Girl going to market to buy books

29-12-2016 | IslamWeb

Question:

Assalaamu alaykum, Shaykhs. I am a woman. It is my hobby to read good books. I like to read physical books and I also like to read on the internet. The markets of our country are not free from free-mixing. I do not frequently go out from the home for an unnecessary reason. Can I go to bookstores in order to buy good books while wearing a proper hijab, and with my guardian's permission, if my mobile or computer does not work, and even if it does work? If it is not permissible for me, then can I send my Mahram (permanently unmarriageable relative) to buy books for me? Please note that I would only go in order to buy books and that I do not frequently go out for that. It is my hobby, and it is not for academic purposes. It is a nice alternative for haram forms of entertainment, and this habit protects me from becoming bored and sinning. May Allaah reward you.

---

Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

First of all, we thank you for being keen on following the teachings of Islam regarding the hijab and avoiding mixing with men. May Allah reward you and make you firm on the Truth.

It is good that you concern yourself with reading beneficial books.

If you find someone to buy these books for you and suffice you from going out of the house to the market, then this is good.

If you do not find anyone to get these books for you, and you need to go out to the market to buy them, then there is no harm on you for going out.

Allah knows best.