Spirit of the Sunnah

Q: Mufti Saheb, I teach in a maktab with my husband for the last 23 years. I am asked to attened regular meatings with the other two Aapas sitting behind the purdah. In the class are all the male Ulema also. They cannot see us only hear what we have to say. Is it permissible for me to attened? I am happy for my husband to inform me as to what is said and what has to be done. One of the Aalim's does not have a problem with his wife attending. My husband says the jamaat members insist and force me to attend so I must attend and just sit quitly and not say a word. I should not look at the jamaat members but look at the children we teach. If we are forced to leave the jamaat members won't loose but the children will loose out. What should I do according to shariat?

A: The purpose for establishing a Madrasah is to propagate Deen and the Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Hence, if the Madrasah is administrated and run in a manner that does not conform to the Mubaarak Sunnah of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), the purpose for which the Madrasah was established will not be achieved. The Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) teaches us that as far as possible, women should not come into any contact with strange men. Thus, it is not correct for a woman who has a husband, to venture out of her home to purchase the necessities of the home; instead, it is the duty of the husband to fulfill these needs and requirements. Therefore, in the case where it is possible for the husband to inform his wife regarding the affairs of the Madrasah, it is not in keeping to the spirit of the Sunnah to impose upon the woman to be present for the meetings and voice herself before the males.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)