FAQ’S FOR REVERTS TO ISLAM
Praise be to Allah who has guided you to Islam. May your Journey be one of fulfilment, contentment and spiritual growth….
First and foremost it’s very important to know the 5 Pillars and 6 Beliefs of Islam.
The 5 Pillars :
Do I need to change my Name ??
No you don’t have to change your name. Some people decide they want to adopt an Islamic name or if a person’s name has a bad meaning they may decide to change it.
Do I need Proof that I have Converted ??
If you can obtain a Certificate of Conversion from the Mosque that you took your Shahada it will be beneficial as people have been known to be asked for proof at Hajj.
Should I wear the Hijab ??
Wearing the Hijab is not one of the 5 Pillars of Islam, however it is mentioned in the Quran;
“…and not display their beauty except what is apparent, and they should place their khumur over their bosoms…”
It’s recommended not to rush into putting on the Hijab. You have to feel confident within yourself to make the decision to wear it. You may even want to just start wearing it to Muslim areas, the Mosque and any Islamic events and eventually it may be easier to wear it full time.
Out of Respect it is recommended to wear Hijab - When entering a Mosque, to a funeral, when listening to a Sheik’s speech
Does my past sins/mistakes mean that I will go to Hell ??
Once you convert to Islam all your past sins are forgiven, the slate is wiped clean and you start your new life as a Muslim pure.
Why does Islam permit Polygamy ??
Islam did not introduce Polygamy. Unrestricted Polygamy was practiced in most societies throughout the world. Islam regulated polygamy by limiting the number of wives to 4, giving rights to the women and establishing responsibility in its practice. As this passage of Quran related to caring for women who are divorced or widowed, polygamy is seldom practiced in most educated Muslim societies, and if it is, it is only between consenting adults and for those who can afford to provide equally for each woman.
Can I enter a Mosque when I’m Menstruating ??
Generally it is permissible to enter a Mosque when you are menstruating if you are going for learning purposes; ie Listen to a Lecture or Learning Arabic. However it is wise to ask the teacher there first.
I’m finding it difficult to Pray 5 Times a Day……??
Practising Islam is definitely a lifestyle change that can take some time to adjust to. If you are finding it hard to pray the 5 daily prayers you can start off with 1 a day and slowly increase it so eventually you are praying all the prayers. Remember it takes approximately 40 days to establish a habit so over time it will become a normal part of your day. Prayer is the most powerful weapon a Muslim has, so pray and your heart will find contentment!
**We have Prayer Mats available that outline what to say and the movements of the prayers**
Why do people move places after praying the Fard (Obligitory) prayer ??
It is Sunnah to separate the place of an Obligatory prayer from an optional prayer . The prophet (PBUH) always wanted to make a clear distinction between what was obligatory and what was optional.
What are the proceedings at a funeral prayer? Are there any etiquette’s outside of the norm?
When a Muslim dies, the body should be buried as soon as possible after death, thus there is no viewing before a funeral. Salat al-Janazah (funeral prayers) should be performed by all members of the community including women. The prayers are commonly held outdoors, in a courtyard of the mosque, rather than inside the mosque. The prayer is similar to the Fard prayers, however there is no Ruku (bowing) or Sujud (prostrating).
At the gravesite it is discouraged for the mourners to wail, and usually those who carry the deceased and place him or her in the grave are the men. There is no prohibition on who can attend the grave site and interment there, however different cultures have different traditions at that time. Flowers are not usually provided for funeral ceremonies, however it is highly recommended to visit the family and offer condolences and prayers after the burial.
Do I have to reject all of my previous beliefs in God?
Islam, Judaism and Christianity all come from the same source – a revelation to a Prophet from God and through the Angel Gabriel. All of these Prophets are accepted in Islam, and their books share the same values, understandings of God’s attributes, stories, histories of Prophets and importance of prayer, fasting, charity and caring of others. While Muslims believe that the only authentic remaining revelation is the Quran (original copies from the time of Muhammad s.a.w. exist in Top Kapi Palace and other libraries), the teachings of these religions are essentially the same as Islam, with a few key differences. These include the Christian belief in the Trinity, and that Jesus is part of the ‘Godhead’ and the intercession between humans and God by either the Church, priests, or rabbies. The Quran states refers to Jews, Christians and Sabians as people of the Book, accepts that their slaughtered meat is halal, and the Prophet s.a.w. made it clear that their places of worship were to be respected, were not to pay any kind of taxes and were under the protection of the Muslim community.
