Question Summary:
Miscellaneous questions

Question Detail:

 
I have some questions that are concerning me greatly. I am my elder sister's wali, my sister has received a marriage proposal from one of my cousins however he doesn't read all 5 prayers, he only reads Fajr Namaz and attends jumah, he also listens to music, free mixes with non mahram relatives like cousins etc. I should let you know, my sister was negligent with prayer before but she does read all namaz's except fajr and she has also started trying to read fajr as I have continued to encourage and advise her. I feel my sister fears Alah now and is a good girl. Do you think it is wise for us to accept this marriage proposal? My mother has said perhaps my cousin could change after marriage and read all the prayers.
 
My other question is to do with myself, I have been trying to implement Islam fully into my life and because of this I have stopped conversing with non mahram women even those who are related to me like cousins, I don't speak to them, neither do I look at them, I have stopped watching TV for this reason as well as the fact that it is full of filth. My mother has said that, I have to talk to her friends when they come over to our house and I have to greet them with salam however I have told her I don't wish to do this, as some of her friends who are in their forties/ fifties however wear lots of perfume, make up and tight jeans and I refuse to talk to them but my mother says this is not allowed as they are her friends and is rude and that they are like my mother my mother also says I have to talk and greet my elderly female neighbour who doesnt wear hijab and is a christian, is this allowed islamically?
 
I am working currently and my mother also has a job , she helps people with special needs and down syndrome with their shopping, tidying and the down syndrome man she works with understands girlfriends and relationships and she has to stay and help him in his home alone, she also buys musics cds, haram movies, haram food for him. Is this a halal job.
 
Please answer my questions as they have been troubling me for some time.

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Brother in Islam,
 It is pleasing to note that you are trying to adhere to the laws of Shariah. This is truly a great bounty from Allah Taala and we pray to Allah to keep you steadfast. Ameen.
1. We make dua Allah grant your sister a most suitable marriage partner. Regarding the proposal of your cousin, we advise your family to exercise precaution in the decision and to not be hasty. We also advise your sister to make istikharah.
2. Your understanding about interacting with non-mahrams is correct. It is mentioned in a hadith:
عن على رضى الله عنه عن النبى صلى الله عليه و سلم قال لا طاعةَ لمخلوقٍ في معصية الله عز وجل 
Ali Radiyallahu Anhu mentions that Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam said: “there is no obedience to creation in disobedience to the creator.”[1]
Therefore, if your mother orders you to interact with non-mahrams then, it is not necessary for you to obey her. However, Shariah has granted leeway for a person to interact with old women with the condition that there is a sincere need and that there is no fear of fitna.
3. As for your mother’s job description that entails helping people with special needs and Down syndrome, this is permissible. However, you mention that she has to help a man and be alone with him and that she also purchases music cds etc for him. Both these acts are impermissible as she is interacting with non-mahrams and also by her buying the haram items she is directly assisting in sin. An alternative to your mother’s situation would be that she restricts her services to females and to the purchase of halal items only.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Ismail Dawoodjee
Student Darul Iftaa
Zambia
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
www.daruliftaa.net