Sisters community center

Question

Assalaamu alaikum Mufti sahib The Sisters in our city want to open a center for exclusive use by women only. They will be able to stay overnight there, learn cooking, seek knowledge, and exercise. Is such a center permissiable or recommended in Islam. A elder brother said that women must be supervised by men and they should not organize themselves. Is this true? This debate is causing alot of fitna in our community. Please advise in light of the sharia with daleel. jazakAllah

for: Mufti Ebrahim Desai · Accepted Answer

In an Aayat of the noble Qur'aan, Allah Ta'ala commands the women, 'And remain steadfast to your homes and do not expose yourself just as they used to expose themselves at the time of the first Jaahiliyyah (ignorance).' (Ahzaab Aayat 21)

The Shari'ah has placed emphasis on the place of women being indoors. However, they are allowed to come outdoors at the time of necessity and this should be done with total Purdah and not exposing any of their beauty. The clause of necessity is restricted to a genuine situation, for example, Hajj and Umrah, visiting parents, going out to earn a livelihood in an extreme situation, and in these instances, the woman should be well covered in her veil, etc.

Umm Humayd (Radhiallaahu Anhu), the wife of Abu Humayd Saaidi, came to Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and said, 'O Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), Verily I love to perform Salaat with you.' Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Verily I know that you love to perform Salaat with me. But your Salaat in your little room is superior to your Salaat in a big room .'. Thus, a room for Salaat was erected for her in the remotest corner of her house and she remained performing Salaat therein until she met Allah (died) (Ahmad)

Hence, women should try as far as possible to remain indoors as their coming out is highly discouraged in Shari'ah. The construction of such a centre is also not advisable and is fraught with worldly and Deeni dangers.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

for: Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.

CHECKED AND APPROVED: Moulana Imraan Vawda

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