en-asks

Dear scholars, As-Salaam `Alaykum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh. Is Sufism Islamic? Please, clarify by giving some details.

Respected scholars of Islam, As-Salaam `Alaykum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh. I’d like to know the Islamic view regarding this question: Does woman have the right to divorce herself? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear Sheikh, As-Salamu `Alaykum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh. I wonder: Can a wife wash the body of her dead husband and vice versa? Please explain in details. Jazakum Allah Khayran.

Is it permissible for a pilgrim to perform Sa`i before Tawaf ?

As-Salamu `alaykum! My wife seeks divorce for the mere reason of being no more interested in our marital life. Now, the question is: To whom the custody of children goes after divorce, bearing in mind that we have three children under five. As far as I know, the mother has the right to keep the children in her custody until they reach puberty, then they should be moved to their father. If I refused to divorce my wife, she will seek divorce through courts. Am I allowed in this particular case to claim the custody of children?

As-Salamu `alaykum! I am soon going to shift to a new house. What are rites I am supposed to perform under the Sunnah before moving in? People here usually resort to certain methods which I do not believe have any Islamic significance. Please give a ruling.

Dear Sheikh, As-Salamu `Alaykum wa Rahmatu Allah wa Barakatuh. Could you please shed light on the terms "Shura" and "Democracy"? In fact, I am so confused that I find it difficult to differentiate between the two terms. Jazakum Allah Khayran.

As-Salamu `alaykum! Is Zakah imposed on warehouses and showrooms used to develop the business in storing and presenting merchandise? If there is Zakah, then what is the rate?

A Greek Christian friend of mine came to me and said that he wanted a book that guides him to the way a man should live. I handed him a copy of the Qur'an. He took deep interest in reading it until he came across the following verse: [O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily God guideth not a people unjust.] (Al-Ma’dah 5: 51) Reading the verse, he asked "why is that so?" Why is your book telling you that we can't be your friends? Does that mean I can't be your friend? And at his request I am seeking help from you to throw some light on it. I am too confused by this. And if that is so then why does Islam allow us to marry Christian and Jewish girls (despite the fact they might not want to change their religion.) Please reply soon.

As-Salamu `alaykum. I am unable to marry at the current time because I am a student, and I’m not in a position to provide for a family, but my sexual desires are overcoming me. What can I do?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I have recently become Muslim. Since I converted I have refo rmed my ways, for the most part. I think I am a good person except that I am addicted to pornography and masturbation. What is the Islamic remedy for this? Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-Salam `Alaykum, I would like to know if there are some rites or something in the Sunnah regarding the consummation of marriage. I mean if there is a way in the Sunnah to have the first sexual intercourse with one's wife. Jazakum Allahu khayran.

What is the legal minimum number of Muslims required to perform Friday Prayer? We heard that it should be at least 40 persons and we don't have such number of Muslims in the city where we live.

I got my period after I performed Tawaf around the Ka`bah and drank from the Well of Zamzam. Then I waited for my husband and children in the place of Sa`i (between the hills of Safa and Marwah) in my state of impurity. Is this permissible?

Respected scholars, please enlighten me on what Shari`ah says on the rate of wife’s sustenance? May Allah reward you!

Is it haram to work for a bank or deal with banks?

As-salamu `alaykum. May Allah bless you all for the enormous service you are rendering towards Islam. Please enlighten me about Islam's stance on posthumous promotions. We find in many countries high ranking officers are being awarded such promotions when they die in combat, etc.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. As there are now a few websites that 'offer' Shahadah online I wonder how valid this would be. Thank you.

As-Salamu `alaykum! I am keeping a pet dog at my home. Sometimes, it touches me and its skin and fur simply touch my clothes. Kindly tell whether I can perform prayer with the same clothes or I should change them. Thank you!

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Why it is forbidden in Islam to decorate with Gold and Silver? Jazakum Allah khayran.

I have been working in Dubai for almost three years now and I have bought a house in Sri Lanka. The deal, however, was made through a bank, which gives loans on interest. Is such a deal permissible in Islam?

As-salamu `alaykum. My wife has admitted to committing adultery. However, she says she has repented, and vows never to do it again. What should I do in this case? Am I to divorce her? I do not know what my Islamic duty is in this case.

