Why in Islam a Wife Has to Obey her Husband?

 

I read recently on the Huffington Post by an non-Muslim woman arguing that Muslims are the True Feminists.

It shows how Islam and the lifestyle that Allah Almighty has planned for us essentially liberates women and gives them much power and control. You can take a look at the article if you will, it is quite an interesting read.

And I can tell you that, as a Muslim woman, the more I read and learn about Islam, the more I truly and genuinely feel and become fully convicted that the Creator Allah Almighty quite outstandingly honors, elevates and raises the status of women in a manner that I haven’t found anywhere else- and Allah is my witness to that!

Allah, The Most Powerful, Most Knowing, Most Wise Creator has chosen women- not men- but women to be the carriers of life into existence!

We are the creations that are honored and chosen by Allah to bring life into this world. A woman’s womb in Arabic (rahm) is extracted from the name of Allah Himself ArRahman (The Most Merciful). In-and-of itself, this is a sign of elevation and closeness that the woman has with The Creator, The King of kings, the Giver of Life.

The noble Prophet says in a hadith:

“The word ‘Ar-Rahm‘ (womb) derives its name from ‘Ar- Rahman‘ (i.e. Allah, The Continuously Merciful). So whosoever keeps good relations with it (womb i.e. Kith and kin), Allah will keep good relations with him, and whosoever will sever it (i.e. severs his bonds of Kith and kin) Allah too will sever His relations with him.” [Sahih Al Bukhari]

This is the value and status of the woman, the source and the foundation of the society, the link that ties the entire community together.

Allah made men “maintainers” of women. Meaning, wherever she may be (at her father’s house or her husband’s house) the women must be fully taken care of and protected.

Her father or husband are obliged  by Allah to take care of all her needs; her financial needs, her spiritual needs, her intellectual needs…etc. all must be met. They get rewarded for doing so, and they get held accountable before Allah Himself if the didn’t.

The Prophet says:

“Whoever has three daughters and is patient towards them, and feeds them, gives them to drink, and clothes them from his wealth; they will be a shield for him from the Fire on the Day of Resurrection.”[Grade: Sahih. Sunan Ibn Majah]

If she wishes to work and make her own money, she is allowed to do so as she pleases. But whatever money she makes is solely hers. She can do or buy whatever she wants with it.

She is not asked or required in any way, shape or form to spend money on her family or her husband, and he is not allowed to ask her for her money. She is not obliged either by Islamic law to cook or clean in the house. But her husband, whatever money he makes, he has to maintain and spend on her! If he didn’t, he is held accountable before Allah.

If anything, Allah is treating us like Queens, sister! The Prophet says, “Be gentle with the glass-vessels (i.e. the women)”.

He describes women as very delicate and must be dealt with softly, gently and with care.

Narrated Anas: Once Um Sulaim was (with the women who were) in charge of the luggage on a journey, and Anjashah, the servant of the Prophet, was driving their camels (very fast). The Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) said, “O Anjash! Drive slowly (the camels) with the glass vessels (i.e., ladies).” [Sahih Al Bukhari]

Also in the hadith the Prophet said “Indeed women are counterparts of men.”

And Allah Almighty revealed that women and men are equal before Him. He said:

“Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” (Quran 33: 35)

Now, with regards to what you mentioned, we need to make one point very clear. Allah didn’t create men and women to fight with each other. Rather, He created them to complement one another and cover each other’s needs—which is a very beautiful understanding.

“They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them.” (Quran 2: 187).

Men and women- the husband and wife- are described as clothing or garments for one another, which shows the closeness, mercy and bond that must be there between them.

It’s important to realize and come to the understanding that the believing men and believing women are allies! We’re not competing with one another, fighting or trying to overpower one another.

“The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Those – Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.” (Quran 9:71)

The attitude of “why do I have to do this, not him” or “why do I have to do that, not her,”“Why do I obey him, why do I obey her” ….This is not mature way of thinking or acting for us and this is not befitting!

Again, men and women are supposed to collaborate and complement each other’s roles and have mutual understanding.

