This refers to the article "Trading in housemaids is evil: Grand Mufti" by Abdullah Al-Dani (June 29). With due respect the Grand Mufti, as far as I know, selling or transferring or "gifting" maids is not restricted in Islamic Law. If it is so, how can it be an evil practice? I will be looking forward to factual advice. Thanks F. A. Qazi, Online response II. It is evil because when the maid came to Saudi Arabia, she came under a legally binding contract that she is given a stable home and an employer. She is treated respectfully. These people treat her like a goat, moving her around, among others. When she left her country, it was not in her contract that she should be traded. Also, one should avoid having a maid without mahram (close relative with whom marriage is not permitted). Best to employ a maid with her husband or brother. There are fatwas on this from the Mufti as well, but you can t have all of fatwas together. Abdullah @F. A.Qazi, Online response III. Thumbs up for the Sheikh! This is a common practice here in Riyadh. The traffickers don't care to whom they give the maids as long as they can have a profit on her. AN, Online response IV. May Allah reward the Grand Mufti for his sermon on housemaids. The whole business stinks! When we hear of the maids' horror stories of ill treatment and abuse and non-payment of their wages in time, we can only pity them. Both Saudi Arabia and the Asian countries sending them are to be blamed. They are brought as maids and treated like slaves. It is time for this practice to stop. Ismaeel Marikar, Online response
