Columnists

   Religion

   Commentary
   Community
   Entertainment
   Investment
   Matrimonial
   Opinion
   Sports



Issues and Questions

Distribution of Sadqah Money, Non-Muslims Relatives, Wudu
By Dr Muzammil H. Siddiqi


Q 1. I have a question regarding the distribution of Sadaqah. Can Sadaqah be given to a hospital for construction and meeting its running expenses?
A 1. There is no prohibition or restriction in giving sadaqah money for the construction and running expenses of a hospital. Muslims always give their charity for building hospitals, schools, orphanages etc. This is the best use of Sadaqah and it becomes a Sadaqah Jariyah, i.e. a charity that brings the blessings and reward of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala always as long as people benefit from this charity. Unlike Zakat, which has some restrictions, Sadaqah is a general charity and it can be used to help any needy person or institution.
However, since Sadaqah is for poor people only, it is important that when rich people or people who do not need charity use a hospital or school that is built by charity they should pay for its services, or they should make a donation to this institution when they use its services.
Q 2. I need some help in regards to the rights of my non-Muslim family over me, i.e. my funeral (and every soul shall taste death). My oldest son is not a Muslim, please make du'a that Allah t'ala opens his heart to Islam. Ameen. My questions are as follows:
1. Is it permissible for him (my son) to help lower my body in the grave?
2. Would my blood-sisters be allowed to help shroud my body? (I am a female.)
3. Is there a "viewing" in Islam ?(Not at prayer, like night before at funeral home)
4. Who is allowed to see my face, besides my immediate family, if any? F example; non-Muslim family, former co-workers, ex-non-Muslim husband, those I called friends in the Dunya, or any non-believer.
5. Would it be permissible to have a leaflet distributed (at janazah) that explains about death in Islam (i.e. not to wail, etc, etc) and that invites to Islam?
A 2. As a general answer to your questions, let me say that Islam does not forbid Muslims from having good relations with their non-Muslim relatives and friends. Allah says in the Qur'an, "Allah forbids you not those who warred not against you on account of your religion and have driven you not from your homes, that you should show them kindness and deal justly with them. Indeed, Allah loves those who do justice." (al-Mumtihinah 60:8) Following are the answers to your specific questions:
1. A Muslim should have an Islamic burial. If a Muslim convert has some non-Muslim members in his/her family and they want to help in his/her Islamic funeral and burial, there is no prohibition on them to do so. Thus a non-Muslim son is allowed to lower the body of his Muslim father or mother.
2. The non-Muslim sister is also allowed to shroud the body of her Muslim sister.
3. Viewing of the face of a deceased person is allowed in Islam.
4. Although the face of a woman, whether alive or dead is not "awrah" (something that must be hidden), for the sake of modesty only close relatives should be allowed to see her face after death. It should not be viewed by common public. Non-Mahrams (any non-related males including ex-husband) should not touch a female's body.
5. For the sake of Da'wah or to give information to the non-Muslim relatives about Islam and Islamic funerals, it is good to distribute some flyers, but one should not make it a custom. It should only be done if there is a need and some benefit in it.
Q 3. Is it compulsory to fast on the day of Mi'raj?
A 3. There is no compulsory or recommended fast for the day of Mi'raj, i.e. 27th of Rajab. Actually there is no special ceremony recommended in the Qur'an and Sunnah for the day of Isra' and Mi'raj. Muslims may gather together to remember the great miracle of Isra' and Mi'raj, learn its significance in Islam, and especially remember the importance of the city of Jerusalem in Islam. It is good to remind us on this occasion of our duty as Muslims to liberate Jerusalem and to do something to help our brothers and sisters who are suffering in Palestine, but there are no special prayers or fasts associated with this day or night.
Q 4. I read your columns with interest and respect. You put things in perspective and do not admonish people for asking questions. The following issue was raised in our tarbiyah program and we could not arrive at any conclusion.
