Author: Um Saadiyah
One of the Advices of the Prophet (PBUH) for Women (Part 6)
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Prohibition of Shaking Hands with Non-Mahram Men
It is narrated from ʿUrwah (may Allah be pleased with him) that Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) told him about the pledge of allegiance of women, saying: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) never touched the hand of any non-Mahram woman with his hand. When taking the pledge of allegiance from women, he was satisfied with receiving their verbal commitment. Once the women pledged verbally, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) would say: ‘Go, I have accepted your pledge.’
My sister! The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) took women’s pledges verbally, without touching their hands. Therefore, it is not permissible for anyone other than your Mahram to shake hands with you, nor is it permissible for any non-Mahram man to touch your body—except in cases of necessity, such as medical examination or dental treatment, provided no female doctor is available.
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Being Good to Neighbors and Avoiding Harm
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: A man came and said: “O Messenger of Allah, I know of a woman who prays a lot, gives much charity, and fasts frequently, but she harms her neighbours with her tongue.”
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “She is in the Fire.”
The man then said: “O Messenger of Allah, I know another woman who does not fast much, nor pray much (meaning voluntary prayers and fasts), and may only give pieces of dried yogurt in charity, yet she does not harm her neighbors.”
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “She is in Paradise.” [1]
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Choosing Good Names
Nāfiʿ narrated: ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with him) had a daughter named ʿĀṣiyah (meaning “disobedient”). The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) changed her name to Jamīlah (“beautiful”).
Zainab, daughter of Salamah (may Allah be pleased with them), said: “My name was Barrah (‘pious’). The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) named me Zainab.”
Zainab (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) married her, her name was Barrah. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) changed her name to Zainab.” [2]
So, my sister, give your children good and beautiful names.
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Prohibition of Traveling Without a Mahram
Abu Saʿīd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to travel a distance of three days or more unless accompanied by her father, brother, husband, son, or another Mahram.” [3]
In another narration from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to travel a distance of one day and night unless accompanied by a Mahram.” [4]
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The Path to Paradise
Abdul Rahamn ibn ʿAwf (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “If a woman performs her five daily prayers, fasts during Ramadan, safeguards her chastity, and obeys her husband, it will be said to her: ‘Enter Paradise through whichever of its gates you wish.’” [5]
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Conditions for a Woman’s Permissible Outing from Home
Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “Sawda bint Zamʿah (may Allah be pleased with her) once went out at night. ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with him) saw her and said: ‘O Sawda! By Allah, you are not hidden from us.’ (Meaning, she should go out in such a way that she is not recognized). While the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was in my room eating, holding a piece of meat, Sawda came in and told him what happened. Then revelation descended upon him. When it ended, he said: ‘Permission has been given to you (women) to go out for your needs.’”
My sister! Going out is permissible if certain conditions are observed, because religious rulings complement one another. Some of these conditions are:
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Observing Hijab;
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Not wearing perfume;
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Walking calmly so that the sound of shoes does not attract attention;
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If married, seeking the husband’s permission;
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If the distance equals that of travel, having a Mahram accompany her;
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Avoiding walking alongside men and preventing intermingling;
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Lowering the gaze and avoiding unlawful looks;
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Not speaking in a soft and alluring manner that could invite the desires of the sick-hearted.
These are the most important conditions for women when leaving their homes. My dear sister, always remember this statement of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him): “A woman is (like) ʿAwrah, and when she goes out, Satan keeps watch over her.” [6]
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Prohibition of Describing Other Women to One’s Husband
Ibn Masʿūd (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Let no woman look at another woman and then describe her to her husband as if he were looking at her.” [7]
My sister! Describing your sister or friend to your husband is an evil and forbidden act, as it may lead your husband to become attracted to her and even cause him to divorce you.
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Clapping in Case of an Incident
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Saying Subhan Allah is for men, and clapping is for women.” [8]
My sister! If you are in congregation with your believing sisters and something occurs, the Prophet’s guidance for you is to draw attention by clapping, for saying Subhan Allah is for men.
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Prohibition of Imitating Men
Ibn ʿAbbās (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) cursed men who imitate women and women who imitate men.” [9]
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) cursed the man who wears women’s clothing and the woman who wears men’s clothing.” [10]
My sister! This Hadith is a severe warning for any woman who imitates men—in dress, in walking, in cutting hair, or in other practices specific to men.
Continues…
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References:
[1] Musnad Aḥmad; al-Ḥākim, who authenticated it.
[2] Narrated by Muslim.
[3] Narrated by al-Bukhari.
[4] Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim.
[5] Reported by Aḥmad and al-Ṭabarānī; graded ḥasan.
[6] Narrated by al-Tirmidhi.
[7] Narrated by al-Bukhari.
[8] Narrated by al-Bukhari.
[9] Narrated by al-Bukhari.
[10] Authentic; reported by Abu Dawud.
