Assalam u Alaikum,

I have one question. My friend is trying to become more religious – her belief is strong but being in this society she is finding it difficult to start wearing hijab etc. She has been married for eight months, her husband is not religious, but she wants to be. She works in a company where they all go out on Friday nights. She never goes as she doesn't drink so she sees no point in going. All the while, she feels left out because she doesn't go to these parties with them. Three weeks ago, the company took them out. She decided to go just to fit in. She stayed till late (not too late) and was dancing with a few friends. A few guys from the company started dancing with them and she was dancing with a man (just as friends as this is the norm in western society). They did a Spanish dance where he spans her round thus touching her hand.
She came to me last week very, very worried. She feels very guilty for dancing with a man even though it was just friendly. Can she ever be forgiven for this if she repents and swears never to do it again? Does she have to tell her husband? I am not sure what to tell her as I do not know so much. I tell her to pray and ask for forgiveness but is this enough?
Please advice.
Thank you very much and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sister

ANSWER:

WaAlaikum Assalam dear Sister!

You have given your friend good advice. The way she is worried of what she did, and now gives the pledge not to repeat is, infact, repentance. Allah has not asked more than that, except that she will keep her promise, and I also pray for her.

She is NOT to tell her husband at all. Just forget about what happened. If the company people and friends invite again, simply turn down politely. If someone insists to know why, she should explain that she has now realized that the Islamic code of modesty does not permit that. Wish you and your friend the best, happiest and most proud Islamic life - one that makes a model for the rest.

Wassalam,

M. Haq

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