Fathwa, - {Misconceptions about Muslim Women}, - Islam did not command detaining a sinful wife in a separate room

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Question
Salam alaikum, I have read following hadith: Ibn Ishaq/Hisham 969 - Requires that a married woman be "put in a separate room and beaten lightly" if she "act in a sexual manner toward others." According to the Hadith, this can be for an offense as petty as merely being alone with a man to whom she is not related. Kash-shaf of al-Zamkhshari )Vol. 1, p. 525( - ]Muhammad said[ "Hang up your scourge where your wife can see it" Are those hadith sahih?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, is His Slave and Messenger.
The wording of the first Hadeeth that we have read inSeerat Ibn Hishaamdoes not include detaining the woman in the house and its wording is as follows: “...and they should not commit a clear immorality. But if they do that, then Allaah has given you permission to forsake them in bed and to hit them but not severely...” This Hadeeth was originally reported in Saheeh Muslim on the authority ofJaabirin the Farewell Khutbah )Sermon( and it is a sound Hadeeth.
Forsaking means turning one’s back to his wife in bed while hitting refers to light beating. That is not meant to inflict physical pain on her )the recalcitrant wife(, but rather to discipline her in a psychological manner. Islam actually calls for treating women kindly, prohibits oppressing them or causing harm and assaulting them. Also, if you go back to that Hadeeth, you will find that before the words you have stated the Prophet, said: “Fear Allaah concerning women” and after that he said, “Thus, treat women kindly.”
There is absolutely no doubt that no religion has given women the great status that Islam has given them. We have pointed that out in the Fatwa 81237, so please refer to it.
As for the second Hadeeth which is the saying of the Prophet: “Hang your whip where the members of your household can see it.” ]At-Tabaraani in Al-Mu‘jam[, some scholars deemed it weak while some others deemed it Hasan ]good[. It means that this will motivate them )members of the household( to behave properly. Therefore, another narration of this Hadeeth reads: “Hang your whip where the members of your household can see it, for that will discipline them.”
It was stated in Faydh Al-Qadeer: “It means that this will motivate them to act properly and be good-mannered, and thus refrain from indulging in vice...Ibn Al-Anbaarisaid: “There is nothing to suggest that it should be used for beating, because he, did not command anyone to do that. What he, meant was: do not stop disciplining them.”
Allaah Knows best.

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Personal, - Breastfeeding prevents diseases and increases Affection