For most Christians and Jews, Islam provides clarity of their former beliefs, not a rejection of them. Islam removes the confusion that exists in these older forms of submission to God, and provides greater understanding of the nature of God, the purpose of life, the Hereafter, and the way to live pleasing God that will bring rewards in this world and the Next.
Is it OK to celebrate Christmas/Easter or other faiths traditions?? Should I accept Presents?? What if there is alcohol present??
There are varying opinions on this and you should do what you feel comfortable with, while taking these things into consideration:
Maintaining a good relationship with family and treating your parents kindly is very important in Islam. Are you going to upset or offend family by not going? It’s important to remember that when Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) lived in Mecca he was surrounded by people drinking alcohol, but a drop never touched his lips, the Meccan’s found great pleasure in gambling, yet Mohammed never took part. People would worship Idols and perform rituals naked at the Kabbah but Mohammed still went and prayed and taught Islam. Muhammad s.a.w. did not distance himself from those around him or his family because they were not believers. He continued to visit the sick and to maintain contact with his family. Although Christmas and Easter are not a traditional part of Christianity –that is, they were not established by the Prophet Isa a.s. - it is a good opportunity to remind family of Islam’s recognition of Jesus miraculous birth, of the sanctity of his mother Mary, and of the fact that he was one of the greatest Prophets of all time, but never claimed to be God or the son of God.
Haram and Halal…..
One of the basic principles of submitting to God is that we should accept whatever he decrees. His rulings come from his knowledge, wisdom and justice, and are not matters with which to be taken lightly. Religion is meant to be easy and not strict so things that are classed as Haram are for a very good reason which we may not understand but Allah is the All-Wise.
According to the Quran these things are considered Haram :
Shirk – it is a sin for a Muslim to worship anyone or anything other than Allah
Zina – It is a sin to commit adultery and fornication. It is considered to lead to confusion in lineage, leniency in morals, the dis-connection among families and unstable relationships.
Riba – Interest goes against the Islamic Pillar of Zakat which allows wealth to flow from the rich to the poor. Interest introduces instability into the economic system and can cause over consumption that can later be
life destroying
Alcohol and Gambling
Eating Pork also Cat, Dog & Monkey
Drinking Blood
Eating Animals that aren’t slaughtered the Islamic Way, ie Halal
Murder – Human life is considered sacred in Islam and everyone is considered equal. The Quran says “Killing one man is like killing the whole humanity”. The exception is if a person murders someone in self-defence and has witnesses who can testify.
Theft
Abortion – excluding a situation where the mother’s life is in Jeopardy
A Muslim woman marrying a non-muslim man – due to the idea that the man is the head of the household, the one who supports the family and the man is considered responsible for his wife. Muslims don’t believe in allowing a muslim woman to marry a man not practicing Islam as they are not concerned with protecting the rights of the religion.
Back Biting & Lying – Islam is a religion of peace, love and compassion. Lies, back biting, gossip and slander are not part of Islam and are considered a destructive sin. These things cause hostilities and problems between people of the same household and between friends, relatives and whole communities. The Quran says “the curse of Allah be upon him if he should be among the liars”.
Abandoning the 5 Daily Prayers – The Quran says “what led you to Hellfire? They will say ‘we were not of those who prayed’”
There are some exceptions in times of hardship or in an emergency situation. For example; eating pork if you run the chance of dying of starvation, using alcohol for medicinal purposes and lying to save the life of an innocent person. Most things are Halal, but you are best guided by very high scholars. The more you know the more you refine what you understand is beneficial to please God.
Why did Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) marry Aisha when she was so young ??
In past generations it was normal for girls to get married at a young age. This was also common in European countries and many other civilisations. It is not acceptable now.
What are the Rights of Women in Marriage ??
At the time of Marriage it is the duty of the husband to pay for a marital dowry/gift and it is exclusively the right of the woman.
If the woman owns any property prior to marriage, she retains that property after marriage and it remains under her control
The woman can keep her own last name
If a woman has any earnings during her marital life, by way of investments or as a result of work, she doesn’t have to spend any of it on the household, it’s entirely hers to do with as she wishes.
The full support and maintenance of a married woman and their children is the entire responsibility of her husband, even if she is richer than he is.
