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are women allowed to drive in islam, and if so then why in a muslim country like saudi arabia cant they??

-shakura

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The ruling for women driving must be derived from other laws and principals; meaning that we do not have a direct ruling on women driving in the Quran or Sunnah, because it is a new issue (Mustahdathah). Arabian scholars, who have ruled that it is unlawful for women to drive, have declared very disputable and irrational arguments. However, all of the Shia scholars, by using the Quran and Sunnah, and having not found any basis for its prohibition, have ruled that it is permitted, so long as proper hijab and Islamic values are observed. Just as some of the Sunni scholars of other Arab countries have ruled that it is permissible for women to drive.

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          In Society often new issues arise for which Islamic law has not established a specific ruling. The ruling must be deduced from other general legal precepts and juristic principals. Women driving are one of these types of rulings which must be deduced.

          Arabian scholars, who have ruled that it is unlawful for women to drive, have declared very disputable and irrational arguments.

          In a religious question asked to Abdul-Aziz Abdullah Ibn Baz on the ruling of women driving, he stated, "there is no doubt that it is not permissible, because women driving will cause much corruption, and according to Islamic law we should prevent corruption."[1] Muhammad Ibn Salehul Athimeen in this regard has also stated that, "It is not permissible because it will cause a lot of corruption."

[2] The reason he considered driving to be haram for women is that he saw many intangible corruptions with the driving of women. These are some of the things he recognized as corruptions: taking off hijab, loss of modesty, leaving the house too much, streets becoming overcrowded, going against and defying her husband, and depriving some of the youth from driving.[3]

          Just as you can see he considered some of the affairs associated with the driving of women as definite and some conceivable, and accordingly he ruled it haram for women to drive. But the question is; are these concerns true for Muslim and Mumen sisters who want to drive? And, is it possible for women to drive without any of these unbecoming issues to take place? In the Islamic republic of Iran for years many Muslim and Mumen women have been driving without any of these indecent outcomes taking place. Meaning that, it has been practically proven that Muslim women can drive while maintaining and observing their modesty, self-respect and hijab and not causing any corruption. It seems that Muslim legal scholars of Arabia have confused a number of issues. Is it haram for a woman to leave the house a lot if it is with her husband's permission and with the observance of Islamic values? Is driving a cause of a woman's disobedience? How is that possible? Yes it is possible in one or a few cases that a woman who drives also disobeys her husband, but that is not always the case. These are not reasons which can be present in the case of Mumen and Muhajabah (Islamicaly covered) women who observe Islamic principals.  Is it haram for the streets to be crowded, and can that be a reason for it to be haram for women not to drive? If it is proven that men are the causes of the streets being crowded then is it still haram, and should they be forbidden to drive as well? Then, is it permissible for women to drive in small cities and villages which have deserted streets?

         

          It has to be mentioned that the actions of some countries are not necessarily the applicability of islam, meaning; we can not say if a certain (Islamic) country considers something to be permissible then surely from an Islamic standpoint it is permissible, and if something were forbidden [by this country] then according to Islam such a thing is definitely forbidden. There must be a creditable Islamic basis in order for something to be deemed as Islamicaly permissible or forbidden.

 

 

          Taking into consideration that without a creditable Islamic basis, no one has the right to make something haram halal or visa versa, and the fact that when we have doubt as to whether or not something is haram then the primary principal is that we consider it to be halal; Shia scholars have given the fatwa that women can drive as long as completely maintain their hijab and observe Islamic values. [4] It is noticeable that the respectful and modest women of Iran do this without any problem, while observing Islamic laws and values. Of course, other than Iran, a lot of other Arab Muslim countries have not forbidden woman to drive, and many of their scholars have not accepted and criticized the Saudi Arabian verdict on this matter.[5]

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[1] Various Arguments in Primary Principal and an Analysis of it's

Effects Dr.

Musleh Ibn Abdul-Hay Annajar (Professor of Riyaz College) Pg.144; Benefits and Fatwas, Abdullah Ibn Abdul RAhman Pg.164;The Fatwas of Women, Khalid Aljarisi Pg.8

[2] {Same} Pg.147

[3] {Same}

[4] Catechism of Legal Authorities Vol.2, Pg. 931; Religious Question Responses by Imam Khomeini (May Allah have mercy on his soul) Vol.3, Pg.358, Ques.35-41

[5] Various Arguments in Primary Principal and an Analysis of it's Effects�, Section- Sadda Dherate Pg.144

Woman can drive

She was able to ride a camel and Horses .. so why not a car

its not new rules and theres nothing new to islam ...

Things maybe change but the rules is One never changed

Woman can do everything ... As long as it was been done in the time of prophet mohamed .. and woman was able to ride horses and help men in war and everything ...

So I believe that If muslims Stop focus in small issues and start to focus on how we treat eachother ...

we will be a better islamic nations

concentrating in small details would lead us for no where

And arguing in small details implement more opinions that lead us to fight together ..

Everyone do what suits him as long as He dont go against Sharia and Quoran .

Assalamu�Alaikum,

Here is some information about the issue of women and driving. With situations like these it�s important to refer to the Quran and Sunnah but also the Fiqh/Shariah and Fatwas� based on those sources.

This question posed by the poster sounds very simple black and white. But if it was as simple as whether a muslimah had the time money and knowledge to posses a license to legally drive a vehicle to get from point A-to-point B it is not. Any muslimah that can read and write to learn how to safely maintain a vehicle on the road can drive a car with ease.

The more valid question should be under which circumstances should this take place. If you are going to be accompanied by mahram or not. If you have valid reasons according to Fiqh to leave your homes and if it is best for you to break your purdah and take care of matters without mahram vs. arranging for mahram to accompany you. Life is a test and it is best for us as muslimahs to strive hard in our daily lives with actions and intentions that are pleasing to Allah(swt).

Taken from Islam Page:

In order to safeguard the integrity of Muslim women in general, the Shari'ah has discouraged them from stepping out of their homes unless accompanied by a Mahram. The following Ahadith will sufficiently explain the matter in discussion.
Hadith One:
Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) reported Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) as saying, 'It is not permitted for a Muslim woman to make a journey of a night unless accompanied by a Mahram.'
Explanation: A woman can only travel with a Mahram, i.e. a male with whom her marriage is forbidden eternally viz. her father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather, etc. In the case of a married woman she can be accompanied by her husband.
The above Hadith mentions the length of journey to be one night while the aforementioned Ahaadith differ in the length of journey, hence, the Ahaadith may seem outward to contradict each other. These variations are due to various reasons. However, it must be understood that the intention behind specifying a particular length of journey denotes that if the distance is such that there is fear of Fitna (danger and risk of her chastity), a woman should not undertake the journey alone, without a Mahram.
In the light of many similar Ahaadith, it is understood that a woman cannot undertake a journey of three days alone. The distance of three days journey is calculated as 88km. A woman cannot travel alone for 89 km. However, for a distance of less than 88km, due to Fitna, it will also not be permissible for her to travel alone.
Hadith Two
Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) reported that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'It is not permitted for a woman who has faith in Allah and the last day to make a journey of a day and night.'
Hadith Three
Abu Saeed (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) reported Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) saying, 'It is not permitted for a woman who brings faith in Allah and the Last Day to make a journey of more than three days unless she is accompanied by either her father, brother, husband, son or a relative who is her Mahram.'
Hadith Four
Hadhrat ibn Umar (Radhiyallaahu Anhuma) reported Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) saying, 'A woman must not make a journey of three days unless accompanied by a relative who is her Mahram.'
Explanation: As regard to the length of journey, four different measurements are recorded viz. that of one night, one night and a day, two days and three days (and three days or more). According to the Muhaddiseen (commentators of Hadith) the term `journey' used refers to such a length which can generally be considered to be a journey. Consequently, the Jurists have declared that a woman should not make a journey of 88 km without the company of a Mahram.