Making Wudu' with water is totally inconvenient and unrealistic. When we do not see dust around, unless one uses microscope, it is not a convincing argument that Wudu' is for cleanliness. Secondly, a lot of people use make-ups, most of the women use it, and those people whose skin is dry, use some kind of cream. For them putting on make-up and cream every two hours is not possible. Thirdly, one cannot go in the office bathroom and wash the face. Fourthly, there is no place in the washroom where a person can remove shoes and stand up at a religiously clean place and cleanse the feet. Fifthly, because of the cold weather, it is cumbersome to remove the layers of clothes to wash our hands. Sixthly, some people use gels on their hairs. They cannot use gels whenever they do masah in their hair. In other words, the arguments are unlimited. The system of Wudu' was perfectly fine 1400 years ago or still can be a little bit justified in the Arab countries because of their weather and attire. Conversely, in North America and Europe, it is unrealistic. Can some kind of tayammum be used as an alternative?
A 4. Islam is for all places and for all times. There are millions of Muslims in the West and in cold countries making Wudu' and performing their prayers for centuries. Those who want to argue and find excuses can always do so. But as Muslims we have to remember that it is Allah who has given us these rules of 'Ibadah. He knows everything, every time and every climate. His Messenger - may peace and blessings be upon him - told us that we should perform Wudu' before the prayer. It brings blessings upon us. The Wudu will be our distinguishing mark on the Day of Judgment and we shall be recognized by our Wudu' inshallah. To answer the arguments against Wudu that you mentioned, let me say:
1. The purpose of Wudu' is not only to wash dust and dirt, it is to keep us clean and fresh. Washing of face and hands several times during the day makes a person very clean and healthy. Wudu' also prepares us in a spiritual way to stand before our Lord. Cleanliness of the body is only one aspect of Wudu'. It has many other benefits and blessings.
2. Muslims should be moderate in their make-up. Too much make up is not good - neither for the skin, nor for the soul and certainly not for the budget. If one really is concerned about savings, it is better to save on make-up rather than on the water of Wudu'. Those who make Wudu' have such a noor - light on their faces - that they do not need much make-up any way. One does not need to remove the make-up every two hours for Wudu'. One can put whatever make-up is necessary after Fajr, then make Wudu' at Zuhr time. One can easily pray Zuhr and 'Asr with one Wudu', and similarly Maghrib and 'Isha', if there is a problem with the use of water.
3. A Muslim should not be ashamed of washing his face in the office bathroom. People stand up and urinate in the office bathroom talking to each other; if they are not ashamed of that, why should a Muslim be ashamed of washing his face? There is nothing un-civilized about washing ones face. Muslims should be bold and proud of their values and principles. Those who feel ashamed of making Wudu in front of others will feel more ashamed of offering prayers also.
4. One does not need to remove socks and wash the feet for every Wudu', it is allowed in Islam to make Masah on the socks for one day and night (and during journey for three days and nights), if one puts them on after Wudu' first time and does not remove them in between.
5. We are living in such a comfortable environment of heated buildings and bathrooms and yet we complain of cold weather and removing clothing. Just think of Muslims in Afghanistan, Turkistan, Tajikistan, Albania, Bosnia, and how they have been making Wudu for centuries. Some of them make Wudu with snow and frozen water. The Prophet - peace be upon him - said that those who make Wudu in spite of difficulties will have a special reward from Allah.
6. Too much gel is not good for the hair anyway. Use good quality gel and the Masah will not affect it very much. Masah is only to spread wet hands over the hair, it is not meant to wash hai ror to make them wet. Actually, your hair may look more shiny and fresh after a little Masah, so do not worry too much about gels.
Tayammum is a substitute for Wudu only when one is sick or when water is not available. Otherwise there is no substitute for Wudu'. Feel happy that you belong to the Ummah of Purity and cleanliness. May Allah help us to spread cleanliness to our surroundings as well.

