Main Topic
Guidance for Muslim women on upholding Islamic modesty (Parda) regarding non-mahram relatives, maintaining steadfastness against social pressure, and the immense virtues of giving charity (Sadaqah).
Key Lessons
- Shaking hands, kissing hands, or unnecessarily interacting with non-mahram men (including brothers-in-law and male cousins) is strictly prohibited regardless of family custom or Eid traditions.
- A believer must prioritize Allah's commands above pleasing family members, in-laws, or a spouse.
- Fear of social mockery or criticism should never stop a Muslim from obeying Shariah; one should respond with patience, silence, and dua.
- Women are encouraged to give charity (Sadaqah) regularly as a protection against the Fire and a means to cool Allah's anger.
- A wife receives full reward for giving food in charity even if her husband earned the money to buy it, without reducing her husband's or the servant's reward.
- Avoid ungratefulness toward husbands and frequent cursing, as these traits were highlighted by the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) as major spiritual pitfalls.
Quranic/Hadith References
- Advice to Abu Dharr (Radiallahu Anhu): Do not fear the reproach of any critic when acting for the sake of Allah.
- Hadith: Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) urged women to spend in charity, pointing out that ingratitude to husbands and frequent cursing lead many women to Hellfire.
- Hadith: Sadaqah cools the anger of Allah just as water extinguishes fire.
- Hadith: Exchange gifts, even if small (such as the hoof of a goat), because gifts develop love and eliminate enmity.
- Hadith: Three people enter Jannah through a single morsel of food given in charity: the owner who bought it, the wife who prepared it, and the servant who delivered it.
- Hadith of Asma bint Abi Bakr (Radiallahu Anha): Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) instructed her to spend generously from what her husband gives her without holding back.
Practical Advice
- Firmly but politely refuse to shake hands or mix with non-mahram relatives, assuring your spouse of your love and obedience in all permissible matters.
- Avoid arguing with family members who mock your adherence to Islamic rules; explain politely if they are sincere, or remain silent if they are merely mocking.
- Give small daily acts of charity, such as making extra sandwiches for the needy, buying an extra loaf of bread, or leaving crumbs and leftover food for birds and animals in the garden.
Hazrat Moulana Dawood Seedat Saheb