Are we allowed to wear wedding rings in Islam?

Question:

Is it true that giving an engagement ring is unlawful in Islam? Please explain your answer.

Answer:

I believe that engagement rings are not unlawful, but I prefer that people avoid the practice whenever it it is possibly that it could be associated with some superstitions notions.

The practice of giving engagement rings is a new one and thus not addressed by the classical works of Islamic Law. However, there are three situations with respect to those who adhere to this practice, and these situations affect the ruling that must be given.

1. Some people vest in such rings certain powers and believe that they create love in the couple’s hearts and that removal of the rings will lead to separation or hatred. In this case, use of these rings is expressly forbidden, since it constitutes a type of polytheism, albiet to a lesser degree. The reason for this being polytheism is that the people give effective power to something that is neither a divine cause nor a natural cause for anything.

2. If the engagement ring is made of gold, then the man may not wear it, since it is forbidden for men to wear gold. The woman, however, may have her ring made out of gold.

3. In cases where there are no beliefs associated with the rings and where the man will not be wearing a gold ring, then scholars disagree. Some say that it is permitted but disliked for being a new and baseless practice. Others say it is permissible without any reservation because it is a harmless custom.

It does not have to be prohibited on account of it being a particular religious custom of certain non-Mulsims, especially since the custom is widespread in most Muslim countries.

As I said before, I do not deem it prohibited, but I warn against it if it has a chance of bringing about those false beliefs mentioned above.

And Allah knows best.

Are we allowed to trick people into learning about Islam?

Question:

Can I have the name Buraq for my car number plate. The horse that took Mohammed (PBUH) to heaven. When people see it they can google and learn more about meraj night.

Answer:

I would advise you not to use the word Buraq for your number plate even if your intention is to trick people to learn about the Prophet's ascension. Buraq is the name of the celestial mount that was brought to the Prophet (peace be upon him) for his journey to the heavens. How can you use this name for your car? It may sound like showing disrespect to the symbols of Allah. Allah says, "Whoever reverences the symbols of Allah, they are doing so because of the piety in their hearts."(Qur'an: 22:32).

In conclusion, I would urge you to change this number place. We are not allowed to use dubious methods to propagate Islam or disseminate religious knowledge. In Islam, we don't believe that end justifies the means.
http://askthescholar.com/question-details.aspx?qstID=18722

Can a Muslim woman enter into politics?

Question:

Is it lawful for woman to enter the domain of political and parliamentary life?  Is she allowed to vote to choose a certain ruler?

Answer:

Within the framework of the Islamic law, it is quite possible for women to involve in political and/or parliamentary lives.  She is also free to vote for the political ruler of her choice.  Abdurrahman ibn `Awf consulted with women in their rooms when he was charged of choosing `Uthman or Ali as the third caliphate the death of Omar.

http://worldreminder.com/Q-A-ABOUT-ISLAM/The-first-group/Chapter-7-Family-and-Women-Affairs

*You'll have to scroll to questions 109 and 110*

Expelling Christians and Jews from Arabia?

Question:

Assalamu alaykum! I found some ahadith: "I will expel the Jews and Christians from the Arabian Peninsula and will not leave any but Muslims" [Muslim]. Yahya related to me from Malik from Ibn Shihab that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: "Two deens shall not co-exist in the Arabian Peninsula" [Muwatta].Both of them are saheeh. I was just wondering if you could explain this to me, because this sure looks like ethnic cleansing. It's seems hypocritical, because if the situation was in reverse (if the non-Muslims decided not to let any Muslims live in a certain area) surely the Muslims would be religiously obligated to wage war against them. How would Muslims expect peace from the other side if they did something like this? These ahadith and rulings show just how much unnecessary and disgusting hatred there is to anyone who's not a Muslim. Personally, I was born as a Muslim, but I left Islam a few months ago, and this right here is one of many reasons why I did that. Now I'm looking more deeply into Islam again. Islam is a very strange religion to me, because it has that wonderful concept of God that seems to be way better than anything any other religion has - but on the other side there are these horrible parts (intolerance, hatred, violence, discrimination against women) that I could never accept for the basic humanity in me.Thank you in advance!

