Mutual Rights - Maintaining Chastity - II

When righteousness touches a woman, one would not hear or see from her anything but good. Such is the righteousness of the early Muslim generations about whom the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, spoke highly, saying: “My generation is the best of generations.” Surely, they were the best generation, men and women, old and young people, and children. Allah The Almighty brought about goodness through them. Look how the woman refused to react in a bad way or say hurtful words; rather, she mentioned that his prayers kept her husband away from her bed, and listed his virtues and good qualities. Even her saying that she did not praise him in matters related to women, may be a fault in the state of perfection, not necessarily a criticism. The man replied that the chapters in the Quran of An-Nahl and the seven lengthy Surahs (Al-Baqarah, Aal ’Imran, An-Nisa‘, Al-Ma‘idah, Al-A’raf, Al-An’am and Yonus) kept him away from her bed and cast fear in him from Allah The Almighty and reminded him of the Hereafter. He, may Allah be pleased with him, said that when he read the Quran, it portrayed the Hereafter to him as if he was seeing it with his own eyes. So, Hell and its chains as well as Paradise and its bliss made him relinquish this temporary enjoyment and transitional delight.

Ka‘b, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “O man, she has rights on you, and you should have intercourse with her at least once every four nights. Adhere to this and do not make excuses.” There is no excuse and a wise man should do so once every four days, because Allah The Almighty permitted the free man to marry up to four women, so each of the four women has the right to one night out of four.

Some scholars have said that it is not obligatory on the man to have intercourse with his wife and this should be left to his activity and strength, but this is limited to four months. If the four months elapsed without intercourse, the husband would bear a sin and would be unjust because four months are the period of Eelaa‘(mourning). In fact, the first opinion, which is having intercourse once every four nights, is preponderant because it is based on a Shari‘ah fundamental. The period of Eelaa‘, which is four months, would be the maximum period in which the man may not approach his wife. After this period, the wife has the right to lodge a complaint against him, particularly if he swore not to have intercourse with her. True, intercourse should be left to the activity of the husband, and a man should not be obliged to excessively have it, as scholars said. They added that if the woman has impediments, such as lack of beauty or that the husband is not inclined to his wife or does not desire her, then the best form of kindness to the wife occurs in this state. This is because the man often has intercourse with his less beautiful wife for the sake of Allah, out of fear from Him and for fulfilling the rights that Allah entitled for the woman. If the man showed this to his wife and tried his best to guard her against prohibition, it would be of a greater effect. If the woman is beautiful, intercourse in this case takes place as a natural tendency and self desire. If the woman is not beautiful, scholars say that the husband honors himself and tries to overcome himself in order to increase his reward.

The Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “There is a charity in having intercourse with one's wife.” [Ahmad] The Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, informed us that having intercourse with one's wife is considered an act of charity. This encourages the man who has a less beautiful or unattractive wife to remember the goodness and righteousness in her. Perhaps a woman is not beautiful, but she is one of the righteous and devoutly obedient women who guard in the husband's absence what Allah The Almighty would have them guard. Moreover, a man does not know what would have happened to him if he had married a very beautiful woman. She may betray or dishonor him – Allah forbid. Also, a beautiful woman may look at her husband with contempt, thinking that she is more entitled to a more handsome husband. However, Allah The Almighty may favor the woman who is not beautiful with a good mind, religiosity and observance of the Islamic teachings that she appreciates.

There are many unattractive women, but Allah The Almighty compensates them with a good mind. It is commonly known that the more a man lacks beauty, the more Allah The Almighty may distinguish him in his religiousness, mind, wisdom, insight, health or well-being. Allah The Almighty is just and does whatever He wills. He distributes His blessings among His slaves. His is the judgment and there is no one to put back His judgment. The point is that the husband should immediately fulfill his duties, and some scholars said that he should do so even if he is tired or exhausted, hoping for the reward from Allah The Almighty.

