanket and a drinking bowl. Rasoolullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said: Who would buy this saddle blanket and drinking bowl? A man said: I will take them for a Dirham. Rasoolullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said: Who will give more than a Dirham? Who will give more than a Dirham? A man agreed to give two Dirhams, so Rasoolullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam sold it to him. (Tirmidhi) Question and Answer: Q.Is auctioning to purchase a home or vehicle or selling any personal item of oneself through the form of auctioning permissible in Islam? (Question published as received) A. The concept of auctioning is permissible in Islam. And Allah Knows Bes Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Confirmation: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Sunnats and Aadaab of Sleeping – Part 4 1. One should recite the following before retiring to bed: a) Tasbeeh-e-Faatimi i.e. 33 times Subhaanallah, 33 times Alhamdulillah, and 34 times Allahu Akbar. عن علي رضي الله عنه أن فاطمة رضي الله عنها أتت النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم تشكو إليه ما تلقى في يدها من الرحى وبلغها أنه جاءه رقيق فلم تصادفه فذكرت ذلك لعائشة فلما جاء أخبرته عائشة قال فجاءنا وقد أخذنا مضاجعنا فذهبنا نقوم فقال على مكانكما فجاء فقعد بيني وبينها حتى وجدت برد قدميه على بطني فقال ألا أدلكما على خير مما سألتما إذا أخذتما مضاجعكما أو أويتما إلى فراشكما فسبحا ثلاثا وثلاثين واحمدا ثلاثا وثلاثين وكبرا أربعا وثلاثين فهو خير لكما من خادم. و في رواية: قال علي : فما تركته منذ سمعته من رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قيل له : ولا ليلة صفين ؟ قال : ولا ليلة صفين. (البخاري رقم 5361) Hadhrat Ali (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that on one occasion Hadhrat Faatimah (Radhiallahu Anha) went to the house of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) to complain about the difficulty she was experiencing while using the handmill. The news reached her that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had received some slaves (so she had thought that she would request Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) for a slave to assist her in her daily chores). However, (upon reaching the home) she did not find Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) present, hence she informed Hadhrat Aaisha (Radhiallahu Anha) of her reason for coming. When Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) reached home, Hadhrat Aaisha (Radhiallahu Anha) informed him regarding the request of Hadhrat Faatima (Radhiallahu Anha). Subsequently, Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) then came to our home at the time we were retiring to bed. (Upon seeing him) we intended to wake up (out of respect for him), but Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) told us to remain as we were. He then came and sat between us until I could feel the coolness of his feet on my stomach (i.e. due to being seated so close to us in between, his mubaarak feet touched the side of my body). He then said: “Should I not show you something better than what you had requested (i.e. better than me giving you a slave to assist you in your daily chores)? Before retiring to bed, then recite Subhaanallah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times and Allahu Akbar 34 times, for certainly this is better for you (in assisting you in your daily chores) than acquiring a slave. (According to another narration) Hadhrat Ali (Radhiallahu Anhu) further said: “I did not leave out this practice from the time I heard it from Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).” Someone present asked: “Not even on the night of Siffeen (i.e. the night of the battle of Siffeen)?” He replied: “Not even on the night of Siffeen.” b) Aayatul Kursi عن أبي أمامة رضي الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم من قرأ آية الكرسي دبر كل صلاة لم يمنعه من دخول الجنة إلا أن يموت رواه النسائي والطبراني بأسانيد أحدها صحيح وقال شيخنا أبو الحسن هو على شرط البخاري وابن حبان في كتاب الصلاة وصححه (الترغيب رقم 2468) و في رواية ضعيفة عن علي رضي الله عنه قال : سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم على أعواد المنبر يقول : من قرأ آية الكرسي في دبر كل صلاة لم يمنعه من دخول الجنة إلا الموت ومن قرأها حين يأخذ مضجعه آمنه الله على داره ودار جاره وأهل دويرات حوله. )رواه البيهقي في شعب الإيمان رقم 2395) Hadhrat Abu Umaamah (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever recites Aayatul Kursi after every Fardh salaah, nothing prevents him from entering Paradise except death. (In another Hadith reported by Hadhrat Ali (Radhiallahu Anhu)) The one who recites Aayatul kursi at night when retiring to bed, Allah Ta’ala will protect his home, the homes of his neighbours, and the homes of the people around him. c) The three Quls عن عائشة: " أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم كان إذا أوى إلى فراشه كل ليلة جمع كفيه، ثم نفث فيهما فقرأ فيهما: قل هو الله أحد وقل أعوذ برب الفلق وقل أعوذ برب الناس، ثم يمسح بهما ما استطاع من جسده، يبدأ بهما على رأسه ووجهه وما أقبل من جسده يفعل ذلك ثلاث مرات (بخاري رقم 5017) Hadhrat Aaisha (Radhiallahu Anha) reports that whenever Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would retire to bed every night, he would recite Surah Ikhlaas, Surah Falaq and Surah Naas and thereafter blow on his both palms. Subsequently, he would rub his palms upon his entire body. He would commence rubbing his palms on his head, face and the front portion of his body. He would repeat this action three times. d) The last two verses of Surah Baqarah. عن أبي مسعود الأنصاري البدري عقبة بن عمرو رضي الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: الآيتان من آخر سورة البقرة ، من قرأ بهما في ليلة كفتاه. (بخاري رقم 5040) Hadhrat Abu Mas’ood Ansaari (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “The last two verses of Surah Baqarah are such that whoever recites them at night, it will suffice him (some say that it will suffice him from the harm and evil of everything, others say it will suffice him from reciting anything else during the night or from waking up for tahajjud).

