Amidst the kaleidoscope of colourful clothes, jewellery and what not, one can hardly decide what to purchase. Our budget lingers at the back of our heads as a warning signal cautioning us not to spend more than we can afford,

hence drives in the widespread undertaking of “window shopping,” a form of entertainment cognized by those who are proficient in this art. 

And indeed what an art it is! Staring wistfully at the mannequins displaying the latest trends, envying those capable of hoarding the sales items, uselessly bargaining with the salesmen….. so on and so forth. An extremely unproductive “art” so to say, resulting in nothing more than hours of wasted time, ingratitude towards Allah The Most Merciful, and sowing the seeds of jealousy, envy etc. What with Eid approaching people unfortunately seem to actually ameliorate their shopping skills. Has one forgotten the hadith, Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The parts of land dearest to Allah are its mosques, and the parts most hateful to Allah are markets.” (Sahih Muslim Book #004, Hadith #1416) 

As for, in regards to women undoubtedly it is better for women to stay at home, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And stay in your houses” [al-Ahzaab 33:33] And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Their houses are better for them.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood, al-Salaah, 480. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawood, 530). 

Therefore, women should not go out unless it is necessary, and when it is necessary for a woman to go out, it should be with her husband’s permission. She should be careful to avoid that which Allah has forbidden, and she should wear full hijab, covering that which Allah ordained, etc. If she goes out wearing adornments and makeup or perfume, then this is not permitted. If there is no danger of fitnah and women go out in the manner required by sharee’ah, there is nothing wrong with their going out. Women at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to go out to the market-places without a mahram. 

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) permitted women to go out if there is an urgent need. He said, “It is permissible for you (women) to go out for your needs.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, Tafseer al-Qur’aan, 4421). Ibn Hajar said in Fath al-Baari, Ibn Battaal said: The interpretation of this hadeeth is that it is permissible for women to engage in dealings according to their needs. But one can hardly ascertain window shopping to be a need! Moreover, once we have purchased the items of necessity, we hardly need to linger around.

Indeed Allah is Al-Hakeem, He commands us for our good, preventing the spread of fitnah and corruption. Isn’t it true, that many a times, haven’t we regretted and wailed at the amount of time lost in ‘shopping?’ However, we are on this Earth only to serve Allah, and indeed Allah is so merciful that even at the market place He has given us an opportunity to receive His reward. The market and bazaar is a place where a person is more forgetful regarding religion, therefore, while entering a market one should recite this supplication. This supplication brings reward for this world and for the Hereafter.

Alhamdulillah, so let’s make this Eid special, by learning this exquisite invocation, and by abiding with the proper etiquette of “shopping.” I pray to Allah, indeed The Most Merciful, The most Loving to facilitate us to always recite this perfect invocation and make us among those who always remember Him. Ameen ya Rabbil Alameen Bint Ayesha