If you think something is unjust, why do you suggest fixing an injustice by imposing further injustice on the other? Do we fix something wrong by doing the same wrong to others?

Again, Allah created this world upon “balance”, there must be balance, and there must be agreement and coordination. We do not try to possess something completely or bring it completely to our side,or harm the other party to bring benefit to ourselves. That’s not true justice or true activism or feminism. This is imbalance and Allah didn’t call for that.

“And the heaven He raised and imposed the balance. That you not transgress within the balance.” (Quran 55: 7-8)

Men and women are building communities together; pure, dignified communities. We are meant to bring goodness to this world together, raise children and serve humanity together.

It’s not befitting for us to say for example: why are men obligated to spend their money on their families while women aren’t? Or, why are women given the ability to give birth and men aren’t? Or, why there is a chapter in the Quran called “The Women” and there is no chapter called “The Men”?

Again, each of us have rights and responsibilities. Women are the center and the foundation of the family, the community and the Ummah. Men are maintainers and protectors of women. Together they complete and complement each other. While they’re unique in their roles and responsibilities, but in the Sight of Allah, they’re equally valued and rewarded…

I advise you to watch this beautiful talk about roles and responsibilities of men and women by Nouman Ali Khan. It is rather beautiful and explains thoroughly the verses that you mentioned. Insha’Allah it will benefit you greatly.

With regards to the verse you mentioned: no, it doesn’t allow men to beat women unjustly and ask women to stand there helplessly. Rather, it says that in severely extreme cases where women have repeatedly transgressed all boundaries, became harmful, abusive and immoral, men can stop their harm lightly but with limits.

That’s what the ayah does, it puts limits. It doesn’t invite people to beat their wives. Whoever transgresses those limits has wronged in the sight of Allah. Simultaneously, Allah didn’t put any limits on women as you mentioned, on the contrary, He left it open and didn’t even put restrictions on them in this regard like He put on men.

You can watch this very short but concise explanation of the issue of ‘beating’ women here. Insha’Allah it will benefit you as well.

Finally, I remember reading a quote by renowned Egyptian scientist and writer, Mostafa Mahmoud who said “Allah entrusted men with the responsibility of building buildings and constructions…etc., and He entrusted women with the responsibility of building the human being—which truly is a much nobler mission!”

Sister, Allah heard a woman who came to the Prophet to complain about her husband and He revealed verses from the Quran to give this woman her right back and to show how close He is to us, and those verses will be recited by all people in the Quran until the end of time… [Sunan Ibn Majah]

“Certainly has Allah heard the speech of the one who argues with you, [O Muhammad], concerning her husband and directs her complaint to Allah. And Allah hears your dialogue; indeed, Allah is Hearing and Seeing.” (Quran: Chapter 58: 1)

This same woman was reported to have stopped the most powerful man in her time, Omar Ibn Al Khattab, the Khalifa, the Chief of the believers, and she challenged him and advised him on matters of the ruling and he was listening to her humbly and attentively and didn’t speak back at her.

When she was gone and he was asked why he didn’t interrupt her when she took so long of his time, he said “shall I not listen to the one whom Allah has listened to!”

Such is the honor of women in Islam. They’re elevated, their bodies are sacred, and their sanctity, their intellect and their existence are dignified and protected, even serving them is rewarded.

So, have good expectations of your Most Beautiful, Most Wise, Most Just Creator, my sister. Ask Him to open doors of understanding for you, and to keep you among those who truly understand and properly practice their beautiful religion.

Learn more about Allah. How can we assume matters that are unjust about Him when His Name is The Just. Have strong faith in Him;faith like Hajar’s, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, who had such strong faith in Allah even in the toughest, most inexplicable moments.

But with her faith and perseverance, Allah made her a role model for all believers until the day of judgement. He made her a founder of one of the main pillars of Islam: Hajj. Her journey between Safa and Marwa Mountains have become a requirement for the fulfillment of a pillar of Islam: Hajj. [Al Bukhari].