Why Two Women Witnesses? Adapted from the book by Shamshad. M.Khan with modifications and additions A question that repeatedly arises is that concerning the position of women in Islam. Muslim scholars have been able with great success - despite the onslaught of distortion and misrepresentation - to demonstrate the true position of Muslim women; especially of women's liberation in the advent of Islam. The Islamic ruling on issues such as inheritance, the right to earn, the right to own property etc. have reinforced this position and have been prescribed by Allah - the One True God - long before western nations even thought of such concepts! The issue of two women witnesses in place of one man is the concern of the present treatise. As will become clear to the sincere and objective reader, the intellectual status of a Muslim woman is neither marred nor degraded by the commandment that if two Muslim male witnesses are not available then one Muslim male and two Muslim females should be invited to witness. Rather, this injunction is in perfect harmony with the nature and psychology of the woman as will become evident through quotations from psychologists, psychiatrists and medical research. The passage of the Qur'an (Baqarah 2:282) in which the above-mentioned requirement is made has usury, capital and debtor difficulties as its theme. Allah grants guidelines in matters relating to monetary obligations. Then business transactions are dealt with. In this section, the requirement to commit all transactions into writing is stated most emphatically ("Reduce them to writing ... "). The section after this describes the responsibility of the scribe, or in modern parlance, the person responsible for drawing up the agreement. The following section describes the responsibility and the obligation of the person incurring the liability. The section after this explains how if the party that is liable cannot effectively draw up the contract - out of being deficient or weak mentally, or being unable to dictate - then his or her guardian should help draw out the contract and choose two suitable witnesses to observe. It must be understood that this situation arises if it is not possible for the liable party to draw out the contract by him/herself. The condition to put things into writing is still supreme. The next section then explains that two men should be called to witness and if two men are not available ("And if there are not two men ... ") then a man and two women. The legislation then continues and reminds most emphatically that one should not be complacent about putting ALL agreements into writing - no matter whether these agreements are major or minor as this is more JUST in the sight of Allah and more reliable as evidence. The passage of the Qur'an further explains that for practical reasons it may not always be possible to commit on-the-spot agreements into writing. In this case, it is also recommended that it be witnessed. The section which follows then lays down the guidelines which should be followed in the event that no witnesses are present. The purpose in giving the above outline is to draw attention to the fact the question of women witnesses relates, in this instance, to commercial agreements and is not a statement on their status. Let's look at the section under investigation in more detail. Allah said: "And get two witnesses of your own men, and if there are not two men then a man and two women such as you choose for witnesses - so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her ... " [Al-Qur'an 2:182] A number of questions (as well as eyebrows!) are raised when this section of the passage is read. The questions often posed include: Do women have weaker memories than men? Why should two women be needed in the place of one man? Are women inferior to men? One must remember that Prophet Muhammad sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam was neither a physiologist, a psychiatrist and nor a surgeon. He was an illiterate and could neither read nor write. He passed on the revelation exactly as he received it. Allah, the Creator, with His infinite wisdom gave the directives best suited to humankind. He is the Creator, therefore, He knows man better than a man himself. In this scientific age we can explore the significance of this legislation. A great deal has been discovered since the early days of Islam. And each day of advancement brings about a better understanding of the the last and final revelation from the Creator, Allah to the creation, humankind. As women, we are aware of the cyclical psychological strains that a woman has to encounter every month. The symptoms during early pregnancy, ante-natal and post-natal depressions, the phenomenon of menopause, the physiological and psychological problems due to infertility and last but not least the psychological problems faced after miscarriage. It is under these situations that women can experience extraordinary psychological strains giving rise to depression, lack of concentration, slow-mindedness and short term memory loss. Let us examine these episodes in a bit more detail and with medical references from the scientific world. PMT is an umbrella term for more than 140 different symptoms and there is a lot of evidence that it causes a lot of unhappiness in many women, and consequently, to their families. Psychiatry in Practice, April 1983 issue states: "Forty percent of women suffer from pre-menstrual syndrome in some form and one in if our women have their lives severely disrupted by it. Dr Jill Williams, general practitioner from Bury, gives guidelines on how to recognise patients at risk and suggests a suitable treatment." [Psychiatry in Practice, April 1993, p.14] In the same issue, George Beaumont reporting on the workshop held at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in London on pre-menstrual syndrome, says: "Some authorities would argue that 80 percent of women have some degree of breast and abdominal discomfort which is pre-menstrual but that only about 10 percent complain to their doctors - and then only because of severe tenderness of the breasts and mental depression... Other authorities have suggested that pre-menstrual syndrome is a new problem, regular ovulation for 20 years or more being a phenomenon caused by 'civilisation', 'medical progress', and an altered concept of the role of women." [Psychiatry in Practice, April 1993, p.18] In its examination of the occurrence of physical and psychological change during the period just prior to the onset of menstruation we read in Psychological Medicine: "Many studies have reported an increased likelihood of various negative affects during the pre-menstrual period. In this affective category are many emotional designations including irritability, depression, tension, anxiety, sadness, insecurity, lethargy, loneliness, tearfulness, fatigue, restlessness and changes of mood. In the majority of studies, investigators have found it difficult to distinguish between various negative affects, and only a few have allowed themselves to be excessively concerned with the differences which might or might not exist between affective symptoms." [Psychological Medicine, Monograph Supplement 4, 1983, Cambridge University Press, p.6] In the same article dealing with pre-menstrual behavioural changes we read: "A significant relationship between the pre-menstrual phase of the cycle and a variety of specific and defined forms of behaviour has been reported in a number of studies. For the purpose of their review, these forms of behaviour have been grouped under the headings of aggressive behaviour, illness behaviour and accidents, performance on examination and other tests and sporting performance." [Psychological Medicine, Monograph Supplement 4, 1983, Cambridge University Press, p.7] The lengthy review portrays how female behaviour is affected in these situations. In 'The Pre-menstrual Syndrome', C. Shreeves writes: "Reduced powers of concentration and memory are familiar aspects of the pre-menstrual syndrome and can only be remedied by treating the underlying complaint." This does not mean, of course, that women are mentally deficient absolutely. It just means that their mental faculties can become affected at certain times in the biological cycle. Shreeves also writes: "As many as 80 percent of women are aware of some degree of pre-menstrual changes, 40 percent are substantially disturbed by them, and between 10 and 20 percent are seriously disabled as a result of the syndrome." Furthermore, women face the problem of ante-natal and post-natal depression, both of which cause extreme cycles of depression in some cases. Again, these recurring symptoms naturally affect the mind, giving rise to drowsiness and dopey memory. On the subject of pregnancy in Psychiatry in Practice, October-November 1986, we learn that: "In an experiment 'Cox' found that 16 percent of a sample of 263 pregnant women were suffering from clinically significant psychiatric problems. Eight percent had a