Islam Question and Answer
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Question No 45880
Does the ruling on driving a car vary from one country to another? Question:

Throughout the Muslim world we find that there are differences between one country and another, in manner of dress, customs and traditions. For example we see that in some countries our sisters wear niqaab, because they follow the fatwa that says that niqaab is obligatory, but that is not widespread in another country, and the opinion that they follow there is that niqaab is not obligatory, rather it is mustahabb. Similarly with regard to women driving cars, in some countries the shaykhs have declared it to be haraam because of the harms that would result if it were allowed, whilst in other countries it is a very ordinary thing for a woman to drive a car, and they have been doing so for decades.
To what extent is there flexibility in rulings? Is what is happening correct, I mean is it right that something may be obligatory in one country and mustahabb in another?.

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

The rulings of sharee�ah are of two types:

1 � Those where the evidence of sharee�ah points to the ruling, regardless of various customs or what good or bad consequences may result.

In this case the ruling is fixed and does not vary from one place to another or from one person to another, unless a person is forced to do something, is sick or is excused, in which case the ruling is waived as much as required by his situation according to what it says in sharee�ah.

An example of such a fixed rule is the obligation to offer the five daily prayers, to fast Ramadaan, to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil, to seek knowledge, etc.

Another example is the obligation for the Muslim woman to cover her entire body, including the face and hands. This ruling is obligatory and does not vary from one place to another.

We have already discussed this obligation in questions no. http://www.islamicity.com/index.php?ln=eng&ds=qa&lv=browse&QR=21134 - 21134 and http://www.islamicity.com/index.php?ln=eng&ds=qa&lv=browse&QR=13647 - 13647 , where we quote the evidence for that.

2 � Rulings which are based on specific reasons, or where the ruling as to whether a thing is forbidden, allowed or obligatory depends upon whatever good or bad consequences will result from that, and where there is no shar�i evidence to suggest a fixed ruling that does not vary. The issue of women driving cars may come under this heading.

The scholars have issued fatwas stating that it is haraam because of the negative consequences that may result from it.

This applies completely to the land of the two Holy Sanctuaries. With regard to other countries, the matter should be referred to trustworthy scholars for they know their countries� situation best.

Shaykh �Abd al-�Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

People have spoken a great deal in the al-Jazeerah newspaper about the issue of women driving cars. It is well known that it leads to evil consequences which are well known to those who promote it, such as being alone with a non-mahram woman, unveiling, reckless mixing with men, and committing haraam actions because of which these things were forbidden. Islam forbids the things that lead to haraam and regards them as being haraam too.

Allaah commanded the wives of the Prophet and the believing women to stay in their houses, to observe hijab and to avoid showing their adornments to non-mahrams because of the permissiveness that all these things lead to, which spells doom for society. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

�O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed�

[al-Noor 24:31]

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: �No man is alone with a (non-mahram) woman but the Shaytaan is the third one present.�

Islam forbids all the things that may lead to immorality or accusations of immoral conduct made against chaste women, who never even think of anything touching their chastity, and it has stipulated a punishment for that which is one of the most severe of punishments, in order to protect society from the spread of the causes of immorality.

Women driving is one of the means that lead to that, and this is something obvious, but ignorance of the rulings of sharee�ah and the negative consequences of carelessness with regard to the things that lead to evil � as well as diseases of the heart that prevail at present � and love of permissiveness and enjoying looking at non-mahram women all lead to indulging in this and similar things, with no knowledge and paying no attention to the dangers that it leads to. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

[al-Baqarah 2:168]

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: �I am not leaving behind me any fitnah more harmful to men than women.�

It was narrated that Hudhayfah ibn al-Yamaan (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: �The people used to ask the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about good things, but I used to ask him about bad things, fearing that I would live to see such things. I said, �O Messenger of Allaah, we were in a state of ignorance (jaahiliyyah) and evil, then Allaah sent us this good (i.e., Islam). Will there be any evil after this good?� He said, �Yes.� I said, �Will there by any good after that evil?� He said, �Yes, but it will be tainted.� I said, �How will it be tainted?� He said, �(There will be) some people who will guide others in a way that is not according to my guidance. You will approve of some of their deeds and disapprove of others.� I said, �Will there be any evil after that good?� He said, �Yes, there will be people calling at the gates of Hell, and whoever responds to their call, they will throw them into it (the Fire).� I said, �O Messenger of Allaah, describe them to us.� He said, �They will be from among our people, speaking our language.� I said, �What do you command me to do if I live to see such a thing?� He said, �Adhere to the jamaa�ah (group, community) of the Muslims and their imaam (leader).� I asked, �What if there is no jamaa�ah and no leader?� He said, �Then keep away from all those groups, even if you have to bite (eat) the roots of a tree until death overtakes you whilst you are in that state.�� Agreed upon.

I call upon every Muslim to fear Allaah in all that he says and does and to beware of fitnah and those who promote it. He should keep away from all that angers Allaah or leads to His wrath, and he should be extremely cautious lest he be one of these callers to Hell of whom the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) tells us in this hadeeth.

May Allaah protect us from the evil of fitnah and its people, and protect this ummah from the evil of those who promote bad things. May He help the writers of our newspapers and all the Muslims to do that which pleases Him and may He set the Muslims straight and save them in this world and in the Hereafter, for He is Able to do that.

Majmoo� Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 3/351-353.

Shaykh Ibn �Uthaymeen was asked: I hope you can explain the ruling on women driving cars. And what is your opinion on the idea that women driving cars is less dangerous than their riding with non-mahram drivers?

The answer to this question is based on two principles which are well known among the Muslim scholars:

The first principle is: that whatever leads to haraam is itself haraam. The evidence for this is the verse in which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

[al-An�aam 6:108]

So Allaah forbids insulting the gods of the mushrikeen � even though that serves an interest � because it leads to insults against Allaah.

The second principle is: that warding off evil � if it is equal to or greater than the interests concerned � takes precedence over bringing benefits. The evidence for that is the verse in which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

�They ask you (O Muhammad) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling. Say: In them is a great sin, and (some) benefits for men, but the sin of them is greater than their benefit�

[al-Baqarah 2:219]

Allaah has forbidden alcohol and gambling even though there is some benefit in them, so as to ward off the evils that result from them.

Based on these two principles, the ruling on women driving should be clear, because women driving includes a number of evils, including the following:

1 � Removal of hijab, because driving a car involves uncovering the face which is the site of fitnah and attracts the glance of men. A woman is only regarded as beautiful or ugly on the basis of her face, i.e., if it is said that she is beautiful or ugly, people only think in terms of her face. If something else is meant it must be specified, so that one would say that she has beautiful hands or beautiful hair or beautiful feet. Hence it is known that the face is the focal point. If someone were to say that a woman can drive a car without taking off her hijab, by covering her face and wearing dark glasses over her eyes, the answer to that is that this is not what really happens when women drive cars. Ask those who have seen them in other countries. Even if we assume that this could be applied initially, it would not last for long, rather the situation would soon become as it is in other countries where women drive. This is how things usually develop; they start out in an acceptable fashion then they get worse.