That’s the status of women, sister, and this our Most Merciful Creator…

May Allah honor and shower you with wisdom, peace and light in this life and the next. Ameen

- aboutislam.net

About Dina Mohamed Basiony

Dina Mohamed Basiony is a writer based in Cairo, Egypt. She specializes in Islam and spirituality. Dina holds an MA and BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from the American University in Cairo.

The Power of a Thankful Heart

 

Sleep closes your eyes, but power continues to run through your veins and nerves, sustaining life in your body, never ceasing or slackening.

Who keeps them alive, active, and vigilant for you? Who created and caused them to work from nothing?

You were not created because you asked to be, or provided for while an embryo and a baby because you asked to be. Rather, it was the Generous Bestower and Glorious Maker Who did these things for you, out of His Grace. He truly is more merciful to you than you are to yourself.

Meaning of Thankfulness

Thankfulness is a word that – along with gratitude – means praise and exaltation, and herein lies its worth and merit.

What is important is that the tongue utters gratitude while feeling it in the heart, and acknowledging from deep inside that God, as the source of every good bestowed, deserves all thanks that is sent.

With every blink of the eye and beat of the heart, Allah acquaints mankind with Himself through the blessings He bestows and the good things He sends.

These blessings and bounties, which are renewed throughout every day and every night, should be received with recognition for and thanks to the One Who Bestowed them.

It is He Who made the night and the day follow each other, for such who desires to remember or desires to show gratitude. (25: 62)

If you provide someone with food, give him shelter, pay off his debts, or raise him to a high rank, and he then frowns upon you or gives you his back despite the kindness shown to him, you would perceive him as someone without whom earth would be a better place.

What do you think about the Lord of existence – Who creates out of nothing, provides sustenance and clothing, and showers down His Graces and Favors year after year – when He sees that those living and rejoicing in His Blessings are stern and steadfast opponents of Him!

He has created man from Nutfah (mixed drops of male and female sexual discharge), then behold, this same man becomes an open opponent. (16: 4)

Ingratitude

Ingratitude is baseness. The incessant flow of bounties is just repaid with turning the back to their Giver and disobeying Him in His watchful Presence.

With persistence in such behavior, the right to more is diminished to nothing. Therefore is the command to mankind to thank and express gratitude to Him, their Lord.

Gratitude is not a difficult duty that has to be borne with patience; rather, it is the road to perfection that people must walk with determination and purpose.

O you who believe, eat of the good things that We have provided for you, and give thanks to Allah, if it is truly Him that you worship. (2: 172)

Thankfully acknowledging Allah’s Favors with sweet composure and acquiescence of the heart towards the Maker makes a person worthy of receiving more. Blessings in his hands are like water poured on a fertile land that bursts with flowers and fruits. Pouring more cannot be withheld or reduced.

Contrarily, watering a barren land is a waste, and therefore water is cut off.

If you give thanks, I will give you more (of My Blessings), but if you are thankless, verily My Punishment is indeed severe. (14: 7)

Severe punishment is thus deserved for the evilness of ingratitude.

What will people lose if they enjoy the Blessings of Allah with a thankful heart that acknowledges the Bestower and says to Him, “Thank You.” Or is this too difficult?

The Prophet’s Thankfulness

Gratitude is more a feeling than mere movement of the lips, a feeling that was superbly translated into sincere actions and behaviors throughout the day and life of Prophet Muhammad.

Whenever he woke up, he would say:

All praise and thanks to Allah Who restored to me my soul, made my body healthy, and allowed me to remember Him.

Whenever he finished eating, he would say:

All praise and thanks to Allah Who fed us, quenched our thirst, and made us Muslims.

Whenever he returned from relieving himself, he would say:

All praise and thanks to Allah Who made me taste its (food) good flavor, retained within me its power (strength and energy derived from food), and removed from me its harm.

Whenever he wore a new garment, he would say:

All praise and thanks to Allah Who has clothed me with this garment and provided it for me, with no power or might from myself.

Whenever he returned from traveling, he would say:

We are returning, repenting, worshiping, and praising our Lord.

Whenever something happened that pleased him, he would say:

All praise and thanks to Allah by Whose Blessings all good things are perfected.