depressive neurosis and 1.9 percent had phobic neurosis. This study showed that the proportion of pregnant women with psychiatric problems was greater than that found in the control group but the difference only tended towards significance." [Psychiatry in Practice, October-November, 1986, p.6] Regarding the symptoms during the post-natal cycle Dr. Ruth Sagovsky writes: "The third category of puerperal psychiatric problems is post-natal depression. It is generally agreed that between10 to 15 percent of women become clinically depressed after childbirth. These mothers experience a variety of symptoms but anxiety, especially over the baby, irritability, and excessive fatigue are common. Appetite is usually decreased and often there are considerable sleep difficulties. The mothers lose interest in the things they enjoyed prior to the baby's birth, and find that their concentration is impaired. They often feel irrational guilt, and blame themselves for being 'bad' wives and mothers. Fifty percent of these women are not identified as having a depressive illness. Unfortunately, many of them do not understand what ails them and blame their husbands, their babies or themselves until the relationships are strained to an alarming degree." [Psychiatry in Practice, May, 1987, p.18] " ... Making the diagnosis of post-natal depression is not always easy. Quite often the depression is beginning to become a serious problem around three months postpartum when frequent contact with the health visitor is diminishing. The mother may not present with depressed mood. If she comes to the health centre presenting the baby as the patient, the true nature of the problem can be missed. When the mother is continually anxious about the baby in spite of reassurance, then the primary health care worker needs to be aware of the possibility of depression. Sometimes these mothers present with marital difficulties, and it is easy to muddle cause and effect, viewing the accompanying low mood as part of the marital problem. Sometimes, only when the husband is seen as well does it become obvious that it is a post-natal depressive illness which has led to the deterioration in the marriage." [May, 1987, p.18]1 Again there is a need to study the effects of the menopause about which very little is known even to this day. This phase in a woman's life can start at any time from the mid-thirties to the mid-fifties and can last for as long as 15 years. Writing about the pre-menopausal years, C.B. Ballinger states: "Several of the community surveys indicate a small but significant increase in psychiatric symptoms in women during the five years prior to the cessation of menstrual periods... The most obvious clinical feature of this transitional phase of menstrual function is the alteration in menstrual pattern, the menstrual cycle becoming shorter with age, and variability in cycle length become very prominent just prior to the cessation of menstruation. Menorrhagia is a common complaint at this time, and is associated with higher than normal levels of psychiatric disturbance." [Psychiatry in Practice, November, 1987, p.26] On the phenomenon of menopause in an article in Newsweek International, May 25th 1992, Dr. Jennifer al-Knopf, Director of the Sex and Marital Therapy Programme of North-western University writes: " ... Women never know what their body is doing to them ... some reporting debilitating symptoms from hot flashes to night sweat, sleeplessness, irritability, mood swings, short term memory loss, migraine, headaches, urinary inconsistence and weight gain. Most such problems can be traced to the drop-off in the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone, both of which govern the ovarian cycle. But every woman starts with a different level of hormones and loses them at different rates. The unpredictability is one of the most upsetting aspects. Women never know what their body is going to do to them ... " Then there are the psychiatric aspects of infertility and miscarriage. On the subject of infertility, Dr. Ruth Sagovsky writes: "Depression, anger and guilt are common reactions to bereavement. In infertility there is the added pain of there being nobody to grieve for. Families and friends may contribute to the feeling of isolation by passing insensitive comments. The gynaecologist and GPs have to try to help these couples against a backdrop of considerable distress." [Psychiatry in Practice, Winter, 1989, p.16] On the subject of miscarriage the above article continues: "Miscarriage is rarely mentioned when considering abortion. However, miscarriage can at times have profound psychological sequelae and it is important that those women affected receive the support they need. Approximately one-fifth of all pregnancies end in spontaneous abortion and the effects are poorly recognised. If however, the miscarriage occurs in the context of infertility, the emotional reaction may be severe. The level of grief will depend on the meaning of pregnancy to the couple." [Psychiatry in Practice, Winter, 1989, p.17] Also, the fact that women are known to be more sensitive and emotional than men must not be overlooked. It is well known, for example, that under identical circumstances women suffer much greater anxiety than men. Numerous medical references on this aspect of female behaviour can be given but to quote as a specimen, we read in 'Sex Differences in Mental Health' that: "Surveys have found different correlates of anxiety and neuroticism in the two sexes. Women and men do not become equally upset by the same things, and being upset does not have the same effect in men as in women. Ekehammer (1974; Ekehammer, Magnusson and Ricklander, 1974) using data from 116 sixteen-year-olds, did a factor analysis on self-reported anxiety. Of the eighteen different responses indicating anxiety (sweating palms, faster heart rate, and so on) females reported experiencing twelve of them significantly more often than males. Of the anxiety-producing situations studied, females reported experiencing significantly more anxiety than males reported in fourteen of them." [Katherine Blick Hoyenga and Kermit T. Hoyenga in Sex Differences in Mental Health, p.336] It is in light of the above findings of psychologist, psychiatrists and researchers that the saying of Allah, the Exalted: "And get two witnesses of your own men, and if there are not two men then a man and two women such as you choose for witnesses - SO THAT IF ONE OF THEM ERRS, THE OTHER CAN REMIND HER ... " [Al-Qur'an 2:182] can be understood. One must also bear in mind that forgetfulness can be an asset. A woman has to be put up with children presenting all kinds of emotional problems and a woman is certainly known to be more resilient than man. The aim of presenting these research findings on a number of aspects related with the theme is to indicate that a woman by her biological constitution faces such problems. It does not however make her inferior to man but it does illustrate that she is different. Viewed in this way, it can only lead one to the conclusion that Allah knows His creation the best and has prescribed precise laws in keeping with the nature of humankind. Allah, the Creator, is - as always - All-Knowing and man (or the disbeliever in Allah and the final, perfected, revealed way of life, Islam) is - as usual - either ignorant and arrogant. Footnotes 1 Psychiatry in Practice, April 1993, p.14. 2 Psychiatry in Practice, April 1993, p.18. 3 Psychological Medicine, Monograph Supplement 4, 1983, Cambridge University Press, p.6. 4 Psychological Medicine, Monograph Supplement 4, 1983, Cambridge University Press, p.7. 5 Psychiatry in Practice, October-November, 1986, p.6. 6 Psychiatry in Practice, May, 1987, p.18. 7 Psychiatry in Practice, May, 1987, p.18. As has been mentioned above the Prophet Muhammad (sas) was neither a psychologist nor a psychiatrist. Rather, he merely conveyed the truth that was revealed to him. It is in the context of this quotation and the one before it that the following saying of the Prophet Muhammad (sas) can be understood: "Treat your women kindly. The woman has been created from a rib, and the most curved part of a rib is its upper region. If you try to straighten it you will break it, and if you leave it as it is, it will remain curved. So treat women kindly." And in another narration: "If you try to straighten her you will break her and breaking her means divorce." [Reported by Bukhari and Muslim]. This is very important advice for the man - for him to have patience and not to try to 'reform' the behavioural pattern of the woman during these times i.e. 'to straighten her'. He will not be able to do that, as it is biological in origin. Instead, he should maintain and protect his relationship with her by showing kindness. 8 Psychiatry in Practice, November, 1987, p.26. 9 Psychiatry in Practice, Winter, 1989, p.16. 10 Psychiatry in Practice, Winter, 1989, p.17. 11 Katherine Blick Hoyenga and Kermit T. Hoyenga in 'Sex Differences in Mental Health', p.336.