2 � Another evil consequence of women driving cars is that they lose their modesty, and modesty is part of faith as is narrated in a saheeh report from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Modesty is the noble characteristic that befits the nature of women and protects them from being exposed to fitnah. Hence it is mentioned in a metaphorical sense (in Arabic), in the phrase �more modest than a virgin in her seclusion.� Once a woman�s modesty is lost, do not ask about her.

3 � It also leads to women going out of the house a great deal, but their homes are better for them � as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said � because those who love to drive enjoy it very much, hence you see them driving around in their cars here and there for no purpose, except to enjoy driving.

4 � You may find a divorced woman going where she wants, whenever she wants and however she wants, for whatever purpose she wants, because she is alone in her car, at any time she wants of the day or night. She may stay out until late at night. If people are complaining about this with regard to young men, then what about young women, going all over the place the length and breadth of the country, and maybe even beyond its borders.

5 � It is a means of women rebelling against their families and husbands; at the least provocation they may go out of the house and drive in the car to wherever they think they can get some peace, as happens in the case of some young men, who are able to put up with more than women.

6 � It is a cause of fitnah in many places: when stopping at the traffic lights, or at gas stations, or at inspection points, or when stopped by policemen at the scenes of traffic infractions or accidents, or if the car stalls and the woman needs help. What will her situation be in this case? Perhaps she may come across an immoral man who takes advantage of her in return for helping her, especially if her need is great to the point of urgency.

7 � When women drive it leads to overcrowding in the streets, or it deprives some young men of the opportunity to drive cars when they are more deserving of that.

8 � It causes fitnah to flourish because women � by their nature � like to make themselves look good with clothing etc. Do you not see how attached they are to fashion? Every time a new fashion appears they throw away what they have and rush to buy the new things, even if it is worse than what they have. Do you not see the adornments that they hang on their walls? In the same way � or perhaps more so � with the cars that they drive, whenever a new model appears they will give up the first for the new one.

With regard to the questioner asking, �And what is your opinion on the idea that women driving cars is less dangerous than their riding with non-mahram drivers?� � what I think is that both of them involve danger, and one is more serious than the other in some ways, but there is no necessity that would require one to do either of them.

Please note that I have answered this question at length because of the controversy that surrounds the issue of women driving cars, and the pressure faced by conservative Saudi society, which is striving to adhere to its religious commitment and morals, to allow women to drive cars.

This would be nothing strange if it were to come from an enemy who seeks to cause harm this land which is the last bastion of Islam that the enemies of Islam wish to penetrate. But what is even stranger is that this is coming from our own people who speak our language and live under our banner, people who are dazzled by what the kaafir nations have of material advancement and admire their ways which are devoid of any moral restrictions.

End quote from Shaykh Ibn �Uthaymeen.

With regard to countries in which woman are allowed to drive cars, Muslim women should avoid that as much as possible, for the reasons mentioned above.

In cases of necessity, such as helping accident victims or fleeing from a criminal, there is nothing wrong with a Muslim woman using a car in such situations, if she cannot find a man to help her.

There are other cases, such as women who have to go out to work and have no husband, father or guardian to look after them and no income from the government to meet their needs, and they cannot find work that they can do at home, such as some internet-based jobs, so they are forced to go out. In that case they can use the means of transportation that poses the least danger to them.

There may be some means of transportation that are available only to women, or a group of women may hire a driver to take them to work or university. Using taxis� for those who can afford it � may be better than using public transportation where a woman may be exposed to humiliation and aggression, so they should use taxis, so long as they are not alone with the driver.

If a woman is forced to drive a car in cases of extreme need, then she should drive wearing full jilbaab and hijab, and with fear of Allaah.

We have already mentioned above what constitutes need.

Women should also seek fatwas from the trustworthy scholars in their own countries � not those who are too lenient � who understand both sharee�ah and the situation in that country.

And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

[al-Taghaabun 64:16]

Muslim problem is they never can make their life easy

while allah said to take the easiest ways ( El din yosser we lyass 3oser ) ...

and Anyway the countries who does not allow woman to drive is saudia

which is the country that do not apply anything of islamic teaching in their own houses ... and in jeddah while they allow all jew and christian to do everything they wants ...

I hope to try to make peace with ourselves before all this long laws and articles ..

if woman drives it wont be a big issue .. Unless that Saudi knows themselves that They cant hold themselves if they saw a woman drive alone ...

 I know that sexual  harressement is something is done in saudia everywhere

and I wonder what is the use of NIqab or hijab with animals who cant control themselves ... ????

I heard many of my relatives who been to Saudia and tell stories about how man flirt them while they even hide their faces !!!!!

I wonder what is wrong with the saudi man ? is that a desease ? or lack of faith ? or lack of ethics ?

You made islam pointed on woman .. while you dont even apply the real islam on woman ... You pointed on woman on how she dress and if she drive or not

and you forget about those dozen woman who get marry to some prince and get divorce and so on ..

You might find one man in saudia got more than 30 woman and divorce them and dozen of children ..

is that what islam said ? is that what our sharia said ?

I think the problem in islam that it been reformed to serve man desire in saudia and golf countries

Though with all the restrictions that saudi do on their woman

we find the most pervert woman who came to egypt to hunt man are saudi woman !!!!!!!

Islam is the victim of muslims ..

I have no hope in man ( only few man in islam are wise ).

Another evil consequence of women driving cars is that they lose their modesty,

How does driving a car cause women to loose their modesty? What does driving a car have to do with it? I am probably more protected in a car then I am walking around..

There are other cases, such as women who have to go out to work and have no husband, father or guardian to look after them and no income from the government to meet their needs, and they cannot find work that they can do at home, such as some internet-based jobs, so they are forced to go out. In that case they can use the means of transportation that poses the least danger to them.

First of all, in Any Islamic country services must be provided by women for women. For instance: we need women: doctors, lawyers (to service women in need of law service), accountants (to service women business operators), nurses, teachers, shop keepers (I refuse to buy my underwear from  man), women to work at airports, women to work in governemt offices that service women,  women to pick up their children from work, women to work in women's prisons, etc.

In any true Islamic state, to protect women, womens should service women. Now how Islamic is it to:

-ride in a car with a driver who is NOT my husband or brother (and many places in Saudi Arabia have drivers. hmm??

-go to a male tailor to have my clothes fitted?

-be searched by a man at the airport, train or bus station

-have a male police officer arrest a woman?

-to have a man teach my daughter

-see a man if she is in need of a lawyer, (they will be alone often)?

We should not go about outside for "no reason." The reality in any Moslem society women have places to go. It is about loitering with no reason, causing trouble.

So if women do not drive who will pick up the kids at 3:30 when the husband is at work??

This is frustrating as it imples all women are "weak" and will drive around uselessly. Well that could be said of most of the male teenagers I know. You'd be better off not having any males drive cars. They are the most reckless and have the highest rate of accidents.

If I am correct Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world women are prohibited from driving. Even in moslem countries most of the drivers are men. And in no Moslem country do women drive around aimlessly, and stuff. This is just another way to control women as if we are the cause of all the problems.

All ther world is not rich and can hire a driver and taxi. That soon puts you in the poor house. And they do not answer, who will provide the services for the women, if the women are not out doing them????

As someonesaid, if I can ride a horse or a camel, I can drive a car or ride a bicycle.

The problems is that women do not receive their full rights gauranteed in Islam. Many places they do not have an education, health care etc. We focus so much on controlling women, if we trust men to control themselves and not walk into the brothel then why should we not trust women?