- DrSiddiqi@aol.com


PREVIOUSLY



Healing our Brokenness

Islam: The Middle and the Moderate Path

Basic Commitments of Muslims

Is there anti-Semitism in the Qur’an?

The Truth will Succeed

An Islamic Approach to Pluralism

Zakat and Charity - Our Gratitude to Allah

Al-Taqarrub ila Allah- Getting Closer to Allah

I’tikaf: Spiritual Retreat in Ramadan

Al-Istiqamah: Being Straight and Steadfast

Islam is Peace

Islamic Activism

Peace, Harmony and Good Community: Challenges Ahead for the Muslims of America

Does the Qur’an Teach Violence?

Jihad: Its True Meaning and Purpose

Relocating A Mosque

An Islamic Perspective on Stem Cells Research

Issues and Questions

Issues and Questions

Issues and Questions

Issues and Questions

Unity and Diversity

Issues and Questions

Issues and Questions

Courage and Hope: The Spirit of ‘Ashura’

The Spirit of Hijrah

Issues and Questions

Issues and Questions

The Sincere Faith

Zakat and Fasting in Shawwal

Issues and Question

Fasting for Pregnant and Nursing Women

Partition for Women inside the Masjid

Meetings before Marriage, Zakat to a Brother, Zakat to Pay off Business Loan, False Oath on the Quran, Halala

Friday Prayers, Saying Prayers in English, Adhan before Prayers, the Nature of Allah

Return Policy, Salat in a Church, Marriage, Women Praying Salat-ul-Janazah, Husband and Wife Praying Together, Muslim Imam Performing Christian Wedding

Differences Among Madahib, Rules About Migration, Avoiding Nikah Between Two Eids, Reincarnation

Islam: Faith and Civilization

Jallalah, Salat-ul-Jumu'ah, Nationality
Divorce, Selling Haram Things, Prayers, Non-Muslim Females in Masjid
Muslim Woman's Property, Niyyah for Prayers, Muslim Matrimonial Agencies, Muslim Activism
Women in Masjid, Alcohol-Based Perfumes, Divorce, Daughters' Share in Inheritance, Share of Adopted Children in Inheritance
Do Different Faiths Lead to the Same End?
White Gold, Issues of Mahr, False Oath
Quran on Number of Prayers, Husband-Wife Relations, Soyem and Chelum
Burial, Step Offsprings, Wearing T-Shirts in Masjids
Why Does Allah Allow Suffering and Evil in the World?
Opposite Sex Friends, God's Mercy, Praying Incorrectly, Husband's Last Name, Legal Divorce vs. Islamic Divorce
Missed Prayers, Euthanasia, Bank Interest for Charity
Sun Rising from the West, Pre-existence of Prophet Muhammad, Ghusl Janabah
Fate or Free Will, Nature or Nurture
Issues on Marriage and Sexual Relations Outside Marriage
April 21, 2000
Forgiveness in Islam
'Ashura' Fasting and the New Year of Hijrah
Crescent, Seven Heavens, Baptism
Divorce during Pregnancy, Allegorical Verses
Islam: the Way of Perfection
Why does Allah the Lord use the word "We" to refer to Himself?
Dhikr, Idul Adha
Zakat Issues, Concept of Barakah, Praying in Private, the Last Sermon of the Prophet (PBUH)
Praying in a Chair, Muslim Youth, Hajj Issues
Sunnah Mukkadah, Children of Step Parents, Bid'a, Religion's Role in Success in Life, Eid ul Adha

Zakat on 401K and IRA Accounts
Leading the prayer, Reading the Quran without Wudu, Women in Namaz-e-Janaza
The World Must Change
Issues on Zakat, Fitrah

What does Islam offer to humanity?

Zakat and Charity our Gratitude to Allah

Islam: The Middle and Moderate Path

Halal Meat, Praying Together, Leather Jackets, Cheating in Business, Divorce

Zakat and Charity - Our Gratitude to Allah

Ramadan : The month of Virtues and Blessings

Image of Youth in Islam

Our Positive Action Plan

Muslims and Non-Muslims in each other's Funerals

Prophet 'Isa (Jesus)-Peace be upon him: His Place and Honor in Islam

Does the Qur'an Teach Violence

Allah Akbar - Allah is Great

The Real Mission of Syyedna Husain

The New Year of Hijrah

Be Steadfast!

Faith and Trust in Allah

Lessons of History

The Prophetic Ethics: Our Daily Challenge

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) - Allah's True Prophet

Dialogue of Cultures and Civilizations

The Spiritual Health

Relocating the Mosque

Can Incentives Resolve the Kashmir Conflict?

