Everyday Fiqh: Questions and answersOffering prayer with make-up Q- There is confusion among us women regarding whether it is permissible to perform the prayer (salah) with cosmetics and lipstick on. Some of us say that a woman may apply lipstick, etc., after wudu' (ablution) and then she can offer her prayers. Others among us say that a woman's prayer cannot be accepted when she is wearing lipstick. Please explain what is the right position? A - To answer your question, I would like to discuss the following two points: First of all, it is permissible for a woman to use cosmetics and lipstick to beautify herself. She is allowed to pray while wearing her cosmetics as long she has put these things on after wudu'. Of course one has to make sure, that the cosmetics one is using do not contain anything that is considered unclean and prohibited in Islam. Some cosmetics might contain products taken from the pig. They are prohibited and should not be used at any time. Women should also make sure to wash all those parts of their body that must be washed for wudu' before applying lipstick or other cosmetics. A woman who neglects her wudu' because she does not want to disturb her make-up is committing a sin. Wudu' is a necessary precondition for salah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The salah is not acceptable without wudu'.” Wudu' requires washing both hands, rinsing the mouth, cleaning the nose, washing of the whole face from the forehead to the bottom of the chin and from right ear to the left ear, washing of hands including the elbows, wiping on the hair, neck and behind the ears and washing of feet including the ankles. This is the Sunnah in making wudu.' If any part of the body that must be washed is not washed, then the wudu is incomplete and the prayer thereafter will be invalid. Secondly, I want to emphasize that although women are allowed to use lipstick or other cosmetics to beautify themselves, however, like all other things in Islam, this should also be done in moderation. Too much involvement in cosmetics and wasting too much money and time on these things is not acceptable in the Islamic value system. Islam wants to develop in its followers, both males and females, a mindset of modesty, moderation and simplicity. When Muslim women go outside their homes, especially in mixed gatherings, then they should be more careful about their appearance. Their appearance should not be to show off or to invite the glances of men towards them, but to keep their own dignity and honor. They must guard the purity pf their own selves as well as the purity of the society around them. Muslim women in America frequently go to their Islamic centres and mosques, and we actually encourage them to do so, because this is necessary for their own and their family's Islamic education, but they must come to the Islamic centres in very modest Islamic dress and appearance. Mahr & its payment Q- In a marriage contract, if the woman doesn't specify that she wants money for her mahr (dower), it is permissible in Islam to buy her material items that add up to the amount agreed upon. What if it is just one or two items and the rest cash? Also, is it permissible to invest money for one's wife as part of the mahr at her request? A - If the woman did not specify the amount of money or the method of payment at the time of marriage, then they can make an agreement after marriage. In case they do not agree, then whatever is the custom (‘urf) of the bride's family is that which will be followed. If the dispute persists, then they should refer it to a Qadi (Islamic judge). Also, if the woman is requesting and she wants her money to be invested, then there is no objection to doing so. Pre-natal test Q- I need your opinion about medical test in the case of a pregnant woman to find out if she has normal and healthy child or not. Because of limited options for abortion, is it wise and allowed to go through these tests? A - According to the Shariah there is nothing wrong for pregnant women to go through some medical tests. These tests can help in enhancing their health as well as the health of the baby. If there are any complications they might be corrected in time before it is too late or the situation becomes worse. Abortion is generally forbidden in Islam, it does not mean that one should not know the health of the baby. In the case of danger to the mother's life, abortion is permissible by all jurists. In the case of baby's abnormality, the matter has to be referred to the opinion of competent doctors and the experts of Shariah. In any case the medical tests are permissible and should be beneficial. Sadaqah for constructing hospitals Q- I have a question regarding-distribution of Sadaqah money. Can Sadaqah be given to a hospital for construction and running expenses of the hospital? A - There is no prohibition or restriction in giving Sadaqah money for the construction and running expenses of a hospital. Muslims always give their charity for building hospitals, schools, orphanages etc. This is the best use of Sadaqah and it becomes a Sadaqah Jariyah i.e. a charity that brings the blessings and reward of Allah Almighty as long as people benefit from that charity. Unlike Zakah, which has some restrictions, Sadaqah is a general charity and it can be used to help any needy person or institution. However, since Sadaqah is for poor people only, it is important that when rich people or people who do not need charity use facilities of a hospital or school that is built from out of charity they should pay for its services, or should make a donation to the institution when they use its services. – Answers by Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi. Dr Siddiqi is President, Fiqh Council of North America. __