Shery wrote: we find the most pervert woman who came to egypt to hunt man are saudi woman !!!!!!!

Please do not resort to attacks on any community/countrymen. I have met many indecent Egyptians, do I label all Egyptians as perverts?

Shery wrote: Islam is the victim of muslims .. I have no hope in man ( only few man in islam are wise ).

IC can do without all this drama.

Assalamu'Alaikum Sr Hayfa,

Please Kindly post your evidences from the Quran, Sunnah or Fiqh supporting your position.

MasSalaama

Assalaamualaikum

Personally , I feel its more safe for me to drive than take a cab. So I drive.  

We must fear Allah at all times and maintain Islamic etiquette. Just avoid going out at night and isolated areas. Of course maintain hijab (includes conduct). I go out alone only when necessary (market, school, etc) when my husband is not available.

wassalaam.

amah wrote: Shery wrote: we find the most pervert woman who came to egypt to hunt man are saudi woman !!!!!!! Please do not resort to attacks on any community/countrymen. I have met many indecent Egyptians, do I label all Egyptians as perverts? Shery wrote: Islam is the victim of muslims .. I have no hope in man ( only few man in islam are wise ). IC can do without all this drama.

I know that all saudi arent pervert .. But Listen why most of the people who come back from hajj and omera complain ?

Why with all your resitriction in saudia You still have harressement ?

Why in jeddah you show your contradiction ? why with americans You can apply islam ?

While if you go to USA ... THe americans rules will be applied at you ?

Of course not all egyptians are pervert neither all saudi

But Honeslty and I DONT NEED TO DRAMA ( No honorable man left but the very few ) ...

Either in saudia or in egypt

Read about the harressement cases In egypt and You will know that Even ( MONAQABA ) will be harass by guys on the street .. her hijab or Niqab wouldnt save her from rape or harressement ...

So Maybe I dont agree with hayfa in many cases in this forums

but I have to agree that driving a car is protecting yur self from harressement and rape ...

And I need To tell you that I have no good image about saudia (  i m so sorry ) .. The only thing About saudia that I have heard and it was good ( that saudia is a very clean country and well organized in some places In hajj and I have to confess went my aunt was there

she told me that the best people are the people who lives in madina but she complained about many things there ...

Though she loved being in saudia just because its our holy place .

But Dont take it as offensive ... I criticise egyptian as well when I see something go wrong .nothing personal .

Hi Shery, The good thing is you call it like you see it...  

Well I am only asking questions about this supposedly reasons for restrictions and how it works for women?  That is all...  If I am to understand the need for gender separation then those people need to explain to me how my sister should get her children from school without driving.. It is more practical than anything else.

As I recall the Prophet's (PBUH) wife Khadijah was a merchant woman before the advent of the interent. If it was okay for the Prophet's (PBUH) wife to be a merchant woman then it must be alright for other women. The Prophet (PBUH) worked for her...  so men can work for women. hmmmm

The vast majority of the women work. Not all at home. That is a reality. They work in the west, they work in the fields in developing nations. They work to survive.

Allah never said stay in your home and starve. It is all about balance. And we are all given life's challenges.

I can respect scholarly views but they are not always dealing with how can one practically live life as a good Moslem wherever they are. If I am a teacher, and I need to drive to work, then I need to drive.  How do they propose I get there? I must eat. And someone must teach the children.

If I am dressed modestly then it is up to the man to not cause trouble. I am away from home FOR A REASON. 

What I would like is for someone to explain how society is to operate? I am only basing things on what Islam says. Islam says women should not be alone with non-family men or not their husband, so if she needs a lawyer, she needs a woman lawyer correct? Lawyers and their clientsspend many hours alone, it is called confidentiality.

Should women not teach women? Yes or no? No one wants a man to teach his daughter? hmmm

I am only pointing out aspects of Islam this does not address. It only address the sexual morality of a woman. All of life is intertwined. Women are not only sex objects. If I am dressed in proper attire and the man cannot control his thoughts looking at my draped form, that is his jihad.    

Bismillahirrahmanirraheem,

Assalaamualaikum

Brother Rami , your post has addressed only travelling and not commuting within the city. Could you please provide some more info on that? Jazakallahkhair .

Regarding hajj , I would like to add another hadith:

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The Prophet said, "A woman should not travel except with a Dhu-Mahram (her husband or a man with whom that woman cannot marry at all according to the Islamic Jurisprudence), and no man may visit her except in the presence of a Dhu-Mahram." A man got up and said, "O Allah's Apostle! I intend to go to such and such an army and my wife wants to perform hajj." The Prophet said (to him), "Go along with her (to hajj)."  (Sahih Bukhari Book http://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=29&translator=1&start=0&number=85 - #29 , Hadith http://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=29&translator=1&start=0&number=85#85 - #85 )

wassalaamalaikum

Assalamu'Alaikum,

I'm cutting and pasting a Q/A that is kind of lengthy but is very interesting with regards to this thread it is of most interest in the Answer portion #3-#4.

I wanted to post this not to add division but to support an Important issue that is inter-related with women driving. Islam is a complete and perfect way of life. I've read in many threads some phrases like "You just have to make Islam fit your modern Life"....the truth is it is our responsibility to make our life fit Islam...Allah(swt) has planned every moment in time and has a perfect plan for all of us and it is up to us to strive and work hard to Please and serve Allah(Swt).

As I had posted earlier, the issue of can women drive seems black and white but really isn't.

In Islam as muslimahs we are held to a certain code of conduct and we carry great responsibilities with regard to what we've been instructed to do in relation to what our job with in our family is.

Yes, if you are living in a country that allows women to drive you can obtain your license. But the important thing to remember is how you use that and what constitutes great urgency for you to leave your homes and why it is important to stay in your homes from an Islamic view.

Also, I read some valid concerns about who will retreive the children from school, do the shopping, or go to work etc.

I would like to respond to that by incouraging everyone to search online and go to any Islamic site and ask the question of who's responsiblity it is to handle these matters as for providing safety and care for the family shopping etc. It is the husbands responsibility if you are married or a Mahram such as a father or brother etc if you are not yet married. It is not Haram for a muslimah wife or daughter to help but it is also not halal for a husband or mahram to not live up to his responsibilities.

 I think the important question that should be asked is Why are we as muslimahs are being required to live an Islamic lifestyle and advised that it is best to stay in our homes and only leave for great urgency and to leave certain responsibilities up to our husbands/mahrams and other responsibilites up to us.

I also wanted to address the issue of it's not easy to live an Islamic way of life in a non-Islamic country. We have very strict instructions on why we should be living or not living in a non-muslim country and what we should be doing if we are being prohibited from living an Islamic lifestyle in a non-muslim country.

This life that we live is very short...and the dunya will never follow us to the grave....If you ask Allah(swt) to bless you and guide you and make easy for you a straight path to journey on he will.

Brother Rami , your post has addressed only travelling and not commuting within the city.

my above post states a women can travel a distance of 48 miles without a mahram, if you mean going back and forth in the same city for some relevant reason not joy riding etc [] then as i understand it

For the one who wants sincere advice, the Islamic ruling is that one should not stay in kaafir countries.

this is just plain ridiculous coming form a people who allow billboards with channel and kfc to be placed up within sighting distance of our prophets grave. It is also safer for a women to travel in a Kafiir country nowadays than it is to travel in an islamic country!

I guess it is all what you call a need.

