Fiqh Muslimah

[Source courtesy of Ibnu Sina Institute, Sg]

AlhamdulilLah, we have completed Module 3 and will commence Module 4 soon, insya Allah. All Muslimah are welcomed to enrol... the course is conducted in the Malay Language :)

Adab in Islah and Da'wah - Start with Understanding Concepts

Subhan Allah, it is true what Sheikh Abdul Halim says about truly understanding definitions and concepts in Islam in order to operationalise one's life with yaqin (conviction). And it is always a great pleasure to sit with my beloved uncle to discuss about Islam (had the opportunity yesterday over Idul Adha's gathering).

He shares the video above (it is in Malay and this is the Part 1 of 8), including the reference book used in the video, as I shared my concern about researching about the concept of Bid'ah. He also urges me to read al-Adab al-Mufrad al-Bukhari, alhamdulilLah.

In all fairness (always have good opinion of people is mum's advice to me), his advice is to view all 8 parts of the video before making an informed decision about the hujah. Similarly, if one views the debate Part 1 of 7, view all 7 parts to be fair to both speakers.

Truly, Islam is Syumul - although your niat and amal ibadah is between you and Allah SWT (hablu minalLah), we live in a community whereby our actions and deeds are visible and sometimes followed by others unknowingly (while our niat is not visible to them).

It is a great responsibility for us to align our niat with our amal and extend ihsan to the Ummah (hablu minanNas) for when we die, 3 things will continue to benefit the dead- doa of his or her child who is soleh, benefit of charity in one's lifetime and beneficial 'ilm (have we conveyed beneficial i'lm throughout our lifetime? Point of introspection). Wallahualam bissawab.

Afternote: It is true what Ustaz Zhulkeflee says that Islam seems foreign when it was revealed and till the end of time, it will still be seen as foreign but that does not mean one should feel pressured to not reveal the Truth, subhan Allah. It is better to be seen as weird but upholding the Truth (Haq) then be accepted by the majority but lives in bathil (am reminded of sirah RasululLah's Isra' and Mikraj). Hence, seeking 'ilm is essential to lead one to the Straight Path and convey the message with hikmah (wisdom). Truly Islam is beautiful and high in adab :)

Fiqh Muslima

AlhamdulilLah, Module 3 will commence on 20 Nov 2010 onwards. I'm looking forward to this, insya Allah!

Women and Fiqh - 22 May 2010

"Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind): If ye love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful." [Surah ale-Imran: 31]

AlhamdulilLah, Ustaz Ghazali covered Chapter 6 of Kitab Da'wah Mahabbah, Ustaz touched on special and privileged place the following have in the eyes of Allah SWT and our beloved Prophet SAW - those who love Allah SWT and love others for the sake of Allah Azza wa Jalla, mothers exhibiting unconditional love, those who experienced death of a beloved child, widows and the poor.

What I took away from this session is the need for wives to make managing the household a priority in life versus seeking ilmu (if the husband can provide the Islamic guidance needed), going to work, doing their own business, etc. Truly, the status of a wife and mother is placed high in an esteemed position in the eyes of Islam, subhan Allah.

Afternote: I'm instinctively reminded of mum's advice - to forgive and forget for the sake of Allah SWT. Yes it is not easy to do but if you have good opinion of people and put your trust in Allah (tawaqal ilalLah) and believe in the Day of Judgment, you'll be at peace with things that come your way... ridha, subhan Allah.

Women and Fiqh - 15 May 2010

"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands' fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons, or their brothers or their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed." [Surah an-Nur: 31]

AlhamdulilLah, Ustaz Ghazali covered Chapter 5 of Kitab Da'wah Mahabbah. He continued with women's honour and nobility through the sirah of the wives of our beloved Prophet SAW and we will benefit from snippets of these noble ladies - Khadijah Ummul Mu'minin, Aisyah RA, Fatimah az-Zahra RA, Ummu Salamah RA, Zainab RA, women from Quraisy, etc.

