Islamic Ethics

Dear scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. Muslims know that they should answer whoever sneezes in their presence by beseeching Almighty Allah to have mercy upon him. Is this a right for anyone who sneezes in one’s presence, or are there cases when one is not required to pray for a sneezer? Jazakum Allah khayran.

In Western countries now there is a lot of abuse hurled at Muslims. How should we react to verbal abuse? Should we ignore them, fight back, or take legal action and so on? Thanks.

Is there any Islamic ruling regarding making fun of Islam and Muslims if it is done by a Muslim?

As-Salamu `Alaykum wa Rahmatu Allah wa Barakatuh. Islam is a religion of peace. We greet our brothers and sisters by wishing peace for them. Must Muslims accept violence? Can Muslims be strictly non-violent? Too often the media in the West presents the image of Muslims as violent, but I know this is not correct. I’m a Muslim, but insha'Allah, I will never kill anyone, or even hurt them intentionally. When I watch the genocide in Chechnya or Bosnia, or the tragedy which unfolds in Palestine, it makes me very angry and very sad. I pray that Allah will allow peace to prevail among humanity, between the Muslims and the non-Muslims alike. I like to think that I and other Muslims can be a force for peace rather than for violence. Am I wrong? Thank you for your help. This is really troubling me, and any advice you can provide would be much appreciated. Jazakum Allah khayran. Wa Salamu `Alaykum wa Rahmatu Allah wa Barakatuh.

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. What are the rules that govern relations between Muslims and non-Muslims? What are the codes of manners that should be observed here?

I hope you scholars will help me get rid of these confusions I have been having since the Sept 11 incident, especially as regards some Qur’anic verses. These verses totally contradict what Muslims say that their religion calls for peace and denounces violence. Mind you, though not a Muslim, but I don’t hate Muslims. I just need shedding light on some issues. How would you interpret a verse like this (And slay them wherever ye catch them…)? (Al-Baqarah 2: 191) and (…But if they turn away, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks) (An-Nisaa' 4: 89) I will really appreciate your quick reply.

Dear scholars, As-Salaam `Alaykum. What is the punishment for manslaughter in Islam? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Nowadays, Muslims are badly divided; the irony is that they all claim to be united, which is not so. Would you please comment on this?

As-Salamu `Alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. I would like to know what the Islamic viewpoint regarding pollution is (whatever kind of pollution)? If it is possible, please insert some Ayahs or Hadiths related to the issue. I am gathering the information for the purpose of study. Thank you and jazakallahu khairan kathira.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I usually wear a tie every weekday during my office time. Recently when I went to our official mosque, one of my senior colleagues strongly objected that being a Muslim, I must not wear any tie on my shirt while praying! That has made me very upset. Anyway, could you please kindly advise whether wearing a tie in Islam is prohibited or not? I will appreciate your kind assistance and reply in light of the Qur’an and Hadith in this regards. Many thanks.

What is the importance and significance of saying "in sha' Allah"?Can one say it before or after the act? Also, can it be uttered in a low voice or it is better to utter it in a loud voice?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Is it permissible to socially converse with friends about sexual matters? What is one supposed to do when the topic comes up among friends? Listen, joke around with them, or walk away? 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.

We often hear about the tolerance of Islam and its concern for the rights of others, but what happened in Texas was so odd. What is your viewpoint in this regard?

Assalamou alaikoum dear scholars. I would like to ask your advice on which decision is the most appropriate according to Islam. I am a Canadian convert. I left my small hometown to live in Toronto after converting to Islam because it was to difficult for me to live in my small hometown where the muslim community is small and because things were difficult with my parents. Living in the metropolis has helped me a lot because I have access to lots of teaching, I made lots of friends convert and born-muslim, and I feel free to practice my religion. Now my parents are getting older and they are starting to need help and I feel guilty that I cannot always help them, so I wonder if I should go back to live in their small town. My non-muslim brother lives close to my parents, but he is not always reliable to help them. This decision brings me anxiety. Going back would allow me to help more my parents, but living in my hometown would bring me pain from memories of before Islam, would bring me pressure from my family who wish I would leave Islam and do not want people to know I converted, I am afraid I will compromise in my religion because of my parents' pressure (like I would not wear hijab), I would be more isolated without the muslim support I have in Toronto and it is not likely I will be able to get married because the muslim community is so small, and I am afraid I would become depressed. If I stay in Toronto, I can start looking to get married to have support and start a family, I have more support from the community, I can practice my religion more freely, I feel no anxiety. In summary, I am unsure what is better in the eyes of Allah: going back to help more my parents, or stay in Toronto and get married, secure my religion and visit my parents to help them once in a while. JazakAllah Kheiran.