And it still does not answer, where does she go for a lawyer,if she is accused of a crime, or needs a lawyer for divorce, who should be her doctor and nurse, who shall be her aerobics instructor for her health, who wil lbe her arvery teacher (we are told to get exercise and be healthy after all), who will be the accountant for her business, who will be her physical therapist if she has an injury?  (As i do with my back injury and need physical therapy, either the physical therapist or I need to leave their homes.

I am not intending to make a big del about this, but they must answer, who will provide these services to women? These services are not performed really at home, so then it is up to each woman to define her need.

I also think that in an ideal world, all marriages would be good (proper husbands and such), all families could survive on one income, etc. The reality is  that Allah knows what each woman faces and what her intentions are. 

Sad to say, theat in many parts of the Moslem world, due to this focus many services are not provided for women. There are women languishing in jails with no one to serve them, there are women who cannot get the right medical care, as there are few women trained to service them. There are not enough teachers for all the childen.

I can sit at home or I can be productive. Idleness is the worst. That is half the problem with women, they sit around and gossip, chat etc. The house is clean the kids are at school. Now what? Maybe if they volunteered at the school there would be 10 fewer illiterate children in the world. 

I recently saw a show on Al jeezera and it said how 40% of the children in the Arab world are illiterate.  Maybe if women were more productive and not in their homes, or shopping or whiddling away time gossiping there would be fewer problems.  Ofcourse not all women do, but alot do.

Everyone seems quite interested in colntrolling women instead of solving really big issues.  sad

Everyone seems quite interested in colntrolling women instead of solving really big issues.  sad

Assalamu'Alaikum Br Rami,

I wanted to say before I get started with my post that I respect your opinion. Also it is important not to make Islam an easy step for us but one that takes much discipline and dedication each and every day to make our actions and deeds pleasing to Allah(swt).

I would say you might be mistaken, I spend at least 3 or more months a year in a muslim country and I think it is much safer to travel there than here. It is simply unheard of to leave the house without mahram or a large group of women from your family to go into the village market or city. Unless you are going to take lunch to the men in your family working in the fields and than it it still in a group of at least 4 women.

However, I do agree that commercialism is everywhere but there is no comparison to living in a muslim country vs. a non-muslim country clearly it is best to live in a muslim country.

Also, it is the husbands responsibility to do these things and take care of such matters. And every amount of her husbands money that is spent should be accounted for to the husband no matter how slight. There is nothing wrong with leaving the house as long as the husband grants his permission for unknown places to the family or none if she is going to a known place during normal daily hours. There is nothing wrong with a muslimah helping out with these duties but it is the husbands primary responsibility to do so and if the muslimah is not married it is the mahram that is caring for her. If she is doing such things she should be able to easily classify it as with some sort of urgency or she need not venture out into the city.

Also, there is nothing wrong with women being educated in a female only school and working in a female only environment but whatever she earns is never to be contributed to the household expenses. It is her money to do with as she sees fit...There are many halal positions for sr's to hold as long as they serve only sr's. I see a female dentist that only has female employees and only sees women and children.

Khadija did establish her own trading business but she had trustworthy people mostly family members conductiong her business abroad...and I don't know of a time that she did go on a trading caravan but had she most certainly she would of had mahram with her because of how women were viewed in society at that time before Islam. Also, even though Islam was not yet established family life and preservation was at the top of their priority although wars among clans were legendary they did have a certain daily code of conduct to abide by.

Lastly again, I would have to say that it is the womens responsibility to stay in her house there is nothing to support her not being there. But there is plenty to instruct how she should conduct herself if she leaves her home and how far and how long she may go and who she may see or do business with before she must take the appropriate permissions.

The Imam at our masjid seems more conservative than you but just as fair in his assessments of similiar situations. You might know our Imam he is well traveled and often attends yearly conferences. Here is our masjids web location: tawheedcenter.org - tawheedcenter.org

Assalamu'Alaikum Sr.Hayfa, I have a lot of respect for you as you have mentioned in other threads you are in a foreign country with no mahram teaching. But as a teacher wouldn't you have to agree a good foundation for learning begins at home remember what Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) has instructed for us about raising our children and how to go about the learning process and at what stage of life we do so and what we do for the first 7 years, than the next 7 years and than the final 7 years of growth and development.

MasSalaama

Assalamu'Alaikum Br Rami,

I never intended to say indirectly a women should never leave her house.

What I was trying to say and believe posted was that the best place for a women is in her home and that certain requirments must be met for her to leave her home such as having a valid reason or sense of urgency.

I'm sure you are familiar with the requirments for a married women taking permission from her husband to go to unknown areas to visit or conduct business. The husband is responsible for his wifes safety and security if he doesn't even know where she is or if she is safe during her daily travels when needed he can not provide her safety and security.

Also as far as going to the village market or city where we live overseas it is according to Islamic law and women need to travel in groups of more than 4. I believe that this is because of the Ayat in the Quran that explains if men or women are accused of acts that require witnesses'.

Anywhere you travel in this world there is always evil and even if it may never come into your life the precautions should still be taken to safegaurd against these types of incidents.

Going back to women driving alone day or night if she breaks down what's she going to do? If she's in the USA she'll probably call auto club to tow the car...I've never seen a female tow truck driver in my 20+ years of driving. She would have to be alone in the tow truck with the male driver. Just because a women is alone in a car she is not safe even walking to and from the car you see every night on the news horrible crimes against women just going to the market or their purses or cars being stolen...Tell me please brother if she is with her mahram or husband or a group of women aren't the possiblities of these horrible things happening far less...and if she stays at home to care for her family and wait for her husband to go to the market on his way home from work or go with him when he's home isn't that even safer.

I do follow a large majority of the Salafi ways of thinking I'm an American Muslimah and have been for almost 20 years my husband is Shaafi' so we also follow that line of thinking as well....but no matter which line of thinking you follow Islam is the same and a womens role will always carry great rewards for her and her family if she strives hard to serve Allah(Swt).

MasSalaama

I'm not sure if you had read my very first posting on page 1 but it does mention hadith with similiar distances of travel you have posted as well.

MasSalaama

Assalamu'Alaikum,

I'm begining to think Jannah is not going to be as crowded as I had invisioned it all of these years.

I find it truly discouraging...honestly all it takes is to start with yourself and your family to live a good moral life...one persons actions and behaviours will speak louder than any other form of Dawah.

Well this discussion is really come to an end for me but best of luck to everyone to hash it out and re-hash it out and Insha'Allah I hope there is a good ending to this thread to bring peace to everyone that reads it.

MasSalaama

I have no intention to argue anypoint of view, or that any position is wrong. I understand that there are "rulings and such" and all if life is a balance. If women never leave their home,where and how are we going to have enough femaile doctors and teachers to take careof 50% of the population?

If the moslem world was true in providing the rights that is granted to women then we would not have these problems that are brought up. There should be plenty of women schools and women hospitals for women.

I agree there should be spaces for women. I should be able to see a woman doctor when I need to and have a woman teach my children. Then the women are safe. And there is less of a problem with the dangers involved as you mentioned.  

If  we had proper Islamic training so that men knew their responsibilites there would be no women left on their own. If most of the world in poverty are women and children then we are failing in our responsibilites. 

PS  Iam a teacher,not because I have to but because I am skillful and talented in this field. I can teach children well. Allah gave me this skill.  We must educate people. Both in Islam and general subjects. I have met women who cannot read the medicine bottle so they cannot read how much to give their children.

I'm begining to think Jannah is not going to be as crowded as I had invisioned it all of these years.