Polygamy is Illegal in Australia so therefore a second wife would have limited rights under Australian Law. It is also the requirement of a Muslim to follow the law of the country they live in so it is not advisable to agree to become a second wife. Imams who conduct a marriage for a second wife can lose their license as a marriage celebrant and possibly be subject to legal action.
My Husband has told me not to keep in contact with old friends and to reduce contact with my Non-Muslim family. Is this right??
No! This is not right! Islam places a huge emphasis on the importance of maintaining family ties. The Prophet said “no sin is more swiftly punished than oppression and the breaking of family ties”. It is a duty of every Muslim to show kindness and mercy and to act righteously to his or her parents and kin. This includes parents who are not Muslim. It is also not wise to cut all ties with old friends, especially ones who show you support after converting to Islam. There may be some activities that you may not feel comfortable being part of anymore and as long as your friends understand and respect that, then there shouldn’t be any reason why you can’t still keep in touch and remain friends. Not only can you possibly help them to understand Islam, but they may be a strong support for you if times are difficult. That being said, also keeping the company of good Muslims is one of the best ways to grow in your religion and establish your Deen.
My Husband is discouraging me from studying about Islam directly and says I should learn it from him. Is this right??
No! A Husband should provide support, not obstacles for his wife to learn and gain a greater understanding of their religion. The Prophet said “The pursuit of knowledge is a duty of every Muslim; man and woman”. With this instruction it became a religious duty of Muslims to educate themselves, their families and societies.
Pursuit of knowledge has been emphasised from the time of the Prophet s.a.w, and is necessary particularly in today’s environment. So no Muslim should prevent another person from pursuing knowledge. You may also find that learning solely from your Husband may have some cultural influences that can sometimes be confused as part of the religion. By going to an organised class or group you are also meeting other ladies and gaining support from them.
My Husband doesn’t want me to work. Is this Ok??
There is no restriction in Islamic Law that says a woman cannot work, have a profession or that her only place is in the home. In fact in truly Islamic societies there should be female Doctors, Teachers, Nurses etc. Consider Khadija, Prophet Mohammed’s first wife, who was a very successful businesswoman. Also remember, Aisha bint Abu Bakr who was a female scholar of great distinction and a voice of authority in Islamic jurisprudence almost 1500 years ago. The Prophet’s wife Zaynab r.a. was a tanner of leather and had her own form of income. It should also be noted that a woman does not have to spend any of her earnings on the household. Whatever she earns is entirely hers.
My Muslim partner says he is a practising Muslim but we are living together. Is that OK??
No. Islam does not permit Men and Women to live together unless they are closely related or married. Fornication is regarded as one of the gravest sins of all the major sins in Islam. The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said “no man sits alone with a non-mahram (woman he can marry) but the shaytan (devil) is the third amongst them”.
Is it ok to Divorce in Islam ??
Divorce is permitted in Islam as a last resort if it’s not possible to continue on with a marriage. Firstly it is recommended to appoint arbitrators to aid in reconciliation. If reconciliation fails then a couple can divorce.
If a man initiates divorce it is known as Talaq. Since the husband is seeking to break the marriage contract the wife has full rights to keep the dowry paid to her.
If a woman initiates divorce there are 2 options :
1.The wife may decide to return her dowry to end the marriage. This is known as Khul’a.
2. The wife may choose to petition a judge for divorce with cause. She has to show proof that her husband has not fulfilled his responsibilities. In this case it’s not necessary for her to return the dowry.
In both cases the involvement of a Sheikh or Imam is required. Where no Imam will provide a divorce due to the objection of the husband, there is an opinion among a number of Australian Imams that the divorce obtained through the Family Court is also binding and therefore the divorce can be provided by the Imam or Sheikh.
After a declaration of divorce, Islam requires a three-month waiting period (called the iddah) before the divorce is finalised. During this time it is better for the woman not to socialise and not to pursue any other relationship. This is important as it makes clear whether the relationship has been renewed, and is a way of determining whether the wife is expecting a child. If the wife is pregnant, the waiting period continues until after she has given birth to the child.
The Iddah gives the couple time to calm down, evaluate the relationship, and perhaps reconcile. Sometimes decisions are made in haste and anger, and later one or both parties may have regrets.