Answer:

Salam dear sister,

Thank you for your question and for contacting Ask About Islam.

We are sad to read that you left Islam for things that seem to be contradictory.

First let’s agree that Islam is different from what Muslims do. Islam does not need beatification. Islam has a solution for all problems.

The problem with some Muslims is the way they understand Islam and the way they practice it. Islam is about simplicity and easiness. Islam is about religious freedom and freedom of expression.

We hope that the problem in question will be clarified and you will come back to the fold of Islam to feel the real happiness in this world and the world to come.

With reference to the hadiths you quoted, they should be understood within their proper and correct context.

The hadith reported in Muslim’s authentic collection of hadiths is talking about a specific region in the Arabian Peninsula. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used the terminology and the language that his companions understood and applied accordingly.

Umar Ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) relocated the Jewish tribes of Khaybar and Fadak and sent them to Tayma and Ariha. These two regions are considered part of the Arabian Peninsula, but still the Jewish tribes were allowed to settle there.

The scholars of hadith understood what Umar did to mean that the Jews and the Christians are not allowed in the region of al-Hijaz surrounding Makkah and Madinah.

Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani maintains that:

“The pagans are not allowed to settle specifically in the Hijaz region, meaning Makkah, Madinah, al-Yamamah, and their environs. It does not apply to other regions that are considered part of the Arabian Peninsula. This is because everyone is agreed that they may live in Yemen, though it is part of the Arabian Peninsula. This is the opinion of the majority of scholars. (Fath al-Bari 6/198)

Here we should differentiate between expelling the Jews and Christians and killing them. In no way did the Prophet mean to kill them. Under no context, it is allowed for Muslims to kill the Jews and the Christians as long as they enter the Muslim countries with an official visa which is considered like a pledge of protection granted to non-Muslims.

Some scholars maintain that what is prohibited is to let the Jews and Christians have an independent state inside the Arabian Peninsula. They are allowed to stay there as workers and visitors. This stay is temporary and someday they will go home to their native lands.

The Prophet allowed the Jews to stay in Khaybar and he hired them to work in farming. The Prophet had good relations with the Jews to the extent that at the time of his death, he had no money and his shield was being held in mortgage by a Jewish man.

When Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) became the Caliph, the Jews were at Khaybar, the Christians were at Najran and the Jews of Yemen were at Yemen and are still there until today since they were never expelled by Muslims.

The above mentioned explains how the Companions understood the Prophet’s command to expel the Jews and Christians from the Arabian Peninsula. As you can see, sister, we have to know the background and context of each narration reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him). Generalization is not always recommended. Each case has its own circumstances and what can be applied in a certain area cannot be applied literally in another.

Finally, we ask you to reconsider the decision you have taken to abandon Islam for such issues. Please whenever you face a controversial or a thorny issue; try to consult people of knowledge who follow the moderate Islam which is based on the correct understanding of the Quran and the tradition (Sunnah) of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

I hope this answers your question. Please keep in touch.

http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-about-islam/islam-and-the-world/worldview/462074-hatred.html

Are wives only used for sex?

Question:

Dear scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. "Only two things are obligatory upon the woman; keeping herself ready and prepared [sexually] for her husband and staying in his house" (Commentary on the Forty Hadith of an-Nawawi by Jamaal al Din Zarabozo, p. 18). My question is, does she have to be ready at any cost? Does she have any excuse and if so what are the excuses? What’s obligatory on us from their side? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Answer:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear sister in Islam, we would like to thank you for the great confidence you place in us, and we implore Allah Almighty to help us serve His cause and render our work for His sake. May Allah reward you abundantly for your interest in knowing the teachings of your religion, Islam.
Islam cares for establishing a loving relation between a man and his wife. It calls upon both parties to have mutual love, respect, and care. This applies to all aspects of their life: social, intellectual, intimate, and so on.

Moreover, Islam pays great attention to the intimate aspect of the husband-wife relationship. Sexual fulfillment can never be detached or separated from an attitude of mutual respect, love, and emotional attachment.

