Wearing Dirty Clothes is Not From Humility

Body & Dress

Islamic advice and information pertaining to the appearance, health, care, dress, and adornment of the body for females and males.

Puberty in Girls

 

Source: Fatwa Online: 

Make a Period Kit For Your Daughter!

 

One of my daughters passed this milestone earlier this year (2012) (quite later than expected) and so when we were out buying pads I was looking down the aisle at all sorts of things that would make this experience more comfortable for her.

I thought I would compile a list of things that I had gotten (or wished I had gotten or provided) for that first time, as well as to keep on  hand for good feminine hygiene.

• Menstrual calendar (if your daughter has a smartphone, there are also some good apps out there for tracking periods as well)
• Fabric Bag for storing period supplies ( a nice color/design that fits your daughter)
• Period travel/emergency mini bag (small bag that can fit in the purse to hold pads, etc)
• Pads (heavy duty and regular)
• Pantyliners
• Flushable wipes
• Teen vitamins
• Extra set of underwear to wear during period
• Disposable bags for pads
• Heating pad for cramps - my daughters' love these disposable ones
• Menstrual medicine for cramps, bloating or good old advil/tylenol
• Hand wipes
• Period answer book (purchase or make your own; for Muslim girls, can include Islamic books/ahadith on the topic as well as general hygiene information )

A good idea would be to have a kit already prepared before the start of the first period and to always keep these supplies on hand afterward.

Alhamdulillah, I have talked to my older daughters to various extents about getting their periods, so I hope that it will not be traumatic for them.  I hope to be prepared beforehand, (as I wasn't this time).

Teaching Your Daughter About Her Period in Light of Islam

To help teach your daughter about her period as regards to ibaadah, an excellent book is Natural Blood of Women, by Shaykh Muhammad bin Salih Al-Utheimeen.

Prayer, Quraan, Dhikr & The Menstruating Woman

Can a menstruating woman make supplications or read Quraan? 

When does a Muslim woman resume praying after her menses?

 

Women & Quraan During Menstruation

 Is it permissible for a menstruating woman to recite the Qur.aan and books of supplications?

Source: Fatwa Online

Question: Is it allowed for a menstruating woman to read a book of supplications on the Day of ‘Arafah, given the fact that the book contains Qur.aanic verses?
Response: There is no harm in a menstruating or post-partum bleeding woman reading the books of supplications that are written for the rites of the pilgrimage. In fact, there is nothing wrong with her reciting the Qur.aan according to the correct opinion. There is no authentic, clear text prohibiting a menstruating or post-partum bleeding woman from reciting the Qur.aan. The thing that is narrated is concerned with the sexually defiled person only, as such should not recite the Qur.aan while he is sexually defiled. This is based on the hadeeth of ‘Alee.

As for the menstruating or post-partum bleeding woman, there is the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar which states, "Neither the menstruating woman nor the sexually defiled person is to recite anything from the Qur.aan." However, this is weak. This is because it is from the narrations of Ismaa’eel ibn Iyyash on the authority of people from the Hijaaz and he is weak when he narrates from them. However, she may recite from her memory without touching the Qur.aan. As for the sexually defiled person, he/she may not even recite the Qur.aan from memory or touch the mushaf until he/she makes ghusl. The difference between the two is that the amount of time one is sexually defiled is very short as he may make ghusl as soon as he has done the act with his spouse. The amount of time is not long and he is in control of its length as he may make ghusl whenever he wishes. Even if he cannot find water, he can make tayammum and pray or recite the Qur.aan. However, the menstruating or post-partum bleeding woman does not have control over their lengths, such control is in the hand of Allaah. Menstruation and post-partum bleeding take days.

Therefore, it is allowed for them to recite the Qur.aan so that they do not forget what they have memorized and so they will not lose the merits of reciting it. It is also so they may learn the laws of the Sharee’ah from the Book of Allaah. Therefore it is even more so permissible for her to read the books of supplications that have verses and hadeeth intermixed with them. This is the correct view and is the correct opinion of the scholars- may Allaah have mercy on them- on that point.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz
Fataawa al-Mar.ah

Miswak & Cleaning the Teeth

 

This page:

• Ahadith regarding Miswak
• Miswak: Facts/benefits/use

Ahadith

Bukhari :: Book 2 :: Volume 13 :: Hadith 12

Narrated Abu Huraira: 
Allah's Apostle said, "If I had not found it hard for my followers or the people, I would have ordered them to clean their teeth with Siwak for every prayer."