As salaam alikum Brother, I am wife of a man who is depressed and in great pain due to humiliation by our own muslim brother. My husband work in a company which belongs to his friend since 30 years. Previously he was working in a school where he was treated in the same way for 8 long years and he left that job and came to work with his friend who offered him a place after great request. Now he too behaves in the same manner and worst that the people at school. He knows everything in detail how my husband faced for 8 years and inspite of being kind to him he humiliates,degrades,holds responsible for things he does nt do, makes fun of him front of others as if he is joking, he does all sorts of things on daily basis. Even though he know that my husband is more knowlegable than  his own brother and brother in law whom he is keeping as managers over him. They go and come as they like in the office but my husband is dealt very strictly with his time in office and the number of hours he works. He leave everyone in the office and hold my husband responsible for every short coming even if he knows very well that some other person is responsible for this.he does all this because he knows very well that we are helpless people and its very difficult to get any other job due to my husband's age which is 54. He even told once if you are not happy you can search another job even though he knows that our children are studying in college and how much we need this job.as for him he is very well established, with lots of money, house comfort etc but illtreats my husband who is his friend for 30 years.the sad thing is both are arabs and we are living in an arab country, but i havent seen any of the other communities behaving with their own people in this way.there is not a single day where we are not hurt and depressed from this man's behaviour towards my husband. There are daily tears in my eyes from the pain he is giving us. My husband comes home most of the days of the week if not all, depressed, fedup does nt know what to do. He is suffering from high BP also. Sometimes my husband tells me that he feels as if the blood has stopped circulating in his veins from that person's words to him and insult. This puts me in great sorrow. We both have patient as its precribed in our beautiful religion but i am worried of my husband's health also as i know he is very much hurt from inside which has even effected his physical life as a man.  Having explained the situation i would like to know where this muslim friend of his with such a behaviour stand in front of ALMIGHTY ALLAH? what has the shariah got to say about such people and what should my husband and me do who are facing this each day in our lives. I know i may be asking you a meaning less question as i understand that such behavious is against the teachings of islam but you are a knowlegeable person so you may explain some better and more in depth for such situations. JAzak ALLAH KHAIR.

My 6 year old son is very attached to me (being his mother). He tells me often that he loves me, he hugs me a lot, and when he's tired he wants to lie next to me until he falls asleep. I am grateful of course for this – al hamdu Lillah - but I'm worried that maybe he's too attached to me, and if I should try to put an end to this. He doesn't want to sleep in his own room and thus sleeps in my bed (my husband falls asleep in front of the TV and sleeps on the sofa all night). He [my son] says that there are monsters in his room, and I don't want to force him to sleep there. We haven't lived in this place for long, we moved here a couple of months ago, and in our former apartment, which was much smaller, he didn't even have a room of his own. He's always been a careful person, a bit shy, and was clingy as a baby as well. So I've always thought that the best I could do is to give him lots of love and attention to boost his self-confidence - but I don't want him to became a "nerd" because he might be bullied at school. Also, when I was a child I was very clingy to my father and I loved him so much. When he passed away due to cancer when I was only 17 I was devastated, and I don't want this to happen to my son. I was bullied at school too... I'm also scared that he might become feminine (he's always been very boyish though). I just want him to grow into a strong and confident person! Another thing that worries me is that I feel very lonely. I have no friends and the relationship with my family and in-laws is not good. I often feel depressed which makes it even harder for me to be sociable. I'm afraid that my son may sense that I'm sad, and that he tries to comfort me. I don't want that, I want to be a perfect Mum to him! My husband is very fond of him too of course, but it's always been me who takes on most of the responsibility. I guess what I want to know is if my son is a normal 6-year old or am I parenting him in a wrong way? Maybe I should give it a little time and see if he becomes more independent!?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. My friend asked me to invest and I did. He asked me recommend others and he gave me a commission for every person I recommended. But he has now disappeared with this large amount of money. People are harassing me for it. What should I do? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I would like to ask what is the point behind not marrying my wife’s sister. I know that there is a reason for everything Allah prohibits (like pork because it’s harmful). I’m asking the above question because my wife’s sister is getting old and no one is asking her for marriage. She is really a nice, good woman, and my wife always asks me why I can’t marry her. Actually, I would love to do so, but I don’t want to do anything that is not right. If the answer is no to marrying her, please give me a valid reason. I mean, what harm could be done if I marry her? Otherwise, please give me a fatwa to tell me what to do. Your help is highly appreciated on this issue.

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. What is your opinion concerning what we call April Fools’ Day? Is it permissible to propagate lies to accommodate customs? Is there a difference between a white lie and a black lie? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Can you tell me what are my duties and the decorum I should follow when I go to visit my friend in her home? Thank you very much.

Is there any prohibition on taking a bath while one is completely naked. What if one is alone or just spending time with one’s wife without having sexual intercourse?

As-Salamu `alaykum. As far as I know, a Muslim should keep good relations with others. Could you please elaborate on this Islamic principle?

Sheikh, As-Salamu `Alaykum wa Rahmatu Allah wa Barakatuh. I would like to know whether the practices of not doing certain things with the left hand (like eating) and doing things like wiping the private parts with the left hand after excretion, are Islamic manner or are they merely customs?

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 sheikh, As-Salamu `alaykum. I have a very serious problem. For the last few months, I have been trying my best to follow Islam as closely as possible, al-hamdulillah. My problem is that I think of bad words about Allah, Most High, and sometimes about the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), too. I cannot help it. It used to be quite bad, then I almost got over this problem, but now it's back. It happens usually when I'm praying. Al-hamdulillah, I love my din (religion) a lot and also Allah. Please do let me know how I can get over this or if there are any du`a’s that can help me.

Scholars of Islam, as-Salamu `alaykum! Is there any situation where backbiting becomes permissible? Thanks a lot.

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. I drive an hour to/from work every day. Is there any Surah in the Qur'an, or anything which the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to say to hope for a safe journey? 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.

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum.Are we allowed to recycle Islamic books?  Some books are over 40 years old and ripped due to wear and tear. Some contain Qur’anic verses in Arabic. How are we supposed to handle these books?  What do we do with the Qur’an? I fear that someone may throw them in the garbage after my death, since I have no children. What should I do? Jazaka Allahu khayran.

What is better, going for Hajj more than once or sincerely helping the needy out of the same resources?

Scholars of Islam, As-Salamu `alaykum. As you know we live now in a world that is full of challenges to the Muslim. So, how can a true Muslim live in this world and face the daily challenges by means of the Prophetic ethics? Jazakum Allah khayran.