In his response to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:

To look at husband-wife relations in this way is at best crude and unfair, if not totally incorrect. According to the Qur’an, the purpose of marriage is to attain sukun (tranquility and peace; see for instance verses 30:21; 7:189), which can never be achieved through impulsive sexual fulfillment unless it is accompanied by mutual love, affection, caring, and sharing, which are all part and parcel of a fulfilling and productive marriage relationship. Islam, as we know it holistically from the sources, is a balanced way of looking at things. Sexual fulfillment can never be detached or separated from an attitude of mutual respect, love, and emotional attachment, otherwise it can hardly be distinguished from the behavior of brutes. Mind you, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) warned couples against hopping into beds like birds without proper foreplay and preparation, which includes showing affection and tender care.

 

Now coming to mutual obligations of spouses, it is lucidly and beautifully expressed in the following verses: (And cohabit with them on terms of utmost decency and fairness) (An-Nisa’ 4: 19); (And they (women) have rights similar to those of men in fairness) (Al-Baqarah 2: 228). In light of these, it is only reasonable to assume that a husband must set an example of fairness and compassion in dealing with his wife. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was especially known for his compassionate treatment of his family. He was extremely caring and gentle with them; he enjoyed their company, and he said that it was one of the best things that he cherished in this world. He also told the faithful that the best thing for a believer to reckon in this world was the companionship of a righteous wife. In keeping with the spirit of such teachings, it is wrong for anyone to reduce woman to the position of an object for sexual gratifications.

 

In Islam, man and woman in general, as well as husband and wife in particular, are equal partners; just as a husband has needs to which a wife is expected to be responsive, a wife also has needs to which a husband should be responsive. To be successful, marriage must be based on mutual reciprocity and consensual relationship. We know that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was in the habit of drinking from the same cup with his wife, thus placing his lips in the same spot where she placed hers. He would take a bite of food and then she would take another bite. It is this Prophetic attitude of mutual respect, affection, and companionship that should serve as a role model for all the married couples in Islam. If, on the other hand, we were to approach marriage purely in literalistic, legal terms, detached as it is from the holistic perspective of Islamic ethics and morality, we end up pitting husband and wife against one another; this will ultimately end up creating discord and disharmony rather than harmony and love which, according to the Qur’an, is the spirit and soul pervading a healthy marriage relationship.

 

http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-the-scholar/family/intimate-relations/170852-should-wife-never-refuse-husbands-bed.html

Is emotional abuse allowed in Islam?

Question:

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Physical abuse in a relationship is widely known and condemned, but what about emotional abuse? I think it's equally damaging and even more hurting, yet we don't really talk much about it. How exactly do you define emotional abuse and what does Islam say about it? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Answer:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dear sister, we would like to thank you for your interesting question which reflects your concern to know the true teachings of Islam. May Allah reward you abundantly for this and render our work purely for His sake!In Islam, the marriage of a man and a woman is not just a financial and physical arrangement of living together but a sacred contract, a gift of Allah, to lead a happy, enjoyable life and continue the lineage. The main goal of marriage in Islam is the realization of tranquility and compassion between the spouses. The relationship between the spouses should be based on tranquility, love and mercy. These three summarize the ideals of Islamic marriage. It is the duty of the husband and wife to see that they are a source of comfort and tranquility for each other. While the meaning of physical abuse is rather obvious, the meaning of emotional abuse might not be, and the abuse itself may be more insidious. Emotional abuse includes name calling, belittling, using threat of divorce as a weapon to manipulate the other, threatening with a real weapon (even with no intention to use it). There may be other elements such as not allowing the wife to visit or contact family or friends. Even frequent teasing, though it starts in fun, may become a type of abuse if it takes the form of sarcasm or demeaning remarks.It is common for some people when they are angry to call others names or belittle them. If one gets angry quickly and easily with one's spouse, it could lead to emotional abuse. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) advised us to control our anger, not to call each other names, not to use vulgar language, and not to point a weapon at another person. This advice was general for all, but it should be taken even more seriously within a marriage. These general guidelines are established by the Qur'an in the following verses: "O ye who believe! Let not a folk deride a folk who may be better than they (are), nor let women (deride) women who may be better than they are; neither defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. Bad is the name of lewdness after faith. And whoso turneth not in repentance, such are evil doers. O ye who believe! Shun much suspicion; for lo! some suspicion is a crime. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Ye abhor that (so abhor the other)! And keep your duty (to Allah). Lo! Allah is Relenting, Merciful." (Al-Hujurat: 11-12)Moreover, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “It is not lawful for a Muslim to scare his fellow Muslim.” (Reported by Ahmad & Abu Dawud)Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet also said: “None of you should point his weapon at his brother, as Satan may provoke him (to hurt his brother) and as a result, he would fall into a pit of Fire.” (Reported by al-Bukhari) In another version: “He who (even) points at his brother with a piece of iron is cursed by the angels until he puts it down, even if the other was his blood brother.” (Reported by Muslim)Answering the question in point, the prominent Muslim Scholar and Da`iyah, Zienab Mostafa, states:"Emotional abuse truly damages and hurts as much as physical abuse does. In Islam, there is a special consideration of the relationship between the spouses. Allah says, "And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect." (Ar-Rum 21)It is shown that the basis of the relationship between husband and wife is affection and mercy. In many Hadiths the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) mentioned that if a husband looks at his wife with kindness and mercy, Allah Almighty looks at them with His mercy, and if they shake hands all their sins vanish. So, we have to study very well how the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) dealt with his wives. In fact, he was very merciful, kind, and loveable, bearing in mind that there were some problems that they faced in their marital life but they dealt with these problems with extreme wisdom and kindness. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) never abused his wives either physically or emotionally. Therefore, neither of the spouses is allowed to abuse the other emotionally. This is prohibited in Islam. If either does so, Almighty Allah will hold him or her accountable for that, and they should repent to Allah for this. It is clear now that the best guide to us to live a very successful martial life is to follow the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)."