Two Women against one Man as witness: Inequality? Part of Q/A at askimam.org In regards to the claim of inequality between the witnessing of men and women, it is also unsound and contrary to the physical and psychological make-up of the human body. How can it be considered as inequality when the two, men and women, constitute completely dissimilar species and entities? Inequality would only arise if there were a disparity of rights concerning the same species of individuals. For example, if a father favors one son over another, this will be inequality since the sons are of the same genus. On the contrary, if the father favors his own son over his nephew, could this be considered inequality? If any impartial and unbiased medical expert is consulted, he / she will attest to the fact that men and women are different, physically and psychologically. Any neurologist will attest to the fact that the brain of a woman functions differently from that of a man. Consider the following research conducted by the neurobiological researchers of the University of California: “Larry Cahill, an associate professor of neurobiology and behavior, and Lisa Kilpatrick, a former postdoctoral fellow in his laboratory, have found that the amygdala, an almond-shaped structure found on both sides of the brain, behaves very differently in males and females while the subjects are at rest. In men, the right amygdala is more active and shows more connections with other regions of the brain, even when there is no outside stimulus. Conversely, in women, the left amygdala is more connected with other regions of the brain. In addition, the regions of the brain with which the amygdala communicates while a subject is at rest are different in men and women.” “The researchers used Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans to analyze the brains of 72 healthy, right-handed adults (36 men and 36 women). The subjects were instructed to relax with their eyes closed while being scanned. When the scans were later studied, researchers found that not only was there a difference between the men and women as to which hemisphere's amygdala was more active, but also that the regions of the brain that the amygdala "talked" with were also quite different. In men, the right-hemisphere amygdala showed more connectivity with brain regions such as the visual cortex and the striatum. In contrast, the left amygdala in women was more connected to regions such as the insular cortex and the hypothalamus. The finding led to an unexpected discovery: Many brain areas communicating with the amygdala in men are engaged with and responding to the external environment. For example, the visual cortex is responsible for vision, while the striatum coordinates motor actions. Conversely, many regions connected to the left-hemisphere amygdala in women control aspects of the environment within the body. Both the insular cortex and the hypothalamus, for example, receive strong input from the sensors inside the body.” “… Cahill has led the way in exploring gender-related differences in the brain. In a 2001 study, he showed that the sexes use different sides of their brains to process and store long-term memories. In another study in 2002, he demonstrated how a particular drug, propranolol, can block memory differently in men and women.” (http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/article/8011) In another neurological article entitled, ‘Men and Women Really Do Think Differently’ Bjorn Carey mentions; “Psychology professor Richard Haier of the University of California, Irvine led the research along with colleagues from the University of New Mexico. Their findings show that in general, men have nearly 6.5 times the amount of gray matter related to general intelligence compared with women, whereas women have nearly 10 times the amount of white matter related to intelligence compared to men.” “In human brains, gray matter represents information processing centers, whereas white matter works to network these processing centers. The results from this study may help explain why men and women excel at different types of tasks, said co-author and neuropsychologist Rex Jung of the University of New Mexico. For example, men tend to do better with tasks requiring more localized processing, such as mathematics, Jung said, while women are better at integrating and assimilating information from distributed gray-matter regions of the brain, which aids language skills.” To lend further support on how the disproportion of grey and white matter between men and women affect the disparity and inequality of intrinsic sensory capabilities between men and women, which generally forms the basis of witnessing, the following passage will prove beneficial; · Grey matter – closely packed neuron cell bodies form the grey matter of the brain. The grey matter includes regions of the brain involved in muscle control, sensory perceptions, such as seeing and hearing, memory, emotions and speech. · White matter – neuronal tissue containing mainly long, myelinated axons , is known as white matter or the diencephalon. Situated between the brainstem and cerebellum, the white matter consists of structures at the core of the brain such as the thalamus and hypothalamus . The nuclei of the white matter are involved in the relay of sensory information from the rest of the body to the cerebral cortex, as well as in the regulation of autonomic (unconscious) functions such as body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure. Certain nuclei within the white matter are involved in the expression of emotions, the release of hormones from the pituitary gland, and in the regulation of food and water intake. These nuclei are generally considered part of the limbic system . (http://www.brainexplorer.org/brain_atlas/Brainatlas_index.shtml) As the above articles mention, the regions of the brain involved in sensory perceptions, such as seeing, hearing and memory, is approximately 6.5 times greater in men. Thus, neurobiology in its latest researches conducted by the world’s best researches attest to the fact that men make stronger and more reliable witnesses than women due to their greater sensory perception. This ought to serve as lucid testimony to the authenticity of the message of Islam. Allah Ta’ala had revealed the Holy Quran over 1400 years ago alluding to such neurobiological facts which the scientists are only uncovering today. As Muslims, we might not have known of the facts of this new research, but our faith and conviction in the Holy Quran has driven us to accept the word of Allah as true even before the discoveries of such studies. Therefore, we are not surprised by such research, but it should strengthen our conviction. This research also lends credence to the undeniable fact that women are different from men. Would it be logical to accept two separate beings as being equal when in fact that are completely different from one another? Aristotle, the famous Greek philosopher duly mentioned, “The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.” In conclusion, it should be noted that being disparate does not necessitate one specie being better than the other. As previously stated, equality only applies to homogenous items of the same species. On the contrary, male chauvinists claim that men are superior and women are inferior. The feminists claim that women are exacts equals of men. In reality, both groups are wrong in their radical views. The correct position is that men and women are completely separate heterogeneous creations of Allah that complement one another in their dissimilarities. This phenomenon is witnessed on a daily basis throughout the creation of Allah Ta’ala for example, the sun and the moon, despite their dissimilarity, work in perfect congruity and union. The sun, in its grandeur, has one specific role to play whilst the moon, in its radiance, has a reciprocally different role. It would be absurd and irrational for the moon to cry of inequality and demand to be given the same function and position of the sun. Similarly, it would be illogical for the sun to make a similar demand. When the sun fulfills his function and the moon hers, both entities will beautifully complement one another in a balanced harmony enabling the system of the universe to endure. On the contrary, if one tries to compete for the function of the other, then the systematic celestial organization will lead to perdition. The same applies in the case of men, women, and all heterogeneous creations for that matter. And Allah knows best Wassalam Ml. Yusuf bin Yaqub and Ml. Ismail Moosa, Students Darul Iftaa Checked and Approved by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In'aamiyyah