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Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of the baby’s life is the traditional and ideal way to feed the baby. Breast milk is far superior in terms of nutrients concerning its unique composition that provides the baby with the components that are vital for life, nourishment and development, such as proteins, fats, vitamins, salts and minerals.
It contains all these elements at the best level and composition for the baby’s body to fully benefit from throughout his stages of development. Medical research stresses that breast milk contains cells which are able to form antibodies for microbes and viruses. So far, scientists know of four types of antibodies that are able to protect the baby from many diseases throughout the different stages of his life. Breast milk protects the child against food allergies that may emerge in the early years of the child’s life. Symptoms of food allergy can be rashes, digestive disorders or breathing difficulties. In some cases, a food allergy can even cause unconsciousness.
Doctors say that genetics determine a child's predisposition to allergies, but breast milk helps guard against it.
The results of researches which were conducted by Dr. Phialat, Professor of Allergies in the Faculty of Medicine in Paris, and Dr. Sameer Khidhr, Professor of Public Health in the Faculty of Medicine in Tanta )Egypt(, show that breast milk contains immune bodies that decrease the production of immunoglobins, which cause allergies. Thus, breastfeeding has a great effect on preventing the emergence of allergies in the early years of the child’s life. It also contains elements from the environment that guard the body of the baby against any disease. Breastfeeding gives an opportunity for the child to build his immune system within approximately three months.
Medical research, which was conducted on breastfed children and children on baby formula, revealed that phosphorus fats are available in breast milk at higher rates. Phosphorus fat helps to form the nervous system of the child and plays a key role in his development. It has a great effect that extends throughout his lifetime. The research confirms that breastfed babies are more intelligent than babies who are fed on baby formula. The reason behind this is that the fastest development of the brain takes place in the first year of life. At that time, the baby needs full nutrients that are only available in breast milk. Shortage in such substances during this period often leads to shortcomings in the baby's mental capacities.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breast milk is considered to be the best nourishment for the baby and helps him grow and develop emotionally and mentally. Breast milk is clean and bacteria-free. It contains living white blood cells that help combat diseases, gives the baby necessary immunity and protects him from digestive disorders, diarrhea, respiratory system diseases, middle ear infection, allergy problems and sudden death syndrome. Breast milk strengthens the bond between the mother and the baby in a way that enhances the baby's ability to acquire knowledge in the future. Breast milk provides the baby with a balanced and nutritious food that suits each stage of development, especially during the first six months of the baby’s life.
Breast milk contains:
-A quantity of water which suffices the baby, even in hot weather.
-Various amounts of iron, salt, calcium and phosphate which are sufficient for the baby at this age.
-An amount of the lipase enzyme that helps the baby’s stomach to digest fats.
-Most forms of proteins and fats which are suitable for the baby and in the quantities required.
-Sufficient vitamins for the baby.
-It helps the baby’s jaws, speech and teeth to develop properly.
Benefits for the Mother
Breastfeeding benefits the mother as well, since it helps in:
-Cessation of post-partum bleeding.
-Prolonging the interval between two successive pregnancies, especially when breastfeeding runs regularly every 2-3 hours night and day without adding formula to the baby's diet.
-Rapid loss of weight.
-Minimizing the danger of breast and ovarian cancers.
-Saving time, since breast milk is always ready and does not need preparation or warming. A mother can breastfeed her baby whenever she wants and wherever she is without special preparation.
-Saving money, for breast milk is free.
-Strengthening the bond and love between the mother and her baby.
Risks of Infant Formula for the baby:
-Infant formula can be easily contaminated with microbes and bacteria, due to improperly cleaned bottles, teats )bottle nipples(, or spoons. It may be contaminated via water or hands.
-Baby formula does not contain antimicrobials to protect the baby against infection.
-Baby formula becomes easily rancid if it is not used once prepared, particularly in hot weather.
-Baby formula is often powder whose preparation requires adding water. It is possible that a mother could put the incorrect quantity of water in, so the milk is too concentrated or too light, which can disturb the stomach of the baby and fail to satisfy his dietary needs.
-The holes of the teats may be too narrow so that a baby hardly sucks, or may be too wide so that the milk comes out rapidly and the baby chokes.
-The milk may be contaminated during preparation
-The heavy nature of formula milk may cause the baby to be overweight, and increases the risk of chronic diseases.
-A bottle-fed baby may be exposed to allergies, intestinal colic, respiratory diseases and permanent diarrhea.
-A baby may reject his mother's breast because baby formula tastes better to him.
-Lastly, it causes the baby to be confused between the breast nipple and the bottle teat, and this affects the emotional connection between the mother and the baby.
Risks of baby formula for the mother:
-Delay and decrease of breast milk production because the baby does not suck properly.
-An increase of the possibility of breast congestion or inflammation as the baby does not regularly take her milk.
-An increase of the risk of unplanned pregnancy
-An increase in the risk of breast and ovarian cancers and obesity.
-It reduces the possibility of regaining body shapeliness after childbirth.
Looking for the reasons why some mothers refuse to breastfeed their babies, it was found that there are a few: the mother might be going out to study or work, the mother fears that breastfeeding would affect her shapeliness, the mother may be fond of imitating Western women, and think that using formulas is some sort of modernity. Also, the mother may be unaware of the ideal way to breastfeed a baby.
Final Advice
We advise mothers to start breastfeeding their babies from the first hours after childbirth, meaning, once the milk comes. This must be in the first days that follow delivery. It is recommended that a baby is fed from one breast for at least half an hour, until the mother is sure that he is full, because the first quantity of milk contains water and sugar that increase the appetite of the baby and encourages him to continue breastfeeding.
All these facts unveil the secrets embedded in what Allaah The Almighty Says )which means(:}Mothers may breastfeed their children two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing ]period[.{]Quran 2:233[

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Personal, - A healthy and balanced food system

