Fatwa #100643 December 2003United Kingdom
I am so scared of death and the punishment to come in the hereafter. What should I do? Regarding covering of body and face.
Question
At times I get really terrified of dying, the hereafter and judgement day. I feel as if I am going to go mad every time I think of it. I cry alot as I imagine dying and facing the punishments I will receive for doing all the wrong that I have committed. At these times I remember all the bad things I have done and vow to be better but I still remain the same person committing wrong. I get scared of sleeping and am also afraid of the dark at times. Now I can?t even cry as I get so afraid. This usually happens in the night and as I try to sleep I keep thinking of myself in my grave in the dark all alone. I lose hope in going to Jannah and for my sins to be forgiven. Why is this happening? I try to pray all my salahs and have even started to wear hijab a couple of months ago. I know that at this present time it is advisable for women to conceal themselves entirely (body & face) when venturing outdoors. InsahAllah I want to start wearing nikab but I have a query. If non-mahrems come to my home to stay or have a meal is it sufficient just to have hijab and a cloak on or do I have to cover my face as well. And if I live with my in-laws (I have brother in-laws)will I be required to keep my self completely covered body & face as this would be difficult as that would mean that I would have to be in purdah all the time. Please advice me. JazakAllah for your assistance May Allah bless us all with strong Iman.
Answer
While Allah is indeed Severe in punishment, He is also most Forgiving and%0D%0AMerciful. One should be concious of the fear of Allah but should never lose%0D%0Ahope in His mercy. Correct Taqwa is a balance between hope and fear. Once%0D%0Aone has made Tawba (repentance), his sins are as if they have never been. A%0D%0AHadith states "One who repents of a sin is like one who has had no sin at%0D%0Aall."%0D%0A%0D%0ARegarding your query on Hijaab, it is necessary to observe Hijaab, (and this%0D%0Ameans facial covering as well) from non-Mahrams at all times except in case%0D%0Aof extreme necessity. If a non Mahram male is elderly and there is no fear%0D%0Aof any fitnah (mischief) from him, there is some room for concession.%0D%0ABrother-in-laws are no exception to the laws of Purdah. Full facial covering%0D%0Amust be observed. In one Hadith, Nabi (s.a.w) gave express warning against%0D%0Anon observance of Hijaab from the brother-in-law. He said; "The brother-%0D%0Ain-law is death."%0D%0A%0D%0AIf it becomes too difficult, you are entitled to request your husband to%0D%0Aprovide you with seperate or at least semi-detached living arrangements.%0D%0A%0D%0Aand Allah Ta'ala Knows Best%0D%0A%0D%0AMufti Bilaal Cassim%0D%0AFATWA DEPT.