Following on Twitter

[Bint e Aisha]

Following on Twitter

Last Updated on Thursday, 02 November 2017 11:34

 

Question:

Assalaamu ‘alaikum

I am a girl and I follow various males on twitter and there are lots that follow me. I don't speak to any of them but some post inspirational stuff while others just post something funny or interesting from time to time. Sometimes I retweet things from these various males.

My husband does not agree with this at all and always tells me he doesn't like me following men or them following me even though I don't speak to them.

My questions are:

1. Is it haraam for me to follow males and allow them to follow me? 

2. If my husband is unhappy about it, is it okay for me to still do so? 

3. Is my husband right for not wanting me to do that? 

 

Answer:

Bismihi Ta‘ala

Wa ‘alaikumus salaam wa rahmatullahi wa barkaatuh

Respected Sister in Islam

Firstly, as an introduction, understand clearly that hayaa is one of the most essential qualities of a Mu-min. It is also naturally to a much higher degree in a woman. The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) were the true embodiments of hayaa.  

Once Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum): “What is the best quality of a woman?” The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) remained silent and did not give any answer. Later ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) came home and posed the same question that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had asked them to his wife, Sayyidah Faatimah (radhiyallahu ‘anha). She spontaneously replied: “Why did you not reply (that the best quality of a woman is) that she does not see any (non-mahram) man and no (non-mahram) male gets to see her”(non-mahram refers to one with whom marriage is not forbidden. This includes cousins, brothers-in-law, etc.). ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) relayed her reply to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), upon which he replied in great joy: “Faatimah is a part of me (hence she gave such a wonderful and perfect reply)” (Bazzaar #526 – Majma‘uz Zawaaid #7395 and Hilyatul Awliyaa #1445)

Sayyidah Faatimah (radhiyallahu ‘anha)’s reply emanated from her natural hayaa which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) aptly engendered. These are the footsteps in which we should follow.

While social media platforms have their own terminologies which do not convey the literal meaning of the word, nevertheless for a female to still say that she has many (non-mahram) male followers is not in keeping with the dictates of hayaa. Males “following” a non-mahram female will throw open the doors of fitnah. On a general note the same applies to females following non-mahram males on social media.

Further, it is extremely important that the wife be obedient to the husband in anything that does not contravene sharee‘ah. Thus even if something may be permissible, but the husband, for whatever reason, is not happy that his wife be involved, participate, etc. in that aspect, then the wife should obey the husband. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is reported to have said that had sajdah been permissible for anyone besides Allah Ta‘ala he would have ordered the wives to make sajdah to their husbands. (Sunan Tirmizi #1159) Therefore, bear this in mind in all aspects and insha-Allah there would be great barakah in your marriage.

(Obviously husbands are also advised not to be unreasonable and to allow their wives some leeway in things which are permissible when there is no apparent harm that could come from any particular aspect that his wife intends doing. However the wife’s duty is to obey the husband in all aspects that conform to sharee‘ah.)

May Allah Ta‘ala grant us all the correct understanding of Deen and enable us to practice that which will please Him.

Answered by:

Uswatul Muslimah Panel of ‘Ulama

Uswatulmuslimah.co.za