fiqh

Dear scholars, As-Salaam `Alaykum! Regarding shortening and combining prayers: a) What is correct number of days that shortening of the prayers is applicable while traveling? b) What is the most accurate way to count the number of days that a person is on journey? c) Some say that while traveling and shortening prayer it is OK to combine Zuhr/`Asr and Maghrib/ `Isha. Others say that the prayers must all be done at their appropriate times. Also, some of those who advocate the combining of prayers say it is ok to combine Zuhr with `Asr and perform them both at `Asr time and perform Maghrib and `Isha at the `Isha time. Is this correct? Jazakum Allah khayran

As-salaam-u-Alikum. Q. What should one do if he has two more opposite opinions regarding an issue. Should he follow any one of the opinions or should he find an intermediate path and follow it? For example, The issue of reciting Surah Fateha behind Iman during congregational prayer is controversial. Some scholars say that it is compulsary for the follower to recite Surah Fateha behind Imam; otherwise the Salah will be void. That's one opinion. Some says that one should remain quiet behind the Imam. That's second opinion. So we may say that the Salah or Rakahs in which Iman DOES NOT recite loudly, one can recite Surah Fateha. But if Imam is RECITING LOUDLY, he should listen the Imam and should not recite himself. It is the intermediate opinion. ALLAH bless you. I hope that you would have understand my question. Jazakallaah.

As-salamu `alaykum. Is it compulsory to marry before one performs Hajj? My mother had begun to search for suitable brides, but I told her that I want to perform Hajj before I marry. I want to make myself as pure as possible before I engage myself to another person for the rest of our lives, in sha’ Allah. I have committed sins of which I am ashamed and hope that Allah the Almighty will forgive all my sins and make me a worthy and pure husband and Muslim, as well as a commendable part of this Ummah, in sha’ Allah.

As-Salamu `alaykum. When does one stop eating during suhur (pre-dawn meal)? When does one start eating after fasting? During suhur, if one hears the Adhan but still has a piece of food in his hand, is he allowed to finish it? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, as-salamu ?alaykum! Is there some difference between the concepts of Fiqh and Shari?ah? Or are these two concepts full synonyms?Jazakum Allahu Khayran.timur Kozyrev, Taraz (Kazakhstan)

Assalamo Alykum dear Scholar; Is it mandatory to follow just one school of thought or one can pick and follow the easiest ways from all four schools,as the Prophet(SAW)used to do the easier between the two halal JAK

Dear Scholar, assalam alykum warahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. I've recently read an article about Taqleed and in that article a verse from the Holy Qoran was referred to provide evidence to say that it?s co mpulsory for a Muslim to do taqleed. The ayat quoted was: "And, ask the People of Knowledge if you do not know." By quoting this verse, the author derived the conclusion that denial of this principle of Taqleed is, therefore, an act of kufr which expels the denier from the fold of Islam. Now my question is, what?s a status of a person who believes in One True Allah and His messenger, His Holy Books, in Destiny, and Day of Judgment etc and thus fulfills all the basic requirements to be a Muslim but on the other hand, denies this principle of Taqleed and doesn?t wish to follow any Imam and argues that the Qoran and Sunnah is enough for him? Does he still belong to the fold of Islam or does he comes out of it? If you answer that he comes out of this, then will it not contradict another verse of Qoran which says that if any individual has even minimalist faith in the Islamic monotheism then it?s enough for him to enter Jannah? Please clarify. Also I?d like to ask why the Ahl e Sunnah Wal Jamaah restrict Taqleed upto 4 Imaams only? Jazakallahu khair

As-Salamu `alaykum. What should one do if one has learned a hadith, which is not normally practiced by his own school of Fiqh, taking into consideration that:a- the same hadith is put into practice by other schools of Fiqh,b- the hadith is an authentic one, being reported in the authentic books of al-Bukhari and Muslim,c- by putting such a hadith into practice, one will face resentment from fellow followers of the same school of Fiqh,d- I am just a lay Muslim, so I do not follow the instruction of this hadith just because scholars of my school of Fiqh do not follow it although they do not disagree with it.What is the status of a lay Muslim in the Allah’s Sight? For example, some people lift their hands up while praying and some don’t, whereas in Bukhari & Muslim’s authentic books one has to do so. Also, may one change his own school of Fiqh partially/completely or should one continue to follow the same school? What would be the criteria for changing or not changing one's regular school of Fiqh? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Every now and then we hear some voices calling for the revival of Islamic jurisprudence, taking a leap forward to modernization, and dropping the opinions stated by the jurists and commentators of the past. What does Islam say about that ? And what are the guiding rules when handling such a delicate issue?

