One of the major questions asked by most of the Muslims residing in West is that, shaking hands with a non-mehram woman is permissible or not?
The ‘woman’ in the question includes both Muslim and Non-Muslim women. Though the Eastern countries provide far less places and chances, where non-mehram men and woman can shake hands with each other, on contrary survival is not possible without doing so in the western world. Moreover, shaking hands with a non-mehram woman is regarded as a sin in Islam.
As the Hadeeth of Prophet (PBUH) says:
“For one of you to be stabbed in the head with an iron needle is better for him than that he should touch a woman who is not permissible for him”
This Hadeeth shows the extreme disliking of the act of shaking hands or touching a non-mahram woman. Touching a non-mahram woman is a grievous sin, and receiving a fatal stroke of iron pin on head is better than committing this sin.
The Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is in direct compliance with the message of Quran. Therefore, there is not a single chance that Prophet (PBUH) would do what is against the Quran. Umaymah the daughter of Raqeeqah narrates that:
‘The Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him) said, “I do not shake hands with women”
This is the clear message of Holy Prophet (PBUH) in case you seek answer to your question of shaking hands with non-mehram women. No reply could be as clear as the reply in the above hadeeth.
Now if Prophet (PBUH) did not shake hands with any women, then the next question that arises in mind is, how did he take the bay’ah (pledge) of all the women?
The custom with men was that, Prophet (PBUH) would take the hand of the other person in his hand and then take his pledge of Tauheed and pronounce him a Muslim. However, in case of women, Prophet (PBUH) adopted a different strategy, which did not require physical touch of any sort. As narrated by Aa’isha (May Allah be Pleased with Her):
“He used to accept the women’s oath of allegiance by words only”
Meaning that he did not apply the same custom of taking pledge of men on the women, there was no handshake and no physical contact.
You will find different tafseers of Mufassareen, where they would mention that during the pledge, the Prophet (PBUH) would ask for a vessel of water, and would dip his hands in to it, and then the women would do the same to complete the pledge. Some of the mufassareeen say that, the Prophet (PBUH) shake hands with woman, with a Qatari Cloak in his hand, and some say that Umar (May Allah be Pleased with Him), would do the hand shake with women on his behalf.
All of these tafaseer are untrue and unauthentic, especially the last one. If you learn Quran, you will know that Prophet (PBUH) was Masoom (infallible), and if the Infallible Prophet (PBUH) could not shake hand with women, then how could Umar (Allah be pleased with him) do so.
Islam is a religion of understanding, so in case of necessity where a woman does not have any other woman to help her, like in medical treatment, removing of tooth, or any eye procedure, then a non-mahram can touch a woman and it would not be considered a sin. Because the act was performed in dire necessity, and there was no other option.
In a nutshell, shaking hands or touching a non-mahram is extremely prohibited in Islam, with no leverage whatsoever. You can only have physical contact with a non-mahram, if he or she is in a medical treatment, and don’t have the option of being taken care by the same gender.
Wednesday 29 August 2012
How Concerned Islam Is??? About Human Rights In A Society ....
Though Islam is not the only divine religion descended upon humanity for the ultimate purpose of their guidance, but it is definitely the final one chosen for this purpose by the ultimate creator Allah Almighty. This is not just some positive apprehension, but it is a fact mentioned by Allah (SWT) in the final Scripture, the Holy Quran, such as in the verse mentioned below:
This day, I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion…” (Holy Qur’an, 5:3)
Now, mention of the word “complete” means comprehensively complete; covering all aspects of life, including the most talked about one today, i.e. human rights. Unlike what is portrayed about state of affairs related to human rights in Islamic societies on media, let us have a deeper look at the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims, i.e. the Holy Quran and try to infer truth from it. This shall also compel us to find a learned and experienced Quran tutor who might guide us in detail about teachings of Islam as mentioned in Qur’an.
Freedom of choosing religion
Let us start by one of the most popularized allegation on Islam, i.e. people are forcefully converted to Islam. Have a look at this clear and blunt verse that shall serve enough to conclude the true state of affairs in this regard from true Islamic perspective:
Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things. (2:256)
Protecting all under Islamic jurisdiction
Yet another proof to Islam’s intent to unbiased justice and freedom in an Islamic society comes from the fact that it not only cares for Muslims living in an Islamic society, but cares for all, irrespective of their religions. “Dhimmi” is a term that refers to non Muslims living in an Islamic state. Look what Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in this regard:
“One who kills a man under covenant (i.e., dhimmi) will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise.”
Protesting tyranny
Today, media portrays Islam as a religion that promotes tyranny. Though it appears true under current circumstances when majority of Islamic societies are being ruled by tyrants, but this is much far from true Islamic perspective that can be seen from the following statement of the first Caliph of Muslims, i.e. Abu Bakar (R.A):
“Cooperate with me when I am right but correct me when I commit error; obey me so long as I follow the commandments of Allah and His Prophet; but turn away from me when I deviate.”
