Do women need to keep their feet covered or not?

How much of her feet must a woman cover? Is it acceptable that legs and heels only be entirely covered while revealing the upper aspect of the foot, or should the whole foot be covered completely?Does the same rule apply when one is on Hajj? Must women wear socks while in the conditions of purity required for pilgrimage – ihram? Please clarify if a part of her feet may be left uncovered or if the whole foot should remain covered?

Are women obliged to wear a long robe – shar’i jilbab? If so, how long should it be? Are baggy pants which do not cling to the body to disclose her shape acceptable? What if these are covered by a long, loose shirt? How long and loose would such a shirt need to be? Are long loose skirts permissible?

In covering her head, how much of her face should a woman conceal? Must her chin be covered and if so, by how much?

I am a newly converted Muslim woman who is a certified scuba diver. In order not to freeze when diving in the ocean, it is necessary for divers to wear wet suits and hoods. Such suits fit snugly to the body, so tightly that they do not disclose a woman’s bosom. Is it regarded as acceptable for a woman to wear such a suit? Being unsure, I have not gone scuba diving, an activity which I miss very much indeed!

In our very varied business world, which includes both sexes, is it ever permissible for a man to shake the hand of a woman?

I heard from a friend, who follows the Hanafi school of law, that when a man shakes hands with a woman his ablution – wudu – is nullified. Is this true?

A girl wishes to marry a man who is already married. Her father refuses to give his consent, and has put so many strict conditions for him regarding her future life that the married man cannot possibly accept them. What does Islamic law say about:a. A father opposing his daughter’s decision so vehemently. b. A father refusing to allow his daughter to marry a man who is extremely pious, religious, educated, a high earner and one who is prepared to fulfil all Islamic conditions regarding justice and fairness.

A married man and a married woman fell in love and planned to marry. However, the woman’s husband is not prepared to divorce her and has begun to threaten her with dire consequences. How may this situation be solved within the boundary of Shari’ah? Furthermore, the woman told her husband, prior to her meeting this man that she wants to now marry, that, because he abuses her physically and verbally, she does not love him any longer and wants to leave him.

I am to marry a Shi’ah convert who used to be Sunni. Her father, however, objects to her marrying a Shi’ah and has said that he would rather she marry a Christian than a Shi’ah. Indeed, her father ordered her to leave his house and said that he does not care if he sees her or not. I have already discussed a fixed-term marriage – mut’a – with her and we both want to know if it is allowed for us to be together without sexual intercourse or if she still needs her father’s approval?

Is it permissible for a wife to perform oral sexual intercourse for her husband?

I accepted the logic and rationality of the faith – din – and have been Muslim for five and a half years. Allah Almighty makes clear how Merciful, Compassion and Just He is. I am not a scholar but I clearly do understand this.Muslims frequently speak of: the importance of women; their greatness and how much they are treasured; women’s modesty; the way in which Allah Almighty directs us to act; the manner in which we should be treated and how no other religion has given women as many rights. Muslims love to publicise that Allah granted Muslim women freedoms that western women are only now beginning to fight for.I am tired of seeing the vast discrepancies between their words and their actions. I understand that it is impossible for anyone to control or direct the actions of over one billion people, but I write because something has to be done about the misuse of fixed-term marriage.I have spoken to many Shi’ah muslimahs and none deny its validity and applicability. But it is beginning to have a deleterious effect on Shi’ah families and this is exacerbated by the response/lack of response of scholars – alims. They seem to unconditionally condone the actions of men. They say, ‘Men are permitted to do this’ or, they turn their faces away and pretend not to see it.Many brothers in permanent marriages also enjoy fixed-term marriage. Everyone knows what is going on, what is happening, except for their wives. When they find out, the effect is often quite devastating.Everyone reacts to situations differently. A few women turn away from Islam, not that this isthe correct thing to do, but as a reaction borne out of frustration, hurt and anger. Othersremove their headcover and modest clothing – hijab – and even though they continue to refer to themselves as Muslim, have faith – iman – so weakened that they no longer practise Islam. Yet others accept their situation or pretend it has not happened. A minority seem able to accept it wholeheartedly. However, what concerns me is the effect this has on women, children and Shi’ah families in general. I can attest to the effect it had on my own marriage, as I am presently in the process of getting a divorce. My decision was not based solely on the fixed-term – mut’a – marriage of my ex-husband, there were other factors involved. But, mut’a was the final straw which convinced me I should apply for a divorce.It disgusts me that, with all the information available on sexually transmitted diseases and Aids, this form of marriage is still so highly sought after. Surely the Muslim community needs to exert more restraint, and to accept that Aids is already in our communities. If measures are not taken now, Muslim society will be affected to the same extent as non-Muslim society.

