Intermingling of sexes on the day of Eid
QUESTION:-1.
1. Is it permissible to carry out Qurbani with the family at a house where intermingling of Ghair-Mahrams take place?
2. Last year, I explained to my beloved parents and family, that it is most pleasing to Allah Ta’ala to observe purdah, so I made arrangements and put up signs allocating the separate areas for men and women. However, my family did not accept it. I thus left the house at which Qurbaani was taking place when intermingling took place. Was it correct for me to leave?
3. Is it permissible to carry out Qurbaani if purdah is not observed, or broken by certain individuals?
4. There is a farm about 20 minutes away, where no females are allowed, no photography, no stunning, and slaughtering is done strictly according to Shariah. Should I perform Qurbaani there?
5. When slaughtering, the slaughterer recites: “Bismillaahi Allaahu Akbar”. The people gathered there recite the Kalimah Tayyibah, in a collective chorus. Is this correct?
ANSWER:-
1. Unfortunately, there is a great a deal of ignorance regarding Purdah and observing the laws of Purdah. If family members are spending their Eid together, then certain areas of the house should be allocated for only the women, and certain areas for only the men, and the respective genders should remain within the designated areas. In fact, it is best that notices be put up as reminders that these areas are reserved for females only (which we understand you had done previously). It is incorrect for the males to be entering those areas reserved for the females, as both males and females are required to observe Purdah in accordance to Shariah.
Yes, the females should undoubtedly slaughter their own animals if they are able to do so. If they aren’t able to do so, then they should be present when their animals are being slaughtered, which is encouraged in the Hadith. This means that the females will also have to come to the place of slaughtering. In this instance, females should come together with their Mahaarim and slaughter whilst observing Purdah. The moment their slaughtering is completed, they should leave (the slaughtering area) and remain in that section of the home that is reserved for the females only.
If we do not educate family members, how will they know about Shari’ee Purdah, and who will educate them as to how they should observe Purdah? We, therefore, advise that the families are educated in this regard over a few years. At the same we should make Dua to Allah Ta’ala to grant them understanding. We should give Sadaqah for this purpose and even keep a few Nafl fast for this objective to be fulfilled. This is the minimal that can be done.
If a few men and women observe Purdah correctly, then they will set a precedent for others to follow. Also, we shouldn’t expect results overnight, as it takes time for people to adapt to these changes, but the change will gradually occur with the Taufeeq of Allah Ta’ala.
2. If you do all of the above, and make an effort for a few years, but no one is willing to change or observe Shari’ee Purdah, then you should excuse yourself and make alternative arrangements for your Qurbani, whether it is at another home or farm, where Purdah is being observed. In the meantime, whilst trying to educate the family, you should keep your gaze lowered at all times and keep away from the females (as we are required to do when going out to the market places and malls), or remain in a secluded area after completing your Qurbani.
3. This has been answered above.
4. This, too, has been answered above in #2.
5. The slaughterer is required to recite the Tasmiyah when slaughtering. However, we haven’t come across any narration or Fiqhi reference which states that the Takbeer or Takbeeraat-e-Tashreeq should be recited in chorus at the time of slaughtering. Yes, in order to remind the slaughterer, some may recite the Takbeer at the time of slaughtering so that he is encouraged to recite the relevant Duas as well.
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:-
Maulana Ahmed Saeed
Date:- 20 Dhul Qa’dah 1444 / English Date: 10 June 2023
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:-
Mufti Mohammed Desai