What is the ruling regarding a woman who trades (i.e. transacts business), while in travel or residence? A – In principle, it is permissible for both men and women to trade whilst either in travel or in residence, for the general statement of Allah: “Allah has permitted trading and forbidden riba.” (Qur'an, 2:275) And when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked: What trade is best? He said: “The work which a man does with his own hands and all acceptable trade.” It is also confirmed that when Islam began, women used to buy and sell in a state of modesty, and used to protect themselves from displaying their beauty. However, if the woman's trade requires her to reveal her beauty which Allah has prohibited, such as her face, traveling without a Mahram or intermingling with non-Mahram men in a manner that may cause fitnah, then this is not permissible for her. Rather, it is obligatory she distances herself from that, since she is undertaking something which is Haraam in striving to attain something which is permissible. The Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Verdicts; Fatawa - Volume 13, Page 20, Fatwa No. 15901. Birth control Q- What is the ruling concerning birth control? A – This is a contemporary issue and many people ask about it. In the previous session of the Council of the Senior Scholars (of Saudi Arabia), there was a study on this issue. They issued a verdict according to their opinion on this issue. In sum, they concluded that it is not allowed to take birth control pills. Allah has sanctioned the means that lead to procreation and a larger Muslim nation. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Marry the child-bearing, loving woman for I shall outnumber the peoples by virtue of your numbers on the Day of Resurrection.” Another narration states at the end: “(outnumber) the prophets on the Day of Resurrection.” The Muslim nation is in need of being increasing in numbers so that it may worship Allah, strive in His way, and defend Muslims, by the will of Allah, from the plots of their enemies. It is a must to avoid such things (as birth control) and not to use them except in the cases of dire necessity. If there is a necessity, there is no harm. For example, if the woman has some illness in her uterus or so forth that might harm her if she were to become pregnant, then she may use such pills to the extent of her need. This is also the case if she already has many children and it would entail hardship on her to have another one soon, then she may use the birth control pills for a specific amount of time, such as one year or two years, which is the amount of time designated for breast feeding, until she reaches the stage where she would be able to raise the child properly. But if the women is taking them just to be free from the responsibility or to be able to work or to live a comfortable life and for other similar reasons for which women take such pills these days, (it should be understood that) for these reasons it is not allowed to take birth control pills. Sheikh Bin Baz, Fatawa Al-Mar'ah Relations before marriage Q- What is the view of Islam concerning relations before marriage? A – If the questioner means by “before marriage,” before consummation but after the (Nikah) contract, then there is no harm in such relations since she is his wife by virtue of the contract, even though they have not consummated the marriage. However, if it is before the marriage, such as during the period of engagement or otherwise, then such relations are forbidden and impermissible. It is not allowed for a man to enjoy a non-related woman's company, either by way of speech, look or by way of seclusion. It is confirmed that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “A man must not be alone with a woman except in the presence of (one of her) mahram. And a woman must not travel except with a Mahram.” In sum, if that contact or association happens after the marriage contract, there is no harm in it. If it is before the marriage ceremony, even if it is after proposal and acceptance, it is not allowed. Such behavior is forbidden for him since the woman is a non-relative and not his wife until they conclude the marriage contract. Sheikh Bin Uthaymeen, Fatawa Al