And whenever something happened that displeased him, he would say:

All praise and thanks to Allah in all circumstances.

And he prayed:

O Allah, help me remember You, thank You, and perfect my worship of You.

Satan’s Plan

What plan did Satan have against mankind after he was expelled from heaven?

His vengeful endeavors were to rob mankind of contentment and make them ungrateful.

His vengeful endeavors were to distract them and cover their insight with veils of heedlessness, so that they eat the Bounties of Allah and do not thank Him and see His Grand Signs and do not glorify Him.

When beasts find food, they devour it, sensible of nothing else. And when they lack food, they feel hungry, sensible of nothing else. When healthy, they run and jump. But when sick, they lie down and rest, sensible of nothing else.

They know no patience with affliction or thankfulness for bounties.

This is the kind of life that Satan wants mankind to live, neither to remember nor thank Allah.

This was the oath of Satan on the day he was driven out of heaven.

I will surely lie in wait for those on Your Straight Path. Then I will come to them from in front and from behind and from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them grateful (to You). (7: 17)

The Consequences of Ingratitude

The worst of ingratitude is when it is a collective feeling into which an entire nation slides. As if there is a written agreement among them not to mention anything good about Allah, and to gorge His Bounties and ascribe them to anyone other than Him.

Were previous nations, such as ‘Ad and Thamud, destroyed for any cause other than ingratitude?

It was said to ‘Ad:

Remember that He made you successors after the people of Nuh (Noah), and increased you amply in stature. So remember the graces (bestowed on you) from Allah, so that you may be successful. (7: 69)

It was said to Thamud:

Remember that He made you successors after ‘Ad (people); and gave you habitations in the land, you build for yourselves palaces in plains, and carve out homes in the mountains. So remember the graces (bestowed on you) from Allah, and do not go about making mischief on the earth. (7: 74)

The flood of blessings and bounties that flowed throughout their land was nothing to these people. Consequently, they were deprived of what they were ungrateful for; dispossessed of what they denied, and torment was justified against them.

Mankind is warned not to tread such pernicious paths.

Remember Me, I will remember you. And be thankful to Me and do not be ungrateful. (2: 152)

But despite Allah’s Warnings, only few are those who acknowledge His Favors or feel grateful.

But few of My slaves are grateful. (34: 13)

_____________________

From the book “The Emotional Side of Islam” by Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ghazali. Translated and adapted by Haya Muhammad Eid and edited by Emily Katharine Richardson.

- aboutislam.net

How to Find Courage to Help Others

 

Considering all the tragic and heartbreaking events happening around the world, I and many others reading this are infinitely blessed.

Indeed, the Prophet Muhammad says,

“Whoever wakes up safely in his home, and is healthy in his body, and has provisions for his day would have acquired all the worldly possessions he is in need of.” (Al-Tirmidhi).

People around the world are being tested by losing their homes, their families, their lives, and everything dear to them. So then, what is our test while being blessed?

Our test is how we will use those blessings to make this world a better place.

Showing our gratitude for the blessings by bringing more goodness to humanity.

Our test is: What will we leave behind when we die, and what kind of difference will we have made?

Let’s not be stopped by guilt, feelings of helplessness, and despair.

As life goes on, we must go on to cultivate courage and build a better world, because that is our job.

And it is He (God) who has made you successors upon the earth and has raised some of you above others in degrees (of rank) that He may try you through what He has given you”

Qur’an 6:165 

What Are You Responsible For?

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,

“Every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. The leader of people is a guardian and is responsible for his people.

A man is the guardian of his family, and he is responsible for them. A woman is the guardian of her husband’s home and his children, and she is responsible for them.” (Bukhari, Muslim).

Thus, once again, we each hold a responsibility.

The unbearable suffering we see happening in the world needs to move us, motivate us, and push us to take on that responsibility and do our part.

Figure out your talent, your skills, your knowledge, and your experiences that you can use to help others around you.

Do you write, speak, draw, design, educate, mentor, parent, fundraise, or advocate?

Me and you can and will do something. We just need to find it and run with it.