Muslim :: Book 4 : Hadith 1841

'Abd al-Rahman son of Abd Sa'id al-Khudri reported on the authority of his father that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Bathing on Friday for every adult, using of Miswak and applying some perfume, that is available-these are essential.

Bukhari :: Book 2 :: Volume 21 :: Hadith 237

Narrated Hudhaifa : 
Whenever the Prophet got up for Tahajjud prayer he used to clean his mouth (and teeth) with Siwak.

Bukhari :: Book 2 :: Volume 13 :: Hadith 13

Narrated Anas: 
Allah's Apostle I said, "I have told you repeatedly to (use) the Siwak. (The Prophet put emphasis on the use of the Siwak.)

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 4 :: Hadith 246

Narrated Hudhaifa: 
Whenever the Prophet got up at night, he used to clean his mouth with Siwak.

Miswak Facts/Benefits

• Benefits of Miswak
• Forget About Your Toothbrush! Try Miswak - Benefits of miswak, scientific studies, how to use

Do Young Girls Have to Wear Hijaab?

 

 Source:Fatwa Online

Question: What is the ruling concerning the young girls who have not reached the age of puberty? Is it allowed for them to go out without covering themselves? Can they pray without wearing a head covering?

Response: It is a must that their guardians bring them up and teach them the manners of Islaam. They should tell them not to go outside unless their bodies are covered. This is in order to avoid any temptation and to get them used to the virtuous manners so that they will not be a source of spreading evil. They should be ordered to pray with head coverings. If they pray without it, their prayers are sound. This is because the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said, ((Allaah does not accept the prayer of a female who has reached the age of puberty except if she is wearing a head covering (khimaar).)) This was recorded by at-Tirmidhee, Ahmad, Abu Daawood and Ibn Maajah. 
And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions. 
The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa 
Fataawa al-Mar.ah

Q.  My brother dresses his four year old daughter in a veil and says, “He who grows up upon something grows old upon it”, and he tries to force this upon my children.  Whereas I disagree with him in this, and say to him, when they reach their menses.  What is your opinion about this severity by which he has chained the childhood of this child at the age of four?  May Allah reward you with good.

A.  There is no doubt that your brother’s statement is the common occurrence: He who grows up upon something grows old upon it, this is why the Prophet, salallahu ‘alayhi wa salam, has ordered the one who reaches the age of seven years to perform the prayer, even though he is not yet responsible for his actions, rather this is an order than he be accustomed to it.

As for a young girl, there is no ruling concerning her private zone, it is not obligatory upon her to cover her face, neck and hands or feet, and it is not befitting that she be forced into this.  Whereas if she reaches a stage at which men start to become attracted to her, then she should wear the hijab to prevent trials and evil.  This varies with different women, for there are some who develop quite rapidly, while others are the opposite of this.  Allah is the One Who gives success. 
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen 
[Fataawa Manaar al-Islaam: 3/810] 
(also found in Islamic Fataawa Regarding the Muslim Child, page 153)
via abdur rahman.org

Ruling concerning letting fingernails grow long and wearing nail polish

 

Ruling concerning letting fingernails grow long and wearing nail polish

 Q: What is the ruling concerning letting fingernails grow long and putting on finger nail polish, given that I make ablution before putting them on and it stays for twenty-four hours and then remove it?

A: Letting the fingernails grow is something that goes against the sunnah of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam). He said, ((From the acts of nature are five: circumcision, removing pubic hairs, trimming the moustache, cutting the nails and plucking the hair from under the armpits.)) It is not allowed to leave them for more than forty nights. This is based on the Hadeeth of Anas who said, "The Messenger of Allaah set a time limit for us for trimming the moustache, trimming nails, removing armpit hairs and removing pubic hairs. They cannot be left for more than forty nights."

Letting them grow long resembles animals and some of the disbelievers. 

As for nail polish, it is better to avoid it. One must remove it when making ablution since it prevents water from reaching the nails. 

Source: Fatwa Online
Shaykh Ibn Baaz 
Fataawa al-Mar.ah

Various rulings regarding women cutting their hair

 Various rulings regarding women cutting their hair

Fatawa regarding cutting the hair

http://www.fatwa-online.com/

Ruling concerning a woman cutting her hair

Question: I hope you will help me concerning cutting my hair from the front of it in a certain style wherein the hair sometimes falls down over the eyebrows of a Muslim woman. Is this allowed or not? May Allaah reward you. 