Some righteous men get bored with these things, and sometimes they impose on their wives to be in the state of obedience, religious matters and worship. A wife may be busy with religious matters but not give the rights of Allah their due. For instance, an Islamic caller may devote himself to the Da‘wah (call) or a scholar may devote himself to knowledge but this takes place to the detriment of the family and wife. He should organize and manage his time, and should not set out for Da‘wah or travel unless he fulfills the rights of his family so that he has guarded them against prohibitions. He should not leave until he feels that his absence or traveling would most probably not lead them to commit anything unlawful by fulfilling this duty in the most perfect way.

Equal overnight distribution:

The right to equal distribution and overnight stay implies that since it is obligatory on the spouses to fulfill this right, it is not permissible for the wife to decline the request of her husband to share his bed. The Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “For a woman who declines the request of her husband to bed, the angels curse her until the morning.” He also said: “For a woman, whose husband calls her for intercourse, and she refuses, those in heaven will keep cursing her until the morning.” Therefore, the spouses should observe this right.

This right leads to another issue, which is distribution and equality between co-wives when they are four. The Sunnah of the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, outlined this distribution, and we will discuss it in brief. Every wife has the right to one full night, namely, an overnight stay. The guidance of the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, regarding the daytime was that he might have visited his wife on a day other than hers; if the night was for another wife, he, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, would visit the rest of his wives after the ‘Asr Prayer, according to some scholars, particularly if the other wife had children or needed his presence. In that case, he would fulfill their needs and check their affairs.

This distribution was obligatory on him even if he, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was sick. In the latter case, he would move between the houses. Thus, in the sickness in which he died, the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, would: “Where will I move to tomorrow?” He, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam,asked the permission of his wives to be nursed in the house of ‘Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, and they agreed and gave him permission. This indicates that equal distribution was obligatory upon him even if he, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was sick. If a man is severely sick and cannot move to another house, he should ask their permission to be nursed in one of their houses; if they agree, it would be fine; otherwise, he should draw lots as he does in travel.

There are two cases if he wishes to travel:

• There is no problem to take them all, and in this case he would distribute the nights as usual.
• He cannot take them all, and in this case he would draw lots. It was narrated that when the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, intended to go on a journey, he would draw lots to decide which wife would go with him. After his return, the distribution would continue as it was before he left. -islamweb.net

READ PART 1 - Mutual Rights - Maintaining Chastity - I

Mutual Rights - Maintaining Chastity - I

Maintaining Chastity

The second right of the two rights that this series of articles pertains to is the overnight stay, which signifies that the spouses help each other in observing chastity. Each of the spouses should fulfill this right for the other. Some scholars have said that the purpose of marriage is that both the man and the woman preserve their chastity. Thus, the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:“Whoever has the ability [to get married] should marry. It helps a person lower his gaze and maintain his chastity.” [Muslim]

A man cannot properly lower his gaze and guard his organs from violating the boundaries and prohibitions of Allah The Almighty except when the woman plays the role of a good wife to him. The same applies to the wife. So, the husband should help his wife observe her chastity, considering it an act of worship. The Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “There is a charity in having intercourse with one's wife.” The Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, said, “O Messenger of Allah, if one of us fulfills his desire, is there a reward in that?” He, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, replied:“Do you not see that if he does it in an unlawful way he will have the burden of sin?” [Ahmad]

Allah The Almighty appreciates this act from the husband, so He gives him a reward for the sperm he puts into his wife. This good act which is done to the wife helps her abstain from violating the rules of Allah The Almighty and prohibited acts, and helps her follow the straight path of Allah The Almighty. It is the duty of the husband to help his wife in this way, and it is the duty of the wife to help her husband in this way by utilizing the lawful available means. The woman should perfectly adorn and beautify herself for her husband in order to make him lower his gaze and observe his chastity. The man should do the same.

The Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, affirmed the words of Salmaan, may Allah be pleased with him, when he, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Your wife has rights over you.” [Muslim] One day, Salman, may Allah be pleased with him found Umm Ad-Darda‘, may Allah be pleased with her, looking untidy and dressed in shabby clothes. He asked her why she was in that state. She, may Allah be pleased with her, replied that his brother, Abu Ad-Darda‘, may Allah be pleased with him, was not interested in her. When Abu Ad-Dada‘, may Allah be pleased with him, arrived, Salman, may Allah be pleased with him, admonished him, and said, “Your body has a right over you; your wife has a right over you and your family has a right over you. So, fulfill the rights to those whom they are entitled,” as if it was like a debt that he owed to his wife. Abu Ad-Dardaa‘, may Allah be pleased with him, went to the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and reported the whole story. The Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Salman has told the truth.” [Al-Bukhari]

A man certainly owes rights to his body and rights to his family. This story took place when Salmaan, may Allah be pleased with him, found the woman dressed in shabby clothes and knew that she could not fulfill the rights of her husband in that way. He, may Allah be pleased with him, was sure that there was something behind that state, so he, may Allah be pleased with him, investigated the matter and asked to know what was the matter with his brother. Once he found out that negligence was on the part of his brother, he admonished him, reminded him and explained to him that this was a duty upon him. A Muslim seeks closeness to Allah The Almighty through bowing and prostration for Him, and he also seeks closeness to Him by guarding himself against committing prohibitions. Allah The Almighty is obeyed in two ways; by carrying out His commands and by avoiding His prohibitions.

Among the gravest sins that people fall into is committing adultery – Allah forbid! Adultery is always an immorality, abominable and an evil act. It violates the honor of the Muslims, leads to mixing up of the progenies and lineages and entails enormous evil that only Allah knows the extent of. It is the righteous wife and the righteous husband who, after Allah The Almighty, guard the chastity of one another, particularly at a time filled with temptations. The woman should pursue the means of beauty and perfection so that the husband would find everything he needs in her, and hence, he would not approach any other woman. Also, the man should prepare himself by avoiding staying frequently outside the house late at night or returning in the hours in which he is very tired, exhausted and sluggish and consequently neglect the right of his wife and deprive her of affection and the means that help her maintain her chastity and guard her against the prohibitions of Allah The Almighty.

Both of the spouses should prepare themselves for that, and the husband should manage his time well to give the family and the work their due hours. Thus, scholars always recommend time management. One of the largest catastrophes the Muslim Ummah suffers, especially in this era, is staying up late at night. It has destroyed Muslim homes and caused negligence of the rights of spouses and children. Most divorce cases arise from staying up late at night because by doing so the husband neglects the rights of his wife and children. If people properly utilize their time, especially after ‘Ishaa‘ prayer and the man was keen to organize his time so that he could find some to bring happiness to his family, this would not happen. This is because Allah The Almighty made the night a time for rest. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {[He is] the cleaver of daybreak and Has made the night for rest.} [Quran 6:96] This is the law and creation of Allah The Almighty. He has assigned rights for the wives upon their husbands and assigned other rights for the husbands upon their wives.

Scholars have said that it is obligatory upon the man to have intercourse with his wife, but they differed about the frequency. Some said that it is obligatory upon the husband to have intercourse with his wife once every four nights. They argued that Allah The Almighty allowed men to marry up to four women at the same time, so the minimum share of the woman in case of plurality of marriage is one night out of four. For that reason, they said that he should have intercourse with his wife once every four nights. Therefore, when a woman came to ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, and said, “O Commander of the Believers, my husband observes fasting during the day and performs voluntary prayers during the night.” He, may Allah be pleased with him, replied, “May Allah bless your husband for you,” and he spoke good of him. The woman left and came again and said, “O Commander of the Believers, my husband observes fasting during the day and performs voluntary prayers during the night.” He, may Allah be pleased with him, asked her who her husband was, and when she mentioned his name, he, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “May Allah reward you for letting us know his virtue.” Again, the woman left and returned and said, “O Commander of the Believers, my husband observes fasting during the day, and performs voluntary prayers during the night.”