Are You Blessed With Choice?

Each and every one of us may have reason to feel hatred, anger, and fear, but we can absolutely choose to spread love, hope, and courage instead, in spite of all the suffering we see around us.

We can choose to advocate for justice, equality, and peace through respect, foresight, and wisdom.

Choose to teach our children compassion, kindness, and empathy because we want them to live in a better world than we did.

We can choose to trust that, in the end, there is an All-Seeing, All-Hearing, All-Compassionate God that is taking care of every single soul that walks this earth.

Choose hope. We can choose love. And we can choose courage.

Find that courage, embrace it, and let it fuel your ability to make a profound difference for the betterment of humanity.

And if you’re still feeling fearful, uncertain, or anxious, please try the following steps to cultivate courage in order to build a better world:

1) Accept Your Fear

Fear is a natural human response that keeps us safe from life-threatening situations.

However, fear is also a “learned behaviour” that is fed by our environment, such that our brain has almost become trained to be “fearful.”

To “re-wire” our brain, if you will, we need to accept and allow ourselves to feel our fears instead of avoiding or fighting them.

Then we need to ultimately face them.

Most of the time, it is not the fear of wild animals or jumping out of airplanes that you have to overcome.

Rather, the fears that are common to many people, such as the fear of failure or the fear of what others think stand as an obstacle in our way.

And the way to overcome such fears is to simply go ahead and try.

Even if you “fail,” and even if others think negatively, because at the end, every “failure” is a stepping stone.

Ultimately we should not worry about the creation when we have the Creator on our side.

2) Talk to a Trusted Person About Your Fear

Sometimes you don’t really know what your fears are or why you have them until you have a chance to discuss them with a trusted, experienced friend, coach, therapist, or mentor.

You may even wish to discuss it online if you wish to remain anonymous.

As adults, when you face certain situations, and may act in ways that ultimately demonstrate there is fear deep inside.

You may need a trusted individual to help you dig back in and identify the events and feelings that caused that fear so you can overcome it.

Then you can move on to demonstrate more healthy patterns of interactions with others in your future experiences.

3) Take The Time to Reflect

Taking the time to reflect and be mindful can help you overcome your fears.

Through our daily prayers and supplications, this can be the best practice for getting over fear.

When praying, share with the Creator your deepest fears and ask Him to replace those fears with courage and strength.

Visualise yourself overcoming your fears, having more courage, and doing the things you have always wanted to do, knowing that they will bring goodness to humanity.

4) Have Faith in Yourself Based on Your Faith in God

The greatest place to feed that faith in yourself is your faith in God, because He has created you in the best way possible, and with Him, everything can be possible. 

We are told that:

“We have indeed created humankind in the best of molds” (Quran 95:4).

Yes, some of us are born with illnesses “flaws“, and what society may label a “disability.”

But did any of us think that God actually created us “perfectly” in many ways, not just physically?

Those ways include our spirit, our willpower, our emotions, and our ability to love, forgive, and long for Allah.

Many of us have self-defeating and disempowering beliefs, not knowing that this can actually be contrary to how Allah wants us to view ourselves.

If we keep putting ourselves down and holding ourselves back, how can we fulfil our role as successors on this earth and give our best to the world?

If we keep beating ourselves up over failing at one task and wondering why we fail at “everything,” how will we ever have the courage to keep trying?

We have to believe in Allah, who does not make errors when He creates.

He, in His infinite wisdom, created us in a way that is perfect for us, our situation, and our current time.

Remember, “Progress, Not Perfection”

The important point to remember is that this does not mean that all of our actions are perfect, but to remember that, as per Prophet Muhammad’s hadith (authentic tradition):

“Every child is born in a state of fitrah, which means in a state of goodness and purity.

We were created with an inner capacity for spreading compassion and equality.

Never ever lose that faith in yourself, bestowed on you by the Creator of the Universe.

5) Persevere in The Face of Fear

Facing your fears and doing something different will inevitably mean that you will encounter failure, criticism, and setbacks.

However, you can reframe all of those into “experience,” “feedback,” and “stepping stones.”

