Q.1. People say that when one’s wife dies, the marriage no longer exists. May I ask whether the husband may offer his last respects with her face uncovered? Some people say that it is not permissible. Please comment.
Q.2. What should one say or read on hearing of the death of a non-Muslim friend?
Q.3. Can we use angels’ names for our children?
A.W. Shaikh • Jeddah
A.1. From the legal point of view, the marriage is over when either spouse dies. Yet this does not negate the relationship that existed between the couple. It remains permissible for the husband to see the body of his deceased wife, or for the wife to see her deceased husband. In fact, he may wash her in preparation for burial, if no women are available to undertake the task.
A.2. You may say: “To God belongs what He gives, and to Him belongs what He takes. We all belong to God and to Him we all return.” You may also offer condolences to his family and help with whatever you can. You may also attend the funeral, but not the service held in a church or a temple.
A.3. Yes, angels’ names may be used, but we know only the names of three. Jibril’s name is frequently used, but Mikaeel, or Michael, is rarely used by Muslims, while Israfeel is practically never used.
Hair Transplant
Q. Is it permissible to resort to hair transplant in order to cover one’s baldness? Some people suggest that since the removal of grey hair is forbidden, then treating baldness is also forbidden. Please comment.
Zubair • Jeddah
A. Baldness is still incurable. There are some medications, which help to reduce hair loss, but it is not possible yet to make a person’s hair grow after he has gone bald. The only way to cover baldness is either by hair transplant or wearing a wig. The latter is forbidden because it is fraudulent. It gives a false impression. The Prophet spoke strongly against women who add hair to their own in order to give a false impression of themselves, considering this as an aspect of acquiring charm and changing God’s creation.
Yet the intention is an important aspect in all this. If a man feels he needs to have a hair transplant, the reason is clearly important. If he wants to give a false impression of himself or his age before making a marriage proposal, then it is forbidden for him to do so, or to do what is involved in such deception. On the other hand, if one is very shy by nature, and his baldness causes him much annoyance or embarrassment as he feels eyes stirring at him, then resorting to some means to reduce such embarrassment is permissible. If the only way is through hair transplant, then it is permissible.
As you see, we cannot give a blanket verdict to apply to each and every case. Intention behind an action is extremely important.
Arab News Islam 7 July 2003
