Q. In reply to a question on division of inheritance, (Feb. 28), you contended that it was obvious that the deceased husband registered two plots of land in his wife’s and first son’s (who needs special care) names only for convenience. How can you tell that the income from these lands is not intended to guarantee the well-being of both of them, after the father’s death?
Is it not just possible that the deceased registered the two plots of land in their names with full intention to provide them with security?
It is usually the mother who will spend the rest of her days supervising a disabled child, so she has to be secured in this way. Otherwise she will have to depend on relatives who may often lack interest. I think that might have been her husband’s intention.
Martina Al-Swayyed
A. When we present readers’ questions, we often summarize them and by doing so we may overlook some details although we take these into consideration when we answer. It is the original question that led us to assume that the registration was for the sake of convenience. However, the point you raise needs to be addressed.
If a person realizes that some of his dependants may need special care after his death, he may make provisions for such care, provided however that he does not try to deprive other heirs of their shares, or part of such shares.
A person may give his wife a gift during his lifetime. There is nothing wrong with that, unless the gift is intended to favor her over other heirs. If a child needs special care and the father wants to secure this for the child, he should make this clear in the arrangements he chooses to make. He should tell his other children why he is making this arrangement and obtain their consent. The fact that the child needs special care does not give him or her any additional rights of inheritance. However the family could arrange for that in the proper way. It should be remembered that a father must not favor any of his children with a special gift. He must always be fair with them all, giving each a similar gift. But when the situation is such that one child will always remain dependant, then arrangements can be taken to provide this, explaining to the others what is intended.
On Wahhabism
Q. What is Wahhabism? Is it a sect or a school of thought? On my return to my hometown people labelled me Wahhabi simply because I say Ameen aloud when I am praying in congregation. Please comment.
Siddique
A. There is nothing called Wahhabism. The term is often applied to Saudi people, but it means different things to different people. Linguistically speaking, it indicates a follower of Imam Muhammad ibn Abd Al-Wahhab, who was a distinguished reformer. He undertook great efforts and succeeded in returning people to the pure faith of Islam, discarding elements that are alien to it, such as superstitions about graves and charms. He insisted on maintaining the purity of faith. He did not introduce any new Fiqh rules, but followed the Hanbali school of thought.
If people call you Wahhabi, it is either in jest or in ignorance of what the man achieved. There is nothing to be ashamed of in being a follower of Muhammad ibn Abd Al-Wahhab, because he followed the Prophet’s own guidance.
On Women’s Appearance
Q.1. Is it permissible to pierce any part of the face, such as the eyebrows or the lips?
Q.2. Is it permissible to shred one’s teeth so as to bring them all to one level?
S. Sarwar
A.1. I understand that the piercing is not just for the sake of piercing, but to wear some the modern articles of adornment. If it was just for piercing, then it is forbidden because it is akin to torture. It is not permissible to inflict torture on oneself or on others. The Prophet says: “There shall be no infliction of harm on oneself or others.” Wearing little rings and other articles of adornment, which are generally called “piercings”, comes under a different heading, which is showing off. The Prophet warned against wearing clothes specially to be spoken about. Thus, any clothes that make one’s appearance invite talk, or are meant to show off are not acceptable. The Prophet says: “Anyone who wears a garment to show off, God will make him wear a garment of humiliation on the Day of Judgment.” (Related by Ahmad, Abu Dawood, Al-Nassaie and Ibn Majah). Such piercings and rings are meant in this light, and as such are unacceptable in Islam.
A.2. If the shredding of one’s teeth is to remedy a fault, or to avoid discomfort, or to remove something unsightly that causes embarrassment or physical or mental discomfort, it is perfectly acceptable. But if it is a question of giving oneself a better appearance then it comes under parting and reducing one’s teeth, which is forbidden. It is authentically reported that “the Prophet cursed the woman who makes a tattoo and the one who has it made for her; and the woman who parts other people’s teeth and the one who has her teeth parted.” (Related by Muslim). The Prophet also “cursed women who deliberately go out of their way to acquire a prettier appearance, changing God’s creation in the process.” (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). It should be said that although these Hadiths speak about women, they are applicable to men in an even greater degree should they do the same.