Afternote: With the kids immersed in the pop culture of today, I do wonder will I make a good enough mum who will steer the kids to the right path and instil in them a love for Islamic living, the true tamaddun (civilisation) that the Ummah desperately needs. May Allah SWT protects us from the Hellfire, ameen ya Rabb.

Women and Fiqh - 8 May 2010

"O ye who believe! .... consort with them (your spouse) in kindness, for if ye hate them it may happen that ye hate a thing wherein Allah hath placed much good." [Surah an-Nisa: 19]

Ustaz Ghazali concluded Chapter 4 of the previous lesson with these 2 ayat -

"... Therefore make peace between your brethren and observe your duty to Allah that haply ye may obtain mercy." [Surah al-Hujuraat: 10]

"And of His signs is this: He created for you helpmates from yourselves that you might find rest in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo! herein indeed are portents for folk who reflect." [Surah ar-Rum: 21]

What I took away from Chapter 4 is that in essence, Islam is rightfully conveying this reality (haq) that insan, by design, have imperfections and have tendency to forget. It is the magnificent wisdom and mercy of Allah SWT the Creator, the Perfect, such that the Ummah learn from each other's strengths and weaknesses (which demonstrates Allah's greatness in His diverse Creations). And for those who contemplate, be grateful to Allah Azza wa Jalla for tests on this earth (Allah has already caution us that our family, wealth, work, etc are but tests). So to my married sisters, thank your husband and kids for the 'tests' as they will bring you closer to Allah SWT; To hate attributes of Allah's creation indicates the lack of gratitude to the Creator, nauzu billahi min zaliq!

This emphasises the beauty of Islam, wherein there is no love before marriage, as advocated by the paradigm of the West (dating, inter-mingling between the non mahram could lead to fitnah and open gates to other greater sins). If one really ponder on this, the beauty in marriage is the process of getting to know one another after one is halal to his/her spouse. Shouldn't that be the real excitement which is more long-term vs. knowing A to Z about a person before marriage, then where is the fun post akad nikah?

Ustaz then continued with Chapter 5, "Honour and Dignity of Muslimah" from the kitab Da'wah Mahabbah Vol. 2.

"... Bedizen not yourselves with the bedizenment of the Time of Ignorance. Be regular in prayer, and pay the poor-due, and obey Allah and His messenger. Allah's wish is but to remove uncleanness far from you, O Folk of the Household, and cleanse you with a thorough cleansing." [Surah al-Ahzab: 33]

He emphasised that sufur (not covering one's aurat) and tasyabbuh (mirroring the millah of the Jahiliyah or 'ignorant' e.g. tabarruj) meant that a muslimah's role model shall not be from the West, rather look to our beloved's prophet's family who are rightfully our best exemplars. There are etiquettes Allah SWT taught the wives of the Prophet SAW and Muslimah are required to follow their example, these commandments are applicable to all Muslim women. [Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Vol 3, p.83].

Some critics may say that the context in which they lived and in which we live is different. Saying this is dangerous as one is implying the lack of wisdom and greatness of Allah SWT. Truly, it is one's lack of 'ilm (knowledge)... so seek knowledge with the 'Aleem so that one reduces one's ignorance.

When asked if there is a good book I can refer to, he recommends, "Jati diri wanita Muslimah" by Dr Muhammad Ali Al-Hasyimi. The book (in Malay) covers the relationship schema between a Muslimah with her Rabb, herself, her parents, her husband, her kids, her family/relatives, her neighbours, her friends, and her community. AlhamdulilLah, coincidentally I found podcasts (in Malay) on lectures based on the book here.

Afternote: I'm constantly reminded of mum's advice to truly acknowledge that Islam is syumul (complete with all the hukum or law clearly outlined for those who reflect). There is no need to look else where if only one realise that the Islamic paradigm and worldview is disticnt from the Western worldview and knowing this gives one the peace of mind to operationalise one's life accordingly. May Allah SWT be pleased with us, ameen!

