Good morals

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Does Islam permit a husband to shave his wife's pubic hair and vice versa? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Is it a sin if one does not feel comfortable with a particular person? If I do not like someone then my heart does not feel comfortable with him, and so I do not talk to him a great deal or stay for long when he is around. Does acting like this make me sinful?

As-salam `alaykum dear sheikh! Could you please enlighten me on the ruling of cheating in examinations? Is it permissible to cheat in examination so as to succeed? I have not studied well and I am in need of this. Also, what about a person who cheats in the exams and gets a job due to a certificate that he gains by means of cheating?

Dear scholar, As-Salamu `alaykum. Is it OK for me as a Muslim living in the West to participate in volunteer projects with non-Muslims? Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-Salamu `alaykum! I had an un-Islamic relationship with a Muslim woman, but we did not cross the limit (i.e., intercourse). Our intention was to marry. The woman was already married, but wanted to leave her husband, but now she is compelled to live with him. However, she is not happy with him, and still wants to marry me. I want to rectify this sin, which I have committed with getting so close to her. What should I do according to Islam?

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. What are the Etiquettes that should be observed by pilgrims while drinking Zamzam water? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Almighty Allah says: (Allah loveth not the utterance of harsh speech save by one who hath been wronged. Allah is Ever Nearer, Knower) (An-Nisa’ 4:148). Would you explain the meaning of this verse, especially that we differ on the meaning of “harsh speech” and its permissible limits. May Allah reward you!

Dear Sheikh! As-Salaam `Alaykum. What does Islam say on sleeping on one’s belly especially as this may stir sexual desire?

A friend of mine asked me what does Islam say on the protocol of hospitality as well as the rules that guide Muslims when visiting people. I think I got his point. Actually, he is referring to non-Islamic attitude of people nowadays when visiting each other. They have turned their visits into a nuisance.

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Is it permitted to publish magazines that show women in an immoral way, as well as magazines that publish the news of actors and actresses? Also, is it permissible to work for such magazines to distribute them? Are we allowed to buy them? 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, As-Salamu `alaykum. What is the teaching of Islam concerning breaking with or forsaking a friend for more than one month? Is it permitted to desert a friend for so long? And what if the desertion was due to this friend’s committing a sinful act? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Could you clarify the advice of Luqman the Wise to his son in the light of the Qur’an? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I think that I have been guilty of feeling pride (kibr) for a long time, but, thanks to Allah, one of my friends pointed it out to me. I've repented to Almighty Allah, but I keep on falling into it time and again. Is there a du`a’ (supplication) that I can say in order to keep away from pride? Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-Salamu `alaykum. I have a question about shaving hair below navel. I do not know how far down to go. Should the hair from the scrotum also be removed? Please shed some light on this. And what about women? Are they also supposed to shave their hair?

What are some of the things you advise the youth, especially at universities, to do in order to avoid fitnah (temptation)? It is undoubtedly getting harder as summer arrives.

As-Salamu `alaykum. I refuse to shake hands with men who are non-maharem, but the problem is that most of the time people are not aware of this fact and believe that shaking hands is normal. So, when a man wants to shake hands with me, I refuse and my family say that my refusal makes these men ill at ease, and, therefore, I should not refuse because it is not polite. I disagree with them because what matters is to obey Allah and not human beings. So, what should I do? Most of the time I avoid being in the same place with non-mahrem men not to face this problem. Should I shake hands and then explain my reasons or should I not shake hands and then explain?

Respected scholars of islam, as-Salamu `alaykum! What is the definition of enjoyment and when can we laugh? Is it restricted?

Dear scholars, As-Salaam `Alaykum. I have a maid who is really clever, but she reveals our secrets to our neighbors and also to her own family. Would it be Haram to dismiss her? Jazakum Allah khayran.

I am a Muslim mother. Is it permissible for me to wear short pants (i.e. above the knee) in front of my 4-year-old son? Your earliest response will be very much appreciated. Jazakum Allahu Khayran!

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Is it true that the Shaytan excretes on a woman's head if she leaves her home without her head scarf? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. What are the limits of a woman’s physical attractions that can be exposed to children? Sometimes I visit a friend and her children are around, going in and out. How should I dress in front of them? How much do I have to cover? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Is it halal for Muslim men to make corn rows? Corn rows are hair braided into rows and then pulled back. Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. What is wrong with swearing [using vulgar language]? I find it enjoyable. It relieves stress, and helps me express my feelings even if I don't say it to someone directly or face-to-face. Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-Salamu `Alaykum. Are there different levels of satr (covering parts of the body) for women: i.e., for a Muslim woman in the presence of another Muslim woman, for a Muslim woman in presence of a non-Muslim woman, and so on. If so, what are they?

Assalamu Alaykum,My father and his sister have broken ties with each other a long time ago and things got even worse lately. Several times in the recent years, I've visited my aunt because I felt that it is "silat rahm" and that it would please Allah if I do so, even if it's behind my father's back. I was well received by my aunt, her husband, and her children. Have I done the right thing? I kind of feel that I let my parents down, partly because my aunt's children don't maintain any relationship with my parents, and that my parents feel very offended by my aunt's family. I say to myself Allah knows, may be there is good in what I did that I don't see.Thanks for you time and advice.