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Many people get into the bad habit of overeating during the month ofRamadan, which often causes different types of diseases, like constipation, rapid weight gain, and many others. This is because they are heedless of the instructions of the Prophet,sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and the etiquettes one must adhere to at the time of breaking the fast when eatingIftaar. The instructions of the Prophet,sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, are all about healthy practices. They also include measures to prevent stressing the body and over-exhausting it, as well as not subjecting it to pain. These measures therefore reflect the great benefits of fasting.
In order to achieve benefit from this healthy system, we must adhere to certain instructions related to our eating habits during the period of fasting. The following are some of these instructions:
Hastening to break the fast immediately at sunset:Sahlibn Sa`d, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allaah,sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:“People will continue to adhere to good as long as they hasten to break their fasting.”]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[“Adhere to good”here means the welfare of the religion as well as that of this world. Breaking the fast early does not mean that it is terminated before the prescribed time. What it means is that it is done without any delay immediately after sunset. Hastening to break ones’ fast has many benefits and effects on the fasting person who has been fasting for a period that ranges from 10-14 hours. The fasting person at the time of breaking his fast is in dire need to make up for the fluids and energy that he has lost during the day. The one who delays breaking the fast usually suffers from a drop in his blood sugar level, which results in total weakness.
Breaking the fast on dates:The fasting person has been instructed bythe Messenger of Allaah,sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, to start breaking his fast by eating a ripe or dry date. The benefit from this lies in it making up for the sugar he consumed during the day while fasting. If he cannot find dates, then the next best thing is water, and one may also drink milk or warm soup. One should take a short break )by going to prayMaghrib(, in order to allow the body to prepare itself for the next step of eating the main meal.
Eating the main meal after performing the Maghrib prayer:In order to attain a healthy, balanced food system, the main meal must include all the primary food components, namely: protein, starch, sugar, fat, vitamins and minerals. There is no restriction on any type of food unless the person suffers from a certain disease which requires him to maintain a special diet. We would like to draw attention to the following important matters:
·Avoid overeating.
·Reduce the consumption of fat in general, especially saturated fat, and sweets.
·Do not eat a lot of pickles, spices and pepper.
·Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.
·Do not drink a lot of coffee and tea because they exhaust the stomach.
·Stay away completely from soft drinks and fruit juices that include preservatives.
Means to avoid constipation:It is a known fact that an empty stomach, after long hours of fasting, will not accept large amounts of food all at once. It can only do so in stages. Eating large amounts of food in one go therefore will cause pain to the stomach and the intestines. Additionally, this causesindigestion in the form of gases and constipation as well as other symptoms like feeling lazy and fatigue. Therefore, we highly advise people to break their fast in two stages:
·First: Eating dates, which acts as an introduction and prepares the stomach for the main course.
·Second: Eating the main meal after having performed the prayer.
A warning against some bad eating habits:People exercise very bad eating habits at the time they break their fast during the month ofRamadan, and we will shed light on some of them in the following:
·Sleeping after eatingIftaar.
·Smoking: Many people rush to light their cigarettes and start smoking as soon as the sun sets, thinking )mistakenly( that this satisfies their hunger or thirst. They forget the immensely harmful effects smoking has, especially on an empty stomach, let alone its bad impact on the fasting person’s appetite - in addition to the numerous bad effects on the rest of the human body.
·Drinking a lot of tea or coffee and other sweetened juices, all of which negatively affect the stomach.
Finally, the fasting person must always remember the advice of the Messenger of Allaah,sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.Al-Miqdaad ibn Ma`dikarib, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported:“I heard the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, say:‘No man fills a container worse than his stomach. A few morsels that would keep his back upright are sufficient for him. If he has to do so, then he should keep one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for his breathing.’”]At-Tirmithi[ This narration dissuades us from overeating as this causes laziness and negatively affects one's health.

