Is this report correct?
1. ‘Aaisha (radiyallahu ‘anha) wore a dress that was dyed with ‘Usfur’ while she was in the state of Ihram. (Usfur, the red substance extracted from safflower)
If it is authenic, then it contradicts the following Hadith which prohibits women from wearing such garments:
2. “Woe unto women from the two reds: gold and safflower-dyed clothes”
This is used by shi’ah against our mother ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu’anha)
Answer
1. Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has referenced the first narration to Sunan Sa’id ibn Mansur with an authentic (sahih) chain.
(Fathul Bari, Hadith: 1545)
2. The second narration is recorded by Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) in Shu’abul Iman. Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahullah) has declared it authentic (sahih).
(Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 5780, 9819 and Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al-Ihsan, Hadith: 5968)
Explanation
The Hadith that apparently prohibits women from wearing gold jewellery and red clothing is interpreted as follows:
a) Its does not mean that these items are themselves impermissible for women. Rather, ‘Allamah Murtada Zabidi (rahimahullah) has mentioned that this is a warning to women against becoming too engrossed in beautifying themselves with colourful clothing and jewellery, thereby forgetting the Hereafter.
(Sharhul Ihya, vol. 5 pg. 402)
b) Imam Daylami (rahimahullah) explains that this refers to those women who adorn themselves with jewellery and coloured clothing to attract attention to themselves when they venture outdoors, thereby causing fitnah (mischief), like women who apply perfume with this motive…
(Refer: Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 9652)
Hence, there is no contradiction between the two narrations in question. Furthermore, Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu’anha) would never have any such evil motive, plus she was in the state of Ihram!
Abrogated
c) Some ‘Ulama have ruled the second Hadith to be abrogated (mansukh) since there are numerous Hadiths/proofs that allow women to use gold [and red coloured clothing].
(See Sharh Mushkilil Athar, Hadith: 4803 onwards.)
For an official fatwa on this matter, one should refer to a reliable Darul Ifta/Mufti.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,
Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar