Looking at women in the eye while conversing, wife not responsive, and drinking medicine containing alcohol.

Question

1. In America if you don't look at anybody in the eye while conversing with them they consider it as an insult, especially if one is speaking with a lady. How do I handle this situation, as they consider it chauvinistic, not looking at women? Thank you very much. 2. The purpose of marriage is to fulfil one's innate desires, that's why we have been ordered to make Nikah. But what if one's wife is not responsive, she refuses nine out of ten times? What is the husband supposed to do in such a situation? 3. Is it ok to drink medicines containing alcohol?

Mufti Ebrahim Desai · Accepted Answer

1. As much as the United states has a culture of freedom, Islam teaches us to
take preventive measures. The lowering of the gaze is a Quraanic injunction which is binding. When you communicate with a female it needs to be explained that by you lowering your gaze is an act of respect rather than chauvanism. as looking at a non mehram woman could easly lead to temptation. However you do not need to turn your back to her or look away but
you can just lower your gaze.

2. As it is obligatory for a wife to answer the call of the husband to bed he needs to consider that maybe an underlying reason that could be affecting your relationship. This avenue needs to be investigated because if there is a medical reason thats affects her then she is not obliged to answer your call as Stated in a Hadith.

3. It is permissable to take medicine containing alcohol as long as there is no alternative to that specific medicine being used.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.

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