Bism Illah wa as salaamu alaykum.
After much lobbying, it was finally approved for women to staff ladies lingerie shops, and various other shops that are mainly frequented by women. This means that they will be only staffed by women, as there cannot be a male attendant in the same shop at the same time as the woman attendant. The implications of this were not fully considered by us, but hubby had a taste of it the other day when we went shopping and wanted to go to The Body Shop, which sells ranges of body care products and fragrances for both women and men. He found he could not enter because it was staffed by a woman. The sign said, "families only," which means women or women with their mahrem.
This led to us wondering how a man could get a gift for his wife or purchase something for himself in such a situation. It is certainly nice for women to be able to go and buy underwear, etc. in a comfortable and halal environment, but this has made us wonder how many other shops will end up banning male customers if they aren't accompanied by a female. It will limit business if it extends to all womens' clothing shops, perfume shops, etc. It will be interesting to watch and see how it all works out, in shaa Allah.
Monday, December 31, 2012
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Salaam sister. I am interested in teaching in Taibah university. Is the university inside the boundaries of the Haram? Meaning, are only muslims working there or there are non-muslims working there as well? I am asking because if it is in the boundaries of the Haram, that will increase my chances as only muslims could take up certain positions. I am an Occupational Therapist and want to come there as a teacher/lecturer or whatever position they would take me for. Does your husband know anyone in the rehabilitation department of the college (physical therapy/occupational therapy departments?)
ReplyDeleteWa alaikum as salaam sister. Taibah has two female campuses in Madinah, one inside the Haram, and one just outside the Haram. In order to be seriously considered for a position at the university, you need to have a Ph.D.
ReplyDeletePhysical and occupational therapy, though needed, are not widespread services. I don't think we have a rehabilitation department. Please check the university website for additional information. I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
Wa salaam sister. I am actually your brother not sister.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm actually Mai's husband, Shariyf
DeleteAs salaamu alaikum. Since we know you're a man now...I just want you to know that the male campus is not in the Haram. There are non-Muslims teaching here.
DeleteWa alakum Aslam..Thanks for the information. I was hoping the male campus would be inside the Haram as that would limit the number of people applying..Jazakallah for your help brother.
ReplyDeleteThe number of people applying is limited, as Taibah employees are severely underpaid, and this deters many, especially non-Muslims.
DeleteJazakallah Khair..I applied for this year..please remember me and my family in your duas especially when your family visits Masjid Nabawi..Brother do you see yourself living in Madina permanently? Do you see yourself back in the States living happily now that you have lived in Madina for while?
ReplyDeleteWe will gladly make dua' for you. I don't see myself living here permanently, as this country doesn't have a naturalization or immigration process. I see myself living very happily in the US, as I intended to be here only as long as it was good for my family. We are fast approaching a new phase in our life...organic farm/Islamic retreat. You can learn more here:
Deletehttp://healingearthblog.blogspot.com/
jazak allah khair.brother..so when you say you will happily return to US, it wouldn't be in the way you were living in before, but a more controlled, isolated community like the one you linked in your last message. Does that mean you wouldn't want to live in just a regular community in the U.S? What I am asking is basically, how has your perception of living in the U.S as Muslim changed (if at all) since you came to Madinah? Are you less willing to go back to living they way you were before you came to madinah?
ReplyDeleteBefore coming to Saudi Arabia, I had plans to live in a isolated area (I grew up in the country and suburbs). This plan of living in an isolated area began when I got out of the Marine Corps in 1992. I've never liked living amongst lots of people, even before I became Muslim in 1990.
DeleteI aspire towards the 150 person maximum community (about 30 families). With 150 people in your community, you are more likely to have more brotherhood.
My perception about living in the US as a Muslim hasn't changed. However, my perception about how people practice Islam has. I've found more brotherhood, tolerance, and more focus on the family by Western Muslims.
However, I've found Western Muslims (myself included) lacking in understanding the Deen, because of a weakness in Arabic and Fiqh. That's not to say Saudis know the Deen, but they have an advantage because of the language and the school system (religious based).
I hope this has answered your question; if not, feel free to contact me at madinahnaseeha@gmail.com.
Salaam,
ReplyDeleteDo you know where we can find zamzam water here in Madinah?
Wa alaykum us salaam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
DeleteYou can find it at Masjid un Nabawi. It is inside in the large plastic drums with cups to drink it, or if you have a small empty water bottle they will let you fill it. Otherwise, there is a filling station there as well, where you have to queue after Asr and can get large containers filled.
Please note that the stations out in the courtyard that are metal and say drinking water, are NOT Zamzam water, but simply drinking water.
Wa salaam
Mai
Jezaki Allahu Khair. I meant for drinking at home etc. We haven't been able to find Zamzam at any shop yet.
DeleteUnfortunately, I think most people automatically assume that the water outside is zamzam. Which is why for nearly a month we drank from there thinking it was zamzam, until we finally confirmed our suspicions by asking around.
Is this zamzam filling station open everyday after asr?
wa iyaaki. There are certain times, I just know about the after Asr time. Perhaps there is another time but I'm not sure. Yes, every day to my understanding. The timings change during Ramadhaan.
DeleteThere are also vendors on the perimeter of the Masjid that sell the large containers of Zamzam for around 20 riyaal. I will try to be more precise about where once I check with my husband, who is traveling these days.
You are correct, many people do assume it is Zamzam out there, but as the water is not controlled, there is too great a chance of it being wasted if just left "on tap" like that.
Where in the Masjid is the filling station? And about how long is the line generally?
DeleteJAK - you've been a great help!
We looked around a bit today but couldn't find it. Do you know near which gate or parking lot it is?
DeleteIt is in the western section of the courtyard. If you come out of car park 8, once you come up the stairs or escalator and are exiting the structure, turn right, take about 5 steps, turn right again and walk straight ahead. The filling station is about 30 meters on your right. Only men can fill up the containers. The line will be long and people will put there bottles there starting at dhuhr time and then return to them after Asr so they keep their place. May Allah make it easy for you - ameen.
DeleteRandom question: have you prayed behind Muhammad Ayyub?
ReplyDeleteNo, or at least not that I know of.
DeleteWhat's the procedure for homeschooling here in Madinah?
ReplyDeleteSchool is not mandatory here, so there is no procedure for homeschooling. It's a matter of you choosing curriculum and teaching or administering it. If you choose British curriculum, then down the line your children can sit for their exams (GCSE) in Jeddah or any other registered testing center. If US curriculum, you would probably have to do independent, known exams to prove their level and GED/SATs at the end of high school studies.
DeleteSalaam Sister...
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I plan to move to the middle east towards the end of this year inshaAllah, with are three small children and are very seriously considering Madinah as our choice of place. You seem to know your stuff about living in Madinah, mashaAllah and so was wondering if it would be possible to get in touch with you (via email/messenger) as there is alot I need to look into before we can move. Your help would be very much appreciated.
Wa alaykum us salaam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
DeleteYou can contact us directly on madinahnaseeha@gmail.com, however I would ask that you read through the blog and the comments first, as we have addressed most of the questions that people ask herein.
Barak Allahu feeki.
Mai
Salaam Mai,
ReplyDeleteDo you know of any swimming pools for ladies?