Share of needy in basic necessities of life
This is yet another brilliant chapter in Islam’s concern about human welfare. It asks and encourages for provision of basic necessities of life to all, especially the needy ones, as evident from the following verse:
Adh-Dhariyat [51:19] And in their wealth and possessions (was remembered) the right of the (needy), him who asked and him who (for some reason) was prevented (from asking).
Securing life and property
Security of human life and property is also very important in regard to Islam’s concept of human welfare. Have a look at the following words from The Last Sermon of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at Hajja-tul-vida:
“Your lives and properties are forbidden to one another till you meet your Lord on the Day of Resurrection.”
Conclusion
The points mentioned above serve just a little fraction of the comprehensive teachings of Islam on human rights in Qur’an and Sunnah. That is why learning both of them are so imperative to Muslims. In fact, we can do it in the most convenient manner by registering with Quran online institutions where tutors help people in learning the ways of Quran and Sunnah.
Remember, Allah Almighty has descended His final message to humanity in the form of Quran, to be complemented by Sunnah as well. Now, it rests upon us to get acquainted with it and get the best out of it. Make sure you also do that before it is too late.
This day, I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion…” (Holy Qur’an, 5:3)
Now, mention of the word “complete” means comprehensively complete; covering all aspects of life, including the most talked about one today, i.e. human rights. Unlike what is portrayed about state of affairs related to human rights in Islamic societies on media, let us have a deeper look at the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims, i.e. the Holy Quran and try to infer truth from it. This shall also compel us to find a learned and experienced Quran tutor who might guide us in detail about teachings of Islam as mentioned in Qur’an.
Freedom of choosing religion
Let us start by one of the most popularized allegation on Islam, i.e. people are forcefully converted to Islam. Have a look at this clear and blunt verse that shall serve enough to conclude the true state of affairs in this regard from true Islamic perspective:
Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things. (2:256)
Protecting all under Islamic jurisdiction
Yet another proof to Islam’s intent to unbiased justice and freedom in an Islamic society comes from the fact that it not only cares for Muslims living in an Islamic society, but cares for all, irrespective of their religions. “Dhimmi” is a term that refers to non Muslims living in an Islamic state. Look what Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in this regard:
“One who kills a man under covenant (i.e., dhimmi) will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise.”
Protesting tyranny
Today, media portrays Islam as a religion that promotes tyranny. Though it appears true under current circumstances when majority of Islamic societies are being ruled by tyrants, but this is much far from true Islamic perspective that can be seen from the following statement of the first Caliph of Muslims, i.e. Abu Bakar (R.A):
“Cooperate with me when I am right but correct me when I commit error; obey me so long as I follow the commandments of Allah and His Prophet; but turn away from me when I deviate.”
Share of needy in basic necessities of life
This is yet another brilliant chapter in Islam’s concern about human welfare. It asks and encourages for provision of basic necessities of life to all, especially the needy ones, as evident from the following verse:
Adh-Dhariyat [51:19] And in their wealth and possessions (was remembered) the right of the (needy), him who asked and him who (for some reason) was prevented (from asking).
Securing life and property
Security of human life and property is also very important in regard to Islam’s concept of human welfare. Have a look at the following words from The Last Sermon of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at Hajja-tul-vida:
“Your lives and properties are forbidden to one another till you meet your Lord on the Day of Resurrection.”
Conclusion
The points mentioned above serve just a little fraction of the comprehensive teachings of Islam on human rights in Qur’an and Sunnah. That is why learning both of them are so imperative to Muslims. In fact, we can do it in the most convenient manner by registering with Quran online institutions where tutors help people in learning the ways of Quran and Sunnah.
Remember, Allah Almighty has descended His final message to humanity in the form of Quran, to be complemented by Sunnah as well. Now, it rests upon us to get acquainted with it and get the best out of it. Make sure you also do that before it is too late.
Islamic Beliefs About The Day Of Judgment
The infinite colors of this world and the whole universe have always been a great source of inspiration for brilliant minds, intriguing them to uncover and explore what inspires them and much beyond. However, no matter how colorful, bright, and attractive all this might be; it was never meant to be eternal, as told by the ultimate Creator and Cherisher of the whole cosmos several times in Holy Quran and that is why Qur’an is referred as the ultimate source of guidance and knowledge for whole of the humanity.
Though there are many verses in Holy Qur’an, presenting the same ultimate truth in various perspectives; given below is just one example that should suffice very much in this regard:
(Qur’an; 5:22) O mankind! if ye have a doubt about the Resurrection, (consider) that We created you out of dust, then out of sperm then out of a leech-like clot, then out a morsel of flesh, partly formed and partly unformed, in order that We may manifest (Our Power) to you; ……. .