Sad isn't it? Some people who have the most to be grateful and the largest responsibility do not do so. 

USA-NIQAABI wrote: Assalamu�Alaikum, Here is some information about the issue of women and driving. With situations like these it�s important to refer to the Quran and Sunnah but also the Fiqh/Shariah and Fatwas� based on those sources. Islam Question and Answer www.islam-qa.com Question No 45880 Does the ruling on driving a car vary from one country to another? Question: Throughout the Muslim world we find that there are differences between one country and another, in manner of dress, customs and traditions. For example we see that in some countries our sisters wear niqaab, because they follow the fatwa that says that niqaab is obligatory, but that is not widespread in another country, and the opinion that they follow there is that niqaab is not obligatory, rather it is mustahabb. Similarly with regard to women driving cars, in some countries the shaykhs have declared it to be haraam because of the harms that would result if it were allowed, whilst in other countries it is a very ordinary thing for a woman to drive a car, and they have been doing so for decades. To what extent is there flexibility in rulings? Is what is happening correct, I mean is it right that something may be obligatory in one country and mustahabb in another?. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. The rulings of sharee�ah are of two types: 1 � Those where the evidence of sharee�ah points to the ruling, regardless of various customs or what good or bad consequences may result. In this case the ruling is fixed and does not vary from one place to another or from one person to another, unless a person is forced to do something, is sick or is excused, in which case the ruling is waived as much as required by his situation according to what it says in sharee�ah. An example of such a fixed rule is the obligation to offer the five daily prayers, to fast Ramadaan, to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil, to seek knowledge, etc. Another example is the obligation for the Muslim woman to cover her entire body, including the face and hands. This ruling is obligatory and does not vary from one place to another. We have already discussed this obligation in questions no. http://www.islamicity.com/index.php?ln=eng&ds=qa&lv=browse&QR=21134 - 21134 and http://www.islamicity.com/index.php?ln=eng&ds=qa&lv=browse&QR=13647 - 13647 , where we quote the evidence for that. 2 � Rulings which are based on specific reasons, or where the ruling as to whether a thing is forbidden, allowed or obligatory depends upon whatever good or bad consequences will result from that, and where there is no shar�i evidence to suggest a fixed ruling that does not vary. The issue of women driving cars may come under this heading. The scholars have issued fatwas stating that it is haraam because of the negative consequences that may result from it. This applies completely to the land of the two Holy Sanctuaries. With regard to other countries, the matter should be referred to trustworthy scholars for they know their countries� situation best. Shaykh �Abd al-�Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: People have spoken a great deal in the al-Jazeerah newspaper about the issue of women driving cars. It is well known that it leads to evil consequences which are well known to those who promote it, such as being alone with a non-mahram woman, unveiling, reckless mixing with men, and committing haraam actions because of which these things were forbidden. Islam forbids the things that lead to haraam and regards them as being haraam too. Allaah commanded the wives of the Prophet and the believing women to stay in their houses, to observe hijab and to avoid showing their adornments to non-mahrams because of the permissiveness that all these things lead to, which spells doom for society. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): �And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance, and perform As-Salaah (Iqamat-as-Salaah), and give Zakaah and obey Allaah and His Messenger. Allaah wishes only to remove Ar-Rijs (evil deeds and sins) from you, O members of the family (of the Prophet), and to purify you with a thorough purification� [al-Ahzaab 33:33] �O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed� [al-Ahzaab 33:59] �And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband�s fathers, or their sons, or their husband�s sons, or their brothers or their brother�s sons, or their sister�s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful� [al-Noor 24:31] And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: �No man is alone with a (non-mahram) woman but the Shaytaan is the third one present.� Islam forbids all the things that may lead to immorality or accusations of immoral conduct made against chaste women, who never even think of anything touching their chastity, and it has stipulated a punishment for that which is one of the most severe of punishments, in order to protect society from the spread of the causes of immorality. Women driving is one of the means that lead to that, and this is something obvious, but ignorance of the rulings of sharee�ah and the negative consequences of carelessness with regard to the things that lead to evil � as well as diseases of the heart that prevail at present � and love of permissiveness and enjoying looking at non-mahram women all lead to indulging in this and similar things, with no knowledge and paying no attention to the dangers that it leads to. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): �Say (O Muhammad): (But) the things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are Al-Fawaahish (great evil sins and every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly, sins (of all kinds), unrighteous oppression, joining partners (in worship) with Allaah for which He has given no authority, and saying things about Allaah of which you have no knowledge� [al-A�raaf 7:33] �and follow not the footsteps of Shaytaan (Satan). Verily, he is to you an open enemy� [al-Baqarah 2:168] And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: �I am not leaving behind me any fitnah more harmful to men than women.� It was narrated that Hudhayfah ibn al-Yamaan (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: �The people used to ask the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about good things, but I used to ask him about bad things, fearing that I would live to see such things. I said, �O Messenger of Allaah, we were in a state of ignorance (jaahiliyyah) and evil, then Allaah sent us this good (i.e., Islam). Will there be any evil after this good?� He said, �Yes.� I said, �Will there by any good after that evil?� He said, �Yes, but it will be tainted.� I said, �How will it be tainted?� He said, �(There will be) some people who will guide others in a way that is not according to my guidance. You will approve of some of their deeds and disapprove of others.� I said, �Will there be any evil after that good?� He said, �Yes, there will be people calling at the gates of Hell, and whoever responds to their call, they will throw them into it (the Fire).� I said, �O Messenger of Allaah, describe them to us.� He said, �They will be from among our people, speaking our language.� I said, �What do you command me to do if I live to see such a thing?� He said, �Adhere to the jamaa�ah (group, community) of the Muslims and their imaam (leader).� I asked, �What if there is no jamaa�ah and no leader?� He said, �Then keep away from all those groups, even if you have to bite (eat) the roots of a tree until death overtakes you whilst you are in that state.�� Agreed upon. I call upon every Muslim to fear Allaah in all that he says and does and to beware of fitnah and those who promote it. He should keep away from all that angers Allaah or leads to His wrath, and he should be extremely cautious lest he be one of these callers to Hell of whom the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) tells us in this hadeeth. May Allaah protect us from the evil of fitnah and its people, and protect this ummah from the evil of those who promote bad things. May He help the writers of our newspapers and all the Muslims to do that which pleases Him and may He set the Muslims straight and save them in this world and in the Hereafter, for He is Able to do that. Majmoo� Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 3/351-353. Shaykh Ibn �Uthaymeen was asked: I hope you can explain the ruling on women driving cars. And what is your opinion on the idea that women driving cars is less dangerous than their riding with non-mahram drivers? The answer to this question is based on two principles which are well known among the Muslim scholars: The first principle is: that whatever leads to haraam is itself haraam. The evidence for this is the verse in which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): �And insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides Allaah, lest they insult Allaah wrongfully without knowledge� [al-An�aam 6:108] So Allaah forbids insulting the gods of the mushrikeen � even though that serves an interest � because it leads to insults against Allaah. The second principle is: that warding off evil � if it is equal to or greater than the interests concerned � takes precedence over bringing benefits. The evidence for that is the verse in which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): �They ask you (O Muhammad) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling. Say: In them is a great sin, and (some) benefits for men, but the sin of them is greater than their benefit� [al-Baqarah 2:219] Allaah has forbidden alcohol and gambling even though there is some benefit in them, so as to ward off the evils that result from them. Based on these two principles, the ruling on women driving should be clear, because women driving includes a number of evils, including the following: 1 � Removal of hijab, because driving a car involves uncovering the face which is the site of fitnah and attracts the glance of men. A woman is only regarded as beautiful or ugly on the basis of her face, i.e., if it is said that she is beautiful or ugly, people only think in terms of her face. If something else is meant it must be specified, so that one would say that she has beautiful hands or beautiful hair or beautiful feet. Hence it is known that the face is the focal point. If someone were to say that a woman can drive a car without taking off her hijab, by covering her face and wearing dark glasses over her eyes, the answer to that is that this is not what really happens when women drive cars. Ask those who have seen them in other countries. Even if we assume that this could be applied initially, it would not last for long, rather the situation would soon become as it is in other countries where women drive. This is how things usually develop; they start out in an acceptable fashion then they get worse. 2 � Another evil consequence of women driving cars is that they lose their modesty, and modesty is part of faith as is narrated in a saheeh report from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Modesty is the noble characteristic that befits the nature of women and protects them from being exposed to fitnah. Hence it is mentioned in a metaphorical sense (in Arabic), in the phrase �more modest than a virgin in her seclusion.� Once a woman�s modesty is lost, do not ask about her. 3 � It also leads to women going out of the house a great deal, but their homes are better for them � as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said � because those who love to drive enjoy it very much, hence you see them driving around in their cars here and there for no purpose, except to enjoy driving. 4 � You may find a divorced woman going where she wants, whenever she wants and however she wants, for whatever purpose she wants, because she is alone in her car, at any time she wants of the day or night. She may stay out until late at night. If people are complaining about this with regard to young men, then what about young women, going all over the place the length and breadth of the country, and maybe even beyond its borders. 5 � It is a means of women rebelling against their families and husbands; at the least provocation they may go out of the house and drive in the car to wherever they think they can get some peace, as happens in the case of some young men, who are able to put up with more than women. 6 � It is a cause of fitnah in many places: when stopping at the traffic lights, or at gas stations, or at inspection points, or when stopped by policemen at the scenes of traffic infractions or accidents, or if the car stalls and the woman needs help. What will her situation be in this case? Perhaps she may come across an immoral man who takes advantage of her in return for helping her, especially if her need is great to the point of urgency. 7 � When women drive it leads to overcrowding in the streets, or it deprives some young men of the opportunity to drive cars when they are more deserving of that. 8 � It causes fitnah to flourish because women � by their nature � like to make themselves look good with clothing etc. Do you not see how attached they are to fashion? Every time a new fashion appears they throw away what they have and rush to buy the new things, even if it is worse than what they have. Do you not see the adornments that they hang on their walls? In the same way � or perhaps more so � with the cars that they drive, whenever a new model appears they will give up the first for the new one. With regard to the questioner asking, �And what is your opinion on the idea that women driving cars is less dangerous than their riding with non-mahram drivers?� � what I think is that both of them involve danger, and one is more serious than the other in some ways, but there is no necessity that would require one to do either of them. Please note that I have answered this question at length because of the controversy that surrounds the issue of women driving cars, and the pressure faced by conservative Saudi society, which is striving to adhere to its religious commitment and morals, to allow women to drive cars. This would be nothing strange if it were to come from an enemy who seeks to cause harm this land which is the last bastion of Islam that the enemies of Islam wish to penetrate. But what is even stranger is that this is coming from our own people who speak our language and live under our banner, people who are dazzled by what the kaafir nations have of material advancement and admire their ways which are devoid of any moral restrictions. End quote from Shaykh Ibn �Uthaymeen. With regard to countries in which woman are allowed to drive cars, Muslim women should avoid that as much as possible, for the reasons mentioned above. In cases of necessity, such as helping accident victims or fleeing from a criminal, there is nothing wrong with a Muslim woman using a car in such situations, if she cannot find a man to help her. There are other cases, such as women who have to go out to work and have no husband, father or guardian to look after them and no income from the government to meet their needs, and they cannot find work that they can do at home, such as some internet-based jobs, so they are forced to go out. In that case they can use the means of transportation that poses the least danger to them. There may be some means of transportation that are available only to women, or a group of women may hire a driver to take them to work or university. Using taxis� for those who can afford it � may be better than using public transportation where a woman may be exposed to humiliation and aggression, so they should use taxis, so long as they are not alone with the driver. If a woman is forced to drive a car in cases of extreme need, then she should drive wearing full jilbaab and hijab, and with fear of Allaah. We have already mentioned above what constitutes need. Women should also seek fatwas from the trustworthy scholars in their own countries � not those who are too lenient � who understand both sharee�ah and the situation in that country. And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): �So keep your duty to Allaah and fear Him as much as you can� [al-Taghaabun 64:16]