I am a 21-year-old Shi’ah muslimah from a Sayyid family who is in love with a non-Sayyid Sunni man who wants to marry me. Although his parents agree to this, my parents disapprove. They claim a Sayyida should never marry a non-Sayyid. Is it true that a Shi’ah muslimah should not marry a Sunni man? Is that considered a sin?I have lived with my foster parents since I was one year old, and consider them my real parents. While my biological parents do not know anything about my marriage intentions, my foster parents are completely against it. Please guide me as I have decided that I will do whatever my religion permits.

I live in America, am 26, and have been married for the last year to my cousin from Canada who is the same age. Neither of us had any sexual experience prior to marriage. When I discovered I was unable to maintain an erection strong enough to effect penetration, I immediately sought medical advice. After months of tests an ultrasound investigation disclosed that I have eight minor venous leaks. The doctor thinks that my physical condition and the psychological distress of failure have compounded my problem. To help maintain penile erection, he now suggests that I employ a plastic/rubber ring.Our marriage has not yet been consummated, although we have been married for over a year. Throughout all this time my wife has been extremely patient. She has accompanied me on all my visits to the doctor and has always been thoroughly supportive. However, when the ring option was mooted she absolutely refused to allow me to use it.Later on she learned that she has the right to an annulment because our marriage has not been consummated. I returned to America, my wife to Canada to await an immigration appointment preparatory to entering the United States. However, since she has been waiting in Canada she has decided that she does indeed want the marriage to be annulled. I tried to talk her out of it, but she is insistent and is only coming here to pick up her things before leaving me.1. After discovering the cause of the problem in August of 1999, should I have offered herthe option to leave me? Is it the duty of a husband to tell his wife it is her decision to stayor leave?2. Only Allah Almighty knows what will happen in the future, if my problem will get better or worse. When I tried to convince her to stay I was told I was being selfish. On the one hand I understand that diagnosis has taken a very long time. On the other, I do feel I should be given the opportunity to prove myself, even if it requires me to use a rubber ring. Please let me know if you feel this is selfish of me? I welcome any criticism, for the goal is to become a better person for the hereafter.3. How does one perform an annulment? Once annulment has taken place what restrictions are there on us getting re-married in the future? Is it similar to a divorce?4. Should I attempt to reconcile the marriage or simply accept her decision and walk away? Please advise me regarding this. I am thoroughly confused about what to do. It seems as though I do not have any option and have to accept her decision.

My brother married his first cousin (our mother’s sister’s daughter) two years ago. They had a son 11 months ago who, after an MRI scan, has been diagnosed as having Leigh’s disease, a deterioration of the brain stem. The boy suffers from the destruction of his inner organs, loss of muscle movement as well as loss of sight and hearing. Research findings indicate that death normally follows shortly after this disease develops in the brain. All indications are that, depending on the extent of mutated cells found in this boy’s muscle tissue, at least one in every four of their children, will be born with this defect.With such odds, what is your ruling regarding my brother having further children?

According to Islamic jurisprudence, may a man request his wife dance with him without musical accompaniment?

Is it acceptable to watch movie actors kissing each other on the lips?

Is it considered to be masturbation – istimna – for either a husband or a wife to read a story which brings about erection and ejaculation?

Is oral sex allowed?

Is anal sex allowed?