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.

There is a scholarly difference nowadays as to fiqh al-aqalliyyat or the fiqh of Muslim minorities. Some scholars regard it as an innovation that manipulates Allah’s religion, and some others consider it a lawful necessity. What is your point of view on that issue with special reference to the concept of fiqh al-aqalliyyat itself? What is the nature of the scholarly difference in that regard?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I understand that there are different schools of Fiqh: Hanafi, Shafi`i, Malaki, etc. What are the key differences between these schools of thought? Where can I find out more information about each of them? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Scholars of Islam, As-Salamu `alaykum. How and why did the four madhahib (Schools of Fiqh) — the Hanafi, Shafi`i, Maliki and Hanbali — emerge and evolve? Why do Muslims follow one school in one country and another school in another country? What is the reason behind this lack of uniformity?

assalamu alaykum wa rahmat Allah wa barakatuhmay Allah azza wa jal bless all of you and may He accept your help and efforts towards our Ummah, ameen ya rab. My question is : Due to pregnancy and breastfeeding times, i have not fasted many days in the last years in ramadan... but unfortunately i dont know the exactly number of the days i missed. What am i supposed to do ? and is this true that as long i havent fasted for the days i missed, my fasting for the current ramadan won't be accepted ? jazak Allahu khayran

As-Salamu `Alaykum. Nowadays, there is much controversy concerning legal penalties and the application of the Islamic Shari`ah (Law) especially in Muslim countries that have just started implementing it. My question: Is applying legal penalties the main goal of the message of Islam? Should these fixed penalties be applied in a society that is still immature for such legal system? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Respected sheikh, are there any bad consequences on Hajj if a pilgrim has sexual intercourse with his wife? Please, explain in details.

Islam, as a Divine religion, realizes the needs of people in order to set their lives in order, and lays down regulations and rules that give workable solutions to all problems. Every Muslim who reaches the level of understanding the arguments of legal deduction and jurisprudence is encouraged to investigate the works of the great

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum! It seems that today the scholars are practicing maslaha on issues that they think benefit the Ummah. From the seerah (biography) of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) it is obvious to see that such practice never took place where there was a clear hukm regarding the situation, or if a ruling can be extracted with qiyas. Now as Muslims, we don't live in this life for our benefit, be it on individual basis or the Ummah as a whole. We live strictly to gain the pleasure of Allah only. Now the question is what do these scholars base their decision or fatwa on? Is this valid? If it is so what is the daleel (evidence) for it from the Qur'an and Sunnah? Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-Salamu `Alaykum. What is the exact meaning of Makruh? What are the consequences of doing something that is Makruh?

am going for `Umrah, in sha’ Allah. I will be in Makkah for four days and will make `Umrah on the first day. So can I perform another three `Umrahs on the rest of the three days?

When should the pilgrims return from Mina?

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. What are the duties of Muslims in the last third of Ramadan?

I have an occasional flatulence problem.  My problem is worse during fajar and alright for some prayers.  There have been times when I have to repeat my wudu 3 or 4 or even more times for the same namaz.  There are times when I can complete the whole namaz.  I was lucky enough to go for hajj alhamdullilah this year with my husband and my problem got worse, I do sometimes imagine that my wudu has broken so will repeat it just to ensure that I have wudu.  I think I MAY have broken wind during tawaf e ziayara but was not sure so repeated the tawaf with fresh wudu, however I THINK the same happened again I am not sure if it just my clothes rubbing against me, I just don?t know, and feel really distraught about the whole thing, I keep thinking whether I had wudu or not. I don?t even know whether my hajj was ok or whether I need to do it again or what??!! I also have piles (haemorrhoids) which got worse during hajj.  It may have been that rubbing against my skin.  I always doubt whether I have my wudu. As for the tawaf I know that if I was sure that I had broken wind then I would definitely had repeated my wudu but I wasn?t sure. At times when I do break wind I definitely know, but my problem is worse whilst praying namaz. I think I may have just let something tiny out without being knowing or being sure. I just keep concentrating on whether something is coming out instead of the prayer.  I would never go to the holy mosque in the morning I prayed in my hotel room because of my problem so that I was able to repeat my wudu if needed.  I feel really depressed and embarrassed about the whole situation please reply soon.  Was my tawaf and hajj ok??  Please tell what I should do.  Do I have to go for hajj again?? Please reply as soon as possible and pray for me Jazakalla khair.  May allah create more people like you who are dedicated to guiding others