http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-the-scholar/family/marital-relationships/169118.html

Should a husband seek his wife's permission before travelling?

Question:

As-Salamu `Alaykum. I would like to know whether it is necessary to get the permission of one's wife to work abroad for one year or more. I'm working abroad, and I have signed a two-year contract. I have heard that a husband needs his wife's approval to stay away more than four months. Is that right?

Answer:

Wa`alaykum As-Salaamu Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

First of all, it is to be stressed that the relations between the spouses should be based on tranquility, love and mercy. Allah says, "And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect." (Al-Rum 30:21)

The husband and wife should care for each other. Their relationship should be based on mutual understanding, respect, and they should have mercy and kindness for each other.

In his response to the question, Dr. Marawan Shahin, Professor of Hadith and its Sciences, Faculty of Usul Ad-Din, Al-Azhar University, states the following:

First of all, a husband should let his wife accompany him as long as this is not impossible or extremely difficult. `A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: "Whenever Allah's Messenger wanted to go on a journey, he would draw lots as to which of his wives would accompany him. He would take her whose name came out."

 

The general rule is that a husband should let his wife to accompany him on his journey regardless of the costs, and whether or not it will decrease his savings.

 

This is because by being together, the spouses will be in an atmosphere that will enable them to preserve their chastity and be away from haram.

 

However, if there is a necessity that renders it extremely difficult for the wife to accompany her husband, then he should seek her permission before traveling alone. If she willingly agrees, then he is still required not to be away from her for more than four months and to try his best to lessen this period as much as he can.

 

One night Caliph `Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) was making his rounds of Madinah when he heard a woman singing and complaining of being alone, deprived of her husband. Upon investigation, `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) found that the woman's husband had been on a military expedition for a long time. He then asked his daughter, Hafsah, a widow of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), "How long can a woman endure separation from her husband?" She replied, "Four months." As a consequence, he decided that he would not send a married man away from his wife for a period exceeding four months.

 

In short, the husband should first let his wife accompany him; if this is not possible, he should seek her permission and not be away from her for more than four months, while doing his utmost to decrease the period of four months as well.

 

Allah Almighty knows best.

http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-the-scholar/family/marital-relationships/169132-seeking-the-wifes-permission-before-traveling.html

What is the Islamic ruling on shaving beards?