An Important Point The Assumptions of the Critics

Beautifully written up...love for our beautiful deen and the wonderful, inspiring people of Allah ta'ala welled up in the heart........

The issue of two women witnesses in place of one man is a topic much discussed online and off. Questions and statements such as the following abound.... Why Two Women Witnesses? Are two women equal to one man in Islam? A woman's witness testimony is half of that of a man's It is the following verse of the Noble Qur'an which the critics of Islam say implies that two women are worth one man. According to them it is proof of the low status Islam grants women. يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا تَدَايَنْتُمْ بِدَيْنٍ إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى فَاكْتُبُوهُ ۚ وَلْيَكْتُبْ بَيْنَكُمْ كَاتِبٌ بِالْعَدْلِ ۚ وَلَا يَأْبَ كَاتِبٌ أَنْ يَكْتُبَ كَمَا عَلَّمَهُ اللَّهُ ۚ فَلْيَكْتُبْ وَلْيُمْلِلِ الَّذِي عَلَيْهِ الْحَقُّ وَلْيَتَّقِ اللَّهَ رَبَّهُ وَلَا يَبْخَسْ مِنْهُ شَيْئًا ۚ فَإِنْ كَانَ الَّذِي عَلَيْهِ الْحَقُّ سَفِيهًا أَوْ ضَعِيفًا أَوْ لَا يَسْتَطِيعُ أَنْ يُمِلَّ هُوَ فَلْيُمْلِلْ وَلِيُّهُ بِالْعَدْلِ ۚ وَاسْتَشْهِدُوا شَهِيدَيْنِ مِنْ رِجَالِكُمْ ۖ فَإِنْ لَمْ يَكُونَا رَجُلَيْنِ فَرَجُلٌ وَامْرَأَتَانِ مِمَّنْ تَرْضَوْنَ مِنَ الشُّهَدَاءِ أَنْ تَضِلَّ إِحْدَاهُمَا فَتُذَكِّرَ إِحْدَاهُمَا الْأُخْرَىٰ ۚ وَلَا يَأْبَ الشُّهَدَاءُ إِذَا مَا دُعُوا ۚ وَلَا تَسْأَمُوا أَنْ تَكْتُبُوهُ صَغِيرًا أَوْ كَبِيرًا إِلَىٰ أَجَلِهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ أَقْسَطُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ وَأَقْوَمُ لِلشَّهَادَةِ وَأَدْنَىٰ أَلَّا تَرْتَابُوا ۖ إِلَّا أَنْ تَكُونَ تِجَارَةً حَاضِرَةً تُدِيرُونَهَا بَيْنَكُمْ فَلَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَلَّا تَكْتُبُوهَا ۗ وَأَشْهِدُوا إِذَا تَبَايَعْتُمْ ۚ وَلَا يُضَارَّ كَاتِبٌ وَلَا شَهِيدٌ ۚ وَإِنْ تَفْعَلُوا فَإِنَّهُ فُسُوقٌ بِكُمْ ۗ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۖ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ اللَّهُ ۗ وَاللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ Transalation O ye who believe! When ye contract a debt for a fixed term, record it in writing. Let a scribe record it in writing between you in (terms of) equity. No scribe should refuse to write as Allah hath taught him, so let him write, and let him who incurreth the debt dictate, and let him observe his duty to Allah his Lord, and diminish naught thereof. But if he who oweth the debt is of low understanding, or weak, or unable himself to dictate, then let the guardian of his interests dictate in (terms of) equity. And call to witness, from among your men, two witnesses. And if two men be not (at hand) then a man and two women, of such as ye approve as witnesses, so that if the one erreth (through forgetfulness) the other will remember. And the witnesses must not refuse when they are summoned. Be not averse to writing down (the contract) whether it be small or great, with (record of) the term thereof. That is more equitable in the sight of Allah and more sure for testimony, and the best way of avoiding doubt between you; save only in the case when it is actual merchandise which ye transfer among yourselves from hand to hand. In that case it is no sin for you if ye write it not. And have witnesses when ye sell one to another, and let no harm be done to scribe or witness. If ye do (harm to them) lo! it is a sin in you. Observe your duty to Allah. Allah is teaching you. And Allah is knowerof all things. (Qur'an 2:282)