During the waiting period, the husband and wife are free to resume their relationship at any time, thus ending the divorce process without the need for a new marriage contract. If the couple do reconcile and the husband again divorces his wife, on the third occasion the divorce is final and there can be no reconciliation unless the wife has remarried, consummated the marriage, divorced and is willing to marry her previous husband again. This is designed to prevent a woman being threatened continually with divorce by her husband.
During the entire waiting period, the wife has the right to remain in the family home and the husband is responsible for her support. If the waiting period is completed without reconciliation, the divorce is complete and takes full effect. The husband's financial responsibility for the wife ends; however, the husband continues to be responsible for the financial needs of any children, through regular child support payments.
As the law of the land is an essential part of the Shariah, the custody of the children should be decided through the Australian courts based on the best outcome and welfare for the children. It would then be up to the parents to provide evidence of which parent was most capable for ensuring their welfare and supportive upbringing.
Meanings of some common words you will hear often :
Alhamdu lillah – Praise be to God
Allahu Akbar – Arabic for “Allah is Great “
Akhirah – After Life – referring to Judgement Day, Heaven and Hell
Assalaam Alaikum – General Greeting in Islam meaning “Peace be upon you”
Athan – The Call to Prayer
Bismillah – In the Name of God (said before doing most things including eating or starting something)
Dua – Supplication or calling out to God; a conversation with God
Dawah – To invite others to Islam
Eid - Festivity, Celebration
Fatwa – Islamic Legal Ruling
Fard – An Obligatory duty that Muslims are required to perform
Ghusl – Full Ablution required for various rituals and prayers. Mandatory after sexual intercourse, any sexual discharge, completion of the menstrual cycle and giving birth
Hadith – Explanations and Interpretations of Prophet Mohammed’s living example
Insha Allah – God willing
Jannah – Heaven
Jehannum - Hell
Jihad – To Strive or Struggle in Gods cause
Jinn – Unseen or Spiritual Beings
Kafir - Person who refuses to submit to God or rejects God
Masha Allah – “God has willed it”, an expression usually of appreciation, joy, priase or thankfulness
Qibla – Direction towards Mecca in which we pray
Praise be to Allah who has guided you to Islam. May your Journey be one of fulfilment, contentment and spiritual growth….
First and foremost it’s very important to know the 5 Pillars and 6 Beliefs of Islam.
The 5 Pillars :
- Shahada – The Testimony of Faith
- Salat – Praying the 5 obligitory daily Prayers
- Zakat – Giving Charity to the Poor and Needy
- Sawm – Fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan
- Hajj – Performing the Pilgrimage to Hajj (Health & Finances permitting)
- Belief in Allah as the one and only God
- Belief in Angels
- Belief in the Holy Books
- Belief in the Prophets
- Belief in the Day of Judgement
- Belief in Predestination/Destiny
Do I need to change my Name ??
No you don’t have to change your name. Some people decide they want to adopt an Islamic name or if a person’s name has a bad meaning they may decide to change it.
Do I need Proof that I have Converted ??
If you can obtain a Certificate of Conversion from the Mosque that you took your Shahada it will be beneficial as people have been known to be asked for proof at Hajj.
Should I wear the Hijab ??
Wearing the Hijab is not one of the 5 Pillars of Islam, however it is mentioned in the Quran;
“…and not display their beauty except what is apparent, and they should place their khumur over their bosoms…”
It’s recommended not to rush into putting on the Hijab. You have to feel confident within yourself to make the decision to wear it. You may even want to just start wearing it to Muslim areas, the Mosque and any Islamic events and eventually it may be easier to wear it full time.
Out of Respect it is recommended to wear Hijab - When entering a Mosque, to a funeral, when listening to a Sheik’s speech
Does my past sins/mistakes mean that I will go to Hell ??
Once you convert to Islam all your past sins are forgiven, the slate is wiped clean and you start your new life as a Muslim pure.
Why does Islam permit Polygamy ??
Islam did not introduce Polygamy. Unrestricted Polygamy was practiced in most societies throughout the world. Islam regulated polygamy by limiting the number of wives to 4, giving rights to the women and establishing responsibility in its practice. As this passage of Quran related to caring for women who are divorced or widowed, polygamy is seldom practiced in most educated Muslim societies, and if it is, it is only between consenting adults and for those who can afford to provide equally for each woman.
Can I enter a Mosque when I’m Menstruating ??
Generally it is permissible to enter a Mosque when you are menstruating if you are going for learning purposes; ie Listen to a Lecture or Learning Arabic. However it is wise to ask the teacher there first.
