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    Shari'a Legal Notes For OFWs Part-3

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    Charlie Dela Rosa

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    of 28
    whose father is a Muslim). In a strongly worded verse of the Holy Qur'an, the Almighty God labeled those ‘who do not judge themselves by what He has revealed as disbelievers, wrongdoers ‘or rebellious (5:47, 48, and 50, The Holy Quran). Along this line, you have the option where to align yourself as a ‘Muslim or as a disbeliever. By the way, Islam as a religion is not oniy praying five (5) times a day or fasting the Holy Month of Ramadhan, but it is a complete way of life including the sincere adherence to the Law of the Almighty (Maulana Maudodi, Islamic scholar). I wish I could always be of service through this column.” B. Disposition Of Property (Date Published: 28 July 2002, Kuwait Times) Question: “We are a family of OFW converts to Islam since my father was in Saudi Arabia during the early 80's. Now that he is getting old, I received a letter from him informing me of his proposal ‘to apportion his property to us according to Shari'a or Islamic Law and to be implemented upon his death. In the said letter, he also informed me that my younger brother's share is equal to the share of two daughters, Thank God, I am a Muslim, However, is this true in Islam? I am not questioning the wisdom of God. I am just curious as a convert. Fortunately, we are only three @) in the family: two (2) daughters and @ brother. My mother passed away five years ago.” Sonia Answer: “Your father's proposal to apportion his property is very idcal. Obviously, he wanted peace of mind and harmonious relations among his children upon his death. Above all, he wanted to ascertain that as a Muslim, Shari'a or Islamic Law is applied in the disposition of his property. As regards the share of your younger brother which is equal to you and your sister’s combined shares, I wish to inform you that it is emphasized under Verse 11 of the Holy Qur'an and Article 117 of P.D. 1083. I wish further to inform you that the mere fact that your younger brother has a double share is neither a gesture of favoritism nor an act of inequality by reason of sex. This principle is a just and fair balancing feature of distribution of property since males have the added social responsibility and burden in the support of the family and giving dowry to the wife for the latter's protection and benefit. And in times of war, males are always in the frontline both in the defense of the country or in pursuit of national interest. In fact, said principle is one of the many reforms introduced by Islam, as females have no share at all or could not inherit from their parents during the pre-lslamic era, The principles of Inheritance Law are laid in broad outline in the Holy Qur‘an and the precise details have been worked out on the basis of the Prophet's practice and that of his companions (Justice Jainal Rasul, Comparative Laws; The Family Code of the Philippines and the Muslim Code). Tagree with you, as Muslims, we do not question the wisdom of the ‘Almighty because He knows best.” 4 ‘SHARI'A JURISPRUDENCE & OTHERS a Non. Availability Of Halal Food In A Non-Muslim Area* (Date Published: 26 May 2002, Kuwait Times) Question: “Assalamo Alaykom.... Tam an OFW convert to Islam for five (5) years and fortunate enough to have discovered many things about Islam. | found practicing Islam in Kuwait as smooth and easy. However, I wish to anticipate a problem once I returned back to the Philippines for good, like the unavailability of halal foods and guidance center in my hometown in Antique. T thank the Almighty that my Christian friends and relatives understand my being a convert to Islam. Although, I have no problem with them especially my one and only child, I wish T can propagate Islam to them. I also wish to live with and see a Muslim community in my hometown. Please advise me.” Sara of Hawally - Answer: “Alaykom Assalaam.. Your eventual retum to RP for good poses a big challenge on your part whether you can still practice Tslam in Antique, the way you do it in Kuwait. While the practice of Islam and adherence to Shari'a or Islamic Law are not based on territorial jurisdiction or residency, 1 am sure that you can still be a good worshiper and religious practitioner in Antique by applying a sincerest tagwea or selfresttaint and a real fear for the Almighty God. The Almighty helps and saves those who practice iagwa or self- restraint with utmost sincerity and those who fear Him with real fear (The Holy Quran and 4/-Hadith), Actually you can turn this situation to a window of opportunity to show to your Chistian friends and relatives "the Islamic code of conduct by reflecting it in your daily routine and inter-personal relations with your friends and relatives. Meanwhile, as to Islamic and halal foods, you can rely heavily