The words of the woman show the perfection of the righteous predecessors and their politeness and bashfulness. How beautiful women are when they observe bashfulness and shyness! They amount to perfection. Scholars have said that bashfulness is like the wrapping on a sweet; when the wrapping is removed, flies fall on the sweets. Similarly, when the woman is adorned with bashfulness, it approaches perfection and becomes a valuable secret and well-kept pearl. The woman felt too shy to speak explicitly and hurt her husband by saying directly that he had mistreated her. Scholars interpreted her behavior in two ways: she was shy and shyness is good, or she was a noble woman and did not want to belittle her husband in front of ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him.

In any case, Ka‘b, may Allah be pleased with him, who was attended the conversation, said, “O Commander of the Believers, the woman came to complain about her husband.” We should not think that ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, did not understand her. No. ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, was intelligent, but he wanted the woman to be patient. This was the practice of ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, and he would dismiss the prescribed punishments in case of uncertainty. He, may Allah be pleased with him, did the same thing with Az-Zibriqan ibn Badr, may Allah be pleased with him, when he came to complain about Al-Hutay‘ah. So, ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, would always use indirect words to clear the problems between people because the more people settle their own problems, the better. He, may Allah be pleased with him, did not encourage them to lodge complaints, then call them to judge between them, and this methodology is known in managing the affairs of people.

‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said to Ka‘b, “Since you have understood their case, you shall be the one to judge between them.” The man came, and the woman said, “Prayers have kept my husband away from my bed and he does not sleep during the day or the night, and in matters related to women, I do not praise him.” The woman did not say that, “my husband does so-and-so, he is unfair,” or that “he has such-and-such faults," contrary to many women today. Such women abuse and revile their husbands before judges, and once a woman suffers ill-treatment, she overreacts. She does not leave any defect or bad quality in her husband but she reveals it. May Allah have mercy upon this righteous woman!

(To be continued) -islamweb.net

Masturbation (for both men and women) is Haram (forbidden) in Islam

Question

What is the verdict of masturbation for someone who is eleven months away from home working in another country? Please advise us to clean our souls.

Answer

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

Masturbation (for both men and women) is Haram (forbidden) in Islam based on the following evidence: First from the Qur’an: Imam Shafi’i stated that masturbation is forbidden based on the following verses from the Qur’an (interpretation of the meaning): "And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts). Except from their wives or (the captives and slaves) that their right hands possess, - for them, they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors." 23.5-7 Here the verses are clear in forbidding all illegal sexual acts (including masturbation) except for the wives or that their right hand possess. And whoever seeks beyond that is the transgressor. "And let those who find not the financial means for marriage keep themselves chaste, until Allah enriches them of His bounty." 24.33 This verse also clearly orders whoever does not have the financial means to marry to keep himself chaste and be patient in facing temptations (including masturbation) until Allah enriches them of His bounty. 

Secondly, from the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him): Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood said, "We were with the Prophet while we were young and had no wealth whatsoever. So Allah’s Messenger said, "O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty (i.e. his private parts from committing illegal sexual intercourse etc.), and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual power." Bukhari: 5066. The Hadeeth orders men who are not able to marry to fast despite the hardship encountered in doing so, and not to masturbate despite the ease with which it can be done. There are additional evidences that can be cited to support this ruling on masturbation, but due to the limited space we will not go through them here. Allah knows what is best and most correct. 

As for curing the habit of masturbation, we recommend the following suggestions:

 1) The motive to seek a cure for this problem should be solely following Allah’s orders and fearing His punishment.

 2) A permanent and quick cure from this problem lies in marriage as soon as the person is able, as shown in the Prophet’s Hadeeth.

 3) Keeping oneself busy with what is good for this world and the hereafter is essential in breaking this habit before it becomes second nature after which it is very difficult to rid oneself of it.

 4) Lowering the gaze (from looking at forbidden things such as pictures, movies, etc.) will help suppress the desire before it leads one to commit the Haram (forbidden). Allah orders men and women to lower their gaze as shown in the following two verses and in the Prophet’s Hadeeth (interpretations of the meanings): "Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.). 