I’m finding it difficult to Pray 5 Times a Day……??
Practising Islam is definitely a lifestyle change that can take some time to adjust to. If you are finding it hard to pray the 5 daily prayers you can start off with 1 a day and slowly increase it so eventually you are praying all the prayers. Remember it takes approximately 40 days to establish a habit so over time it will become a normal part of your day. Prayer is the most powerful weapon a Muslim has, so pray and your heart will find contentment!
**We have Prayer Mats available that outline what to say and the movements of the prayers**
Why do people move places after praying the Fard (Obligitory) prayer ??
It is Sunnah to separate the place of an Obligatory prayer from an optional prayer . The prophet (PBUH) always wanted to make a clear distinction between what was obligatory and what was optional.
What are the proceedings at a funeral prayer? Are there any etiquette’s outside of the norm?
When a Muslim dies, the body should be buried as soon as possible after death, thus there is no viewing before a funeral. Salat al-Janazah (funeral prayers) should be performed by all members of the community including women. The prayers are commonly held outdoors, in a courtyard of the mosque, rather than inside the mosque. The prayer is similar to the Fard prayers, however there is no Ruku (bowing) or Sujud (prostrating).
At the gravesite it is discouraged for the mourners to wail, and usually those who carry the deceased and place him or her in the grave are the men. There is no prohibition on who can attend the grave site and interment there, however different cultures have different traditions at that time. Flowers are not usually provided for funeral ceremonies, however it is highly recommended to visit the family and offer condolences and prayers after the burial.
Do I have to reject all of my previous beliefs in God?
Islam, Judaism and Christianity all come from the same source – a revelation to a Prophet from God and through the Angel Gabriel. All of these Prophets are accepted in Islam, and their books share the same values, understandings of God’s attributes, stories, histories of Prophets and importance of prayer, fasting, charity and caring of others. While Muslims believe that the only authentic remaining revelation is the Quran (original copies from the time of Muhammad s.a.w. exist in Top Kapi Palace and other libraries), the teachings of these religions are essentially the same as Islam, with a few key differences. These include the Christian belief in the Trinity, and that Jesus is part of the ‘Godhead’ and the intercession between humans and God by either the Church, priests, or rabbies. The Quran states refers to Jews, Christians and Sabians as people of the Book, accepts that their slaughtered meat is halal, and the Prophet s.a.w. made it clear that their places of worship were to be respected, were not to pay any kind of taxes and were under the protection of the Muslim community.
For most Christians and Jews, Islam provides clarity of their former beliefs, not a rejection of them. Islam removes the confusion that exists in these older forms of submission to God, and provides greater understanding of the nature of God, the purpose of life, the Hereafter, and the way to live pleasing God that will bring rewards in this world and the Next.
Is it OK to celebrate Christmas/Easter or other faiths traditions?? Should I accept Presents?? What if there is alcohol present??
There are varying opinions on this and you should do what you feel comfortable with, while taking these things into consideration:
Maintaining a good relationship with family and treating your parents kindly is very important in Islam. Are you going to upset or offend family by not going? It’s important to remember that when Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) lived in Mecca he was surrounded by people drinking alcohol, but a drop never touched his lips, the Meccan’s found great pleasure in gambling, yet Mohammed never took part. People would worship Idols and perform rituals naked at the Kabbah but Mohammed still went and prayed and taught Islam. Muhammad s.a.w. did not distance himself from those around him or his family because they were not believers. He continued to visit the sick and to maintain contact with his family. Although Christmas and Easter are not a traditional part of Christianity –that is, they were not established by the Prophet Isa a.s. - it is a good opportunity to remind family of Islam’s recognition of Jesus miraculous birth, of the sanctity of his mother Mary, and of the fact that he was one of the greatest Prophets of all time, but never claimed to be God or the son of God.
Haram and Halal…..
One of the basic principles of submitting to God is that we should accept whatever he decrees. His rulings come from his knowledge, wisdom and justice, and are not matters with which to be taken lightly. Religion is meant to be easy and not strict so things that are classed as Haram are for a very good reason which we may not understand but Allah is the All-Wise.
According to the Quran these things are considered Haram :
Shirk – it is a sin for a Muslim to worship anyone or anything other than Allah
Zina – It is a sin to commit adultery and fornication. It is considered to lead to confusion in lineage, leniency in morals, the dis-connection among families and unstable relationships.