on nutritional fish and vegetables, in the absence of an Islamic-staughtered meat. And as regards the Muslin community in your area, I think there is no city or ‘municipality in the Philippines today where you cannot find a single migrant Muslim vendor, who professes Islam. A big flock of Filipino Muslims in the south started to leave Mindanao during the martial law days and on their own, ‘many of them have built small mosques and Islamic centers in the places of their work and livelihood. For this purpose, you may also wish to get in touch with the Office on Muslim Affairs at 117 Ablaza Building, E. Rodriguez, Sr Street, Quezon City, Telephones: | 742 2711, Fax: 731 4341 or at the Office on Muslim Affairs, 4/F GTC Building, 116.3 Borromeo Street, Cebu City. I hhope you will succeed in propagating Islam to your friends and relatives.” B. Prohibiting A Muslim Woman To ‘Travel Without A Mabram (Male-Relative Escort) (Date 30 June 2002, Kuwait Question: “I am a holder of a dependent visa. My Kuwaiti husband is prohibiting me from traveling alone even on my regular holiday to the Philippines: He said, I am now a Muslim and 1 should follow and adhere to Shari'a or Islamic Law. Trespect my husband but 1 do not know whether or not he is knowledgeable as regards this matter. Is this true? Please advise me, as traveling from one place to another is part of my vocation. We have two (2) children and I wanted to keep my family intact.” Teresa Answer: “Your Kuwaiti husband is correct though he is not knowledgeable in Shari'a or Islamic Law. He may have read of heard about a Hadith, which relates that Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, said, “It is not lawful for a woman who believes in Allah and the Day of Judgment to go on a joumey lasting for a day and night without being accompanied by a person who is related to her within the prohibited degrees of marriage”, ie. with whom marriage is unlawful ‘between them (Riyadh-Us- Salcheen, Vol. 11, Page 508; Articles 23, 24, 25 & 26 of P. D. 1083). ‘Your situation is now on the balance between your husband and vocation. - ‘However, since you wanted to keep your family intact and as a Muslim, I believe that itis in your best interest, along with your two (2) children that’ you honor your husband's wish. Otherwise, you would develop a feeling of hatred towards your husband. For this purpose, you may also wish to read Article 36 (3) of P. D. 1083, which elaborates the need of the husband's consent in the exercise of the wife's profession or vocation. It further emphasizes that the wife's profession ot vocation shall be in keeping with Islamic modesty and virtue.” C. Mahram Or Relatives Within The Prohibited Degrees OF Marriage (Date Published: 01 September 2002, Kuwait Times) Question: “This is @ follow up question on your 30 June 2002 issue, regarding the prohibition for a Muslim woman to travel without a mahram. My wife, who is a convert to Islam is stil curious and wanted to know who is/are her mahram(s) under Shari‘a or Islamic Law. 9 Despite my explanation about the subject, I felt that it is more convincing ‘and authoritative if it would come from you. Please Jet us know through your column.” ‘Abdullah & Teresa “Answer: “The issue on mahram was brought up when Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, emphasized that a Muslim woman should not travel without a makram, when the journey is to last a day or more (4/-Hadith). Under Shar’a or Islamic Law, your wife's ‘mahrams are: het father, grandfather, uncle, granduncle, brother, son, foster son (milk relationship), stepson, son-in- law and nephew (Verses 22-23, The Holy Qur'an). Actually, mahram is based on the relationship between a man and a ‘woman, ie. by consanguinity, by affinity and by fosterage (Articles 23, 24, 25, & 26 of P.D. 1083). In fine, mahram can be referred to as the male traveling ‘companion or escort of a woman who is related to her within the prohibited degrees of marriage. In other words, the above mentioned persons are the parties 80. who are allowed by Shari'a or Islamic Law to accompany or escort a traveling woman. Of course, a husband in this cifeumstance is a mahrum by reason of marriage. God knows best.” D. Protection Of Non-Mustims In A. ‘Muslim Country (Date Published: 08 September 20 ‘Kuwait Times) Question: “Iam a Non-Muslim expatriate. Your PANORAMA column on Islamic Law prompted me to ask whether Non-Muslims are entitled to protection from the Muslim government of Kuwait in case 2 war breaks out in the region, ic, the US attack on Iraq, Lam affraid of a worst-case scenario that might bring the Muslims into rampage since all Muslim countries including Kovwait signified their strong opposition against any attack on Iraq.” tke Santitla Answer: “Under Islamic Jurisprudence, Non-Muslim residents in a Muslim state are entitled to protection and security gl from the Government (Yusuf Al- Quradawi, The Lawful and the Prohibited in Islam). Therefore, you are entitled to such protection since Kuwait ig a Muslim state. This kind of protection is known as “dhimmi”. Literally, this doctrine is a sort of obligation or contract imposed upon a ‘Muslim state to protect and secure its ‘Non-Muslim citizens or residents While you ate perhaps apprehensive, please do not get the impression that the life of a Non-Muslim is not safe in a Muslim society. Almighty God has safeguarded and declared the life of ‘every human being to be sacred. And one of the Divine protective measures thereof is the said doctrine. Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, threatens anyone who violates this doctrine with wrath and punishment. He said, “He who hurts 2 dhimmi hurts me ‘and he who hurts me annoys God (4l- ‘Hadith Al-Tabarani)”. In fine, you can always invoke this doctrine.” Fulfillment Or Implementation Of Obligations Or Contracts (Date Published: 02 February 2003, Kuwait Times) ot Question: “We owned a Many Recruitment Agency based in Mania, Recently we signed @ contract with a certain businessman in Kuwait. However, before fulfilling his obligation to recruit workers from Manila through our agency, he changed his mind and cancelled our contract. It was a clear violation of our contract, but we decided not to take legal action because of his known connections and influence. However, we wanted to fight against his conscience in the hope that he would realize later the damages he has inflicted on us. Since he is a Muslim, what do we invoke as regards this case under Shari'a or Islamic Law?” NBK Answer: “As deeply emphasized under Shari'a Jurisprudence, obligations must be fulfilled in letter and spirit (The Holy Qur'an, 5:1). In our own human and material life we undertake mutual obligations, both expressed and implied Every person who enters into a commercial or social contract is expected to faithfully fulfill all 83 obligations in the contract he or she has signed of agreed upon. In your case, it is an. obligation that arises from a written contract, which has Jegal consequences. However, since you ‘opted not to file an action, then you ‘would always invoke on the explanation presented by Islamic scholars, among others, ie. cursed is a person who intentionally and willfully refused to fulfill an obligation. For your information, Shari'a of Islamic Law demands that every man of faith ‘must discharge conscientiously his tacit obligation. Since your supposed partner or sponsor is a Muslim, then he must kmow that truth and fidelity are parts of religion in all relations of life, In fine, you can always invoke the aforementioned explanation.” F. _ Reverence To Parents (Date Published: 17 November 2002, Kuwait Times) Question: “I am married to my former employer. Few weeks after our ‘marriage, he has my visa changed from category 18 to category 22. He said that it was a show of goodwill and sincerity From that time on, he started to buy me ‘expensive items, including a simple house and lot in the Philippines. ‘My problem now is my mother, who is a fanatic Non-Muslim and the opposite of my fanatic Muslim husband. Lately she wrote me a letter advising me to return to the Philippines and divorce my husband. Knowing my husband's ‘temper, my mother’s advice is bothering me because I am sure that he would divorce me or retake the items he has given me once he is informed of my mother's advice, Do you think itis legal for my husband to divorce me because of ‘this development?” Marry Answer: “Although divoree under Shari'a or Islamic Law is basically in the hands of the husband, your mother's advice does not constitute a legal ground for your husband to divorce you (Article 45, PD. 1083). Such advice is immaterial in the eyes of the law, unless implemented or executed. Actually, itis up to you fo weigh between your mother's advice and husband's goodwill 8s and sincerity, After all, it is you and ‘your husband who will heavily suffer the ‘consequences, in case you heeded to ‘your mother's advice, Remember it is ‘your marital union that is at stake. If I may add, Shari’a Jurisprudence gives a lengthy emphasis as regards the treatment to one's parents. God forbids those who distespect their parents ‘whether they are Muslim or not, who are fanatical to the point of arguing or interfering in very personal matters like religion and husband-and-wife issues. Reverence and obedience 10 one's parents are a must, but such are limited ‘within the bounds of faith. Moreover, love and respect to one's parents cannot compromise the belief to the oneness of God (31:14-15, The Holy Qur'an).” G. Secret Marriage (Date Published: 22 December 2002, Kuwait Times) Question: “I am a convert to Islam OFW and holder of visa 18. Last Ramadhan, my employer proposed me a marriage. However, he wanted it secret. Is this legal under Shari'a or Islamic Law? Please advise me.” 6 Itsme Answer: “Please be informed that conducting a marriage without permission from the bride's wali or