Making Salaam at the time of Entering the Home Hadhrat Thanwi (rahmatullahi ‘alaihi) once mentioned: “Some people enter their homes without greeting the household (e.g. with salaam) and making their presence known to their families. This way of entering the home is incorrect. It is part of the etiquettes of Islam that at the time of entering the home one enters with making salaam aloud. The benefit of this teaching is so that the wife and the inmates of the household will be able to make themselves presentable if they are not in a state that they wish to be seen. Similarly, it is possible that in the home there could be non mahram women of the locality present, and without informing them of one’s presence, one’s sight could fall on them. It is for this reason Shariat teaches us that at the time of entering the home one should make his presence known (i.e. through salaam).” (Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 1/210)

Death is Inevitable Hazrat Shaikh (rahmatullahi ‘alaihi) once mentioned: I always reflect over the fact that death is inevitable. Each person knows with certainty that death will overtake him one day. Why is it that people are still so unmindful about death and hence do not prepare for it? Today after Asr salaah my neighbour had passed away. May Allah Ta’ala forgive him and have mercy on him. He had just performed his Asr salaah and sat down in order to recite the Qur’an when death had all of a sudden overtaken him. No one knows at which moment death will strike. One is unaware whether one will live to see the next day or even the next hour. I took a great lesson from the death of my neighbour. He was a pious man who was ba’yat to my respected uncle Moulana Ilyaas (rahmatullahi ‘alaihi). (Malfoozaate Hazrat Shaikh 1/134)

Aqidah at Tahawiyyah Q: I have a brief question on Aqidah at Tahawiyyah. When I studied the matan, I was told that all scholars agree that the beliefs in Aqidah at Tahawiyyah are considered as sound by the consensus of all scholars. Unfortunately, the shaikh did not provide a reference for this quote. Can you please inform me of some of the scholars that have mentioned this Ijma? A: The Aqaaid explained in Aqidah at Tahawiyyah conforms to the Aqeedah of the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah. Similarly the Aqaaid explained in Aqidah at Tahawiyyah conforms to the Aqaaid explained in other kitaabs of Aqeedah (e.g. Alfiqhul Akbar, Sharhul Aqaaid, etc). This is an indication that whatever is contained in Aqidah at Tahawiyyah has been unanimously approved off, since there is no contradiction found in it against the Aqaaid of the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah. Allama Subki (Rahmatullahi Alayh) has mentioned that all the Ulama of the Ummah have accepted the Aqaaid that appear in Aqidah at Tahawiyyah. And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. قال الإمام تاج الدين السبكي الأشعري الشافعي رحمه الله تعالى: عقيدة الأشعري هي ما تضمنته عقيدة أبي جعفر الطحاوي التي تلقاها علماء المذاهب بالقبول ورضوها عقيدة (معيد النعم ومبيد النقم: ص 75) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

wa'alaykumus salaam haya. The husband decides and this is a shar'ee ruling. Ulama advice husbands to let their wives visit and not to stop them visiting unnecessarily. However if the husband felt that her deen is compromised or if he has other reasons he can stop her.