As-Salamu `Alaykum. I am a married American Muslimah. Are emotional abuse and neglect suitable grounds for divorce (for women) in Islam and how can one prepare one's self to prove emotional abuse and neglect since these things bruise you on the inside, not on the outside?

Is it an obligation on a Muslim to live in an Islamic country unless it's for learning or making da`wah?

Is it lawful for the bodies responsible for collecting zakah to invest the money collected in favor of the due recipients of zakah?

If a woman lost her virginity as she made a mistake and repented, should she reveal this to her prospective spouse? Is it in the admittance of sin within that which should be disclosed before marriage? Jazakum Allah Khayran!

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Is it allowed to donate sadaqah (charity) to non-Muslims in dire need who are fighting for life because of illness? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, as-Salamu `alaykum. There is a mosque beside my home where an imam delivers a sermon to women every Tuesday, but he does not use a partition between him and the women he addresses. Is that legally acceptable? Jazakum Allah khayran.

as-salamu-alaikum, can a menstruating women visit the graveyard and offer doa there?

Some people say to those who come to Jeddah for Hajj or `Umrah that they should stay in Jeddah for three days, then enter ihram from there. Many people do this. Is this action valid?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. It seems that quite often, when people are giving the khutbah (sermon), they focus on our negative traits rather than our good traits. Is there any way that we can be told about our faults in a way that may not make us feel hopeless and that makes us want to change ourselves for the better rather than feel guilty for everything we have ever done? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I am from southern Africa from Botswana and I have two questions. 1. A Muslim in our area sells Haram things from his shop/restaurant. People here think that it is Haram for them to eat or to buy food from his restaurant. My question is that in a restaurant where they sell Halal food and also sell alcohol for non-Muslim customers, is it Haram for a Muslim to eat there? 2. In South Africa there are many big stores. They sell almost every thing. Non-Muslims own them. Is it Haram for a Muslim to buy his groceries from there?

Dear scholars, As-Salaam `Alaykum. I would like to know the Islamic stance on euthanasia. Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear Sheikh, As-Salamu `alaykum. Do the Magians have the same ruling as the People of the Book? Thanks.

In the United Arab Emirates, we see women are encouraged to work outside the home. What is the ruling regarding women working in public?

As-Salamu `alaykum. I perform my work sincerely, yet I was not given the due salary or bonus. Other colleagues have unduly preceded me. I have estimated the financial loss to which I was subjected. So can I take the money which I really deserve from the work’s funds till I take all my dues and compensate for the harassment I was subject to at work? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Respected Sheikh, As-Salamu `alaykum. If onl y Muslims can go to Paradise. What about those people who were in this world before Islam came on earth? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Respected scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Please enlighten us – according to Islam – on how we, Muslim women, should conduct ourselves especially when getting out. Can we go out to fulfill our needs? If so, how should our behavior and dress be? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Does the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) have any rights upon us as Muslims?

Dear scholars, as-Salamu `alaykum. We have a sister who is in easy circumstances and her income covers her needs. She has a son whose father is dead. The son has been injured in an accident and needs two grave surgeries in his spine. He has become unable to move completely. His treatment needs too much money until recovery. Is it permissible for us, his maternal uncles and aunts, to pay for his treatment in our country or abroad from the zakah due upon our properties, taking into consideration that his treatment will consume a large sum of money? Please answer me. May Allah reward you.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Can a Muslim woman breastfeed a Christian child, and likewise can a Christian woman breastfeed a Muslim child? What is the Islamic ruling if breastfeeding takes place? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear Sheikh! As-salam `alaykum! You know how disastrous the effects of earthquakes are. I want to know whether we can pay our zakah to those distressed Muslims who have been affected by the earthquakes?

As-salamu `alaykum. I have come across the Hadith that says that we are only allowed to have dogs for hunting and to guard our property. My question is can we have them for profit if they are not living under our roof?

As-Salamu`alykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. My question is about paying zakat-ul-fitr as money. What is the Shari'ah evidence that one can pay zakat-ul-fitr as money. I heard that zakat-ul-fitr needs to be given to people of one’s town or country, so if we live in the US we can't send it to Ethiopia or Iraq or elsewhere. Is this true? And please, can you tell me how much should I pay for zakat-ul-fitr this year as money?