Question:

As-salamu `alaykum. Sheikh, is growing one’s beard a sign of piety? A sheikh in my community mentioned that shaving of the beard is forbidden by Prophet’s words. I see that beard is a sign of identity for Muslim males. Is that right way to look at it. I am aware that inward iman (faith) and taqwa (piety) are more important and this is about the outward appearance as per Islam. Please clarify.

Answer:

Wa `alaykum as-salamu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Brother, thank you for your good question and apparent interest to know more about Islam and its teachings.

Growing beard is a great Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). However, Muslims differed regarding its ruling: some of them state that it is mandatory and shaving it is forbidden while others view that it is an optional Sunnah and hence there is no harm in shaving it. What to be stressed here is that beard in Islam does not have the same religious significance as that of the other prescribed rituals. Thus it is important for us to recognize that we are not allowed to ostracize men who do not have beards nor are we to question their basic faith

Responding to your question, Dr. Wael Shihab, PhD in Islamic Studies, Al-Azhar University, and the Head of the Shari`ah Dept. of Onislam.net website, stated,

Thank you for your question.

 

Islam calls upon Muslims to be handsome and beautiful. A Muslim should always be pure in clothes and body. This purity and cleanliness extends to one’s morals and manners. In their words and deeds, Muslims are to be pure and clean avoiding any form of vulgarity or foul speech. Commanding the purity and the cleanliness of the appearance, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), says: “Verily, Allah is Beautiful and loves beauty.” (Muslim, Sahih, hadith No. 91)

 

Growing men’s beards is a significant Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). A man who lets his beard grow, should keep it clean and neat to maintain the beauty of his over-all appearance.

 

As for the issue of shaving one’s beard, there are three scholarly views on this: First, shaving beard is prohibited. Second: it is makruh (reprehensible). The Third view is that there is no problem in shaving the beard.

 

I myself incline to the view which says that is generally disliked for a Muslim man to shave his beard without a justification. The fatwa, therefore, may differ from one case to another depending on surrounding circumstances and conditions.

 

In all cases, a Muslim should abide by Islam’s values and morals in all his or her dealings and practices.

 

May Allah accept your and our good deeds.

 

http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-the-scholar/morals-and-manners/461581-shaving-ones-beard.html?Manners=

Is it allowed to befriend people of the opposite sex?

Question:

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum.I would like to know if it is haram for a married Muslim man to have female friends who are not co-workers or partners in business. Is friendship with persons from the opposite sex for the sake of mere friendship haram?Jazakum Allahu Khayran

Answer:

Wa `alaykum as-salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear brother, thanks for your question, which reflects your care for having a clear view of the teachings of Islam. Allah commands Muslims to refer to the people of knowledge to get themselves well-acquainted with the teachings of Islam, as well as all aspects of life.
 
As far as the Islamic Shari`ah is concerned, interaction with persons from the opposite sex who are not forbidden in marriage is not haram, as long as the intention is pure and all dealings are in line with the teachings of Islam.

However, close friendship with a person from the opposite sex is haram, as it can lead to a haram act, which no one but Allah knows how, where, or when it can happen. This never means the prohibition of pure friendship for the purpose of cooperating with others on the basis of goodness and piety and in compliance with the teachings of Islam.

Responding to your question, Zeinab Al-`Alawani, instructor in fiqh and Islamic studies at the Graduate School of Islamic and Social Sciences in Ashburn, Virginia, the US, said,

The man-woman relationship is regulated in Islam in a way that secures piety and sincerity of faith. There are certain conditions when it comes to dealing with a person from the opposite sex, such as avoiding khulwa (seclusion of a woman with a non-mahram ), observing the Islamic dress code, speaking properly, restricting the friendship to the frame of work, study, family, etc.

 

As long as a man and a woman are publicly dealing with each other according to the teachings of Islam, this kind of friendship is pure. However, a married man might feel attracted to a woman other than his wife in a way that urges him to develop a closer relation with her. Such a situation should be avoided, as it can lead to an act that is haram.

