Faith

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. I have a very big problem, as I experience levels of high faith sometimes, al-hamdulillah, but it seems to me that at other times I do not have such high faith, so I slacken in my worship and I also sin. What can I do to stay in a high state of faith all the time and not slacken and sin? Jazakum Allahu Khayran.

Subject: Islam and the Baha'i FaithI am a Muslim living in the United States who has always been open-minded to new ideas, and these ideas always reaffirmed my strength in my belief in Islam. However, this year, I agreed to do a Ruhi Introduction Course (an Introduction to the Baha'i Faith course) because I had a friend who is a Baha'i and she approached me about it. I approached this situation as if it were any other faith, expecting that this experience would strengthen my Iman.However, several things happened during the course of Ruhi Intro. In addition to developing romantic feelings for my friend, I also began to read more intensely about the Baha'i faith and am now confused about what to do. I know that I love Allah (SWT) and I love my Islam and my belief in it is unwavering, but there are tenants of the Baha'i faith that make practical sense for this day and age.I am here to ask a few questions concerning my situation:1.    Was my agreeing to go through the Ruhi Introduction Course halal in accordance to Islamic Law?2.    I have made it a point to make sure that my actions concerning my friend do not end up being haram in accordance to Islamic Law. Given that I have romantic feelings for my friend and my dire confusion concerning my situation, what is the best course of action to take?3.    I have separated my feelings for my friend from my confusion about what to do. The feelings when I hear the words of Baha'u'llah and when I hear the words of the Quran recited are one and the same. Is this halal in accordance to Islamic Law?4.    I am in dire need of advice from an Islamic Source as to what to do. Any feedback about my situation would be much appreciated.

As-salamu `alaykum.how can a Muslim remain optimistic in times of trial and affliction? Is it true that whatever befalls a Muslim is for his or her own good?how can we learn not to despair?thank you.

Dear respected Sheikh! Latel y we have heard that some scientists are able to generate rain by the use of chemicals (to seed the clouds). Does this violate the power of Allah, Who said: “He sendeth down the rain.” (Luqman: 34)

We hear that `aqeedah (creed or the study of it) is one of the most difficult sciences to study because of its many branches that need a lot of accurate research. How much knowledge of `aqeedah is the average Muslim required to attain?

What is meant by a believer's insight referred to in the hadith in which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Beware of a believer’s insight, for he is guided by a divine light.”? Is that kind of insight available to all? What are the steps that a Muslim can take to acquire that divine faculty?

Can you give me advice to strengthen me in these last days of Ramadan? Tell me about the importance of taqwa and iman.

Dear scholar, As-Salmau `Alaykum wa Rahamtu Allah wa Barakatuh. Recently, some Muslim doctors reviewed the issue of immunization against a likely future attack of a specified disease(s) in a public lecture. They argue that it is unacceptable for a Muslim to immunize himself/herself against a disease that is believed will occur in future. This include immunization of babies against childhood diseases such as Polio, Measles, etc. They claim that doing so contravenes the principle of `Ilm-l-Ghayb (Knowledge of the Unseen). What are your comments on this?

As-Salamu `alaykum. I would like to know what is the fatwa on the Prophet Muhammad's (peace and blessings be upon him) death? Is he dead like other dead people? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Scholars of Islam, as-Salamu `alaykum. Please shed light on how a believer can maintain his faith and trust in Allah. Also, are there different levels of trust in Allah?

Dear Sheikh, As-Salamu `alaykum. God mentioned that everything we do, happens or doesn’t happen He knows about it and it was supposed to happen or not happen. But He also gave us free will to do what we want to do and asked us to work hard. So how can we combine all these together? For example, when I choose a lady for marriage is that Destiny or is that based on my decision. Some scholars say its destiny that brought us together others say it was your choice. Or if I decide to travel abroad for education or work is that destiny or my own free will. Some people claim that everything is destiny disregarding the fact that human beings make choices that gets them where they are. I just get confused really because what is the point of working hard if our destiny is already written and controls us. Jazakum Allah khayran.

Assalamu Alaykum, My father passed away 3 years this November, it was a very sudden death and i was away!! i only seen him before the janaza prayers. Subhana'allah, I?m finding it hard to let go, i understand that we are all going to die! I?m in state of denial, i block it out, and make believe he is still alive and on holiday. Some times it just hits me whether I?m at home, work, walking down the street. When that happens I cant stop crying, i haven?t been to his grave because I don?t think I can handle it.Alhamadulilah I give sadaqa jariya on his behalf every month, and when I do good deeds I always ask Allah swt to give him some of my reward.Islamicly is it ok for me to block out my fathers death??  How does one cope with the death of a loved one??? is there a dua for parents in this situation?You would think since my father?s death I would be more religious, but I haven?t, subhana?allah I?ve stop praying, the fear of Allah swt has gone. I feel numb. What can I do to strengthen my iman????Jazaka?allah khair

Dear Sheikh! Is it the real characteristic of a Muslim youth to be weak and always dispirited? Does the concept of faith in Islam mean weakness and loss of spirit?

assalam alaykum, Dear Ssheikh, I have two questions: (a)who is a muslim. (b)a non praying muslim is a kufar, does he need to make another shahada if he is to start praying and doing good deed again.