As-Salamu `alaykum. What are the situations in which we can face a direction other than the qiblah in Prayer?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. What are the best deeds we can do in Ramadan? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

Firstly, what is the ruling on performing Hajj or `Umrah by installments? Secondly, is it lawful to perform Hajj or `Umrah out of money earned through invalid contracts concluded with non-Muslims such as selling pork to them?

As-Salamu `alaykum wa Rahamatullahi wa Barakatuh! Dear brothers, I have a question for you. My sisters and I do not like to visit our friends and neighbors. When someone invites us we do not like to go and that is because in Yemen we used to sit in the house all the day; we never liked to meet anyone. Every time I used to go outside, I was asked to wear hijab while I was 9 years old. I hated going in public, so is it prohibited not to visit our neighbors?

Dear scholars, As-Salaam `Alaykum. I extremely want to get this controversy out of the way. I play guitar, but it is all clean music, with no one dancing or anything... like classical pieces or Mexican... Is this haraam? Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-Salamu `Alaykum. One of my friends told me that it is not permissible to make Du`aa for worldly issues while making Sujud in obligatory prayers. Is that true?

 Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I am a 32-year-old male, and to this day I still have difficulty sleeping alone. My father exposed me to horror movies, which were apparently based on true stories. Now I always have the feeling that I am being watched or that there is some presence near me. I am not afraid of zombies or vampires or werewolves. What I am afraid of are spirits or demons or of being possessed. I have started praying each day again and reading the Qur’an, but I still have these feelings. How do I shake these feelings? Please help. I want to be able to sleep alone completely on my own or to be in my house by myself at night without thinking that something is there with me or something is watching me. Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-Salamu `Alaykum. I own and run a shop where video films are sold and hired. Could you please furnish me with a Fatwa regarding trading in such films and hiring them? Jazakum Allah Khayran!

As-Salamu `Alaykum. Please help me with regard to my very sensitive question. I am currently jobless. The government here in France pays for the people who left their work or those who are jobless an amount of money until they find work.Every month, the concerned authorities send a bill for the person to sign so that the money can be claimed. The problem is that I got an offer to work in an Islamic school on weekends, and I will receive money in return. Is it permissible for me to work in that Islamic school on weekends without informing the government in order to receive the unemployment allowances? Your earliest response will be very much appreciated!

A pilgrim threw the pebbles on the second and the third days after `Eid. First, he threw the Greatest Jamarah of Al-`Aqabah first the Middle Jamarah and finally the Smallest Jamarah. What should he do?

A few days before `Eid, I bought a lamb that was sound and healthy, to offer it as a sacrifice on `Eid. When it was being brought down the stairs to be sacrificed, it suffered an injury in its leg (one hour before being sacrificed). Is this considered to be a flaw in the sacrificial animal?

As-Salamu `alaykum. I know that helping others is recommended, but what if someone is taking advantage of the generosity of others?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I converted to Ahmadiyyah for the sake of marriage to a very good man but I would like to become Sunni again. How can I do this? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholar s, As-Salamu `alaykum. I am a 26-year-old unmarried male. I suffer from hair loss and it is causing me psychological strain so that I won't even go to the front rows in the mosque as I think others are laughing at my bald patch. I have heard of hair replacement, in which a thin transparent porous skin-like material is bonded to your scalp through your own hair. Extra hairs, real or artificial can be added to your existing hair. Can you advise if this is permissible, considering the psychological effects hair loss is having on me? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Scholars of Islam, As-Salamu `alaykum. Are women permitted to visit the graves of their parents and other relatives? I heard some scholars say that they are not permitted to do so, but I don’t know if they have any proofs for such a view. My own understanding is that `A’ishah, the wife of the Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) visited her brother’s grave. Can you comment on this issue?

Is it necessary for a person to make Ghusl (bath) if, when urinating, a little bit of semen comes out?

Dear scholar, As-Salamu `Alaykum wa Rahamtullah wa Barakatuh. Please, shed light on the ethics guiding students and people who ask a scholar for a Fatwa.

Is it Sunnah to say du`aa’ after throwing the pebbles?

As-Salamu `alaykum. Could you please give me some information about Gog and Magog (Ya’juj and Ma’juj)? Jazakum Allah khayran.

In winter at higher latitudes, the time of Zhuhr and `Asr is less than four hours total. So, if I leave the house by one o’clock, I must be back before four to pray `Asr. Is it OK to combine Zhuhr and `Asr Prayers before leaving?