As-Salaam Alaikum,

I just to say to sister Niqabi that I drive usually by myself and I have a couple a questions regarding this fatwa.  I think people already ask similar questions but I didn't see a answer from you.  So I am asking

2 � Another evil consequence of women driving cars is that they lose their modesty, and modesty is part of faith as is narrated in a saheeh report from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Modesty is the noble characteristic that befits the nature of women and protects them from being exposed to fitnah. Hence it is mentioned in a metaphorical sense (in Arabic), in the phrase �more modest than a virgin in her seclusion.� Once a woman�s modesty is lost, do not ask about her.

I would like to understand how I am not modest anymore because I drive my own car?

5 � It is a means of women rebelling against their families and husbands; at the least provocation they may go out of the house and drive in the car to wherever they think they can get some peace, as happens in the case of some young men, who are able to put up with more than women.

I am also married and I would like understand how am I rebelling against my husband by driving.  What is wrong with doing things out side of the home to relieve stress in your life?  For me, I like going to my aerobics class.  Soon I plan to start doing Martial Arts again, and Tai Chi.  Last week I went to a Health Fair, and went to see a play with my mother.  Was I wrong for doing these things?

7 � When women drive it leads to overcrowding in the streets, or it deprives some young men of the opportunity to drive cars when they are more deserving of that.

How does women driving deprive young men from driving?  How does it lead to overcrowding when some people can't afford to by a car?

6 � It is a cause of fitnah in many places: when stopping at the traffic lights, or at gas stations, or at inspection points, or when stopped by policemen at the scenes of traffic infractions or accidents, or if the car stalls and the woman needs help. What will her situation be in this case? Perhaps she may come across an immoral man who takes advantage of her in return for helping her, especially if her need is great to the point of urgency.

I am really confused regarding the first part.  Since I am driving how I am committing fitnah by stopping at a traffic light, or at a gas station.  I am confused.

8 � It causes fitnah to flourish because women � by their nature � like to make themselves look good with clothing etc. Do you not see how attached they are to fashion? Every time a new fashion appears they throw away what they have and rush to buy the new things, even if it is worse than what they have. Do you not see the adornments that they hang on their walls? In the same way � or perhaps more so � with the cars that they drive, whenever a new model appears they will give up the first for the new one.

Aren't men the same way with there "boy toys."  Do men sometimes buy cars to look good in front of everybody.  Do men do things to get attention sometimes too.  The brothers can also answer this question.

Sister Niqabi, Do you think I should give up my plans on becoming a doctor since I am female.  Since I already lost my modesty because I drive I guess I have stop driving.  My husband is going to be a very tired man. 

