ethics

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. On Wednesday morning, March 3, 2008, a group of prominent rabbis issued an unprecedented fatwa allowing the Israeli occupation army to bombard the Palestinian civil gatherings. The fatwa also called upon this army to annihilate and burn the Palestinian civilians. Is this reasonable? And what is the Islamic attitude toward killing civilians? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

Could you please shed light on the business ethics in Islam? Your detailed response will be very much appreciated.

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Nowadays many people issue fatwas and claim they are Muftis. Would you please mention some rules and ethics of a mufti that one can resort to for counseling? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

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.

Dear scholars, As-Salaam `Alaykum. There are nowadays some people who claim knowledge and attack great scholars, brandishing them as a bunch of hypocrites who issue Fatwas just to please the rulers. What do you think of this slanderous remarks? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, could you please furnish me with a fatwa regarding those Muslim callers who indulge themselves in certain secondary matters of Shari`ah, although they are in the dark about the ethical codes of difference in Islam? Your earliest response will be very much appreciated. Jazakum Allahu Khairan, Fahmy.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Could you please shed light on the nature of Shari`ah and to what extent it differs from man-made law? Also, what are our responsibilities towards Allah’s laws? Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-salamu `alaykum. I would like that you clarify for me the Islam’s stance on staging demonstrations that are usually done to face oppression and to support oppressed Muslims. It will be very much appreciated if you mentioned the Islamic guidelines of staging such demonstrations. Jazakum Allah Khayran.

I would like to ask to what extent is it lawful for medicine-marketing companies to systematically visit doctors to inform them about their recent products? These drug companies do this so that doctors may prescribe drugs to patients in return for presents as incentives.It is to be kept in mind that salespersons are required to make a certain amount of sales. The problem stems from the fact that other drugs exist which are of the same class but different in price, either cheaper or more expensive, and doctors can prescribe them for patients. Moreover, many doctors say that if they prescribe the drugs from these marketing companies, they want something as an incentive, either in kind or cash. Such doctors believe they are doing nothing wrong, as the patients are in need of certain drugs, and since there are various alternatives available, doctors can prescribe the medicine from the company that gives them incentives. What is your point of view regarding the stance of these doctors? What is the ruling on doctors receiving presents from salespersons so that they prescribe the medicine from their company? And what is the ruling on doctors accepting these presents?

Dear scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. Is it wrong to sit or sleep with your feet facing the east or facing the Ka`bah? Thanks in advance.

Respected scholars of Islam, As-Salamu `alaykum. What is the ruling of selling things inside the mosque?

Scholars of Islam, as-salamu `alaykum. Some people spread rumors or news without verifying the information, which mostly leads to confusion, disorder, misunderstanding, etc.What is your advice to these people?

Scholars of Islam, As-Salamu `Alaykum wa Rahamtu Allah wa Barakatuh. Is there a copyright law in Islam? Some people say that knowledge is a common property and it cannot be restricted. They use the Hadith of the Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him, that "Wisdom is the lost property of a believer, it is his, wherever he may find it." What do you think of making copies of computer software?

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Nowadays, electronic devices and cell phones have become widespread, and it is possible to store audio recordings of the Qur’an on them. What is the ruling on taking such devices into bathrooms? ? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. What is my status if I sever ties of kinship with my in-law who is not good to me? Does this affect my fasting in Ramadan? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, as-Salamu `alaykum! I am a female Muslim physician attending ultrasound course, which involves mixing together with other males. Is it Islamically permissible to attend such classes, bearing in mind that such lesson involves sensitive issues like the male organ and reproductive system? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Preserving honor is one of the objectives of Shari`ah (Islamic Law), yet how can this be achieved nowadays, when temptations prevail and truth and falsehood are indistinguishable? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, Being a Muslim who believes in Allah's Decree and Will, can I use phrases like, “by luck” or “by coincidence” or “by chance” to describe a certain action or event, such as saying "I met him by chance." Or "this happened by coincidence"? What does Islam say about this?