Purdah in the work space and with in-laws
Category:
Character & Morals
According to Madhhab:
Hanafi
Reference:
1441-009
Question:
I
would like to know the laws of purdah in ones business dealings and in the work
space example shop for men .
The laws of purdah for woman as I am staying with my in-laws and one brother
in-law in the house and when my brother in-law and his wife visits how should
we all observe purdah?
Myself and my husband eat on the floor while my brother in-law will eat on the
table. I then turn my back facing his way I have the desire to move around the
corner when we are eating but my mother-in-law at time also sits with him while
me and my husband have supper and don't want my husband to move. I'm afraid it
may cause I'll feeling from my mother-in-law towards me as our relationship is
already on and off due to unnecessary shaytani thoughts what should I do?
would like to know the laws of purdah in ones business dealings and in the work
space example shop for men .
The laws of purdah for woman as I am staying with my in-laws and one brother
in-law in the house and when my brother in-law and his wife visits how should
we all observe purdah?
Myself and my husband eat on the floor while my brother in-law will eat on the
table. I then turn my back facing his way I have the desire to move around the
corner when we are eating but my mother-in-law at time also sits with him while
me and my husband have supper and don't want my husband to move. I'm afraid it
may cause I'll feeling from my mother-in-law towards me as our relationship is
already on and off due to unnecessary shaytani thoughts what should I do?
Answer:
Islam is a complete way of life, wherein Allah Ta'aala and Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam have stated certain limits and restrictions for men and women, and everyone is obligated to follow and practice them.
Allah Ta'aala pronounces in the Holy Quran that women should remain indoors and should not venture out with a valid reason.
وَقَرْنَ فِِ بيُُوتِكُنَّ وَلََ تَ بجَّْنَ تَبَجَُّ الَْْاهِلِيَّةِ الُْْولََ )الَحزاب آية ٣٣ )
Remain in your homes and (when it is necessary to leave your homes, be properly dressed, and) do not make a display of yourselves as was the practice of (women during) the former period of ignorance ( during the period before the Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam came to people, when women walked about without adequately covering their bodies).
Furthermore, Allah Ta'aala states in the Holy Quran that the responsibility of women is upon men:
الرجال قومون على النساء )النساء الآية ٣٤ )
Men are the protectors and maintainers of women.
Moreover, it is the responsibility of the men (father, husband, son, brother, uncle etc.) to maintain and provide for the women. Hence, they are not permitted to work in an uncongenial without a valid reason, since working outdoors involves dealing and interacting with strange men and violates numerous directives of Shariah i.e. violation of Hijab/Purdah rulings, intermingling of sexes, etc. (Aap Ke Masa'il Vol. 7 Pg. 76)
Observing Purdah:
Women are required to adhere to the laws of Purdah/Hijab at all times, especially with the relatives i.e. cousins, in laws, etc., as they have easy access to the homes and generally people are not cautious with regards to these relatives, and for this reason Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam stated that the husband’s brother (brother in-law) is like death ( which means she should fear and protect herself from her brother in-law as one fears death and tries to prevent it). This portrays the seriousness of the matter at hand. Therefore, if one stays with the in-laws, one is required to cover herself adequately and put a veil on her face and should not talk with them frankly, nor wear anything that attracts a strange eye within the house. (Mirqaat Vol. 5 PG 2051)
Solutions:
Perform Nafl Salah and make Dua in abundance for love between the spouses, blissful married-life, guidance, steadfastness on Deen etc....
Communication is the key for happy marriage-life, communicate with your partner, be honest, and explain to him the matter with wisdom and a soft tone.
Try to remain quiet and do not answer back, if the husband is furious or in unpleasant moods.
The questioner should try to lay the Dastarkhan twice; one round for males and the other for females.
Try to be subservient to your husband and parent’s in-law, as long as they do not command you to act and practice anything against Shariah.
Try to be friendly with them and respect them; eventually, sooner or later you will also be appreciated and valued.
AND ALLAH TA'AALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST
ANSWERED BY: MOHSIN KHAN
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY: Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
Islamic Date: ١٤ محرم ١٤٤١
English Date: 14 September 2019