الأحكام الخاصة بالمرأة في العبادات ومدى فهم المجتمع البروناوي لها

Abstract

This study states that there are fewer women who truly understand the concept of ‘Rulings on religious duties for women’ and the difficulties they face in obtaining enough information regarding this topic compiled in just one reference. Therefore, the researcher has chosen this topic as a reference for all muslim women. This research also aims to explain on the obligations of performing religious duties such as praying, fasting, Zakah (almsgiving), and Hajj (pilgrimage), is equal to both men and women, except on aspects that are only applicable to women. Furthermore, the study provides guideline for women in performing their religious duties during their haidh period (menstruation) or nifas (postnatal bleeding). It also describes the method of distinguishing between haidh blood (menstrual blood) and istihadhah blood (irregular bleeding). In addition, there will be a clarification regarding the awrah of women and whether or not their voices considered as awrah during prayer. As well as giving explanation on women issues related to fasting, especially the rulings on fasting for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. And also the explanation on rulings related to Zakah and Hajj which only apply to women. The methodology used in this research includes, the inductive and descriptive method in which information on the topic is gathered through various books written by Shafi'i scholars and any other Islamic books that are related to this subject, as well as supporting them with verses from The Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet. Another method is field research which is done by conducting a questionnaire, to measure the level of understanding on the topic of research among the Bruneian muslims. In conclusion, the rulings on religious duties for both men and women are equal. In some cases, women differ from men especially during their period of menstruation, postnatal bleeding and istihadhah. During haidh and nifas, women are prohibited from performing prayer or fasting, and later they are required to make up for the missed days of fasting but not for the missed prayers. They should only make up for the missed prayers if the period stops or starts after a prayer’s time and it is enough for them to pray one rak’ah of the prayer together with the prayer that joins it. While during Ramadhan, pregnant mothers or those who are breastfeeding a baby may have rukhsaah which means they may not fast if they are not able to fast due to their condition. As for the rules of zakah mal, it is the same for both man and woman, which is to pay zakaah after the money reaches its nisab and haul. While zakaah on woman’s jewellery (gold or silver) should be paid if it is not worn or if it is worn but the amount of jewellery exceeds urf (customary amount). In addition, the rules of Hajj stated that any woman who wants to perform Hajj should go together with her mahraam. For those who are having their menstruation period during Hajj will still be allowed to perform all the other actions of Hajj except Tawaaf. Finally, the writer suggests that rulings on religious duties for women should be made as a special syllabus in school and taught from the beginning.