guardian and/or without witnesses is null and void, therefore, it is illegal and un- Islamic (Article 15, P.D. 1083, and ‘Maulana Mahad Ahmed Mirpur, Fatawa Sirat-e-Mustageen, p. 223). Islamic scholars are unanimous of its invalidity. Moreover, Shari'a Jurisprudence recommends that marriages are made ‘open so that everyone in the community, especially the couple's friends and relatives are not caught surprised to see the couple together in private and public places. You may not know that the marriage in secrecy creates doubts and hence goes against the nikaah ot marriage principle emphasized under Shari’a or Islamic Law. Since you are an expatriate, it is to your advantage for security reasons that you avoid establishing any secret relation with your employer. After all, if he is sincere in his proposal he can easily do it in the open even with limited number of a7 guests and witnesses just to satisfy the Islamic requirements.” H. Serving Liquor To Guests (Date Published: 05 January 2003, ‘Kuwait Times) Question: “1 am a holder of visa 18 and a convert to Islam OFW. My direct supervisor is a Non-Muslim. At a Christmas party in his residence, he requested my assistance to serve food and drinks to his guests, who are mostly ‘our officemates. And since | am one of his trusted staff, he assigned me to take care of serving liquor or wine to the guests, which I did until the last bole. Last Friday, my friend from IPC who has learned about the party I attended told me that T am partly liable for the liquor and wine illegal activity because of the services I rendered, although I did pot drink even a drop. Is this true? f'm worried.” Name Withheld Answer: “Your friend from IPC is correct, In Kuwait, the mere possession of liquot is already a crime, which is punishable by imprisonment depending ‘upon the quantity found in you. You ‘must be thankful to Almighty God that nothing happened in that party that calls for police action, otherwise you could have been held liable for your tole. ‘The Almighty God cursed fiquor in the strongest terms. That is why it is considered a crime per se in Kuwait, Moreover, Shari‘a Jurisprudence ‘categorizes the persons liable, as follows: the manufacturer or distributor, ‘buyer, drinker, seller, server, holder or keeper, carrier or even the beneficiary of the profits, if said liquor is being commercialized. While your intention is good and your loyalty to your immediate supervisor is invaluable, your feat to the Almighty God would have been the paramount consideration. Please be informed that although Islam is a friendly religion, it cannot afford to compromise the Laws of the Almighty God (Sheikh Abulaziz bin Baz, Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 1). In your case as a new Muslim, 1 believe that local authorities are very lenient on your status and the Almighty God is ‘more lenient to you. You don't have to 89 worry, just keep on leaming Shari'a or Islamic Law I. Sodomy Or Third Sex (Date Published: 16 February 2003, Kuwait Times) Question: “I am a visa 18 OFW and ong to the 3" sex people. Recently my Arab co-worker warmed me of the jough and stringent laws of Kuwait against the practice of 3" sex. Is this rue and what is the penalty under Shari'a or Islamic Law in case T am caught in the act together with my friends? Please let me know. Thanks.” Name Withheld Answer: “Your Arab friend is right Sodomy (3" sex) is one of the repugnant shameful acts rigidly emphasized under Shari'a or Islamic Law. During the time of Prop! upon him, the Almighty God destroyed his people and punished them with rible punishments, ie. tuming their homes upside down and raining stones of baked clay, layer by layer em with 90 Nowadays, most Islamic jurists are of the opinion that the Penalty for sodomy should be death by stoning or burning, They emphasized the punishment se justified and appropriate, inasmuch as sodomy corrupts the morals and customs and violates the natural human state Moreover, such act abandons the universal practice of lawful marriage and damages the moral fabric of the society In Kuwait, you are lucky that the penalty is lesser as Shari'a or Islamic Law is not completely imp! here, Utmost, the penalty for sodomy is imprisonment and immediate deportation for expatriates (Fatawa Al-Islamiya, Islamic Verdicts, Vol. 6). Please be careful and discreet, J. Terrorism (Date Published: 20 October 2002, Kuwait Times) Question newly converts to Islam and skilled OFWs assigned in imadi. In view of the worldwide issue on terrorism, please let us know th penalty for terrorism under Shari'a or Islamic Law since we are taught that Islam is very much against terrorism, 91 terrorism rebellion lence for 1 ends, puting K. Place Of Burial For Muslims Date Published: 23 March 2003, Kuwait Times) Question: “U our emplo contrat nployer ing our bodies to Manila in case we ie in Kuwait. However, our mandout old us recently that our employer is no jonger ation si uch as we