That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is all-aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) ..... " 24.30-31 Allah’s messenger said: "Do not follow a casual (unintentional) look (at forbidden things) with another look." Al-Tirmithi 2777 This is a general instruction by the Prophet to abstain from all that may sexually excite a person because it might lead him/her to commit the Haram (forbidden).

 5) Using one’s available leisure time in worshipping Allah and increasing religious knowledge.

 6) Being cautious not to develop any of the medical symptoms that may result from masturbation such as weak eyesight, weak nervous system, and/or back pain. More importantly, feeling of guilt and anxiety that can be complicated by missing obligatory prayers because of the need to shower (Ghusl) after every incidence of masturbation.

 7) Avoiding the illusion that some youth have that masturbation is permissible because it prevents them from committing illegal sexual acts such as fornication or even homosexuality.

 8) Strengthening one’s willpower and avoiding spending time alone as recommended by the Prophet when he said "Do not spend the night alone" Ahmad 6919.

 9) Following the Prophet’s aforementioned Hadeeth and fast when possible, because fasting will temper one’s sexual desire and keep it under control. However, one should not overreact and swear by Allah not to return to the act because if one does not honor one’s promise, one would be facing the consequences of not living up to one’s oath to Allah. Also, note that medication to diminish one’s sexual desire is strictly prohibited because it might permanently affect one’s sexual ability.

 10) Trying to follow the Prophet’s recommendation concerning the etiquette of getting ready for bed, such as reading well-known supplications, sleeping on the right side, and avoiding sleeping on the belly (the Prophet forbade sleeping on the belly).

 11) Striving hard to be patient and chaste, because persistence will eventually, Allah willing, lead to attaining those qualities as second nature, as the Prophet explains in the following Hadeeth: "Whoever seeks chastity Allah will make him chaste, and whoever seeks help from none but Allah, He will help him, and whoever is patient He will make it easy for him, and no one has ever been given anything better than patience." Bukhari: 1469.

 12) Repenting, asking forgiveness from Allah, doing good deeds, and not losing hope and feeling despair are all prerequisites to curing this problem. Note that losing hope is one of the major sins punishable by Allah.

 13) Finally, Allah is the Most Merciful and He always responds to whoever calls on Him. So, asking for Allah’s forgiveness will be accepted, by His will. 

Wallahu a’lam.

And Allah knows what is best and most correct.

-islamweb.net

Adultery as cheating

Question

My friend and I differ in our opinions about "cheating" spouses. Could you please clarify, if his view is the more Islamicly correct one or whether mine is?  I believe that when a married woman commits adultery it is a crime against Allah and also her husband since he has rights to sexual exclusivity from his wife. Actually it is the only right he has from a woman, since she does not have any obligation to her husband except to have sex with him and be faithful to him. If his wife does commit adultery, he is entitled even recommended to divorce her. Therefore it is correct to say that the wife was "cheating" her husband.

Now, when the husband commits adultery, he isn't "cheating" his wife, since it is a crime against Allah only. Of course, I accept the gravity of the situation, and in both cases it is a Kabeerah, however in the case of the husband he is not "cheating" his wife, since a wife's rights in Islam do not include sexual exclusivity. They include, food, drink, a home, and that he looks after her and treat her kindly albeit strictly if he sees fit. Her rights do not include her husband being faithful to her. Hence, it is incorrect to say that a man is "cheating" his wife if he does commit adultery. However, my friend insists that it works both ways. His opinion is that a husband can only have sex with his wife or slaves. Therefore if he does have sex with another woman, the crime is exactly the same i.e. He believes that a man is "cheating" his wife, if he commits adultery.  