 

Allah Almighty knows best.

http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-the-scholar/morals-and-manners/social-manners/relationship-between-sexes/176597-befriending-persons-from-the-opposite-sex.html

Is the segregation of men and women an Islamic requirement? Part 5

Question:

Salaam u alaikum warahmatullah, I really like to learn about Islam but don’t know where else to ask. Can you please send all the Hadith pertaining to Ash Shifa bint Abdullah, preferably translated to English. Is it true that she was a market controller? I read that the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) used to visit her house much so she kept a separate mat for him. Can you please cite that Hadith as well? And doesn’t this go against the rules of segregation in our religion? Jazak Allahu Khayr.

Answer:

Salam dear sister,
Thank you for your question and for contacting Ask About Islam.
The only hadith (tradition) that is classified as hasan ghareeb (sound but strange) was narrated by Ash-Shifaa bint Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with her) where she said:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about the best of deeds and he said: "Believe in Allah, Aljihad fi sabeel-lillah (struggle in the path of Allah), and hajj mabroor (accepted pilgrimage)" (Ibn Asaker)

There are other traditions that are classified as daeef (weak) so I won't be able to cite those for you. However, I can narrate to you what we know about her:

She became a Muslim before migration and was known to be pious and wise, and among the best of women of her time. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to rest at her house and she had a bedding for him and an izar which is a piece of cloth to rap around his waste.
She used to be a healer in pre-Islam so she asked once asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) if she could show him how she did it; and he approved of her way and asked her to show the same to his wife Hafsa. (Ibn Mindah)
The grandson of Ash-Shifaa, Abu Bakr Ibn Sulaiman Ibn Abi-Hi'ma narrates that his father did not attend the fajr prayer during the time of Umar Ibn Al Khattab (may Allah be pleased with them); so Umar came to inquire from Ash-Shifaa about her son and she said that he was up praying at night and sleep overcame him; so Umar replied: “It would have been better to pray fajr in congregation than to pray at night and miss fajr.” Umar used to also ask her opinion and requested her to look after some affairs of the market (it was not exactly specified what).
She passed away at the time of Umar on the 20th year of Hijrah (migration).

However, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to also rest at the place of Umm Sulaim. We don't have an authentic narration that he used to rest of Ash-Shifa Bint Abdullah, but if he did someone else must have been in the house, such as her children.
We know for sure from the following hadith with Umm Sulaim that her child was present since he is the one who narrated the hadith:

Narrated Anas bin Malik that the Prophet (peace be upon) entered our house and rested during mid-day (Qailula). He sweated during his sleep, so my mother brought a small bottle and started collecting his sweat inside the bottle. Thereupon, the Prophet (peace be upon him) woke-up and said: "O Umm Sulaim! What are you doing?" She replied: "This is your sweat we mix it with our perfume and it is the best of perfumes; sweeter and better smelling than the perfume." (Muslim, who said it was authentic - Sahih)

This is how much love the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) had for him. There is no known kind or leader whom his followers have loved him more than the love of the Prophet's companions for him (peace be upon him).
So the issue of segregation did not even occur and the Prophet (peace be upon him) would not stay with these ladies if he knew that they were alone.
I hope this helps answer your question.

Salam and please keep in touch.

http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-about-islam/ethics-and-values/muslim-character/461008-was-muhammad-breaking-rules-of-segregation.html

Is it haraam to draw in Islam? Part 2

Question:

As-salamu `alaykum, respected scholars. Is it permissible in Islam to draw pictures of animals and people? I know that drawing pictures of the prophets is haram. Jazaka Allahu khayran. Answer: Wa `alaykum as-salamu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger. Dear brother Mustafa, many thanks for your question that discloses a keen desire to acquire knowledge and to abide by the ethics and teachings of your religion. First, we would like to state that there is nothing wrong in drawing as long as the images do not depict nudity or any other form of indecency. Also, the picture or image should not be revered or glorified. The detested pictures and images are only those which are worshiped and venerated. Within these restrictions drawing humans, animals, nature scenes, and so on is permitted. What is prohibited is making a statue or a sculpture of a living being that has shade (depth or is three dimensional). In his response to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto,Ontario, Canada, stated: It is not haram to draw such pictures for the purpose of education through illustration. The intent of the law prohibiting images was that in pagan times, it was a direct means and way to shirk(associating other beings with Allah). In other words, these things were only forbidden because they served as direct means and avenues to shirk. Therefore, if there is not even the remotest possibility of shirk, there is no reason to consider it as haram, especially if there are tangible benefits in drawing them. It is important to keep in mind that today drawing has become a very powerful medium of communication. For this reason, Muslims cannot simply afford to neglect this vital medium of communication; if they do, they only do so at their own peril. Therefore, as long as you are drawing pictures for the purpose of education or as a medium of communication there is no need to consider it sinful or haram (forbidden). May Allah help us to see the intents and purpose of the Divine Laws and thus, practice them with understanding. Ameen.    http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-the-scholar/muslim-creed/177186.html