Response: I do not know of anything [wrong] in cutting a woman's hair. It is not allowed to shave all of it off. You cannot shave off the hair of your head but you may shorten its length. I do not know of anything wrong with that. However, that should be done in a good way that is pleasing to you and your husband. You should agree upon how it is going to be done. Also, it should not be in imitation of the disbelieving women. If you leave it long, it makes it more difficult to wash it and tend to it. If it is long or thick and a women cuts it short or layers it, there is nothing wrong with that. Or she may cut part of it short to make herself more beautiful to herself and her husband. I do not know of anything wrong with that. However, one may not shave all of it off. This is not allowed except in the case of some disease or problem. 
Shaykh Ibn Baaz
Fataawa al-Mar.ah

The ruling regarding cutting the hair from behind or cutting it in the Princess Diana style

Question: What is the ruling regarding cutting the hair from the back (of the head) such that it is above the shoulders whilst leaving the hair a little longer at the sides? 
What is the ruling regarding cutting the hair according to the following styles: 
i) Diana style – she is a well-known kaafirah (disbelieving woman); 
ii) Lion style; 
iii) Mouse style; 
and likewise, these are (all) different styles; either by cutting the hair in a style similar to that of the lion, and the other is a style mentioned in the previous question? 

Response: It is not permissible for a woman to cut her hair from the back whilst leaving the (hair on the) sides longer. This is because this consists of playing around with her hair which is from her beauty. Also, there exists therein resembling the disbelieving women (kaafiraat), and likewise cutting the hair in different styles as those of disbelieving women and animals, such as the Diana style – the disbelieving woman and (likewise) the animals, and also for that which exists therein of playing around with the woman’s hair which is from her beauty. 
Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan 
al-Muntaqaa min Fataawa ash-Shaykh al-Fowzaan – Volume 3, Page 190; 

Fataawa wa Ahkaam fee Sha'r an-Nisaa - Question 22, Page 29

Women shortening their hair out of necessity

Question: What is the ruling regarding (women) shortening their hair out of necessity such as in the United Kingdom where the women find washing their hair difficult due to the cold weather so because of this they shorten it.

Response: If the situation is as mentioned, then it is permissible for them to cut short their hair according to what their needs stipulate only. As for cutting short their hair out of resembling the disbelieving women (kaafiraat), then this is not permissible as the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said: 
((Whoever resembles a nation, then he is from them)). 
And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions. 
The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa 
Head: Shaykh 'Abdul 'Azeez Ibn Abdullaah Ibn Baaz; 
Deputy Head: Shaykh 'Abdur-Razzaaq 'Afeefee; 
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah Ibn Ghudayyaan; 
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah Ibn Qu'ood 
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-'Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa., - Volume 5, Page 182, Question 2 of Fatwa No.2922; 
Fataawa wa Ahkaam fee Sha'r an-Nisaa - Question 27, Page 32

The ruling regarding cutting the hair short to reduce falling out

Question: My wife complains of her hair falling out a lot and it was said to her to cut it short as this will reduce the falling out (of the hair). Is this permissible? 

Response: If the situation is as mentioned, then it is permissible (to cut the hair short) since this will prevent further harm. 

And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions. 
The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa 
Head: Shaykh 'Abdul 'Azeez Ibn Abdullaah Ibn Baaz; 
Deputy Head: Shaykh 'Abdur-Razzaaq 'Afeefee; 
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah Ibn Ghudayyaan 
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah Ibn Qu'ood 
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-'Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa., - Volume 5, Page 182, Question 1 of Fatwa No.6259; 
Fataawa wa Ahkaam fee Sha'r an-Nisaa - Question 28, Page 33

Wigs & Hair Extensions in Light of Islam

 

Wigs

Source: Fatwa Online : Ruling concerning wearing wigs

Question:  

Is it allowed for a woman to use a wig to beautify herself for her husband? Is this considered part of the prohibition of adding hair to one’s hair? 

Response: 
Wigs are forbidden and are considered a type of adding hair to one’s hair. Although it is not exactly that, it makes the woman’s hair look longer than it is and becomes similar to adding hair. The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) cursed the one who does the adding of hair as well as the one who requested it. However, if the woman does not have any hair upon her head, for example, if she is bald, then she may use a wig to cover up that blemish as it is considered permissible to remove blemishes. For example, the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) allowed the man who had his nose cut off during a battle to wear a fake nose of gold. The matter is more flexible than that. It might also include the question of having plastic surgery to fix a small nose and so forth. However, beautification is not the same as removing a blemish. If the matter is that of removing a blemish, there is no harm in it, such as when the nose is crooked and needs to be straightened or the removal of a beauty mark. There is no harm in such acts. But it is not to remove a blemish, such as tattooing or removing eyebrow hairs, then it is forbidden. Using a wig, even with the permission and approval of the husband, is forbidden for there is permission or approval in matters that Allaah has forbidden. 
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen 
Fataawa al-Mar.ah 

Hair Extensions

Source: Fatwa Online : The ruling regarding hair extensions
Question: What is the ruling regarding a woman having hair extensions?