As-salamu `alaykum. Many people from Nigeria and West Africa miss entering the state of ihram at the designated miqat because we are on board the plane and eventually enter it from Jeddah. What is the implication of this? Is it okay or do I have to pay expiation?

Dear Imam, as-salamu `alaykum. I just returned from Hajj with an organizer who did not fulfill his duties as he neglected his Hajj group from the moment the money was paid. We were on our own to make Hajj intention and ihram at the miqat on our own. Some of us doubted whether we did it correctly. We had no guidance at all during our Hajj except from Allah the Almighty. We were told to be ready to departure at least 12 hours before the bus arrives. Therefore, we all had to do Tawaf Al-Wada` the night before. As the bus was delayed, some of us went shopping at the hotel to buy food and other last minute gifts. I read somewhere that once the last Tawaf is done you may not buy any gifts or anything of the sort. Did those of us who went shopping violate the rules of Hajj? If so, what can we do to correct that? Also, if we have to make a sacrifice, can we do it at the mosque in theUSA, or is it better send the money for it to be done to feed the poor back home? Jazaka Allahu khayran.

Respected Sheikh, as-salamu `alaykum. I intended to perform Hajj this year and I prepared myself to perform this obligation. It took nearly all the money I had and I asked Allah the Almighty in every prayer that I would be able to do this act of worship. Unfortunately, I was not able to because in my country only a limited amount of visas are given; by the way, I am still a student. My question is: Will Allah the Almighty grant me the reward of the Hajj, including standing at `Arafat and forgiveness for all my sins and mistakes and will this count as Hajj if I died before actually performing it? Thanks!

Salam Alaikum, I have a question regarding the dyeing of hair with newer products used now days such as Loreal, which you can get from Walmart. I am not referring to Henna, as the Prophet (Peace be Upon him) used to use. My Question is, is it acceptable in Islam through Islamic rulings and Shariah to dye your hair, and will your Wudu be acceptable if you have dye in your hair? I would like to get an answer from Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qardawi, if possible, please, if not then any scholar may answer.Thank you very much, Wasalam

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. What is role of Muslim woman toward her parents in-law? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. When a husband hits his wife, what can she do to protect herself and her children, who have to witness this? What does Islam say about this? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. What's Islam's stance on insurance? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

As-salamu `alaykum. Is It possible for a woman to pierce her tongue? Jazakum Allahu Khayran.

Assalamalaykum wa rahmatullahi wabarakatuh, Can a married woman take contraception without her husband's knowledge to prevent pregnancy which may potentially put her mental and emotional and psychological wellbeing at risk by going through another pregnancy?

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. I come home thirsty and I drink a cup of water in one breath. Is this permissible? jazaka Allahu khayran

IS ANIMAL GELATINE, EXCLUDING PORK OFCOURSE, HALAL?

Asalamu 3alaikom, i read your fatwa regarding owning a dog and iunderstand perfectly but to be honest, i've been dreaming about owning a dog for a lot of reasons like protection and help but the main reason is because i really love this animal. is it haram to own them even if i took care of their hygiene? if not, is it Haram too to play with them if i dont own them? Jazakum Allaho Khayran

After having sex with my husband, I always take a bath and wash my hair before performing salat. I would like to know if it is permissible for me to wear a shower cap and not wash my hair. Would I still be able to perform my prayers?

can muslim girls do  healthy friendly chatting with boys through internet?