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

First you have to know that the term cheating within marriage is not used in Islamic Law. If cheating means adultery, then this applies to whoever commits it whether the wife or the husband. However, if cheating means that one spouse is neglecting the rights of the other if he/she commits adultery, then the wife differs from the husband in this matter. If a wife commits adultery, she may conceive a child from the person she committed adultery with, and claim it to her husband which causes many harms in this world and in the Hereafter. The case is different if the husband commits adultery, the child cannot be claimed to be from his wife. Saying that the rights of the husband on his wife are in sexual exclusivity only is not correct, because she also has to obey him within what is permissible and so on. The statement of your friend that the husband can have sex with his wife and his slave-girl only and not with a woman he is not allowed to have sex with is correct, but it does not necessarily mean that he is neglectful about the rights of his wife by committing adultery. Anyway, adultery is one of the great major sins and an obnoxious act, that is why whoever commits such a sin deserves to be stoned to death whether it is the husband or the wife.

Allah knows best.

-islamweb.net

CHAPTER 94, ASH-SHARH (THE OPENING UP)

Introduction

This is a short, eight-verse chapter revealed in Mecca; its title, The Opening Up or The Expansion is taken from the first verse.  It was revealed shortly after the previous chapter, The Forenoon and is a continuation of the reassurance and encouragement given there to Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him.  It gives us a glimpse of God’s love for Prophet Muhammad and explains the measures He has taken out of concern for His messenger.  There are also the glad tidings that relief will soon be upon Prophet Muhammad. 

Delivering the message caused a great change in Prophet Muhammad’s life; the same society that had previously held him in great honour suddenly turned hostile.  He was used to being treated with respect and now was being showered with abuse.  With every step he faced new difficulties.  Although Prophet Muhammad did get used to the new conditions the initial stages were very discouraging.  Consequently this and the chapter before it were sent down to console and embolden him.

Verse 1 Illuminating Prophet Muhamad’s path

Prophet Muhammad was troubled; there were many obstacles put in his way and the difficulties of his mission weighed heavily on his heart.  He felt as though he needed help and God provided this comforting discourse.   God addressed his beloved messenger saying, "Have we not expanded your breast?" God put Prophet Muhammad’s mind at ease in regards to the message and his mission.  God illuminated his path, and facilitated his journey.  He reassures Prophet Muhammad that He is with him through every difficulty.  God, in just a few words, explains that Prophet Muhammad has been blessed with guidance and light, and submission has been made easy thus there is no need for distress and worry.

Verses 2 & 3 Lightening Prophet Muhammad’s burden

Just as God expanded Prophet Muhammad’s chest in such a way that nobody else had ever felt such relief; now He relieves the burden weighing Prophet Muhammad down so badly his back is beginning to feel as if it would crack, in a way devised especially for him.

Relief came in the form of lightening Prophet Muhammad’s heart and filling him with guidance so that the way to fulfil his mission became clear.  The revelation of the Quran helped him to understand and explain the truth of the message so that it was no longer a burden weighing down on him but it was light and becoming lighter.

Verse 4 Exaltation of Prophet Muhammad

At the beginning of Prophet Muhammad’s mission, the Meccans, who refused to heed his call, tried everything they could to defame him.  This however only made his name spread further afield.  God exalted Prophet Muhammad above those on earth and in the entire universe.  His reputation became very high when his name began to be spoken whilst coupled with the name of God.  There is no God but God and Muhammad is the messenger of God.  This degree of exaltation is granted to no other human being now, in the past or in the future.  The fact that Prophet Muhammad was chosen for the task of spreading God’s message is an exaltation that cannot be aspired to by anyone else.

God has decreed that century after century, generation after generation; millions of people across the globe will honour the name of Muhammad, Messenger of God.  They honour him with prayers for peace and blessings.  By exalting Prophet Muhammad’s name God was demonstrating his love for him. 

Verses 5 & 6 Ease after every hardship

God informs Prophet Muhammad that these bad times will not last forever.   An amazing amount of ease will be associated with every hardship.  These two verses fill the hearts of humankind with gratitude and hope.  As God eases Prophet Muhammad’s burden with these words of comfort so too does He ease the pain we feel.  The pain and heaviness of Prophet Muhammad’s heart is not comparable to the pains of humankind as we go through our trials and tribulations, but God treats us all with kindness and teaches us lessons in the way He dealt with His messenger.