This inevitable event, marking the end of this worldly life, whose exact time is known by none other than Allah Almighty, is referred as The Judgment Day or The Day of Resurrection as we get to know from various verses of Holy Quran. In fact, that is why Allah and His last apostle Muhammad (PBUH) insisted so much on reading and learning Qur’an. For people like us, living their lives in this information rich world, there is a great opportunity to read Quran online as well, as offered by many online Quran schools.
Some signs for The Resurrection Day (Irrespective of chronological order)
Getting back to the main theme of this article; though the exact moment that is going to host this call for Resurrection is known only to Allah Almighty; many of its signs are illustrated in Hadeeth as well, some of which are described in the lines to follow:
The inevitable coming of Allah’s last Apostle Muhammad (PBUH), which in fact, has already happened
Slaves getting in place of masters
Engagement of shepherds into construction of very tall buildings; this is something to be witnessed currently as in Saudi Arabia and almost all of the United Arab Emirates
Coming of Anti-Christ (also referred as Al-Dajjal)
Rebirth of Jesus the Christ (PBUH)
Population of females in the world increasing significantly greater than the population of men, and this is also something already happening in many countries of the world, such as the United States of America, France, Australia, Austria, etc
Fornication and drinking will increasingly prevail among all societies of the world; yet another undeniable reality, getting more and more visible with every passing day
Another sign marking the nearing of The Day of Judgment will be that time will pass more quickly than ever, so much so that a year will pass like a month; month will go by like a day and a day speeding up like an hour
Conclusion
The point is not when exactly will this inevitable event of Resurrection take place; the point is in heeding to what Allah Almighty wants from us as His humble creatures, and the best way to equip ourselves with this kind of knowledge is none other than Qur’an and Hadeeth. As mentioned earlier, as inhabitants of current times, online Quran schools can be one of the most effective and convenient mediums for Quran learning, Quran teaching, and knowledge of Hadeedht as well.
The best way to conclude this discussion is to present readers with the true purpose and objective of our lives as mentioned in the Holy Quran:
Did you then think that We had created you in jest (without any purpose), and that you would not be returned to Us (in the Hereafter)? So, God is exalted, the True King. None has the right to be worshipped but Him… (Quran, 23:115-116)
And
“And those who believe and do good deeds, they are dwellers of Paradise, they dwell therein forever.” (Quran, 2:82)
Though there are many verses in Holy Qur’an, presenting the same ultimate truth in various perspectives; given below is just one example that should suffice very much in this regard:
(Qur’an; 5:22) O mankind! if ye have a doubt about the Resurrection, (consider) that We created you out of dust, then out of sperm then out of a leech-like clot, then out a morsel of flesh, partly formed and partly unformed, in order that We may manifest (Our Power) to you; ……. .
This inevitable event, marking the end of this worldly life, whose exact time is known by none other than Allah Almighty, is referred as The Judgment Day or The Day of Resurrection as we get to know from various verses of Holy Quran. In fact, that is why Allah and His last apostle Muhammad (PBUH) insisted so much on reading and learning Qur’an. For people like us, living their lives in this information rich world, there is a great opportunity to read Quran online as well, as offered by many online Quran schools.
Some signs for The Resurrection Day (Irrespective of chronological order)
Getting back to the main theme of this article; though the exact moment that is going to host this call for Resurrection is known only to Allah Almighty; many of its signs are illustrated in Hadeeth as well, some of which are described in the lines to follow:
The inevitable coming of Allah’s last Apostle Muhammad (PBUH), which in fact, has already happened
Slaves getting in place of masters
Engagement of shepherds into construction of very tall buildings; this is something to be witnessed currently as in Saudi Arabia and almost all of the United Arab Emirates
Coming of Anti-Christ (also referred as Al-Dajjal)
Rebirth of Jesus the Christ (PBUH)
Population of females in the world increasing significantly greater than the population of men, and this is also something already happening in many countries of the world, such as the United States of America, France, Australia, Austria, etc
Fornication and drinking will increasingly prevail among all societies of the world; yet another undeniable reality, getting more and more visible with every passing day
Another sign marking the nearing of The Day of Judgment will be that time will pass more quickly than ever, so much so that a year will pass like a month; month will go by like a day and a day speeding up like an hour
Conclusion
The point is not when exactly will this inevitable event of Resurrection take place; the point is in heeding to what Allah Almighty wants from us as His humble creatures, and the best way to equip ourselves with this kind of knowledge is none other than Qur’an and Hadeeth. As mentioned earlier, as inhabitants of current times, online Quran schools can be one of the most effective and convenient mediums for Quran learning, Quran teaching, and knowledge of Hadeedht as well.
The best way to conclude this discussion is to present readers with the true purpose and objective of our lives as mentioned in the Holy Quran:
Did you then think that We had created you in jest (without any purpose), and that you would not be returned to Us (in the Hereafter)? So, God is exalted, the True King. None has the right to be worshipped but Him… (Quran, 23:115-116)
And
“And those who believe and do good deeds, they are dwellers of Paradise, they dwell therein forever.” (Quran, 2:82)
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