Is it haraam to draw in Islam? Part 1

Question:

Is it haram to draw portraits or beings? What is the Islamic view on drawing?

Answer:

In The Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear questioner, thank you very much for having confidence in us, and we hope our efforts, which are purely for Allah's Sake, meet your expectations. 
 
We’d like first to state that there is nothing wrong in drawing as long as the images do not depict nudity or other indecent representations. Also, the picture or image should not be revered or glorified. The detested pictures and images are only those, which are worshiped and revered.

Within these restrictions drawing humans, animals, natural scenes, etc. is permitted. What is prohibited is making a statue or a sculpture of a living being that has shade (depth or three dimensional).

Here, we’d like to cite for you the following Fatwa:

"One may draw pictures of people, animals, etc. as long as they don’t depict anything against Islamic guidelines. It is important to understand that Muslims don't replicate 'images' because they believe that on the Day of Judgment, they will be asked to put a soul in the 'images' they made, challenging Allah’s creation. Also, they don't replicate 'images' believing that the Angels will not enter their houses. This is based on several authentic Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

 

However, in the Arabic Language, what we call Sourah or commonly translated as 'image' can mean several things, and in the context of the prohibition, it means a statute or a sculpture of a living being that has shade (depth or three dimensional) and not a photographic picture.

Therefore, while statutes are prohibited, pictures in magazines, televisions, newspapers, books, computers, drawings, etc. are allowed. Such pictures can however be prohibited if they depict nudity or other indecent representations. But even being allowed, they should be done when necessary and not to pass time."

 

Allah Almighty knows best.

http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-the-scholar/arts-and-entertainment/drawing-and-photography/175773-drawing-from-an-islamic-perspective.html?Photography=

Does a husband have the right to beat his wife?

Question:

As-salamu `alaykum. Dear brothers and sisters, I'm a practicing Muslim lady; I dedicate my all free time in learning religion trying to understand it better and share knowledge with others. I'm a married woman, full covered, living within laws. I can say this makes us real problems in our marriage. I'm giving my best to be kind with his mother and father but it seems they are worse every day. They always have some caprices; they affect our every decision; they enter our bedroom without knocking, messing in my cooking, cleaning, and all aspects of life. One time, I couldn't stand anymore, and I complained to my husband. I said your mom did that and that, can you ask her to have little more consideration? My husband got so angry and hit me. It wasn't painful, but I felt humiliated. I can say it was painful for my personality. I went to another room crying and after some time he came and said it was necessary, I need to learn my limits. My husband finished Islamic university in Cairo but I think this time his knowledge in Islam failed. I believe this wasn't a reason for hitting me. Can you, please, tell me reasons where it is approved for my husband to hit me? I would like to hear some examples. I know there need be first dialogue and separation and at the end hitting. But, which situations lead to hitting? When can dialogue fail?


Answer:

Wa `alaykum as-salamu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear sister, thank you for trusting us and for your question. First we implore Allah Almighty to relieve your suffering and grant you ease in all your matters. 
 
As for you problem, you are advised to be kind to your husband's parents. In case of wrongdoings, you could point out your view kindly and wisely. Beating one's spouse is contrary to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

In his response to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states,

Hitting one’s spouse is contrary to the Sunnah or the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). His beloved wife `A’sihah was narrated to have said, “The Prophet never hit anyone, a male or female, a servant or anyone else, for that matter.”