Riba – Interest goes against the Islamic Pillar of Zakat which allows wealth to flow from the rich to the poor. Interest introduces instability into the economic system and can cause over consumption that can later be
life destroying
Alcohol and Gambling
Eating Pork also Cat, Dog & Monkey
Drinking Blood
Eating Animals that aren’t slaughtered the Islamic Way, ie Halal
Murder – Human life is considered sacred in Islam and everyone is considered equal. The Quran says “Killing one man is like killing the whole humanity”. The exception is if a person murders someone in self-defence and has witnesses who can testify.
Theft
Abortion – excluding a situation where the mother’s life is in Jeopardy
A Muslim woman marrying a non-muslim man – due to the idea that the man is the head of the household, the one who supports the family and the man is considered responsible for his wife. Muslims don’t believe in allowing a muslim woman to marry a man not practicing Islam as they are not concerned with protecting the rights of the religion.
Back Biting & Lying – Islam is a religion of peace, love and compassion. Lies, back biting, gossip and slander are not part of Islam and are considered a destructive sin. These things cause hostilities and problems between people of the same household and between friends, relatives and whole communities. The Quran says “the curse of Allah be upon him if he should be among the liars”.
Abandoning the 5 Daily Prayers – The Quran says “what led you to Hellfire? They will say ‘we were not of those who prayed’”
There are some exceptions in times of hardship or in an emergency situation. For example; eating pork if you run the chance of dying of starvation, using alcohol for medicinal purposes and lying to save the life of an innocent person. Most things are Halal, but you are best guided by very high scholars. The more you know the more you refine what you understand is beneficial to please God.
Why did Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) marry Aisha when she was so young ??
In past generations it was normal for girls to get married at a young age. This was also common in European countries and many other civilisations. It is not acceptable now.
What are the Rights of Women in Marriage ??
At the time of Marriage it is the duty of the husband to pay for a marital dowry/gift and it is exclusively the right of the woman.
If the woman owns any property prior to marriage, she retains that property after marriage and it remains under her control
The woman can keep her own last name
If a woman has any earnings during her marital life, by way of investments or as a result of work, she doesn’t have to spend any of it on the household, it’s entirely hers to do with as she wishes.
The full support and maintenance of a married woman and their children is the entire responsibility of her husband, even if she is richer than he is.
Polygamy is Illegal in Australia so therefore a second wife would have limited rights under Australian Law. It is also the requirement of a Muslim to follow the law of the country they live in so it is not advisable to agree to become a second wife. Imams who conduct a marriage for a second wife can lose their license as a marriage celebrant and possibly be subject to legal action.
My Husband has told me not to keep in contact with old friends and to reduce contact with my Non-Muslim family. Is this right??
No! This is not right! Islam places a huge emphasis on the importance of maintaining family ties. The Prophet said “no sin is more swiftly punished than oppression and the breaking of family ties”. It is a duty of every Muslim to show kindness and mercy and to act righteously to his or her parents and kin. This includes parents who are not Muslim. It is also not wise to cut all ties with old friends, especially ones who show you support after converting to Islam. There may be some activities that you may not feel comfortable being part of anymore and as long as your friends understand and respect that, then there shouldn’t be any reason why you can’t still keep in touch and remain friends. Not only can you possibly help them to understand Islam, but they may be a strong support for you if times are difficult. That being said, also keeping the company of good Muslims is one of the best ways to grow in your religion and establish your Deen.
My Husband is discouraging me from studying about Islam directly and says I should learn it from him. Is this right??
No! A Husband should provide support, not obstacles for his wife to learn and gain a greater understanding of their religion. The Prophet said “The pursuit of knowledge is a duty of every Muslim; man and woman”. With this instruction it became a religious duty of Muslims to educate themselves, their families and societies.
Pursuit of knowledge has been emphasised from the time of the Prophet s.a.w, and is necessary particularly in today’s environment. So no Muslim should prevent another person from pursuing knowledge. You may also find that learning solely from your Husband may have some cultural influences that can sometimes be confused as part of the religion. By going to an organised class or group you are also meeting other ladies and gaining support from them.
My Husband doesn’t want me to work. Is this Ok??
