Behaviour and Conduct of Men Outside
Question:
I have some questions regarding the Conduct and behaviour of men specifically in the west and in some way relating to the rules governing the conduct and behaviour of women.
It is clearly stated that women should where Hijab and conduct themselves within the boundaries of Hijab if they must venture outside or in the company of men (i.e. minimise contact with men or if possible avoid altogether etc). This is so to minimise to chances of getting oneself in uncompromising positions, or more importantly, for their protection.
Similar rules apply for Men specifically when in contact with women but my question is what about their conduct when with other men, whether Muslim or kaffir specifically the protection factor. Considering that statistics show that men in the west are as much likely, if not more, in danger of getting hurt/attacked/murdered by other men than women are of getting assaulted/raped by men.
How should Muslim men conduct themselves? Should they not venture out alone? Should they stay indoors for their own protection? The third question is a misnomer considering the consequences, society coming to a standstill if the breadwinner doesn’t go out to work etc.
Answer:
Allah Most High says to the believing women:
“Remain in your homes, and do not display [your] beauty as it used to be displayed in the days of earlier ignorance.” (Surah al-Ahzab, v: 33)
(al-Ahzab, 33) (al-Ahzab, 3Due to the above verse and other similar texts of the Qur’an and Sunnah, Islam generally advises that women should not come out of their homes ‘unnecessarily’ (such as loitering outside in the middle of the night or wondering in the Bazars and city centers exposing their bodies and displaying their beauty, where they can become prey for corrupt men). However, if there is a need (which includes shopping, work, dropping and picking children from school, visiting family and friends, socializing, going out to eat, amongst many other things), then there is nothing wrong with emerging out of the home, provided the rules of Hijab are fully observed.
The wisdom behind this is that Islam totally forbids fornication and even those things that may lead to it. The Qur’an prohibits us from even getting close to fornication, thus Islam disapproves of unnecessary intermingling of the sexes. As such, women are advised to protect themselves as much as possible from getting into uncomfortable situations. Then, there is also the reason of keeping a woman safe from corrupt and evil people who may harm, physically attack, or abuse her in any way.
As for the men, they have the responsibility of providing for the family and are considered the breadwinners, thus they need to go out and earn a living. They are obliged to carry out and fulfil the day-to-day needs of their wives and other family members. Also, men are physically stronger than women and are able to save themselves from any potential harm and abuse.
Yes, if there is a place or situation where a man may be in danger of being abused, harmed, attacked, etc, then one must take all possible and necessary means of protection. It would most definitely be advisable for both men and women in such situations to not go out alone, rather in the company of another person or in a group. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) also advised that one should travel in a group and not alone.
And Allah Knows Best
[Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam
Darul Iftaa
Leicester , UK