Ask the Shaykha
Have a question about your deen? Send it to Dr. Sh. Haifaa Younis. Selected questions are answered on our social media.
Can you explain as a female gynecologist and Muslim scholar what is female genital mutilation ( FGM), and what is your stand on it ?
I preface this by saying that I understand that it is impermissible to listen to music. I wanted to ask if there is permissibility of musical instruments, like are certain instruments allowed? Additionally, what is the permissibility of nasheeds?
Yes, dafs are allowed. Nasheeds are halal but without music. vocals only. Nasheeds with musical instruments are not allowed.
How to deal with perfectionism coming every time in the way of studying. Even though I try to remind myself of the Hadith that Allah loves small consistent deeds, not necessarily big ones. And I try to read Qur´an to manage this perfectionism but I keep on being strict on myself that doesn’t help me always
That is a typical shaytan. That is how he makes you stop learning. Remember Allah (swt) reward you on the intention and the effort not the result, because the result is not in your hands.
In terms of modesty and Hijab, I have heard that our hijab(scarf) must cover our shoulders and that we are not allowed to wear jackets over our hijab/jilbab, and that we must wear them under our scarf to not expose the shape of our shoulders and arms. Is this true?
The idea is that you don't show the shape of your body. So yes, it is recommend to cover. So to perfect your hijab the way it is 100%, you need to cover your shoulder.
Is it permissible for us to have laser depilation in our private parts? It is not strictly a medical need but done for hygienic reasons since it removes hair from root vs. cutting it, but it requieres another female to perform the laser on you and hence see your private parts.
No, it is not permissible as you cannot expose your private part (male or female) to anyone but your spouse. To do otherwise is haram. Anything between the navel and the knees can only be seen by the spouse. Moreover, the sunnah is to shave.
Can a women on a her menses give ghuls to the deceased ?
Yes, she can.
Can a menstruating women attend a Nikah at a masjid?
If the Nikah is in the musallah I wouldn't come, but if the Nikah is in the multi purpose area that is absolutely fine to attend.
When can I enter the musallah while menstruating?
If their is a lecture or classes of knowledge and their is no other place I can hear this.
Can you give me practical tips what to do when a non mahram man extends his hands for a handshake?
Have a big smile, put your hand on your chest. Say please forgive me but can I not do that. Be relaxed and smile
Is it permissible to make duua in one’s language in sujjud during prayer if one does not speak arabic ?
Yes, it is permissible.
At what age should you consider a child old enough for you to start covering before him? ( not mahram)
When he is a balagh i.e. he becomes an adult e.g. his voice changes, mustache hair etc. So when he reaches puberty.
Is it allowed to have intermarital relationships during pregnancy?
Yes
This year I fasted my first ramadan as a convert. The first days I had a headache and put essential oil (mint) on my wrist to smell it, to help against the headache. I had not thought anything about it, but today a sister told me, that it can actually break your fast? is that true? i have not eaten it. I just smelled it. If so, do I have to catch up this days?
No. Three things break fast- food, drink and sexual intercourse.
If we do not attend a wedding because of displeasurable acts to Allah ﷻ occurring at the event, how can we fulfill the rights for the family? Should we give money and wish them well?
It depends on the kind of relationship. If distant family (cousins etc.) do not attend to this wedding. And, indeed, they will stop inviting you after a while when they see you decline their invitations.
If this is close family (for example, your wedding and your parents want to do non-halal things like music and dancing) find balance and do compromise in some things to please your parents, but no in the major things. Those are out of question/ non negotiable
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