There is no restriction in Islamic Law that says a woman cannot work, have a profession or that her only place is in the home. In fact in truly Islamic societies there should be female Doctors, Teachers, Nurses etc. Consider Khadija, Prophet Mohammed’s first wife, who was a very successful businesswoman. Also remember, Aisha bint Abu Bakr who was a female scholar of great distinction and a voice of authority in Islamic jurisprudence almost 1500 years ago. The Prophet’s wife Zaynab r.a. was a tanner of leather and had her own form of income. It should also be noted that a woman does not have to spend any of her earnings on the household. Whatever she earns is entirely hers.
My Muslim partner says he is a practising Muslim but we are living together. Is that OK??
No. Islam does not permit Men and Women to live together unless they are closely related or married. Fornication is regarded as one of the gravest sins of all the major sins in Islam. The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said “no man sits alone with a non-mahram (woman he can marry) but the shaytan (devil) is the third amongst them”.
Is it ok to Divorce in Islam ??
Divorce is permitted in Islam as a last resort if it’s not possible to continue on with a marriage. Firstly it is recommended to appoint arbitrators to aid in reconciliation. If reconciliation fails then a couple can divorce.
If a man initiates divorce it is known as Talaq. Since the husband is seeking to break the marriage contract the wife has full rights to keep the dowry paid to her.
If a woman initiates divorce there are 2 options :
1.The wife may decide to return her dowry to end the marriage. This is known as Khul’a.
2. The wife may choose to petition a judge for divorce with cause. She has to show proof that her husband has not fulfilled his responsibilities. In this case it’s not necessary for her to return the dowry.
In both cases the involvement of a Sheikh or Imam is required. Where no Imam will provide a divorce due to the objection of the husband, there is an opinion among a number of Australian Imams that the divorce obtained through the Family Court is also binding and therefore the divorce can be provided by the Imam or Sheikh.
After a declaration of divorce, Islam requires a three-month waiting period (called the iddah) before the divorce is finalised. During this time it is better for the woman not to socialise and not to pursue any other relationship. This is important as it makes clear whether the relationship has been renewed, and is a way of determining whether the wife is expecting a child. If the wife is pregnant, the waiting period continues until after she has given birth to the child.
The Iddah gives the couple time to calm down, evaluate the relationship, and perhaps reconcile. Sometimes decisions are made in haste and anger, and later one or both parties may have regrets.
During the waiting period, the husband and wife are free to resume their relationship at any time, thus ending the divorce process without the need for a new marriage contract. If the couple do reconcile and the husband again divorces his wife, on the third occasion the divorce is final and there can be no reconciliation unless the wife has remarried, consummated the marriage, divorced and is willing to marry her previous husband again. This is designed to prevent a woman being threatened continually with divorce by her husband.
During the entire waiting period, the wife has the right to remain in the family home and the husband is responsible for her support. If the waiting period is completed without reconciliation, the divorce is complete and takes full effect. The husband's financial responsibility for the wife ends; however, the husband continues to be responsible for the financial needs of any children, through regular child support payments.
As the law of the land is an essential part of the Shariah, the custody of the children should be decided through the Australian courts based on the best outcome and welfare for the children. It would then be up to the parents to provide evidence of which parent was most capable for ensuring their welfare and supportive upbringing.
Meanings of some common words you will hear often :
Alhamdu lillah – Praise be to God
Allahu Akbar – Arabic for “Allah is Great “
Akhirah – After Life – referring to Judgement Day, Heaven and Hell
Assalaam Alaikum – General Greeting in Islam meaning “Peace be upon you”
Athan – The Call to Prayer
Bismillah – In the Name of God (said before doing most things including eating or starting something)
Dua – Supplication or calling out to God; a conversation with God
Dawah – To invite others to Islam
Eid - Festivity, Celebration
Fatwa – Islamic Legal Ruling
Fard – An Obligatory duty that Muslims are required to perform
Ghusl – Full Ablution required for various rituals and prayers. Mandatory after sexual intercourse, any sexual discharge, completion of the menstrual cycle and giving birth
Hadith – Explanations and Interpretations of Prophet Mohammed’s living example
Insha Allah – God willing
Jannah – Heaven
Jehannum - Hell
Jihad – To Strive or Struggle in Gods cause
Jinn – Unseen or Spiritual Beings
Kafir - Person who refuses to submit to God or rejects God
Masha Allah – “God has willed it”, an expression usually of appreciation, joy, priase or thankfulness
Qibla – Direction towards Mecca in which we pray