The Prophet himself was also narrated to have said, “The best of you is the one who is best to his wife, and I am the best of you to my wives.” (Sunan Ibn Majah from Ibn 'Abbas)

Although you should respect your husband’s parents as you would respect your own parents, and treat them kindly, you are not to justify the wrong they do. You have the right to point it out to them. However, you should do it gently and never put them down.

You need to be creative; ask yourself: is there a gentler way of dealing with the issue without creating ill-feeling and malice?

Allah Almighty knows best.

http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-the-scholar/family/marital-relationships/460928-does-my-husband-have-right-to-beat-me.html

What's the ruling on apostasy?

Question:

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Is it true that in Islam a person must be put to death if he or she converts to another religion? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

Answer:

Wa`alaykum as-salamu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
 
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear brother in Islam, thanks a lot for your question, which reflects your care to have a clear view of the teachings of Islam. Allah commands Muslims to refer to knowledgeable people to learn more about the teachings of Islam.

It is absurd for anyone to suggest that Islam advocates killing people who choose to leave Islam. To kill anyone who chooses to follow a religion other than Islam is against the fundamental teachings of the Qur'an. Freedom of conscience is a fundamental principle of the Qur'an that is clearly stated. Thus, if apostates cause no harm to the Muslim community and do not call for spreading hostility towards Islam, they should not to be punished; rather they should be advised kindly and wisely to learn the truth about Islam.

 In his response to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states the following:

Freedom of conscience is one of the fundamental rights of humans enshrined in the Qur'an; it is therefore, absurd for anyone to suggest that Islam allows putting people to death just because they convert to another religion.

 Even a casual reader of the Qur'an will not fail to be impressed by its emphasis on the freedom of conscience as a cornerstone of its moral structure. To cite a few verses as follows:

 [There shall be no compulsion in religion. Distinct has now become the right way from [the way of] error: hence, he who rejects the powers of evil and believes in God has indeed taken hold of a support most unfailing, which shall never give way: for God is all-hearing, all-knowing] ( Al-Baqarah 2:256)

 [If it had been your Lord's will, all who are in the earth would have believed. Will you, then, force the people to become believers?] (Yunus 10:99)

 [And if they surrender themselves unto Him (i.e. God), they are on the right path; but if they turn away – behold, thy duty (O Muhammad,) is no more than to deliver the message: for God sees all that is in [the hearts of] His creatures.] (Aal `Imran 3:20)

 [Hence, pay heed unto God, and pay heed unto the Messenger, and be ever on your guard [against evil]; and if you turn away, then know that Our Messenger's only duty is a clear delivery of the message [entrusted to him].] (Al-Ma'idah 5:92)

 [But if they turn away [from thee, O Prophet, know that] We have not sent thee to be their keeper: thou art not bound to do more than deliver the message [entrusted to thee] .] (Ash-Shura 42:48)

 I should further state that all of the moral teachings of the Qur'an are based on the notion of moral responsibility, which entails the freedom of choice. Therefore, to state that one must be put to death for choosing to disbelieve would only undermine the entire moral edifice of the Qur'an.

 Furthermore, the Qur'an does not allow anyone to harm those who are leaving in peace, no matter what religion they hold on to. This principle has been clearly stated in the Qur'an as follows:

 [Thus, if they let you be, and do not make war on you, and offer you peace, God does not allow you to harm them.] (An-Nisaa' 4:90)

 In pursuance of this policy, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) issued clear directives to his soldiers never to disturb those who are engaged in any form of worship. The policy of living and letting others to live is firmly enshrined in the following verses:

 [Say: O disbelievers! I do not worship what you worship, Nor do you worship what I worship. ... to you your religion, and to me, mine.] (Al-Kafirun 109:1-3, 6)

 In full conformity with the above teachings, neither the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) nor any of the four rightly guided caliphs who succeeded him were in the habit of hunting down people and executing them for merely changing their religions. Rather, they refrained from doing so except in rare cases involving treason. Treason, however, is another matter. The punishment for treason in the Qur'an is as strict as it is in the Hebrew Bible. But it must never be confused with mere change of religion.

 In conclusion, it is absurd for anyone to suggest that Islam advocates killing people who covert to another religion.

http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-the-scholar/crimes-and-penalties/apostasy/172501-should-an-apostate-be-put-to-death.html