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Personal, - A delayed pregnancy should not be a cause or worry

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Medical research gives glad tidings to spouses who have been married for a year and still have no children that this is not a sign of being sick or sterile. A recently published study showed that spouses who do not suffer from health problems, even though they become worried after one year of trying to conceive, often succeed in realizing their goal during the second year.
Many spouses hurry to clinics of reproductive health and fertility when there is a delay in pregnancy for fear of having any problems concerning their ability to have children. Scientists, however, believe that doctors should not be hasty in prescribing medicines unless they discover substantial reasons requiring this. They add that the spouses should also keep trying for a longer time if there is no medical cause behind the delay.
Scientists point out that the definition of sterility or subfertility includes the inability to conceive after a year of trying. Frequently, young men and women visit fertility clinics for this reason. However, new research shows that chances of normal pregnancy in spouses who are in their late thirties reach about 91% during the first two years of trying.
After analyzing the recorded data of 782 spouses from seven European cities, researchers discovered that nowadays spouses wait for a longer period before trying to have children. They also discovered that the man’s age plays an important role in the delay of pregnancy. Previous research showed that the rate of fertility decreases to a greater rate than previously thought. Fertility in women starts to decline as early as the late 20s and for men in their late 30s, which increases fears of sterility when there is a delay in pregnancy.
Doctors advise spouses who are under 30 to visit fertilization clinics only after two years of unsuccessful attempts in conceiving. Nonetheless, spouses who are over 30 must not wait for a long period; rather they should start treatment in case there are any specific problems like menstrual irregularity or sexual diseases.
Doctors also mention that fertility treatment, which includes drugs or methods promoting pregnancy like in-vitro fertilization where the egg is fertilized with sperm outside the body in the laboratory and inserting the resulting embryo into the womb, are somewhat risky. They increase the risk of giving birth to twins, multiple labors, complications in pregnancy, giving birth to babies of low weight and size, or babies suffering from deformities and disabilities. They drew attention to the fact that as the woman grows older, the effectiveness of treatment decreases, while the risks and side effects increase.
A new study reveals that most healthy spouses who have no health problems succeed in conceiving naturally at the end of the second year, regardless of age. Specialists noticed that only 9% of women between 35-39 years and whose husbands are under forty, fail to conceive after two years of trying. However, this percentage rises to 16% if the husband is above the age of 40.
In another discovery, new medical research has revealed that it is possible to help women who experience unexplained repeated miscarriagesto conceive through subjecting the embryo to genetic analyses and checks. Scientists at theInstituto Valenciano de Infertilidadin Valencia, Spain said that the simple analysis of the hereditary and genetic structure in the embryos before transferring them to the womb within the operations that promote pregnancy like in-vitro fertilization, through a technique known as Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosismay help in defining the problem and solving it.
Those scientists stated in the Annual conference of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, which was recently held in Vienna, that the disturbance and disorders in the chromosomes might be the main and major cause of miscarriage. They clarify that it is possible to discover such disorders that are known as Aneuploidythrough a simple genetic test. Spanish specialists succeeded in achieving normal pregnancy rates and reducing the dangers of abortion in women who have a history of repeated miscarriages and failure of embryo implantation in techniques of in-vitro fertilization. This was achieved through checking the embryos to know if they carry any genetic disease during the in-vitro fertilization procedure to only implant the embryos that have normal genetic patterns into the woman’s womb.
Those specialists explained that the non-genetic disordersin a number of chromosomes are common causes of miscarriage. These non-genetic disorders often afflict the embryos that fail to implant themselves in the womb during the techniques of in-vitro fertilization and the ICSI )Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection(. Spanish researchers observed 71 women who suffered from unexplained and repeated miscarriages and 42 others who suffered from failure of embryo implantation in three or more attempts of in-vitro fertilization and ICSI )Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection(. They compared them to 28 women, who experienced no miscarriages, by taking a cell from the embryo in a very early stage of its development, which does not cause it the least harm.
Doctors found that the rate of the embryos that are affected with chromosomal disorders in the first two groups )repeated miscarriage and implantation failure( increased by one third compared to the third )normal( group. They mentioned that these differences were particularly clear in the embryos of the women who were under the age of 37 as the rate of the abnormal embryos of these women was double. This rate greatly increases in women who are above this age.
Those researchers noticed that after implanting only healthy embryos, the rates of pregnancy and miscarriage were similar in the three groups, which means that it is possible to increase the rate of successful pregnancy and reduce the dangers of abortion through genetic analysis before implantation to select only normal embryos to be inserted into the womb. In addition, this operation helps in defining the spouses who are most likely to produce diseased embryos and those who could not have normal embryos.

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