Women and Fiqh - 24 Apr 2010

"And of His signs is this: He created for you helpmates from yourselves that you might find rest in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo! herein indeed are portents for folk who reflect." [Surah ar-Ruum: 21]

Ustaz Ghazali covers chapter 4 of Kitab Da'wah Mahabbah on the etiquette between a married couple which starts from akad nikah until old age together - the need to have amanah (trust), amar ma'ruf nahi munkar, honesty and sincerity.

The class enjoyed it when Ustaz shared sirah of RasululLah SAW on how he was a romantic husband full of compassion and mercy. Coincidentally, you can view a series of talk by Imam Suhaib Webb on Youtube entitled "Mothers Of The Believers" - Khadijah RA, Sawda RA, Aisyah RA, Hafsa RA, Zaynab K. RA, Hind (Um Salamah) RA, Zaynab J. RA, Ramlah RA (Um Habiba), Rayhana RA, Safiyya RA, Maria RA, Maimoonah RA, or read about them here.

Through the stories shared, the ladies are encouraged to emulate the roles played by these best of examples. May Allah SWT be pleased with us :)

Fiqh in Quran and Hadith

AlhamdulilLah, I benefited from yet another great lecture by Sheikh Riyadh ul Haq. This is part 1 of a series of 10 lectures:

[Source courtesy of Halal Da'wah Records]

Abdullah ibn Abbas, the scholar and sage of the entire Ummah and the interpreter of the Holy Quran, said that the Quran has 4 categories of tafseer (understanding):
1. a part of it can be understood by all even if they do not know hukum
2. a part of it can be understood by those fluent in Arabic language
    (note that Modern Standard Arabic differs alot from the Classical Arabic of the Quran)
3. a part of it can be understood by only the Aleem 'Ulama
4. a part of it can be understood by only Allah SWT

Truly, one cannot detach the Quran from the Hadith and is encouraged to seek the authoritative Aleem 'Ulama to help in correctly interpreting the revelation.

Women and Fiqh - 17 Apr 2010

"And of His signs is this: He created for you helpmates from yourselves that you might find rest in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo! herein indeed are portents for folks who reflect." [Surah al-Room: 21]

Ustaz Ghazali covers chapter 3 of Kitab Da'wah Mahabbah on the husband's responsibilities over his wife. Besides the basic provision of food and clothes, a husband is also required to teach his wife about Fardhu Ain, Aqidah and Tauhid and ensure that his wife and kids observe adab in social engagement and cover their aurat. I benefited from the open and frank exchange.

He concluded the session by sharing the story of how RasululLah SAW chose Ali Ibn Abu Talib to marry Fatimah Zahra. From this story, it is clear that - “Men choose women for four reasons: for their money, for their rank, for their beauty and for their religion, but marry one who is religious and you will succeed” (Bukhari, Muslim).

I'd recommend my dear sisters in Islam to download "Winning the heart of a wife" and share it with our brothers in Islam :)

Women and Fiqh - 10 Apr 2010

"Men are in charge of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah has guarded. As for those from whom you fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great." [Surah an-Nisa: 34]

Ustaz Mohd Ghazali covers chapter 2 of Dakwah Mahabbah on the responsibilities of a wife to her husband as well as chapter 35 of Riyadhus Soliheen on the husband's rights over his wife. Download and read the comprehensive work by Dr. Al-Hashimi entitled "The Ideal Muslimah". May it be beneficial and inspiring, insya Allah.

Women and Fiqh - 3 April 2010

AlhamdulilLah. I've gained much insights from the introduction of this course by Ustaz Mohd Ghazali Mohd Said. He uses the kitab Dakwah Mahabbah: Penyampaian Cinta. He outlined the ethics in family living (adab and akhlak) as mankind has taklif (to be accountable for one's deeds in Hereafter)

He highlighted the importance to turn to the 2 sources of Islamic living - al Quran and Hadith which will be referred to regularly throughout this course i.e. Sami'na wa ato'nah (heed and obey). He also reinforced the need for the Ummah to follow the exemplar or husnatul hasanah selected by Allah SWT, our beloved Prophet SAW in action, deeds and speech:

"Verily in the messenger of Allah ye have a good example for him who looketh unto Allah and the Last Day, and remembereth Allah much." [Surah al-Ahzab: 21]

"And it becometh not a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His messenger have decided an affair (for them), that they should (after that) claim any say in their affair; and whoso is rebellious to Allah and His messenger, he verily goeth astray in error manifest." [Surah al-Ahzab: 36]

One needs to takruf and decide where one is in the scheme of things when it comes to one's aqidah and iman as family living comes with responsibilities:

"O ye who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire whereof the fuel is men and stones, over which are set angels strong, severe, who resist not Allah in that which He commandeth them, but do that which they are commanded." [Surah at-Tahrim: 6]

"And enjoin upon thy people worship, and be constant therein. We ask not of thee a provision: We provided for thee. And the sequel is for righteousness."  [Surat Ta-Ha: 132]

"If ye do good, ye do good for your own souls, and if ye do evil, it is for them (in like manner)."  [Surah al-Isra: 7]

I feel that this course is important for those who want to get married and start a family or those with family (including taking care of your extended family):

"O Children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you as he caused your (first) parents to go forth from the Garden and tore off from them their robe (of innocence) that he might manifest their shame to them. Lo! he seeth you, he and his tribe, from whence ye see him not. Lo! We have made the devils protecting friends for those who believe not." [Surah al-A'raf: 27]

Afternote: As one ikhtiyar (strive) to be consistent, merciful and patient in his/her da'wah in one's endeavour to nurture a muslim family, it is essential to have the end in mind which is to avoid injustice to self, family and most importantly to Allah SWT. I took with me the story of Nabi Noh AS and Nabi Lut AS who persevered in the da'wah eventhough their own spouse or family did not accept Islam. Truly, hidayah is Allah's right, subhan Allah.

Niqab: Fard' or Sunnah?

[Source: Courtesy of Islamic Media]

Hejab = [a] khimar + [b] niqab

[a] khimar = cover the head, neck and bossom
- Fard upon baligh of a woman
- No disagreement between the scholars on this matter

[b] niqab = covers the face with or without the eyes
- it is never a habit or a customary act
- minority of the scholars said it is fard (with no clear cut dalil)
- majority of the scholars said it is sunnah

What is jelbab?
- minority of the scholars defined it as covering from top to bottom
- majority of the scholars defined it as dress, as in the arabic language, it is a normal dress

References
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands' fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons, or their brothers or their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed.” [Surah An-Nur: 31]

Abu Dawood narrates that `Aishah RA said: "Asmaa' the daughter of Abu Bakr RA came to see the Messenger of Allah SAW wearing a thin dress; so Allah's Messenger SAW turned away from her and said: O Asmaa', once a woman reaches the age of menstruation, no part of her body should be seen but this (he pointed to his face) and that (he pointed to his hands).”

“O Prophet! Say to your wives and your daughters and the women of the faithful to draw their outer garments (jilbabs) close around them; that is better that they will be recognized and not annoyed. And God is ever Forgiving, Gentle.” [Surah al-Ahzab: 59]

Aishah RA narrated in a hadeeth that women in ihram do not wear the niqab and gloves. In another hadeeth: Our beloved Prophet SAW provided the dalil that women in ihram during hajj do not wear niqab and gloves, indicating that the face is not aurat.

Afternote:
Subhan Allah, I was just enquiring from Ramzan if niqab is fard’ or sunnah and coincidentally, my cousin shared this video with me. It is very clear to me now, alhamdulilLah :)

What I like about the approach in the video is that Syeikh Shady al-Suleiman provides an overview of both schools of thought and leaves it to the Ummah to adopt what is comfortable for her. Truly, there is no compulsion in Islam.

More importantly, the Ummah is fully aware of the dire implications of labeling something that is not fard’ fard’… The key takeaway is that to speak with wisdom, we must have ilm’ and adab.

The conclusion based on personal opinion is to go with majority of the scholars (jumhur ulama’) without denying the opinions of the minority of scholars i.e. accept that some of our Muslim sisters practice wearing the niqab for the pleasure of Allah SWT.