Every “failure” taught you a great lesson that you may not have learned elsewhere.

Every “critique” can either be constructive feedback that you take to improve yourself or simply idol talk that you ignore.

That strengthens your ability to not define yourself by the opinions of others but only by the opinions of God.

Every “setback” that you experience can actually be a “stepping stone” to something greater that you will achieve.

Do not allow difficult circumstances to diminish your mental and spiritual power.

Know that every great person achieved their greatness by persevering in the face of fear.

Starting with the Prophets (PBUH), all work through their fear.

So in summary, to cultivate more courage for a better world, accept your fears, talk about them with a trusted individual, take the time to reflect, do something different, have faith in yourself based on your faith in God, and persevere in the face of fear.

You can choose courage. Choose courage so we can build a better world together, Insha’Allah.

- aboutislam.net

About Um Hadi

Um Hadi has BA in Psychology & Education and acquired certifications in Leadership, Life Coaching, Adults Training, and Relationship Coaching. She is currently completing her Masters in Educational Leadership.

Allah’s Universe is Filled with Life

 

During Medieval times, almost all Christian theologians accepted the Ptolemaic Geocentric Greek view of the universe as an absolute universal truth. The Catholic Inquisition punished those who, like Galileo, dared to voice other ideas.

I don’t know why they believed that the rarity of life in our universe proves that God must have created life only on this planet. Perhaps they believed that if intelligent life exist on other planets; it would diminish the miracle of God’s creation of Human Beings.

However, for me, the opposite is true. That God’s universal creation is full of life. This is simply the result of God’s mercy and love of all living things.

The Holy Qur’an and the Hebrew Bible both teach that the Living God created the whole universe to be conducive to the universal evolution of life.

The Holy Qur’an says, “We have not sent you but as a blessing for all the worlds.” (Surat Al-Anbiya’ 21:107). Many commentators say this refers to the 18,000 worlds created by Allah. Our world is one of them. (Mir’at-e-Kainat, vol.1, p.77). [1]

The Hebrew Bible says in the Zabur of Prophet David, King of Israel; “Your kingdom is a kingdom of all the worlds; and Your dominion is for all generations.” (Psalms 145:13).

In January 2013, astronomers estimated that there could be at least 17 billion Earth-sized exoplanets in just our galaxy; the Milky Way. They also said that one in six stars could be hosting an Earth-sized planet in a close orbit.

Two years later, two new studies have offered additional evidence favoring widespread solar systems with earth like planets thus providing more proof that Allah’s Universe can be filled with life.

First, at a meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) this January, NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope team announced its 1,000^th discovery of a planet outside our solar system.

This brings the total number of confirmed exoplanets to 1,795, with an additional 4,000 possibilities also located by Kepler.

Twenty years ago we had no proof at all that our planetary system wasn’t unique in the universe. Now we know that we are one of thousands.

Are We Single or Unique?

Second, the Kepler Space Telescope has discovered a star with three planets only slightly larger than Earth. The outermost planet, which is 50% larger than planet earth, orbits in the zone where surface temperatures could be moderate enough for liquid water and perhaps life to exist.

In fact, this means that proof that Allah’s universe can be full of life is literally coming closer and closer.

The discovered star is a cool red M-dwarf, about half the size and mass of our own sun. Roughly three-quarters of the stars in our galaxy are M dwarfs.

M dwarf stars burn their fuel slower than larger stars. Thus, they provide more time for life to evolve on any planet with the right conditions.

At a distance of only 150 light years, that star ranks among the top 10 nearest stars known to have transiting planets. Its proximity means it’s bright enough for astronomers to study the three planets’ atmospheres to determine whether they are like Earth’s atmosphere and possibly conducive to multicellular life forms.

For those who believe in the One God of all the inhabitable worlds, these two new scientific studies aren’t shocking.

Unlike the Roman inquisition’s condemnation of Galileo, no Muslim or Jewish astronomer was ever condemned by a Muslim or Jewish inquisition, because Jews and Muslims never had an institution like the inquisition.

