Special Note Regarding Cabs here in Saudi ‘Arabia

Taxis cabs have special numbers here in Saudi Arabia.  These numbers indicate the nationality of the driver. For instance, #702— indicates that the driver is a Saudi National.

Be sure to negotiate with the driver from his side of the car. After negotiating the fare, walk from his side of the car, around the back to get his license plate number and special driver ID number. If you get in on his side, you may or may not be able to find these special ID numbers, Wallaahu Aa’lam.

We pray nothing happens, but if it does, you can at least identify the assailant without doubting and guessing at his nationality. A more detailed list will be compiled after confirmation In Shaa Allaah.

Keep to your adhkaar (both before leaving and while you are outside of your home). Try to avoid taxis if possible. Here are some suggestions:

• schedule shopping trips with a trustworthy family
• take advantage of “at home” medical/dental and miscellaneous services
• shop online
•  patronize local businesses with free delivery, or pick up/drop off services
•  utilize local butcher shops, bakeries, fruit stands, etc. in walking distance
• online banking
• send your haaris to run errands for you
• work at home (by tutoring, hiring yourself out as a freelance writer, etc.)
• hiring a tutor to teach you in your home
• *some sisters hire maids to lessen the burden and for safety (i.e the buddy system)

If going out is a must, take a buddy with you. Truly Allaah Knows Best.

SOS Admin

The Buddy System: The Issue of Drivers, Chauffeurs & Taxis Part 2

The Trustworthy Driver

Question: Some people send their daughters to school or other than that alone with a non- relative driver, not looking at the result of such an action. So I hope for your advice.

Answer: Firstly, if the rider and the driver are accompanied by a number of women such that he is not alone  with any of them, then there is no problem with this as long as they are in the city.

The Messenger of Allaah, peace and blessing be upon him, said “Let not the man be in seclusion with the (non-related) woman…” And this would not be considered being alone, with the condition that the driver is trustworthy. If he is not trustworthy then it is not permissible for a woman to be in his presence except with a relative who has reached the age of reason.

Secondly, for him to go with a woman alone is not permissible even for a minute, because this would be seclusion. And the Messenger, peace and blessing be upon him, forbade this in his saying, “Let not the man be in seclusion with the (non-related) woman”. And he (peace and blessing be upon him), informed us that in this case the devil would be the third party with them.

So with this, it is not permissible for those in charge of the affairs of the women to leave them alone with drivers in this type of situation. Similarly it is not permissible for her to take it upon herself to ride alone with the driver, because that would be disobedience to the Messenger of Allaah, peace and blessing be upon him, and this is in turn disobedience to Allaah the Exalted.  So whoever obeys Allaah has obeyed the Messenger, peace and blessing be upon him. Allaah the Exalted says,

“Whoever obeys the Messenger then he has obeyed Allaah.

Chapter 4, verse 80

And the Exalted says

“Whoever disobeys Allaah and His Messenger then he has indeed strayed in plain error”.

Chapter 33, verse 36

So it is upon us brothers in Islam to be amongst those whom obey Allaah, complying to His orders and the orders of the Messenger, peace and blessing be upon him, because in this is a great benefit and an honorable outcome. And it is upon us Oh Muslims to be jealous for those who are in our care. So we should not give them over to the devil so that he can play with them, because the devil runs toward trials and tribulations and temptations. So I warn my brothers from being heedless and not giving concern for that which Allaah has opened up for us in way of the beautiful worldly things. So we should be stopped by the verse in which Allaah says,

“And those on the left hand—who will be those on the left hand. In fierce hot wind and boiling water, and shadow of black smoke, that shadow neither cool, nor (even) good. Verily, before that, they indulged in luxury. And they were persisting in great sin.

Chapter 56, verses 41-46

Then let us remember the statement of ALLAH the Exalted,

“But whosoever is given his Record behind his back, he will invoke his destruction, and shall enter a blazing Fire, and made to taste its burning. Chapter 84, verses 10-13

Answer by Shaykh Saalih bin al ‘Uthaymeen
Translated by Rasheed Barbee
Source