are now Muslims con slam. He said Muslis practice are buried in a place where th: FWs Aldin & R Answer: “Your mandoub is right, itis matter of practice that Muslims a ried in a place where they met thei fate, especially P im: dominated area where ther ilities an tt or funeral in accordance with Islamic rite You may not also know that dead ‘Muslims are buried within 24 hours from the time of death, unless a very exceptional case occurred or is present that should be considered (Abu Bakr Jabir Al-Jaziry, Minhaj Al-Muslim, Vol 2) In your situation as expatriate, your contract will stand as I know that the Philippine Embassy will not issue its consent for your burial without permission from your next of kin, And your next of kin would certainly ask that your body be brought back to the Philippines. Although your employer will probably insist that you be buried in Kuwait because you are Muslims. Moreover, since you sought my brotherly advice, I suggest that you keep on leaming the teachings of Islam. 1 assure you that in the process you will realize that your mandoub is right since Islam avoids burdens and difficulties. It made everything casier to benefit the Muslims. For example, Muslims are buried in simple graves without omamentation, And before burial, their bodies are washed carefully and shrouded with white clothes. Coffins and other items are considered waste that 94 will not help dead Muslims in any manner, Muslims are also encouraged not to mourn. with ostentation, but instead, to praise God and to remember that the deceased will get the reward for his/her sgocd deeds eared in this mighty world.” L. Payment Of Debt Obtained By Usury (Date Published: 07 April 2002, Kuwait Times) Question: “Iam a visa 18 Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). Prior to my departure to Kuwait, | borrowed Seventy Thousand Pesos (P 70,000.00) from our neighbor in the Philippines to cover my placement fee and other expenses while in Manila, Although a monthly interest is not written in the contract, I agreed to pay an interest of 10 percent per month effective upon my departure. Since my salary is low and my family is big, I have not completed paying the said debt as of this writing. However, the principal amount I borrowed had’ been paid since last January 2001 Last Ramadhan I converted to Islam at IPC, Kuwait City. In one Islamic lecture 95 I attended, I have leamed that my debt ‘was in the form of usury and therefore un-Islamic, My question is shall 1 continue paying the interest until it is fully paid or leave it as is, since it is un- Islamic and there is a Shari‘a or Islamic Law in the Philippines which prohibits usury among Muslims?” Bogart — Hawally Answer: “You did not specify whether your neighbor is a Muslim or not. At any rate, if your neighbor is a Non- Muslim, you are obliged to pay your debt until it is fully paid. Your ‘conversion to Islam last Ramadhan shall not have the effect to extinguishing any obligation or liability or whatsoever you may have incurred prior to your conversion to Islam (Article 179 of P.D. 1083). Otherwise conversion to Islam will serve as a defense mechanism by any Muslim convert to do away with repaying his/her debt under the cloak of Islam, Furthermore, despite the usurious nature of your debt you still have to pay it considering that the interest rate was never reflected in the contract. While it 96 is true that Shari'a or Islamic Law is being implemented in the Philippines, please be guided that nothing in the provisions of the Muslim Code shall be construed to operate that will prejudice the Non-Muslims (Article 3 (3) of P.D. 1083). Meanwhile, if your neighbor is a Muslim, itis enough that you have paid the entite principal amount of your debt. You can explain to him or her that Islam condemns and prohibits usury in the strongest possible terms (2:275-6, 2:27880, 3:130, The Holy Qur‘an).” ” 98 A. Assorted Topies on Shari'a or Islamic law Published in Kuwait Times 99 Kuwait. Times The meaning of Shari’a 9 January 2008 a By Tomara M. Ayo, Ph.D. ‘Shari'a Lawyer Q. Whatis 5 Islam makes no distinetion etween the practice of 1 njoyment of life as not excluded from religion, today’s application in many Muslim 100 ol countries, the scope of Shari'a is limited to persons and family relations and distribution of properties. Civil administration and commercial transactions are covered by separate Tegal systems though partly sourced from Shari'a. It is applicable to both Muslim and non-Muslim residents in 2 Muslim country or Muslim dominated region where Shari'a is practiced. Moreover, Shari’a or Islamic law strongly influenced the existing. laws and ways of living of the Muslims worldwide, ie, 56 Muslim countries and some one (1) billion people. Tn the Philippines, Sharia is contained in Presidential Decree 1083 signed on 04 February 1977, otherwise known as the Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines, aimed at promoting the advancement and effective participation of the Filipino Muslims in the affairs of the state, and searching for harmonious relations of all segments of the Filipino nation to enhance national unity. It is now a part of the law of the land that covers persons and family relations, property, succession and inheritance, and customary contracts of the Muslim Filipinos. 