Islam in Everyday Life

Question: My domestic worker steals something almost every day. Even when I confront her, she refuses to admit it. At the moment, I have no other option but to keep her employed. I do not want to be harsh toward her. What should I do?
Answer: Keep valuable or easily removable items locked away or stored securely. Although this may be difficult, it is the most practical solution. If she steals because of financial hardship, consider increasing her wages and helping her find additional work in another household. However, if stealing has become a habit, these measures may not be effective. Keep a closer eye on her. Since you have no option to dismiss her, punishing her may not serve much purpose. I am glad to hear that you do not want to be cruel toward her. This is a great virtue. Show mercy, forgive her when possible, explain the matter to her, and pray to Allah that she may overcome the habit. You may eventually find another worker. Moreover, bearing such hardship and loss with patience may bring you a greater reward from Allah.

Question: In our country, rape victims are often forced to marry their attackers. As a result, the perpetrators escape punishment, while the women are forced by social pressure to accept them. What does Islam say about this? What justice should the victim receive?
Answer: Depending on the circumstances, Islamic law prescribes severe punishments for rape. The victim of rape bears no sin or punishment for what was done to her. Since Islamic law is not implemented in our country, justice should be pursued under the existing laws of the state. However, vulnerable people often struggle to obtain justice through the courts because they lack money and influence. Powerful perpetrators may instead subject them to further harassment and injustice. In such circumstances, families sometimes force the woman to marry her attacker because they believe arranging another marriage for her will be difficult. This is viewed as a lesser evil under the circumstances, while the rapist takes advantage of the situation to escape punishment.
According to Islamic principles, punishment should be imposed first; marriage is a separate matter. Marriage cannot be used as a means of escaping punishment. People in helpless situations often accept whatever option appears to offer immediate relief. Consequently, some victims are forced into deeply distressing marriages. Such suffering will continue unless society’s underlying problems are addressed and the social system is reformed.

Question: In Europe, America, Canada and other countries, marijuana, hashish and similar substances are legally permitted in some cases under the term “medical marijuana.” If these substances genuinely provide medical benefits, is there any Islamic objection to using them?
Answer: When Allah prohibited intoxicants in the Holy Quran, He also mentioned that they contain some benefits for people. However, their harms and sins are far greater than their benefits. Therefore, once intoxicants are prohibited, it is not permissible to seek justification for their use based merely on their potential benefits.

According to hadith, intoxicants are a source of many sins. Islamic law considers intoxicating substances prohibited, and substances that cause intoxication in large quantities are also prohibited in small quantities. Only in cases where a doctor considers it medically necessary; for example, to sedate a seriously ill patient or relieve severe pain- may medicines derived from intoxicating substances be temporarily permissible. Using such substances voluntarily for intoxication, recreation or personal pleasure remains prohibited.