Hakeema 

Assalamu'Alaikum Hakeema,

I can't tell you how you should live your life it's not my responsibility. I merely posted a response to this thread with supporting evidence on rulings, and from the Quran and Sunnah. If you have evidences supporting your opinion to this thread than please post them they are welcomed. The purpose of IC is to contribute by posting information about whatever topic interests you and supporting it with evidence along with our personal views in respect to the subject.

I think you might have a very hard time finding supporting evidence that muslimahs have openly been instructed that their homes are not the best place for them and that they should leave them whenever they wish without great urgency but if you do please post it.

With respect to the word necesity or urgency my personal interpretation and that of my families is that it means that I've exhausted all other means of resolving the issue and have no other option but to leave my home and conduct my business without my husband or mahram to accompany me. Just remember that interpretation is something that we all must do but to avoid the gray areas of interpretation because there is Hadith that strictly tells us that whenever you find yourself in a gray area of making a choice to completly avoid it and that is the best of decisions to make.

MasSalaama...Jummah Mubarak

Allaah commanded the wives of the Prophet and the believing women to stay in their houses, to observe hijab and to avoid showing their adornments to non-mahrams because of the permissiveness that all these things lead to, which spells doom for society. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

�O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed�

[al-Noor 24:31]

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: �No man is alone with a (non-mahram) woman but the Shaytaan is the third one present.�

It was narrated that Hudhayfah ibn al-Yamaan (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: �The people used to ask the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about good things, but I used to ask him about bad things, fearing that I would live to see such things. I said, �O Messenger of Allaah, we were in a state of ignorance (jaahiliyyah) and evil, then Allaah sent us this good (i.e., Islam). Will there be any evil after this good?� He said, �Yes.� I said, �Will there by any good after that evil?� He said, �Yes, but it will be tainted.� I said, �How will it be tainted?� He said, �(There will be) some people who will guide others in a way that is not according to my guidance. You will approve of some of their deeds and disapprove of others.� I said, �Will there be any evil after that good?� He said, �Yes, there will be people calling at the gates of Hell, and whoever responds to their call, they will throw them into it (the Fire).� I said, �O Messenger of Allaah, describe them to us.� He said, �They will be from among our people, speaking our language.� I said, �What do you command me to do if I live to see such a thing?� He said, �Adhere to the jamaa�ah (group, community) of the Muslims and their imaam (leader).� I asked, �What if there is no jamaa�ah and no leader?� He said, �Then keep away from all those groups, even if you have to bite (eat) the roots of a tree until death overtakes you whilst you are in that state.�� Agreed upon.

 �So keep your duty to Allaah and fear Him as much as you can�

[al-Taghaabun 64:16]

Woman should learn everything .. driving , shooting

If a iraqi woman were well trainned they would be able to protect themselves more than now ...

Prophet mohamed told us to teach our children everything

He didnt say teach your boys and not girls

Tough nation Need strong woman to raise her children in a proper way physically and mentaly ...

And weak woman cant even take care of her children on the right way

What if her husband die ? who would drive her and her children ?

What if She cant afford a driver ? what if the driver is a sick man and flirt the woman ?

Not every woman can afford a driver and not every driver has morals to take care of those woman in a right way ..

Woman is a very important element in the entire world

I m not with she should work as man and be a judge etc..

but even if she is a simple woman who raise her children and take care of her husband why not she would have another skills that would protect her from any kind of threat ?

Why would must wait till some1 else protect her ? and save her ?

sometimes The gun is the most loyal friend In our cruel world .

Again if woman in sudan , iraq , afghanistan were able to drive , shoot .. everything .. they would be a good warrior and would have the ability to defend themselves at least they would die with honor instead of living wish shame for being raped 70 times per day by those animals .

Men have their share of what in what they have earned and women have their share in what they have learned (4:82)

yes shery.. agree helplessness is not a good trait. Women are supposed to guards the home when the men are away. How should they do that if they don't know how.

I recently read a biography by the scholar Tariq Ramadan and he pointed out that some women fought in battle and the Prophet (PBUH) praised them.  I shall try and finf the reference.  Not sure they were fighting with only one eye..

Story of a Muslim Woman Warior:

One of the most distinguished women who took part in the battle of Uhud, if not the most distinguished of them, was Nasibah bint Ka'b al-Maziniyyah, Umm 'Umarah (May Allah be pleased with her). At the beginning of the battle, she was bringing water and tending the wounded, as the other women were doing. When the battle was going in the favour of the Muslims, the archers disobeyed the command of the Prophet (SAW), and this turned the victory into defeat, as the Qur'an described it:

"Behold! You were climbing up the high ground, without even casting a side glance at anyone, and the Messenger in your rear was calling you back..." 3:153

At this point, Nasibah went forward, with her sword unsheathed and her bow in her hand, to join the small group who were standing firm with the Prophet (SAW), acting as a human shield to protect him from the arrows of the mushrikin. Every time danger approached the Prophet (SAW) she hastened to protect him. The Messenger of ALlah (SAW) noticed this, and later said, "Wherever I turned, to the left or the right, I saw her fighting for me."

Her son 'Umarah also described what happened on that tremendous day: "On that day, I was wounded in my left hand. A man who seemed to be as tall as a palm-tree struck me, then went away without pursuing me to finish me off. The blood began to flow copiously, so the Messenger of Allah (SAW) told me, 'Bind up your wound.' My mother came to me, and she was wearing a waist-wrapper, which she had brought, for the purpose of wrapping wounds. She dressed my wound, whilst the Prophet (SAW) was looking on. Then she told me, 'Get up, my son, and fight the people.' The Prophet (SAW) said, 'Who could bear what you are putting up with, O Umm 'Umarah?' She said: The man who had struck my son came by, and the Messenger of ALlah (SAW) said, 'This is the one who struck your son.' I intercepted him and hit him in the thigh, and he collapsed. I saw the Messenger of ALlah (SAW) smiling so broadly that I could see his back teeth. He said, 'You have taken your revenge, O Umm 'Umarah!' Then we struck him with our weapons until we killed him, and the Prophet (SAW) said: 'Praise be to Allah (SWT), who granted you victory over him, gave you the satisfaction of taking revenge on your enemy, and let you see the vengeance for yourself." On this day, Nasibah herself received many wounds whilst she was fighting the people and striking their chests. The Prophet (SAW) saw her, and called to her son, "Your mother! Your mother! See to her wounds, may Allah (SWT) bless you and your household! Your mother has fought better than so-and-so." When his mother heard what the Prophet (SAW) said, she said, "Pray to Allah (SWT) that we may accompany you in Paradise." He said, "O Allah (SWT), make them my companions in Paradise." She said, " I do not care what befalls me in this world." Umm 'Umarah's jihad was not confined to the battle of Uhud. She was also present on a number of other occasions, namely the treaty of 'Aqabah, Al-Hudaybiyah, Khaybar and Hunayn. Her heroic conduct at Hunayn was no less marvellous than her heroic conduct at Uhud. At the time of Abu Bakr's Khilafah, she was present at Al-Yamamah where she fought brilliantly and received eleven wounds as well as losing her hand. It is no surprise that the Prophet (SAW) gave her the good news that she would enter Paradise, and that she was later held in high esteem by the khalifah Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq and his commander Khalid ibn Al-Walid and then by 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA)!!!

You (Hayfa) may do some more reasearch on:

• Khaibar & Umayyah bint Qais & the women of Banu Ghifaar 
• The Yarmuk contingent 
• Azdah bint al Harith: Heroine of Battle of Maisaan
• The Black Knight: Khawlah Bint Al-Azwar
• vAl-�Aqabah
• vThe Battle of Uhud