102 P. D, 1083 or the Muslim Code of the Philippines is based on the same sources and references of Shari'a or Islamic Law generally practiced by Muslims worldwide, ‘The Supreme Court of the Philippines adininisters the Shari'a Bar examinations. Successful examinees can practice the Shari'a legal profession and articulate cases at ‘Shari‘a courts in Mindanao. Sources: Abdur Rahman Doi, The Fountain Head of Shari'a, Zaria, Nigeria ages 2-16 Diena Abdelkader, Soclal Justice ‘in Islam, USA, 2003, pages 44-46 U Gyrit Glasse, The Concise Encyclopedia of Islam, London. UK, page 419 P.D. 1083, 103 AUT ca CUES — Re-marriage of a divorced woman 12 November 2006 By Tomara M. Ayo, Ph.D. Shari'a Lawyer Q. Aliya is a divorcee OFW who ‘works for a hospital in Kuwait as nurse. Her Syrian medical doctor proposed her 2 marriage. Unfortunately, Aliya’s father declines to give his consent Aliya insisted for the marriage saying she is a divorcee and therefore, her father’s consent is not necessary. Is Aliya correct? Please give me your advice under Shari‘a or Islamic law. 104 ‘A. Aliya is comect. There are authentic hadiths, which state that a divorcee does not necessarily need the consent of her wali or guardian to make her marriage valid. A divorcee could stand as wali for her or designate a ‘community or religious leader to stand as her wali during the marriage ‘ceremony. ‘Therefore, Aliya, @ divorcee can go con with the proposed marriage of her Syrian medical doctor even without her father’s consent However, itis advisable that Aliya ‘get the nod of her father not necessarily for the validity of her marriage, but in due reverence to a parent. Aliya should ‘know that she has only one biological father and one day, she would realize to visit her hometown where her father and loved ones permanently reside. 105 Moreover, it will help if’ Aliya could hire the services of Shara lawyer oF religious leader to persuade her father and explain to the latter that Islam pemits Aliya, a divorcee to contract mariage even without the father’s consent, A father is a father no matter how hard it is to deal with him, Only Allah is truly omniscient. Please send your questions to ‘marshlawyer(@gmail.com 106 ual Ramaslos ‘Kareem a ‘Mastin Family Law Pet Sats mer os Virtues of the Holy month of Ramadhan 16 September 2007 ustims worldwide observe fasting during the Holy month of Ramadan. ‘They fast because they are bound to do, s0, and the month is Holy because this is the month when the Holy Qur'an vwas sent down to mankind as guide and refererce. Hence, ali Muslims exert their utmost best to live in accordance with the Holy Qur'an or ‘observe what is right and avoid what is wrong as modeled by Prophet Mohammac, peace be upon him. 107 ‘The abstinence from eating, Grinking and marital sexual contact from sumup to sundown is a mere test of the Almighty ALLAH in imposing discipline to mankind. After all, one can easily find ways to satisfy oneself in private if one wishes to do so. However, the essence of this Holy ‘month is its virtues during and after one has faithfully observed the 30-day fasting. One should know that fasting is always coupled with good behavior and conduct, adherence to the law, ‘moral and social order. Act of generosity, forgiveness, oneness, ftiendship and understanding are some of the virtues of Ramadan that one should extract and treasure when the Holy month is gone. Good behavior and conduct are not only meant to one’s relations with one’s family, relatives, neighbors, officemates, employees and friends, but to the society in general especially the lowly members of the society. Family does not only confine to one’s wife or ‘husband, father, mother, children, brothers and sisters, but most especially ‘to one’s domestic helper (DH), who is ‘orphaned from her family 108 ‘and country just to eam a living despite Jow salary and exposure to human abuse, In Kuwait, one can observe that tents are set up in every mosque to ‘enable the public break their fast with sumptuous food offered by the rich members of the society. Practicing Muslims. perform many good things uring this month, especially when it comes to giving food and helping the needy public. Because of its utopian character, many wish that Ramadan ‘would never end as it is an opportune time for every Muslim to show not only the virtues of Ramadan, but most importantly, its spiritual significance, without which, is like an empty shell ‘without a kernel. Only Allah is truly omniscient. Please send your questions to ‘marshlavsyer@gmail.com 109 AUG

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