Also, because both Muslims and Jews had many philosophers who were critics of Aristotle’s and Ptolemy’s science, most medieval Jewish and Muslim religious leaders didn’t feel they had to prevent new science from disagreeing with Greek science.

Thus, even as new discoveries always change the scientific understanding of God’s universe; the religious belief that the whole universe exalts God and reveals God’s glory remains the same.

The Holy Qur’an proclaims over and over again, “Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth exalts Allah” (Qur’an 57:1, 61:1, and 64:1) and the Zabur states; “The heavens declare the glory of God.” (Zabur of Prophet David-Psalm 19:2).

- aboutislam.net

References:

Muhammad Hilmi Kutlubay. “Let us unite under the creed of Ahl-isunnah, under the guidance of ayahs and sunnah”. P.23.

About Rabbi Allen S. Maller

Rabbi Allen S. Maller web site is: rabbimaller.com. He is an ordained Reform Rabbi (HUC_JIR 1964) who retired in 2006 after 39 years as the Rabbi of Temple Akiba in Culver City, California. Rabbi Maller has written many articles about Islamic and Jewish connections that have appeared on Islamic and Jewish web sites. He is also the editor of a series of “High Holydays” Prayer books, and the author of a book on Jewish mysticism.

10 Hadiths on Health and Hygiene Every Muslim Should Know

 

Health, cleanliness and hygiene occupy a great part of Islam’s attention.

While some nations abandoned self-care and cleanliness to attain high spirituality, Islam made it obligatory to clean oneself in preparation for daily prayers.

Caring for one’s hygiene is not only deemed a good habit in Islam but also rendered into rituals that constitute part of the faith itself.

As mentioned above, a Muslim is required to be clean when performing daily Prayers, which includes properly cleansing oneself after using the toilet and practicing ablution.

In some cases, a full body bath is obligatory such as after spouses’ intimacy.

Moreover, the great encouragement for cleaning teeth as shown in the hadiths below reveals to which extent Islam was careful even for the details of personal hygiene.

That is no strange for Islam cares about the wellbeing of the human both in the world and in the hereafter. A healthy strong believer is better in the sight of Allah than a weak one as the former is more qualified to fulfill the objectives of Islam and serve the humanity.

This collection of hadiths presents only some examples of Islam’s stance on health and hygiene:

Cleanliness is part and parcel of faith

1. Abu Malik Al-Ash`ari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Purity is half of iman (faith).“  

Tooth brushing is highly recommended 

2. `A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

“The miswak (a twig used for tooth brushing) cleanses and purifies the mouth and pleases the Lord.” (An-Nasa’i and Ibn Khuzaimah; authenticated by Al-Albani)

3. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

“Were it not that I might overburden my my followers, I would have commanded them to use the miswak before every prayer.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Personal hygiene is a human nature

4. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Five practices are of the fitrah (natural disposition): circumcision, shaving the pubic region, clipping the nails and cutting the moustaches short.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Rituals on Muslims’ best day

5. Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Whoever takes a bath on a Friday and does it well, and purifies himself and does it well, and puts on his best clothes, and puts on whatever Allah decrees for him of the perfume of his family, then comes to the mosque and does not engage in idle talk or separate (pushing between) two people; he will be forgiven for (his sins) between that day and the previous Friday.” (Ibn Majah and authenticated by Al-Albani)

Keep environment clean

6. Mu`adh (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet warned,

“Beware of the three acts that cause you to be cursed: relieving yourselves in shaded places (that people utilize), in a walkway or in a watering place.” (Ranked sound, hasan, by Al-Albani)

7. Abu Dharr Al-Ghafari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

“Removing harmful things from the road is an act of charity (sadaqah).” (Authenticated by Al-Albani)

Using medicine is encouraged

8. Usamah ibn Sharik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:

I came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions were sitting as (quiet as) if they had birds on their heads. I saluted and sat down.

The desert Arabs then came from here and there. They asked: Messenger of Allah, should we make use of medical treatment?

