Replies

"A number of his claims regarding women and what they are allowed to do and not do are wrong - Islam teaches the opposite,"

I report, you decide.

KISS Claim:
"Muslim women had to walk behind their men and were not allowed to be educated or own houses, he said. "

I work with women at my workplace. Is it a sin to look at them?(Question 4040 from United Kingdom)

It is, therefore, extremely important for a person to exercise great precaution in getting into contact with strange women. You should avoid it under all circumstances. Rather, you should seek alternate venues or make some type of agreement with the woman so that you do not clash or come into contact with each other.

According to islam, are women lacking in intellect as compared to men??(Question 9511 from South Africa )

It is true that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) has mentioned that women have less intelligence than men. This is recorded in Bukhari Shareef. As far as decision making between husband and wife, the Shari'ah has made the husband the head of the family. The wife has to obey his lawful demands. This does not mean that he should not consult with her, or that she has no say whatsoever in the family, but it means that time final authority lies with the husband.
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'I have not seen a person deficient in intelligence and Deen more able to overcome an intelligent man that you, O women. The women asked, 'What is the deficiency in our intellect and Deen.' Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) replied, 'Is it not that in testimony, your testimony is half of the man's.' They replied, 'Certainly.' He (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'This is due to your deficient intellect.' Also refer below our standard reply to a similar query.

Is it allowed for women to use kohl (surma) outside the house? (Question 10778 from Denmark)

1} At the out set you should understand it is incorrect a women to exit her house except in dire need and necessity.

Are women allowed to drive?(Question 7272 from United Kingdom )

As far as the actual act of driving is concerned, it is permissible per se for a woman to drive.
However, since driving for a woman breaches a number of Shar’ee laws governing Hijaab, etc. we say that it is not permissible for her to drive. We all know the opportunities of sin, shamelessness, unnecessary emergence from the home, etc. this brings about.

Are women allowed to go to mosque?( Question 10014 from Canada )

Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) has mentioned, ‘It is best for a woman to perform Salaat in the inner most recess of her home.’
In view of the abovementioned Hadith, we advise you to perform all your Salaats indoors. However, with regard to the issue of Da’awah, you could ge into contact with other women via your husband/son/brother, etc. who would attend the Musjid and obtain contact details of other Muslim families from the men in the usjid. Thereafter, you could contact them for the purpose of Da’awah

I have heard in the news that women in india are planning to build an own mosque - is it allowed in shariah?

The concept of a female mosque has no basis whatsoever in Shari’ah. If the news is true and authentic, it is unfortunate that Muslim women being influenced by the movement against gender discrimination have now discriminated against the Shari’ah.

Are the women allowed to go the universities that is prevailed for education at this point of time where there is co-education and intermingling and there are male teachers?(Question 8210 from Pakistan )

From my personal experience I wish to urge my sisters to think very seriously about seeking deeni knowledge after they complete Grade 12. Give yourselves the opportunity of spending at least three years in an institute where you seek Allah Ta'ala and truly learn what it is to be a Muslim woman and the great role and honour Allah Ta'ala has bestowed upon you as His treasured creation. ( After that, if you wish, continue with secular education).

Is it allowed for women to go to universities where the male and female are studying together? what about work?(Question 5775 from United States)

1. Women may not attend such universities. Intermingling of sexes is not allowed in Islam. Males should attempt to avoid such universities. If there are no alternatives, the males attending such universities should keep their contacts to an absolute bare minimum as is practically possible.
2. If a woman does not have anyone to support her, and has no other source of income, then such circumstances permit her to work. In Islam, it is the duty of her male relatives to provide for her. if they neglect this duty despite having the ability to do so, they will be sinful.
3. If a woman, out of genuine necessity, has to work, she should preferably work from home. If she has no other option but to emerge, then she should be dressed in Hijaab. There is no need for fancy interpretations of 'how will she be recognized(?)' The people in the office will just have to trust her that she is who she says she is. People accept such a trust over the phone a hundred times a day. Such queer excuses will never justify the abandonment of Hijaab.

Can single women own property and live independently...Can I purchase property and live on my own?(Question 9929 from South Africa )

Answer 9929
1. Aqeeqah is a Sunnat and should be practiced.
2. It is preferable to do the Aqeqah on the 7th day. Thereafter, on every subsequent 7th day - 14th, then the 21st day, etc. If ones Aqeeqah had not been done, then he/she may offer a sacrifice later in his/her lifetime.
3. The Aqeeqah of a boy is 2 goats or sheep and for a girl is 1 goat or sheep.
4. If one cannot afford to sacrifice 2 goats or sheep for a boy, then even 1 goat or sheep will suffice. However, if one cannot afford any animal at all, then he does not have to do Aqeeqah. He may give some Sadaqah of whatever he can afford.
5. Aqeeqah and Qurbaani meat have the same law. One may distribute it to whomsoever he wishes and may consume it himself. (Fataawa Mahmoodiyah part11 pg.342)
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai

And just for show:

many muslims priase Hitler for killing jews, shoud they or are they wrong.

Islam has ordered us Muslims to fight against the enemies of Islam and not be like the Jew and make other nations fight their wars. We as Muslims may share in Hitlers hatered for the Jews but we cannot praise him for the manner in which he went about killing the jews (if the history books are correct). But rather we as Muslims are governed by the Shariah which prohibit the killing the old and the weak etc.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.