Correspondence of Hazrath Moulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahimahullah)
Letter:
Respected Moulana
I would really appreciate your advice on the following matter which causes a lot of bickering and unhappiness in my home.
Is it possible for a Muslim girl to go out (like for dinner/shopping/to the beach) with her female cousin and her husband. My mother feels we must only go out with our parents.
Reply:
Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem
As salaamualaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh
Respected Sister in Islam
1. It is a reality that there are many, many problems which arise with such outings, where a girl is accompanying cousins or friends and their husbands. Even though wives are also present, many husbands have become inclined and attracted to, and some have even pursued relationships with other family members, getting involved with the sister in law, cousin or even wife’s friend. These are opportunities that shaytaan maximizes on and he works very hard to create fitnah.
2. Follow the sharee’ah. Avoid such outings, unless under the supervision of parents, which offers some safety from sin and problems. However, keep in mind that interacting with non- mahrams (strange men) – especially on a social level – is not permissible in Islam.
3. You should also not bicker and argue with your mother about such issues. Parents naturally have concern for their children, and they always have their children’s best interests at heart. So appreciate the concern and accept your mother’s noble advice in such matters. These restrictions are from the Qur`aan and Sunnah, and not something your mother is imposing on you, from her side.
Was Salaamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh
Yunus Patel (Maulana)