I have heard that there is a certain attitude that the Muslim should adopt if he faces tribulation. What should be the comportment of a Muslim in such times?

Dear scholars, As-Salaam `Alaykum. I would like to know, after marriage, should one obey one's husband in opposition to the father, or vice versa? That is, if my husband wants me to do something different from what my father/mother want, should I obey him or my parents? Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-Salamu `alaykum. We– Muslims living in the west– are faced with the problem of language assimilation. In the West, we either consciously or unconsciously speak a non-Arabic language in an effort to get along with the people around us or under the influence of the context where we live. What is the Islamic view of this problem, and how can we over come it?

Dear scholars! Please, what are the etiquette pertaining to Du`a and its optimum time? Jazakum Allah Khairan

Is it permissible for those who live in Jeddah to leave the Farewell Tawaf and then return to Makkah and do it when it is less crowded?

Is it halal for a Muslim to work as a legal consultant or as a lawyer in a system that isn't ruled by the Shari'ah or have laws that contradict it?Being a Legal Consultant/Lawyer

Scholars of Islam, As-Salamu `alaykum. What is the Fatwa regarding wiping over the socks in wudu’? Please, explain how to do it. Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear Scholar, As-Salamu `alaykum. As you are aware, teenagers in Western countries usually leave their parents’ house at about the age of 18. In Islam, must children stay in the parents’ house or can they leave when they desire (assuming they do not have to travel to another place for work or study).

As-salamu `alaykum. If smoking is haram (forbidden), why do so many Muslims smoke? My cousin in Egypt never abstains from smoking, even during Ramadan. I know why it is haram to smoke around children and adults, but is it wrong to occasionally smoke a cigar or two, since it is not forbidden in the Qur’an and does not hinder judgment as alcohol and other drugs do?

Dear Scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum! I want to know some information about the ruh (human soul). What is the nature of the human soul?

As-salamu `alaykum. I would like to know the exact meaning of backbiting. More specifically, is it saying something wrong but true about a non-Muslim (that is, a public figure) without the person knowing? Is saying something wrong but true about a non-Muslim who is dead (for example, Abu Lahab and Abu Jahl) considered as backbiting? In what instances can one talk about someone else without the person knowing?

Scholars of Islam, As-Salamu `alaykum. Is clapping permitted in Islam? Can men clap hands in weddings?

As-Salamu `alaykum. I converted to Islam a year ago. I was married for many years and divorced before converting. During that marriage, my husband and I legally adopted a baby. By Canadian law, we have no information to identify the biological parents and the child was named by us. He is now 12 years old. He has known the story of his adoption since he was a toddler, and by law at 18 he can ask the government for information regarding his birth parents. Should I change his name now? What name should I use since we do not know his natural father’s name?

Dear scholars, recently a paper was circulated. One of my friends gave it to me and advised me to copy and distribute it so as to gain some reward. The paper includes a hadith speaking of a meeting between the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and Iblis. According to the hadith, the Prophet asked Iblis some questions and Iblis answered. What is the reality about this hadith? Is it fabricated or authentic? What is the responsibility of the person who disseminates this story among people?

As-Salamu `alaykum. Could you please tell me what is the ideal way to find a partner (wife), or how did the Prophet’s Companions find their wives?

As-Salam `alaykum. Is it permissible for Muslims to watch comet and meteoric showers in the sky? Is this allowed in Islam? Is it true that when people look at a comet and wish something their wish comes true no matter what?

I have been married for almost a year now. My husband had been living in America for the past few years and I joined him here after marriage. When I came here, I discovered that he is involved in a lot of un-Islamic practices like drinking and such. I, however, try my best to cope with all these, as he is a very nice person aside from all that. However, the major problem I face is in wearing hijab. He doesn’t like me wearing it because he says it embarrasses him to be seen with me anywhere he goes. He doesn’t take me when he is out with his friends and says we can’t do a lot of activities because of my scarf. I take all this, but it has now come to the point where he stops talking to me for days entirely because he is upset about my scarf. I know I can’t take it off and I don’t want to take it off, but what to do? I don’t know any solution for it. From what I have seen, my family and his will tell me to take it off for peace between me and him. This problem is making me miserable. Please help.

