Women: Segregation and seclusion of Q703 :What is the purpose of women’s segregation and seclusion? A703 : I am not exactly certain of what you mean by women being kept in seclusion. If you are suggesting that women are kept at home all the time, this is hardly true anywhere in the Muslim world. They…

Women: Seductively dressed up Q702 :The Prophet is quoted to have condemned the women who, “Although clothed, are yet naked, seducing and being seduced, their hairstyle is like the tilted humps of camels. These will not enter paradise nor will its fragrance even reach them, although its fragrance reaches a very great distance.” Could you…

Women: Role in a war Q701 :Can a woman be the commander of an army or a group of Mujahideen? A701 : Islam does not require women to fight in a war or Jihad. The Prophet was asked whether women should take part in any Jihad campaign. He answered: “Women are required to share in…

Women riding horses or swimming Q700 :According to Islamic law, are women allowed to ride horses? If not, please explain why? A700 : Horse riding is an activity encouraged by the Prophet. He has urged us to teach our children “good marksmanship, swimming and horse riding.” His statement includes both sons and daughters. When a…

Women: Restrictions on Q699 :A Muslim woman who is keen on abiding by the teachings of Islam is nevertheless very assertive of her freedom. She claims that there is nothing in the Qur’an to suggest that women cannot travel alone. To her, freedom means that she can travel wherever and whenever she wishes. Please comment.…

Women: Puberty at a very early age Q698 :If a girl attains puberty at a very early age, say, nine or 11 years, should she maintain hijab when she is with her male cousins? If she travels to a foreign country, could she wait until she has finished primary school before she wears a scarf?…

Women provided protection Q697 :If a Muslim woman is raped by a non-Muslim and she gets pregnant, what is her position in Muslim society, and what is the position of her child? If the woman is married, how shall the husband deal with this matter? Can he divorce his wife? Can he accept the child…

Women prophets Q696 :Were there any woman prophets? If not, why? A696 : Some scholars are of the view that Lady Mary, Jesus’s mother was herself a prophet. They also maintain that the mother of prophet Moses was also a prophet. They support their view with reference in the Qur’an to the fact that Allah…

Women: Prolonged discharge and prayer Q695 :Could you please explain the position with regard to exemption from prayer for women during their period, especially if it is prolonged. A695 : Some scholars mention a number of days for the minimum duration of a woman’s period and they also quote a figure to indicate the maximum…

Women: Pregnancy and other situations for fasting Q694 :Recently my husband heard a teacher saying that a pregnant woman may avail herself of the concessions not to fast in Ramadan only if she fears for her health. If she fears for her baby and does not fast, she is required not only to compensate by…