Is it permissible for a young woman to abstain from getting married (again) after the death of her husband? A - The Shariah strongly encourages marriage. So the guardian of this young woman should advise her to get married and encourage her in this. However, if she refuses (to do so) and does not fear any Fitnah for herself, then she can abstain from marriage and that is the matter which concerns her. Abusing employee's rights Q- Some companies bring workers from abroad for a period of time at the end of which they are to be given their rights in full. However, after the period is over, workers are given the choice by the establishment owner either to transfer their sponsorship to whomsoever they like and thus give up their rights (of course after signing a document to the effect that they have already received it) or take their rights and go home. What is the ruling on doing so? A - It is impermissible for employers to unjustly take employees' rights and have them falsely sign a document to the effect that they have already received them in return for getting their sponsorship transferred. Moreover, the official responsible for this should not help employers in sin and abusing people's rights unjustly. Allah stated: Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Severe in punishment. He also stated: And consume not one another's property unjustly (in any illegal way, e.g. stealing, cheating, deceiving, etc.) Repaying debt is priority Q- Is it permissible for a person in debt who earns a good salary to give Sadaqah (voluntary charity) of SR10,000? He does not want to miss the opportunity to donate this money for the establishment of a school for Qur'an memorization. A - Hastening to repay one's debts should be given priority over giving Sadaqah (voluntary charity), except in the case where payment of that debt has not become due yet and the debtor has in his possession more than the amount owed by him. Hence he may give his money in Sadaqah.Work not important Q- My wife is a teacher and mother of six children. She exerts a lot of effort at work, in taking care of the children, in doing the housework, while many of our relatives visit us. Is it permissible to hire a Muslim servant to help my wife and make things easy for her? Please, advise us. A - We advise you not to hire a servant as long as the situation is what you have described. Your wife should stay at home to bring up her children, discharge her duties towards you, and do the housework. It is not necessary for her to work if she has to do all that you have mentioned in your question. – The Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Verdicts, Saudi Arabia. __