Response: It is haraam for a woman to have hair extensions using (real) hair or that which resembles (real) hair for the authentic evidences which mention this (prohibition).

And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa
Head: Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez Ibn Abdullaah Ibn Baaz;
Deputy Head: Shaykh ‘Abdur-Razzaaq ‘Afeefee;
Member: Shaykh ‘Abdullaah Ibn Ghudayyaan
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-’Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa., - Volume 5, Page 193, Question 10 of Fatwa No.9850;
Fataawa wa Ahkaam fee Sha’r an-Nisaa - Question 5, Page 8
Bukhari :: Book 7 :: Volume 72 :: Hadith 817
Narrated 'Aisha :
An Ansari girl was married and she became sick and all her hair fell out intending to provide her with false hair. They asked the Prophet who said, "Allah has cursed the lady who artificially lengthens (her or someone else's) hair and also the one who gets her hair lengthened."

Shoes - Body & Dress in Islam

 

Q:  Is it permissible for women to wear high-heeled shoes?

A: This is not permissible.  It involves resembling the disbelieving women, or the wicked women.  It has its origins amongst the Jewish women before Islaam.  When one of them wanted to attend a gathering where her lover was present, she would wear a pair of high shoes for him to see her, being taller.  Then after a time, those became high-heeled shoes.  Further, that type of shoe changes a woman’s way of walking, causing her to tilt from left to right, and therefore, the wicked and unbelievers choose this type of shoe.  Therefore, a Muslim woman following the Sharee’ah (Islaamic Law) should not wear high-heeled shoes; especially since many times it causes her to fall! 

Shaykh Muhammad Naasirud-Deen al-Albaanee 
Source: Troid.org

Jewelry and Islam

Anklets

Ruling concerning wearing anklets  

Question: What is the ruling concerning wearing anklets in front of one's husband only? 

Response: There is no harm in wearing such in front of one's husband, women and mahram men. That is because it is a type of jewellery that a woman wears on her legs. 

Shaykh Ibn Baaz 
Fataawa al-Mar.ah
http://www.fatwa-online.com/

Gold Jewelry

Source: Fatwa Online: Gold Jewelry: Ruling concerning circular shaped gold jewelry

Question: 
What is the ruling concerning circular shaped gold jewellery? 

Response: 
It is permissible for women to wear either circular shaped or  non-circular shaped gold jewellery. This is based on the general meaning of the verse, {[Do they then like for Allaah] a creature who is brought up in adornments [wearing silk and gold ornaments, i.e., women] and in dispute cannot make herself clear?}, [al-Zukhruf 18]. Allaah has mentioned that wearing jewellery is a characteristic of women. This is general and covers gold as well as other jewellery. Furthermore, Ahmad, Abu Daawood and an-Nasaa.ee record with a good chain from the Leader of the Faithful 'Alee ibn Abu Taalib that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) took silk in his right hand and gold in his left and then said, ((These two are forbidden for the males of my Nation.)), In the narration  by Ibn Maajah, it ends, ((And permissible for its women.)) Also, Ahmad, an-Nasaa.ee, at-Tirmidhee-- who said it is saheeh-- Abu Daawood, al-Haakim-- who also called it saheeh-- at-Tabaraanee and Ibn Hazm- who again said it is saheeh-- all record from Abu Moosaa al-Ash'aree that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said, ((Gold and silk have been made permissible for the females of my Nation and forbidden for its males.))  Shaykh Ibn Baaz 
Fataawa al-Mar.ah

*******

CONCERNING MEN WEARING GOLD RINGS [Q]: What is the ruling concerning a man wearing a gold ring, or what is known as a wedding-ring? [A]: Shaykh Ibn Baaz – hafidhahullaah – answered: “It is not permissible for a man to wear gold rings. neither before or after marriage. This is due to the fact that Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam prohibited gold, as occurs in the authentic narrations. So once when the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam saw a man wearing a gold ring, he took it from him, threw it down and said: “Does a person pick up a burning piece of coal and hold it in his hand.” This was related by Muslim in his Saheeh (6/149). So in this is a proof that it is absolutely haraam (prohibited) for men to wear gold rings, even if it is a wedding ring.” Source

Basic Islamic Hygiene - Shaykh Fawzaan

 

Basic Islamic Hygiene - Shaykh Fawzaan

As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum,
Bismillāh:

Before the noble reader is an article discussing a few points on basic Islamic hygiene. The article is taken from Shaykh, Dr. Ṣāliḥ Fawzān’s “Explanation of Akhṣar al-Mukhtaṣirāt (1).” The organizer of the book, Dr. Salmān al-Suwaylim, provided the aḥādīth in the footnotes.

