Ask an Imam: Women

Part II of selections from Ask an Imam, "the online fatwa resource!" Please note the questioner's locations.

Question 14776 from United Kingdom:

In respect of “Huqooq-ul-Ibaad”. What should one do if one has broken someone’s heart and trust?

I am a 30 years non-married male and was working in a company with a 27 years married Muslim lady. During one-year job I never said anything wrong to her or touched her. She was then treating me as her brother. She and I were the only persons in the building during weekends and she was sitting just next to me. Next weekend, she went into the toilet and I followed her there to see her naked. I went in the toilet next to her and raised myself up to see her, she suddenly lifted her face up and saw me and screamed a lot. I begged her to forgive me but she shouted at me and ran out of the building.

Answer 14776
You should make sincere Tawbah [penance] for your wrongs. There is no need to approach the lady nor her husband. You should not allow this to affect you. You should continue with your life. It is important for you to consider marriage if you are not married.

Question 14779 from United Kingdom: What would be the proceedure of Divorce (Talaaq) if it is the wife who has left her husband.

. . . the husband does not know where she is since the last four years to date. He is wanting to forget this marraige and move on because of the frustration that, although he is still married to her, he does not know where she is. Please note that the husband has tried his level best to locate her.

Answer 14779
According to the Shari’ah [Islamic law], a husband has the sole right to issue his wife a divorce. This right may be exercised at any time or place. However, we suggest you consult your local Ulama and explain them your situation. They will advise and guide you on pursuing the matter further.

Question 14767 from United Kingdom: Is it permissable for a women to work..Not in times of difficulty but to teach a subject in school.

Answer 14767
Allah ta’ala states, ‘And stay within your homes.’ (Ahzaab 33). Considering the above, if there is no necessity, it will not be permissible.

Question 14583 from Australia:

Is it counted as travelling for a women, if she was to go to a place that was 40km (25miles),away from her house and was to stay in a safe-secure all-girls environment, for 2 nights, and return home the 3rd day?? I don't see this as travelling, because that women hasn't travelled for more then 88 km.

Answer 14583
In principle, a woman supposed to remain within the precincts of her home and should not emerge except at the time of necessity. Allah has declared in the Qur’aan, ‘And O Women, remain within your homes and do not exhibit yourself like the displays of the immoral women of former times of ignorance.’ (al-Ahzaab Aayat33)

It is also not permissible for a woman to travel the distance of 88 kms except with a Mahram [male relative escort]. Nabi is reported to have mentioned, ‘A woman is prohibited from traveling the distance of three days (approximately 88 kms) except with a Mahram.’ (Bukhari pg.147)

With regard to less than 88 kms., it will only be permissible under the following conditions:
1. There is no alternative, e.g. no Shar’ee Mahram available to accompany her;
2. There should be no fear of Fitnah or life/respect, etc.
3. She observes the laws of Hijaab.

Only under the following conditions will it be permissibe, otherwise not.

You'd think Western feminists would be screaming at the top of their lungs about the import of Islam's barbaric, oppressive treatment of women. But you could find more indignation at a Superbowl party than you would at a NOW conference. Kind of speaks volumes about the extent to which feminists' priorities have been subverted by "respect for other cultures."