Al Salam aalaykom we Rahmat Allah we Barakatoh. I have a question and I wonder if you can answer me. I?m a 21 year-old girl and I am breastless ( exactly like a man). This is very embarrassing to me, I thought of not getting married ever. Is it ?haram? if I have a breast enlargement surgery in order to have a normal life like any other girl. Thank you.

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum.I traveled to my home country and returned after two years. When I arrived home my wife was having her menstrual period but I could not control myself and had intercourse with her. Is it a sin and do I have to make any expiation?Jazakum Allahu Khayran.

if a wife wants to do cosmetic breast surgery either to making small breast big or making big breast smaller is this allowed in islam as this only done for cosmetic reason , and if it is allowed and the husband does not agree can she do it her self to make her body beatiful for her self

Droplets:::::;Sometimes during or after performing Wudu I feel that unintentionally some urine droplets are being released. And sometimes even during the prayer I feel that.In this case please guide me what is the status of my prayers in the light of Quran and Sunnah?

As per Islam custody of kids goes to Male or Female? My sister husband has married another christain lady before marrying my sister without informing us.My sisters has 2 kids.After 7 years of their married life, it came to know that he is already married n also has kids with another wife. Both husband n wife always fights with each other with this issue and husband always compare my sister with another women, which hurts her very much ..She is suffering with bad health after she came to know that her husband is already married.Also husband cannot justice both the wifes equally, If my sisters wants to take divorce , the custody of kids goes to her husband or my sister???Her husband always blackmail her saying that as per islam custody of kids goes to male?

Whether sucking of a man's organ by his wife is right or not? 

Assalam alaikum. May Allah bless you for this wonderful site, Ameen!While Islamic Banking is a vast topic, could you please explain Islamic rulings on PLS (profit and loss saving) accounts. Also many governments of Islamic countries around the world have what's in place called the national savings schemes for people/institutions belonging to various categories like widows, senior citizens, special citizens, educational and health institutions etc for their financial assistance. The modus operandi of such schemes is that saving certificates are available in various denominations on which pre-determined profit rates are given. It is apparently preached that the money thus obtained is not interest but the profit that the government shares with the investors after investing in government projects;however, many scholars do term it as interest as the profit rates are alread y fixed. I am confused, please explain the intricacies.Thanks

Salaam,I am having a problem and hope that you can help guide me with what I should do.I am a 25 year old man and I am in love with a woman who is 8 years older than me.We both have been wanting to get married for the last 3 years but my parents are completely against the idea of me marrying an older woman, despite what islam allows as for them this does not comply with their view of an ideal marriage.Their reason for not allowing me to marry the woman I love is their fear that later in life we may not be happy. For example we may not be able to have many children, she will age a lot faster than me, the intimate life between a man and woman may not be possible for us for very long and ultimately we may end up either divorcing or me going off with an other woman(second marriage). I have tried to convince my parents that inshallah everything will be fine so long as we have an understanding between us. But they think we are fooling ourselves.After marriage i intend to continue living with my family but my parents (who are not as healthy as they once were) will not permit me to live with them if i go against their will and marry my girlfriend.Whenever I bring this topic up, my parents start to feel unwell.I am struggling with what to do. Should i go against my parents or leave my girlfriend? In terms of Islam, what do i do?Thank you.

Asalam alaykum. Praise be to Allah for making it possible for me to get this opportunity to ask you. I do not know Arabic, but i have managed to learn most of the Juz Ammah ie surah Naba till Surah Nas, even memorized some, but i am at a disadvantage with the rest of the Quran.i can try to recite but i sound so bad and iam scared of pronouncing the words the wrong way, even joinig the words is hard.Is listening to cassette or CD recitation or reading the translation okay because i want to finish the Quran in Ramadhan. will i be getting any rewards or lesser rewards? Advise me on all this please.

Dear respected sheikhs, as-salamu `alaykum.Most entertaining games in jails are playing cards, dominoes, chess, and others. So, how far is it permissible for a Muslim to participate in these games? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Respected scholars, as-salamu`alaykum. I am about to get married. Must I have a medical checkup? What does Islam say about this issue? Jazakum Allahu Khayran .