Q: Why do certain ‘Ulamaa discourage from holding wedding functions or any other function in a hall? I don't see any problem in using the hall as a venue to host one's functions. Could you please explain to me the correct Islamic perspective in this issue?

A: We have prepared a detailed article in regard to holding wedding functions in a hall. Below are the details of the article:

Every aspect of the religion of Islam is completely perfect, unique and sublime. In order for one to become a perfect believer and an embodiment of Islam, he is required to practice on every aspect of Islam in the proper manner. Likewise, just as it is vital for the proper functioning of the human body that all the limbs function harmoniously, similarly in order for one to enjoy the true light of Islam, it is essential for one to adhere to every aspect of Islam. While every limb and organ of the human body plays an important role, the most important and essential element is the soul. The soul enables all parts of the human body to function effectively. Once the soul is removed, the human body, with all its faculties, will cease to function. Similarly, though every aspect of Islam is indispensable, the soul of Islam is the Mubaarak Sunnah of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). When the Sunnah is removed, it is akin to a dead body without a soul.

Q: Is it permissible for Muslim women to receive secular education and study in universities so that they can earn a degree? Some people argue that it is necessary for a woman to hold a degree so that if she is divorced or widowed, she will be able to earn a living and see to her dependants. Furthermore, there is a need for Muslim female professionals e.g. doctors. If our Muslim sisters do not become doctors, Muslim women will be forced to go to male doctors.

A: We have prepared a detailed article regarding women studying in universities. This article can be found below.

Introduction

The condition and plight of a Muslim woman leaving her home to earn a degree can be aptly likened and compared to the following example:

A poor family, living in a remote village, struggle to fulfill their daily needs. They are nonetheless content and happily continue with their lives. Subsequently, the family is informed of a valuable treasure located at a distant place. If the treasure is obtained, it will improve their standard of living and will make life more comfortable.

The route to the treasure is however very dangerous. It crosses through thorny bushes and dangerous jungles filled with wild beasts and serpents. Furthermore, it is well known that people traversing this path often encounter thieves, bandits and even murderers.

Under these circumstances, would any sensible person even consider sending his daughter out into the wild in order to pursue such a treasure, no matter how lucrative it may appear? Obviously, no one will risk the life and honor of his daughter for the mere sake of wealth.

Q: Is it permissible to listen to the voice of a non-mahram female? Often, there is a female reading the news on the radio. Can one listen to this or should one switch it off? Some people claim that the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) would ask Hazrat ‘Aa’ishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) rulings and learn from her. Therefore, the presence of female presenters on Islamic radio stations is fine. Is this justified?

A: Shari‘ah commands segregation between non mahram men and women. The reason for this command is that non mahram men and women freely intermingling and casually interacting among themselves leads to many evils and sins. Allah Ta'ala commands women in the Holy Qur'an thus:

وَقَرْنَ فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ وَلَا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ الْأُولَىٰ ﴿الأحزاب:33﴾

Remain within the confines of your homes and do not leave your homes displaying your beauty and attraction, in the manner that the women of the days of ignorance would display their beauty.

Man constantly searches for peace of mind, satisfaction and inner-happiness. While some search for it in wealth and romance, others try to acquire it through sport and amusement, and yet others seek it through travelling the world and frequenting five-star holiday resorts. Generally, newly-wed couples, in the aim of strengthening their bond of love and companionship, explore different avenues of excitement. Hence, booking into holiday resorts or even travelling overseas for one’s honeymoon has become the norm.

It should be borne in mind that the union of nikah has been created by Allah Ta‘ala to serve as the means of providing man with peace, tranquility and inner happiness. In order for this union to serve its purpose, it is imperative for the couple to secure the blessings of the nikah. The blessings of the nikah will only be achieved when one leads a pure and clean life in total conformity to the Mubaarak Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). It is not reported in the Ahaadith that the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) would go on honeymoon trips after nikaah. Rather, they aimed to engender love among themselves through fulfilling the rights of the nikaah and enlivening the Mubaarak Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) within their lives. Hence, one understands that these norms and trends are new innovations which have been adopted from the western culture. Often, such honeymoons become the cause for the barakah of the nikah being totally lost on account of the evil and sinful environment in which the couple is present.