Incredible ease will only arrive, after you go through some difficulty.  Scholars suggest that God was preparing Prophet Muhammad for the difficult journey of fulfilling his mission but also telling him that victory was assured.  According to Arabic grammar these are two sentences describing one hardship.  With every hardship comes two eases, both of them amazing and able to overpower or erase the difficulty or hardship.  The bad times do not last forever, indeed the way hardship and ease are mentioned together suggests that difficulties are not present without ease being close behind.   

Verses 7 & 8 Longing for God and seeking solace in Him

God tells Prophet Muhammad that when he has finished the difficult work that consumes him by day he will then be able to do what he has been longing to do.  Worship God.  This devotion and dedication to your Lord will provide you with comfort and fortify you to face any difficulties that may arise the next day.  There are scholars who believe that this also refers to Prophet Muhammad’s death.  When his great work was completed he was able to do what he has wanted to do the whole time.  Be with God and worship Him. -islamreligion.com

Seeking the husband's permission before going out

Islam enjoins order in everything: in one's habits and transactions as well as while traveling or taking up a place of residence. When three people travel together, Islam commands that one of them should be the leader. Given that reason, as well as the keenness to organize the Muslim community, Islam gave the man the authority to lead the family as he is more capable than the woman to fulfill this duty. On the other hand, Islam entrusted the woman with a role which befits her psychological nature and physical formation, which is providing the Muslim community with the believing generations which are ready to bear the message of Islam.

In Al-Fataawa by Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, he said, "When a woman gets married, her husband has authority over her more than her parents and she is required to obey him more than anyone else." In a Hadeeth (narration), the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "This worldly life is an enjoyment, and the best of its enjoyment is a righteous woman who pleases you when you look at her, obeys you when you command her and safeguards your honor and wealth when you are absent."[Sahih Muslim]

It was narrated on the authority of Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, that the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "Any woman who dies while her husband is satisfied with her, she will enter Paradise." [At-Tirmithi: Hasan]

It was narrated on the authority of Ibn Abi Awfa, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said,

Mu‘aath came from Ash-Shaam and he prostrated before the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “O Mu‘aath, what is this?”He replied, “I went to Ash-Shaam (greater Syria) and found them prostrating before their archbishops and their emperors. I liked it in my heart that we should do so for you”' Upon this, the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, remarked:“Do not do so. If I were to command anyone to prostrate before anyone besides Allah, I would have commanded the wife to prostrate before her husband. By Him in whose hand is Muhammad's soul, a woman does not fulfill the right of her Lord unless she fulfills the right of her husband, and if he wants to have sexual intercourse with her even if she is on a camel's saddle, she should not refuse.”[Ahmad, Ibn Maajah and Ibn Hibbaan]

When the husband wants his wife to live with him in another place while he fulfills her rights and observes the commands of Allah The Almighty regarding her, and her parents disagree, she is required to obey her husband, not her parents.

Nevertheless, when the husband forbids her to fulfill the commands of Allah The Almighty or orders her to commit the forbiddances of Allah, she is not required to obey him in this. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "A creature must not be obeyed at the expense of disobeying The Creator." [Ahmad]

It should be made clear that obeying the husband is not a form of hegemony, violation or disdain of the woman's character; rather, it is an aspect of obedience to Allah The Almighty and one of the virtuous acts that bring the wife closer to Allah The Almighty and of which she should be proud. This distinguishes the observant Muslim woman from the non-observant one who has neither a father to discipline her nor a husband to stop her. Rather, she goes out whenever she wants and goes to whichever place she wants. Referring judgment to the Sharee'ah (Islamic legislation) of Allah in such matters is the only resort for salvation. Allah The Exalted Says (what means): {And due to the wives is similar to what is expected of them, according to what is reasonable. But the men have a degree over them.} [Quran 2: 228] This degree is the man's authority and responsibility for the family.

