Lewisham Islamic Centre comments on the online dispute between Zaid el -Omar and Umm Sumaya

Background

Zaid El-Omar and Umm Sumaya both produce online dawah content. Zaid is unmarried and Umm Sumaya is a single mother. In very brief terms, the following is what we know to be available from what has been posted online by both individuals: Zaid initiated unsolicited contact with Umm Sumaya by sending a number of online messages including voice notes in which he stated were for the purpose of seeking advice from her about marrying a single mother until he was able to find another wife that his family would approve of. He made clear that this “single mother wife” would be kept a secret from his family until he found another wife.

Important Points

We believe Umm Sumaya should not have publicly released the private messages to begin with, and should have taken this issue to senior Duat, Imams, or Scholars.

In light of what we have seen, read, and heard including the testimonies of events and the evidence presented publicly, in particular listening to the voice note and watching the video Umm Sumaya posted, we reject the allegation that she has lied, manipulated, or misconstrued events to suit an agenda, and we believe those who are saying such things about her are committing grave acts of slander and abuse. The voice note speaks for itself. The one issue which Zaid did not request was a temporary marriage, although the wording he used in the voice message could give that impression.

In light of all the above, we remind all involved in the noble field of Dawah that Dawah is not simply to quote Quran and sunnah, or the opinions of scholars; dawah is built upon prophetic character of which trustworthiness, care for others and morality are key components. Dawah also requires safeguarding ourselves and communities from the trials and tribulations of desires. Correct and proper procedure based upon the framework of Islam prevents us from falling into these avoidable issues.

We advise all who are engaged in the noble act of calling to Allah and Islam to take upon themselves a course of Islamic learning for at least a few years, focusing on not only Fiqh and hadith, but also the spiritual rectification of the soul. As Allah informs us of,

the Day when neither wealth will be of any use (to any one) nor sons, except him who will come to Allah with a sound heart

[Ash-Shu’ara]

Misyar, Secret Marriages, and Private Messaging

LIC views Misyar marriages, secret marriages, private messaging between the opposite genders, discussion of sensitive issues such as desires/weaknesses with non-mahram as haram and unacceptable acts to engage in.

Those who argue that Misyar and secret marriages are permissible, referencing views or opinions cited classically, are doing so without any regard for the context of our times, or the greater good/harm for the Muslim community nationally and internationally. Context is a key component of legislation and Fatwa, an issue that regrettably falls short on many. We simply ask those who propose such marriages (whether Misyar or secret) if they would accept such proposals for their own sisters, daughters or mothers?

Conclusion

LIC would have liked to have seen this matter concluded privately for the protection of all parties involved. We would have likewise preferred not to have been publicly involved in this matter, but we cannot sit idly and watch the oppression and slandering of a sister and women that has taken place online. We have decided to make our stance on this issue known and clear, especially as reports of these types of abuses from those engaged in the noble field of dawah are becoming more prevalent, making it important to ensure that this is rooted out.

We strongly warn all those that have or continue to make accusations, slander others, or mention the names of others publicly or privately that they will be held accountable on the day of judgement.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said,

Part of the perfection of one’s Islam is his leaving that which does not concern him.

[At-Tirmidhi]

And he صلى الله عليه وسلم also said (meaning stay out of fitna):

There will come tribulations in which the one sitting will be better than the one standing. The one standing will be better than the one walking. The one walking will be better than the one running. Whoever seeks these tribulations will be destroyed by the m. Whoever finds a place of shelter or refuge, let him take refuge in it

[Sahih al-Bukhari]

There are unfortunately many channels and individuals who are beginning to comment on this topic amongst others, who are not qualified in the Islamic sciences, nor are they qualified as judges or mediators, many of them have not yet reached their late 20s let alone an age of maturity. This itself is haram and an act of transgression. They will stand in front of Allah on the day of judgement, and we strongly advise all who are not involved in this matter on the ground to take down any content they have uploaded online and to keep their tongues out of this matter just as Allah has kept their bodies out of it.

It is extremely disheartening to see Muslim men who are happy and excited to slander, attack, and abuse Muslim women regardless of their mistakes. Muslim men should be supporting vulnerable women, the oppressed and the needy as is in line with The Prophet’s صلى الله عليه وسلم statement,

Take my advice with regard to women: Act kindly towards women..

[Bukhari & Muslim]

Allah informs us of the responsibility of Muslim men towards women “Men are caretakers of women…” [Al-’Imran, verse 34], al-Qurtubi says commenting on this verse, that a part of this caretaking is defending them from harm.

To close, LIC are certain that any person with a sound sense of morality and Islamic understanding would conclude just as we have concluded regarding this case if they were to review and listen to what has been made publicly of the conversation with a clear heart and mind. We have only decided to publicise our view as an Islamic duty, and in order to safeguard the wronged party and any Muslim sisters who encounter such or find themselves similarly indecently propositioned.

Sincerely,

Imam Shakeel Begg and Imam Ashraf Dabous

Lewisham Islamic Centre