He replied: “Make use of medical treatment, for Allah has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it, with the exception of one disease, namely old age.” (Abu Dawud and authenticated by Al-Albani)

Be strong and healthy

9. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

“A strong believer is better and dearer to Allah than a weak one, and both are good.

Keenly pursue what benefits you, seek help only from Allah, and do not give up.

If something befalls you, do not say, ‘If only I had done otherwise.’

Rather say, ‘Allah so determined and did as He willed,’ for ‘if only’ opens the door to Satan’s work.” (Al-Bukhari)

Overeating is not healthy 

10. Al-Miqdam (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“No man fills a container worse than his stomach.

A few morsels that keep his back upright are sufficient for him. If he has to, then he should keep one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for his breathing” (Imam Ahmad and At-Tirmidhi and authenticated by Al-Albani)

- aboutislam.net

About Muhammad Fathi

Muhammad Fathi is the managing editor of the Shari`ah page, AboutIslam.net and a former Imam and teacher at the Quran Institute of America, MI, USA.

Why Are Dress Codes Different for Men and Women in Islam?

 

Islam prescribes distinct dress codes for men and women to preserve modesty, dignity, and mutual respect. Both are commanded to lower their gaze and maintain purity in interactions. These divine guidelines balance social responsibility and spiritual growth for all Muslims.

Understanding Human Nature and the Purpose of Modesty

Allah has created men and women with different roles to fulfill in life; He knows what is good and bad for us, so He has decreed the rules of modesty for both men and women.

It does not need any high intelligence for us to look within our nature and see why men become attracted to women and why women, by nature, look forward to being adored and present themselves as attractive to members of the opposite sex.

It is precisely this weakness in man and woman that leads them to temptations and fall into fornication and adultery. So, God has revealed laws to protect us against our evil inclinations within.

Islamic rules of modest attire aim at safeguarding the modesty, dignity, and honor of men and women.

Qur’anic Guidance on Modesty for Both Men and Women

Allah, the Creator of humans, knows our nature better than we do. Thus, He has prescribed appropriate rules of behavior and appearance to be observed when men and women interact with one another in a social milieu.

These rules of interaction also include a prescription for modest dressing, which, I should hasten to add, applies to both males and females.

Hijab or the modest attire Islam prescribes forms part of a holistic program of Islamic ethics and morals governing male and female interaction. Prescribing the rule of Hijab, Allah says, {Say to the believing men to lower their gazes and guard their chastity.} (An-Nur 24:30)

{And say to the believing women to lower their gazes and guard their chastity, and let them not display of their charm– except what is apparent.} (An-Nur 24:31)

Balancing Responsibility: Modesty Is Not Only for Women

A very important aside has to be included here as it is seldom mentioned in discussions on women’s attire.

Unfortunately, the onus for guarding the honor and purity of the Muslim society is often laid solely on the backs of women. While recently, there has been more stress on the rules of Islamic dress for men, what needs to be addressed is the requirement of Muslim men to lower their gaze and maintain Islamic decorum in relations with all women, not just Muslim women.

It is not rare to see a Muslim couple walking where the woman is in full Hijab while her husband is gawking at other women. Or to see a father instructing his daughter to cover appropriately before going out and then turning back to watch a TV show full of improperly attired women.

There is wisdom in the Quranic injunction to women to cover themselves, being stated alongside the order to men to lower their gaze. Allah is just, and justice would not be served if women were to be the only guardians of honor.

The Hijab can become a tool of oppression if Muslim males do not maintain their part of this balance. It is often stated that it is difficult for Muslim men to avert their gaze and interact in business-like ways with women in a society where such behavior is considered anti-social.

To this, we can answer that it is just as difficult or even more so for a Muslim woman to maintain a Hijab in such a society. These tasks can be a struggle, and Muslim males and females should view their respective duties as a social responsibility as well as acts of worship. As Allah states in the last part of the verse on Hijab, {O you who believe, turn ye altogether towards Allah in repentance that you me be successful.} (An-Nur 24:31)

Almighty Allah knows best.

- aboutislam.net

About Sheikh Ahmad Kutty

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty is a Senior Lecturer and an Islamic Scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada