Posts Tagged khalwat

Misinterpreting Islam to Oppress Women

31 May 2009

On Khalwat, Misyar & Mutaah

By Syed Akbar Ali

In Malaysia we frequently read reports of Muslim couples being arrested for the offense of committing ‘khalwat’ or being in ‘close proximity’ to each other. For the benefit of all thinking humans it is best that we explain a little what is meant by ‘Muslim couples’ and what is meant by ‘khalwat’ or close proximity.

For the purposes of  khalwat a ‘couple’ refers to  a man and a woman who can lawfully get married to each other. The word used to describe such a couple is ‘not muhreem’.  ‘Muhreem’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘raheem’ which means womb. (more…)