Struggling Against One's Base Desires (Nafs) Shaykh Zulfiqar Ahmed (حفظه الله) Those who believe and work righteous deeds, from them shall We blot out all evil (that may be) in them and We shall reward them according to the best of their deeds (29:7) Mujahida is the term used for any mental, physical, or financial hardship that one may have to bear for the sake of Islam, and the above verse is a poignant one for such people who strive in the path of Allah سبحانه و تعالى. Mujahida can indeed be very personal, in the case of fighting one’s base desires (nafs) and subjugating it to the rule of Islamic Sacred Law (shariah). The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said that a mujahid is someone who struggles against his nafs for the sake of obeying Allah سبحانه و تعالى. (Note by AHD- Narrated by al-Tirmidhî in the book concerning the virtues of Jihad. He said: "This Hadîth is Hasan Sahih." Al-Bayhaqî mentioned in Shu'ab al-Iman another narration from Fadala which states: "The Mujahid is he who struggles against his self in Allah's obedience and the migrant (Muhâjir) is he who migrates from sins and wrongdoings."-Mishkât al-Masâbîh: Kitab al-Imân: book 34) The nafs always wants to lead mankind astray because it revels in acts that are against the shariah. Hence, a person becomes deserving of reward from Allah سبحانه و تعالى if he controls the unlawful desires of his nafs and subjugates it to the commandments of Allah سبحانه و تعالى. Infinite Reward For Mujahida against the Nafs Allah had blessed a student of Hadrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (رحمة اللہ علیه) with a successful business and hence a great deal of wealth. This student wrote his teacher a letter explaining that he felt hesitant to pay zakat (alms) when it was due, due to fears of financial loss and hardship. He would of course pay the correct amount due every year but amid apprehension of losing his wealth. Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (رحمة اللہ علیه) replied back that he would earn twice the reward of people who merely pay their zakat without a thought, for he was not only fulfilling the command of Allah, but also struggling with his nafs over the issue. Man will earn reward every time he struggles against his nafs or other circumstances to fulfill the Will of Allah سبحانه و تعالى. The nafs will always work hard to tempt man to act against the shariah; to fulfill unlawful desires. Shaitan in turn gives added strength to the nafs by tempting man from the outside, and hence together these two forces join in an ongoing effort to lead people astray. Man should stand determined against these forces and committed to obeying Allah سبحانه و تعالى. When he struggles against this onslaught it will be known as his personal struggle because he is fighting in the Path of Allah سبحانه و تعالى and will earn reward accordingly. Allah سبحانه و تعالى rewards each and every action because He says in the Holy Quran that He will not let any action go to waste. Man is an ingrate who enjoys the countless blessings of Allah سبحانه و تعالى without realizing their tremendous value or thanking Allah سبحانه و تعالى for them. Allah سبحانه و تعالى on the other hand places great value on every righteous deed and does not let anything go to waste. Man needs to realize the infinite bounties of his Creator that he takes for granted and he should return to worshipping his Lord instead of falling into the trap of worshipping his nafs. If man remains asleep at the time of Fajr then he abandons the command of Allah سبحانه و تعالى and becomes a worshipper of his nafs because his bed is dearer to him at that time. Likewise if he ignores the time of prayer like most of us do in gatherings like weddings then he has again abandoned the worship of Allah سبحانه و تعالى and given in to his nafs. Everything that takes away from the worship of Allah سبحانه و تعالى falls into the worship of the nafs, and man needs to fight against this so that he can again return to obeying Allah سبحانه و تعالى. All the false gods that man worships cannot even create a fly if they unite together, and moreover cannot take back something that the fly might steal from them. Idols and the nafs are all such false gods, whereas the One to be sought is something beyond these illusions and fabrications. The Holy Quran continues in stark candor that man does not realize the true worth of his Creator. Different Categories of the Nafs Nafs is man’s enemy and must be trained so it is brought towards righteousness. Mujahida of the lovers of Allah سبحانه و تعالى today and through the ages has been to train this nafs so that it becomes an ally in serving Allah rather than an enemy. There are three stages or types of nafs. Nafs ul Ammara is the worst category of nafs, in which a person not only commits sin but boasts of his sins and thus challenges Allah سبحانه و تعالى. This is an animalistic nafs that does not care about anything or anyone, least about pleasing Allah سبحانه و تعالى. This nafs is a close ally of Shaitan in pushing people away from Allah سبحانه و تعالى and Muslims should pray for deliverance from this type of evil. Nafs ul Luwwama is a stage somewhat improved from this such that this type of nafs feels shame when it commits sins and repents to Allah سبحانه و تعالى. This describes the average Muslim who desperately wants to obey and please Allah سبحانه و تعالى but slips into sin because his nafs overpowers him at times. However, after falling into sin he immediately repents because he feels deeply ashamed. Although this nafs is definitely an improvement from the previous one, man should always keep striving to improve his nafs beyond this. Nafs ul Mutma’inna is the best kind of nafs. It has been rectified and trained to obey Allah. Only the special lovers of Allah سبحانه و تعالى who have struggled their whole lives against their nafs are so blessed. This type of nafs now remains preoccupied with the sunnah and other ways by which to please Allah سبحانه و تعالى. Moreover, people with this type of nafs not only run from sin but Allah سبحانه و تعالى protects them from sin and keeps them on the path of the shariah. This nafs struggles so hard to improve itself that Allah سبحانه و تعالى will admit it into Paradise on the Day of Judgment as He promises in the Holy Quran. This is the nafs that man should beg for and beseech from Allah سبحانه و تعالى. Mujahida till Death Ever since Shaitan was exiled from Paradise, mujahida has been written in man’s destiny since Shaitan promised to lead man astray at every opportunity. Allied with Shaitan within man is his nafs, constantly urging him to act against Allah’s wishes and toward the fulfillment of evil base desires. Trapped alongside the nafs within the body is the ruh (spirit), which is inherently pure and constantly struggles to act according to Allah’s wishes. Hence man is destined to struggle between good and evil until he triumphs over his nafs by the mercy of Allah سبحانه و تعالى. Man is weak and cannot do anything alone; hence Muslims should constantly pray to Allah سبحانه و تعالى for help in making their nafs submit to His Will. Source

Islamic Ruling On Beating One's Wife We acknowledge that Islām give rights to husband to beat his wife, but what if he does so unlawfully? What if he oppresses his wife and beats her unnecessarily? What if he slaps her on her face? Answer Wa’alaykum as Salām wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuhu, There is no doubt that a woman has been given equal rights to that of a man in Islām. A man cannot oppress, tyrannize or manipulate his wife as he wishes. Rather, Islām advocates that a man should treat his wife with utmost love, respect and dignity. Our illustrious Fuqahā permit a husband to hit his wife slightly on a few occasions. The following four occasions (and occasions which are similar to them) are mentioned in the books of fiqh: 1) If she refuses to beautify herself for her husband, 2) If she refuses to share the bed with him, 3) If she leaves the house with no necessity without his consent, 4) If she omits her compulsory prayers or omits performing ghusl after attaining purity from ḥayḍh. (There is difference of opinion on this last point; Some jurists permit the husband to slightly hit his wife while others disagree.) Although there are certain times (there are four times in the Ḥanafi maḍhab) permission is granted for a husband to hit his wife. However, the books of Ḥadīth are emphatic that he may only hit her slightly, in such a way that he does not bruise her or cause her any injury. It should be remembered that he can only hit her after first admonishing her, (and if that does not have an effect) then sleeping in a separate bed/room. If still she does not comply, the husband will be permitted to beat his wife slightly without causing any wounds, injury or harm. Again, this is only what is permissible and not what is commendable. It is preferable that the couple should be broadminded, forbearing and tolerate each other. Hitting should be the last step after exhausting all avenues. If the husband abuses this ‘responsibly’ and beats a wife without respecting the limits set down by the Qurān and Ḥadīth, then she can take him to an Islāmic court and the judge will decide accordingly. She cannot take revenge on her own (this is for her betterment, otherwise, the husband will fight back and a war will burst out in the house). This would however, only apply if here were bruises and injuries. If he slapped her on the face and it did not cause any injuries, she would not be permitted to take him to court, although he will be sinning for violating the laws of Islam. However, if she gets injured, she may take legal action. The mere cause of injuries and wounds is enough for the wife to take the husband to court, even though these wounds will heal in a short period of time. Of course, the judge would give an adequate ruling. وفيها من أخر الجنايات ادعت على زوجها ضربا فاحشا وثبت ذلك عليه يعزر الزوج اه وظاهره أنه لو لم يكن فاحشا وهو غير المبرح فإنه لا يعزر فيه (البحر الرائق – (3 / 237) ضرب الزوج زوجته لترك مطاوعته في الفراش فهلكت ضمن (المحيط البرهاني – (3 / 124) لو ضرب امرأته على المضجع أو في أدب فماتت يضمن إجماعا وعليه الكفارة (البحر الرائق – (8 / 392) ولو ضرب امرأته للنشوز فماتت منه يضمن (بدائع الصنائع – (6 / 381) قال في البحر وصرحوا بأنه إذا ضربها بغير حق وجب عليه التعزير اه أي وإن لم يكن فاحشا (رد المحتار – ط. بابي الحلبي – (4 / 79) ضرب امرأته تأديباً لها فماتت 1390 ولو ضرب امرأته في الأدب فماتت فإنه يضمن (عيون المسائل – (1 / 280) والزوج إذا ضرب امرأته بنشوز معتاد أو غير معتاد فماتت كان ضامناً عند الكل ولا يرثها في قولهم (فتاوى قاضيخان – (2 / 179) رجل ضرب امرأته في أدب فماتت قال أبو حنيفة رحمه الله تعالى عليه الدية و الكفارة (فتاوى قاضيخان – (3 / 273) وإن عزر زوج عرسه) على ترك الزينة، أو الإجابة إذا دعاها إلى فراشه، أو على الخروج من بيته فماتت (لا) أي لا يهدر دمها بل يضمن، لأن تعزيره إياها على هذه الأشياء مباح ترجع منفعته إليه لا إليها، فيتقيد بشرط السلامة وعلى هذا ينبغي أن لا يضرب امرأته على ترك الصلاة، أو على ترك غسل الجنابة، لأن منفعة ذلك عائدة إليها. وقد ذكر الحاكم: أنه لا يضرب امرأته على ترك الصلاة، ويضرب ابنه عليها (فتح باب العناية – (6 / 40) And Allaah Ta’aala knows best Wassalaam, Ismail Moosa (Mufti) Iftaa Department, Euro-Sunni & Islamic Research and Welfare Academy Source