[1]: Cleaning One’s Teeth: Using the siwāk (2) is a highly recommend sunnah. There are many aḥādīth that mention the Messenger of Allāh, prayers and peace upon him, encouraged the use of the siwāk. The siwāk cleanses the mouth and removes foul odors. Using it is from Islamic etiquette.  
The Messenger of Allāh, prayers and peace upon him, said: “If it wasn’t for the fact that I do not want to cause hardship on my nation, I would have ordered that the siwāk be used for every wuḍū.” [Bukhārī]

[2]: Moisturizing One’s Hair: It is recommended to moisturize one’s hair every other day, just as the Messenger, prayers and peace upon him, would do. (3)

[3]: Looking at One’s Self in the Mirror: It is recommended to look at one’s self in the mirror when he finishes cleaning and beautifying himself. One looks in the mirror because there is a possibility that something needs to be adjusted or tweaked. Thus, one looks in the mirror before going out to meet people. This is the sunnah. The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace upon him, used to look in the mirror (4).

[4]: Using Delightful Fragrances (5): This is done because all of the Prophets did so. It is also done so that a person’s scent is pleasant, not offensive. So, he applies fragrances when he generally goes to prayer, and specifically when he goes to Friday prayer (al-Jumu’ah). He also uses delightful fragrances in the circles of remembrance and when he goes to gatherings.

[5]: Shaving the Pubic Area: It is recommended to remove the hair from one’s pubic area. This can be done by any means that serves the purpose. This is also from the ways of the Prophets.

[6]: Trimming the Mustache Closely: So, one does not let his mustache grow long. Likewise, he does not shave it completely because that is considered a form of disfigurement. He leaves its origin. This is because the Messenger, prayers and peace upon him, did not command us to shave it completely; rather, he ordered us to trim it closely (6). This is a form of beautification for men.

[7]: Trimming One’s Nails: From the way of the Prophet is to trim one’s fingernails and toenails, they are not to be left long. Leaving them long is considered ugliness and a resemblance to predatory animals.

[8]: Removing One’s Underarm Hair: One also removes the hair from his underarms by any means that serve the purpose. This is because leaving hair to grow under the arms is ugly and it causes an unpleasant odor. [End of Shaykh Fawzān's words]

I ask Allāh, The Most High, to beautify our appearances, just as he has beautified our hearts with al-tawhīd and our actions with the sunnah. And our last supplication is that All praise belongs to Allāh.

Translated by:
Abū Ādam Jamīl Finch
Umm al-Qurā University, College of Sharī̄’ah
Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Dhūl-Ḥijjah 21, 1432/November 17, 2011

---

(1) Ṣālih al-Fawzān, Explanation of Akhṣar al-Mukhtaṣirāt, vol. 1, pp. 75-83, abridged in places, [Dār al-‘Āsimah]
(2) [TN]: Likewise, a toothbrush

(3) Abdullāh b. Mugaffal narrated: “The Messenger of Allāh, prayers and peace upon him, prohibited us from tending to our hair, except for every other day.” [Abī Dawūd #4159, Authenticated by: al-Albānī]

[TN]: Faḍālah b. ‘Ubayd, narrated: “The Messenger prohibited us from too much luxury.” [Abī Dawūd #4160, Authenticated by: al-Albānī]
(4) Ibn ‘Abbās narrated: “When the Messenger of Allāh, prayers and peace upon him, looked in the mirror, he would say: ‘All praise is due to Allāh, He who beautified my figure and adorned on me that which was not adorned on others.’ ”  [Musnad Abī Y’alā vol.4/pg. 487]

(5) [TN]: Women do not wear fragrances in the presence of foreign men.

(6) Ibn ‘Umar narrated: The Messenger of Allāh, prayers and peace upon him, said: “Trim the mustaches closely and grow the beards.” [Bukhārī and Muslim]

The Awrah of A Muslim Woman (What Can Be Seen of Her Body & By Whom)

  

What is the awrah?

The part of the body that is private and should be concealed from view.

What is the women’s awrah?

The awrah of a woman, which is different than that of a man, differs depending upon in whose company she is in: