>>>Question 1

Kindly inform me whether it is allowed in Islam for a female to visit her loved ones at the grave site at the cemetery, keeping in mind that she is pure and clean. And if not, why?
Answer :
I do not have any knowledge of a directive in the Holy Quran or the ahadith where the prohibition you mention has been laid down. It is however, understood that Islam prohibits an open display of distress at the grave side. Women are traditionally not very good at controlling their grief, hence the general concept that they should not visit cemeteries. If a woman has the resolve to be steadfast and keep her painful Emotions under control, I do not see why she cannot visit the grave side of her loved ones at an appropriate time.

>>>Question 2

My question is what is wrong with males wearing silk?
Answer :
The answer to your question is quite simple. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) forbade wearing of silk for the males among his Followers. He often said that one who wore silk in this life shall not wear it in the hereafter. Wearing of silk (and gold) is effeminate. It inculcates notions of being delicate and fragile, where as it is natural for men to be manly, strong, stout-hearted and robust.

>>>Question 3

Does it explicitly state in the Quran that a woman MUST cover her hair or is this optional?
Answer :
Indeed, the Holy Quran specifically mentions that women should "draw their head-coverings over their bosoms".

 

>>>Question 4

I am a M uslim girl now. I have just found that islam is true religion and there is no god but God and he is alone. He is most Gracious and Merciful. I have found a lot of good things about Islam but I still have some questions. I mean about a Muslim woman. What is all this about covering our body and not going front of a men you don’t know? I really want my questions answered. THANKYOU very much.
Answer :
Welcome to the world of Islam. You ask about the issue of 'covering up'. The Hijab, as it is commonly known, most important of all, is a state of mind. The urge to observe it has to come from within. One has to train one's thought-processes in light of what the Holy Quran tells us and then it is the easiest and most natural thing to do. If you wish to have a bit of doctrinal knowledge then Surah Al-Nur in the Holy Quran is a wonderful elucidation of Hijab. In it, Allah the Almighty says:
"And say to the believing women that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts, and that they disclose not their natural and artificial beauty except that which is apparent thereof, and that they draw their head-coverings over their bosoms, and that they disclose not their beauty save to ........." The verse goes on to enlist near blood-relations etc., from whom Hijab is not necessary.

In Islam the emphasis is on modesty. Men and women both are enjoined to guard their modesty. Figure hugging, revealing clothes are considered most undesirable. As a general rule, the idea is to cover one's beauty. It is a fact that nature has made the female beauty most alluring. The concept of Hijab is to protect that beauty and to cherish it. So, a dress that covers one's extremities is suitable. It can be trousers with a long and loose top, or a long dress. It indeed depends on the culture one comes from. If one is appropriately covered, then one can go in front of men. Indeed, Muslim women go out to work in all walks of life suitably attired.

The Muslim woman's attire varies according to the customs, habits, social status etc. Indeed in certain societies women have to work in the fields - in such circumstances they have to do away with the 'formality' of the outer-coverings etc. A modest out fit and a 'restraint' in their eyes will suffice. If this has not satisfied you and you have more points to clarify, please do write in, and we shall try our best to provide assistance.