A wife is not permitted to leave her home without her husband's permission, whether she is a wet-nurse, midwife or belongs to any other profession. When she leaves her husband's home without his permission, she is considered as being defiant to him, disobedient to Allah The Almighty and His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and deserving of punishment.

 When she goes out to work without her husband's permission, this is considered defiance to the husband and disobedience to Allah and His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. If this is the case for going out to work, then what about going out for visits, regardless of the reasons, even if it is to visit her sick parents?

The husband is entitled to prevent his wife from going out even for necessary things, such as visiting her parents, nursing them or attending the funeral of anyone of them – if he has a sound reason for doing so. Regarding a woman who has a husband and a sick mother, Imaam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy on him, judged that obedience to the husband takes precedence over visiting her mother unless he allows her.

Going out for worship also needs the husband's permission. It was narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with them, that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "When your wives ask for your permission to go out to the Masjid at night, you should allow them."  [Ahmad, Abu Daawood] 

It was narrated on the authority of Zayd ibn Khaalid, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "Do not prevent the female slaves of Allah from going to the Masjids (Mosques) of Allah." [Ibn Hibbaan]

Commenting on this Hadeeth, Al-Qastallaani, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "When there is no expected temptation to come from them or afflict them." Unlike our current era where corruption and corrupters are many, safety and security were common during that time. It is mentioned in some Hadeeths that it is better for the woman to perform the prayer at home than in the Masjid. According to the narration of Habeeb ibn Abi Thaabit, may Allah have mercy on him, on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with them, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "Do not prevent the female slaves of Allah from going to the Masjids and their homes are better for them."

‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, also narrated a Hadeeth in which she said that if the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, were alive to see how the conduct of women has changed, he would have prevented them from going out for prayer and building on this, she was of the opinion that women should not go out to pray in Masjids. 

According to another narration on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with them, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "When one's wife asks permission (to go out to the Masjid or for any other reason such as attending the ‘Eed or visiting a sick person), he should not prevent her." [Al-Bukhari]

Commenting on the Hadeeth, Al-Qastallaani, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "The Hadeeth does not restrict going out to the Masjid only. Rather, it is general and includes both the places of worship and others as well."

Thus, the Hadeeths indicate that the woman is not permitted to go out without her husband's permission. -islamweb.net

Medically producing male children

Question:

Is it permitted in Islam to use the new medical methods to produce male children as (preconception gender diagnosis)?

 

Answer:

 

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

The procedure of selecting the sex of a baby is undertaken by separating the spermatozoon before fertilizing the ovum. Actually, the one who cannot give birth normally adopts the procedure of artificial insemination. Regarding the dangers that are in this act and the prohibitions that are committed in this procedure such as exposing the very private parts of a woman, the possibility of mixing the spermatozoon and the like, we believe that artificial insemination and selecting the sex of a baby is not permitted for anyone who is able to give birth normally.

 

The artificial insemination could be permissible only if the conditions that are mentioned in the resolution of the Fiqh Council of the Muslim World League in its seventh session are met; they are as follows:

1. A Muslim woman should not reveal her body to other than her husband at all except for some legal purpose that is acceptable in Sharee'ah.

2. The need for a woman to uncover her body to take the medical treatment for any disease that is harmful for her or cure any abnormality in her body must meet the legal reasons that allow her to uncover her body to other than her husband. Then the uncovering of the body should be restricted only to the extent of necessity.
 

3. When uncovering the body of a woman to other than her husband becomes lawful for any legal purpose, she should take the treatment from a Muslim lady doctor if it is possible; otherwise, a non-Muslim lady doctor; if it is not possible then from a reliable Muslim male doctor; if that is not possible then a non-Muslim male doctor. The above-mentioned sequence should be considered at the time of treatment. However, it is not permissible for a male doctor to stay in seclusion with a female patient. The presence of her husband or any other woman is compulsory.
 

Allah Knows best.

-islamweb.net