Gentle Answers to Some Attacks on the Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad

Justice and Compassion: Laws and Ethics in Islam

Ethnic and Racial Harmony: The Islamic Way

The Spititual Growth

How to Welcome the Month of Ramadan?

Zakat and Charity - Our Gratitude to Allah

What kind of fasting is pleasing to Allah?

Muslims and Non-Muslims in each other's funeral

The Glorious Qur'an: How to Benefit from Its Blessings?

Grace and Good Deeds

The Spirit of Eid-ul-Fitr

Purpose of our Life : The Islamic Perspective

Hajj of the Prophet - Peace Be Upon Him

Renting Property to a Liquor Store, Warranties

Marrying in the Family, Prostration, the first Mosque

Following Sunnah, Hijab, Marrying a Non-Muslim Male, Celebrating Halloween

A Week of Sadness: Shameful Killings in Iraq and Pakistan

Hijrah: The Way to Brotherhood

"Grieve Not, Allah is With Us:" The Spirit of Hijrah

Pakistan with Shoes on, Abortion, Satan and Heaven

Abortion, Medical Tests, Marrying Older Women

Protecting Children, Lying Jokingly

Sweepstakes, Children's Money and Palmistry

rophet Muhammad: Universal Mercy

Prophet Muhammad: Universal Mercy

Prayers with Cosmetics on, Paper Marriages

Green Card Lottery, Chain Letter and Divorce
Credit Cards, Gold Coins, Walimah, Learning Quran in English, Nanjas Clothes

Prophet Muhammad as a Political Leader

Surah al-Tin: Some Reflections

"Infields" and Killing in the Name of Islam

Good Relations

Islamic Names for New Muslims, Mother's Inheritance, Weddings in Muharram

Issues on Numerical Miracles of the Qur'an, Internet Chats between Males and Females

Family Relations in Islam

Unity Among Muslims

Spirit and Witnesses for Marriage

Double Standards: A Woe for Humanity

Recycled Water and Copyrights

Principles and Goals of Development: An Islamic PerspectiveWomen in Janazah Prayers, Husband and Wife Praying Together
The Spirit of Tolerance in Islam
The Holy Qur’an: How to Benefit from Its Blessings
Zakat on Line, Divorce, Mosques and Political
Candidates

Questions and Answers by By Dr Muzammil H. Siddiqi

Peace, Harmony and Good Community:
Challenges Ahead for the Muslims of America

Thanksgiving in Islam

Business Ethics in Islam

The Way to Success and Salvation:
‘Reflections on Súrah al-‘Aßr

Relocating a Mosque
Praying Jummah Zawal, Selling Pork, Reading the Quran at Same Level
Issues and Questions
Issues and Questions
Reflections on Hajj

Hajj Akbar, Qurbani, Taharah and Zakat
Islamic Names for New Muslims, Mother’s Inheritance
Seven Great Characters
Woman Imam Leading Men and Women in Salat
Questions of Life and Death
Hajj During Íddah, Marriage without Financial Obligations, Urinating in Standing Position

Issues and Questions
Prayers with Pictures in the Room, Madhahib and Unity

Prophet Muhammad as a Humanitarian Leader
Du'a after the Fard Prayers, Fasting in Shawal, Nikah through E-mail
Zakat, Umra, Settlement Money in Car Accidents
Ten Principles of Success in the Light of Sirah

Prophet Muhammad: Allah’s Mercy to the Worlds and Favor to the Faithful
Zakat, Tattoos, and Movies
Zakat and Ramadan Issues
Wudu, Shab-e-Barat and Observance of Ramadan
Sajdah, Meaning of Makruh, Women and Jannah
Culture in Islam
Prenuptial Agreements, Non-practicing Parents, Zakat
Facial Plastic Surgery, Bell, Feet Covering, Fasting
Terrorism: A Crime against Allah and Humanity
Partition for Women inside the Masjid

1999
1998
1997
1996

Editor: Akhtar M. Faruqui
© 2004 pakistanlink.com . All Rights Reserved.