Scholars' Condemnation of Men hitting their Wives

Clear Instructions in the Qur'an in case of Conflict Contrary to the misconception that the Qur'an encourages "wife beating", clear instructions have been mentioned in verse 34 of Suratun Nisaa on the steps to be taken by the husband in a conflict where the the wife is rebellious and at fault. As for the "Beating"...

What does the Qur'an & Hadith saying regarding Marriage? From Hadith (To quote just a few....) On the occasion of Hajjatul-Wida (The Farewell Hajj) The Prophet among other advices said with regard to women; "0 People! fear Allah with regard to your wives. You have taken them into your possession with the permission of Allah." "A believer must not hate a believing woman (i.e., his wife); if he dislikes one of her traits he will be pleased with another." (Muslim) The Prophet said: "Among the Muslims the most perfect, as regards his faith, is the one whose character is excellent, and the best among you are those who treat their wives well." Al-Tirmidhi Hadith 628 | Narrated by Abu Hurayrah Even Verbal Abuse is not Tolerated in Islam As for the Children....

One of the most widely discussed subjects on the net. Unfortunately many Muslims, especially women, accept misconceptions propagated by the enemies of Islam. In this topic we shall inshaAllah present the true Islamic teachings. The verse of the Noble Qur'an which discusses the issue and which is surrounded by misconception is from Suratun Nisaa, number 34

The third Hadith The five pillars of Islam On the authority of Abu 'Abd al-Rahman 'Abdullah bin 'Umar bin al-Khattab, radiyallahu 'anhuma, who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, say: [Al-Bukhari & Muslim] "Islam has been built upon five things - on testifying that there is no god save Allah, and that Muhammad is His Messenger; on performing salah; on giving the zakah; on Hajj to the House; and on fasting during Ramadhan."

Words of the second hadith in the video (at 1:05) in the opening post Islam, Iman, Ihsan, Qadar (Click on picture to enlarge) Translation: Also on the authority of 'Umar, radiyallahu 'anhu, who said: "While we were one day sitting with the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, there appeared before us a man dressed in extremely white clothes and with very black hair. No traces of journeying were visible on him, and none of us knew him. He sat down close by the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, rested his knee against his thighs, and said, O Muhammad! Inform me about Islam." Said the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, "Islam is that you should testify that there is no deity save Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, that you should perform salah (ritual prayer), pay the zakah, fast during Ramadan, and perform Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House (the Ka'bah at Makkah), if you can find a way to it (or find the means for making the journey to it)." Said he (the man), "You have spoken truly." We were astonished at his thus questioning him and telling him that he was right, but he went on to say, "Inform me about iman (faith)." He (the Messenger of Allah) answered, "It is that you believe in Allah and His angels and His Books and His Messengers and in the Last Day, and in fate (qadar), both in its good and in its evil aspects." He said, "You have spoken truly." Then he (the man) said, "Inform me about Ihsan." He (the Messenger of Allah) answered, " It is that you should serve Allah as though you could see Him, for though you cannot see Him yet He sees you." He said, "Inform me about the Hour." He (the Messenger of Allah) said, "About that the one questioned knows no more than the questioner." So he said, "Well, inform me about the signs thereof (i.e. of its coming)." Said he, "They are that the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress, that you will see the barefooted ones, the naked, the destitute, the herdsmen of the sheep (competing with each other) in raising lofty buildings." Thereupon the man went off. I waited a while, and then he (the Messenger of Allah) said, "O 'Umar, do you know who that questioner was?" I replied, "Allah and His Messenger know better." He said, "That was Jibril. He came to teach you your religion."" [Muslim]

Words of the first hadith in the video in the opening post Actions are judged by intentions (Click on picture to enlarge) It is narrated on the authority of Amirul Mu'minin, Abu Hafs 'Umar bin al-Khattab, radiyallahu 'anhu, who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, say: "Actions are (judged) by motives (niyyah), so each man will have what he intended. Thus, he whose migration (hijrah) was to Allah and His Messenger, his migration is to Allah and His Messenger; but he whose migration was for some worldly thing he might gain, or for a wife he might marry, his migration is to that for which he migrated." [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]

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