Dear scholars, as-Salamu `alaykum. What is the possible role of volunteers in the summer break? Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-Salamu `alaykum. I have a question. I am from Bangladesh currently studying in Canada. I pray five times a day and try to perform my obligations toward Islam.There is a certain tradition in our country which I doubt has any Islamic background. The tradition is to bow and touch the feet of an older person (it could be parents, older brother or sister, or any older relatives) with one’s hand and make salam.This usually takes place in special occasions like the `eids. Is such a tradition acceptable in the spirit of Islam? As far as I know, the early Muslim converts who migrated to Abyssinia during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) did not bow down in front of the king of Abyssinia. Would such an act be akin to shirk (associating others with Allah)?If my parents pressure me to commit such an act (for example by considering me to be without proper manners if I refuse), do I have the right to refrain from it and disobey my parents just on this matter?I would be very grateful if you could please explain to me the solution of my problem.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. After the repeated defeats that have befallen our nation, we want to know what is the right path to Allah’s victory. We have lost all confidence in the glittering and false promises our leaders give us. We want to know the right path to Allah’s victory so that we follow it. Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholar, As-Salaam `Alaykum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh. If a person is made aware that he has a terminal illness (i.e., cancer…etc), will any good deed that he/she does after this period count?

Is it allowed for a woman to have breast augmentation only to please her husband? This is purely for my husband's pleasure and wish.

I have heard that some people have the ability to photograph a fine “body” coming from the body of a sleeping person and that fine “body” remains in contact with the body of that person. I have also heard that those people can also photograph souls coming out from the body of the dead. They claim that they can do so with the help of sophisticated means of photography. What is the Islamic ruling regarding this?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. If I have my period, is it possible to read the Qur’an without touching the mushaf (book)? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Respected scholars of Islam, as-Salamu `alaykum! We heard the news of the U.S. general who called Allah an idol. Later on, he backtracked on his anti-Allah remarks. However, I want to know your comments on such attacks.

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. I tried to call a colleague of mine to belief in Allah and to Islam. He said that his main barrier to belief in the existence of God was that totally innocent children go through pain and suffering on earth, and that he could not understand why, if God existed, this could be allowed to happen. I gave it some thought, and came up with an answer, but would like your comments too before communicating with him again.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. My question is about buying a car or a house using a credit card or mortgage as I am living in the USA? Jazakum Allah khayran.

It is known that Tarawih Prayers were started by `Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). Then why do people quote hadiths in favor of Tarawih Prayers in congregation and call it a Sunnah?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. We saw that a mosque was destroyed by the US occupation forces in Iraq. Is it permissible for non-Muslim invaders to destroy mosques durin g war? And is it permissible for Muslims to destroy churches and other non-Muslim places of worship? May Allah reward you!

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Is Paradise physical, or is it just a spiritual existence? Jazakum Allah khayran.

1. If I have stocks and I have to pay Zakah on them, and I do not have cash available, what should I do? Should I sell some of my stocks at a loss, if the market is down, or wait until the market recovers? Or should I wait until I get the dividend from my stocks and pay the Zakah? Or what should be the procedure?2. If I have a land, should I pay Zakah or must the land have a building on it in order for me to have to pay Zakah on it? And if I do not have the cash for that, what do I have to do?

Respected scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum! What should a woman who converted to Islam and has no Muslim relatives do with regards to having a wali when she marries? Jazakum Allah khayran!

Is it lawful to divorce my wife because she is my cousin, both on the paternal and maternal sides, to save the offspring from any potential contagious diseases?

Dear scholars! As-Salamu Alaykum! If the time of Prayer is due and I have wudu' but I am in my car or in the train, can I offer my Prayer? Please enlighten me on this issue! Jazakum Allah Khairan!

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Why doesn't Allah answer our du`a's (supplications)? Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-Salamu `Alaykum. Dear Sir, I received the last answer to my question and was quite impressed. Thank you for providing such good information. Now, I will dare to ask another question. I know that without faith, knowledge is useless. I know that knowledge of the word of God that greatly proves and justifies one's faith and provides a firm foundation for worship. I have deeply desired to read the Islamic Toret, simply because I believe that it is the foundation for all other books. Yet, I do not know if I am qualified to see it or not.I have studied the Christian Torah for about 10 years. Therefore, I would find it a great honor to read this book. Please forgive my silliness and understand my desire to know more. I appreciate your help. Allah Hafiz.