Ramadan

Dear scholars. As-Salamu `alaykum. What is the significance of i`tikaf in Islam? Why should Muslims retreat in the mosque for ten days? Doesn’t this ritual have bad effects on production in Muslim lands? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear Sheikh, as-Salamu `alaykum! Is it permissible for a woman to put kohl in the mornings during the month of Ramadan? Also, what is the ruling on putting drops in the ears during the fast day?

What is the ruling on taking the zakah incumbent on the property of the Muslims residing in Western countries and sending it abroad, in view of the need of the Muslims and their institutions in the Western countries, and the lack of sufficiency in developing countries?

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

Dear Sheikh! As-salamu `alaykum! I have a simple question. Why we find that mosques are filled with Muslims during the month of Ramadan while remaining empty save for few Muslims for the whole seasons of the year? What do you have to say on this?

Dear scholars, As-Salam Alaykum Waramatullah Wabarakatuh! My question is: As Ramadan approaches, is it permissible to organize Iftar for non-Muslims?

Dear ScholarsMy question is about making up for the missing fasts. I have had my very first monthly periods at the age of 9. Now I am 24, But until a couple of years ago, I didnt know that we have to make up for those missing fasts. Hence, I never made uo for them for all these years. Now I dont have a count for those fasts, neither do I find myself able to make up for those fasts by fasting now. I am in good health but I have a hectic study schedule. I cant get up early in the morning for having suhurs and I have heard that if one wants to fast on days other than ramadan, sahurs are a must, otherwise, the fast isnt valid. For this very reason and also because i m not very pious and practicing muslim, a person  having a very low level of iman, who usually finds herself unable to perform the obligatory acts even, in past 3 years, I could not make up for more than 10 missing fasts, and this number is not even sufficient for the missing fasts of these 3 years. Now, I want to pay the compensation money (fidyah) for these fasts, because we never know when are we going to die and I dont want to die with so much burden on my already extremely sinner self. Hence my questions are:1- Can I pay the fidyah? Do I fit to the critera of people who can benefit from this blessing?2- What is the amount of fidyah for one fast?3- Will I have to fast even after paying the fidyah, because im young and healthy?4- Can I pay the fidyah to some charity organization or not? Can I give this money to some poor student from my country, pakistan, to use it for his education purpose? while not informing him of the nature of this charity?A detailed and quick reply will be highly appreciated. JazakAllah!

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Is it allowable for a traveler whose work requires constant travels to shorten his Prayer and break fast in Ramadan? Jazakum allah khayran.

Dear scholars of Islam, As-Salaam `Alaykum wa Rahmatu Allah wa Barakatuh. My father passed away; while he was in his last illness, he could not fast; he also failed to offer Fidyah for the same. What should I do? Am I supposed to fast on his behalf or offer Fidyah for the days he had missed?

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Are a husband and wife allowed to have sexual intercourse in Ramadan after breaking their fast (i.e. after Maghrib)? Or is sexual intercourse completely forbidden in Ramadan? Jazakum Allahu Khayran.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. As you know, there is no centrally recognized authority for determining the beginning of the lunar month, especially Ramadan. Muslim minorities depend mostly on the reports coming from Muslim countries with Muslim majorities either by telephone or telegraph. Can Muslim minorities start fasting depending on the news of the new moon reported by telegraphs or telephones or any other electronic machines? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

What is the ruling concerning cupping during Ramadan?

What is the significance of fasting in the month of Shawwal?

If my child is fasting, although it is not yet obligatory, should I send food to school (just in case)?

What is the reward of Hajj?

Dear Scholar, I would like to know what is the Islamic ruling & fatwa for me in this regard. I failed to complete my fasting which I missed out in my menstrual period of past few years. So far I have missed more than 70 fasting last few years. I was unable to perform at least a single one so far. I can perform what I missed in last year, but what can I do for the fasting I missed in previous years?

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. What does i`tikaf really mean? Can it be done at home? I'm a housewife with a little child and I can't go to the mosque. Jazakum Allahu khayran.

As salaamualaikum wa rahmathulaihi wa barakathuhu May Allah bestow his blessings and mercy upon you for guiding those in need.My question relates to Qadr or predestination in Islam. It is a belief that dua can to an extent change and influence a persons predestined path of actions. My question relates to marriage. I?m currently in a relationship with a woman and things aren?t looking too good for us in terms of getting married due to vast cultural differences. We are praying hard that things work out and we do get married. My question is that if we do ask dua and if Allah does will for us to get married then is it in some way gonna affect the way our destinies should have been and cause a big change in out futures for some reason. Also we are asking dua because we are in a relationship which is not allowed in Islam in the first place and if we do get married then will it in any way bring in a bad affect to our marriage if we were predestined to be with someone else.My second question is that if marriages are predestined and being in relationships is wrong then how would Islam explain a couple in a relationship who go on to get married. Would they have found each other and gotten married anyway.Finally if dua can change a persons predestined path of actions then does a person who asks a lot of dua in someway decide his own destiny, maybe not at everything but some major aspects which may have a big impact on his future.If the best thing in pleasing Allah is ending this relationship I would appreciate some advice on how best to do it. Jazak Allah Khair.

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. My grandmother wanted to know if Zakat Al-Fitr can be given in the name of a dead, e.g. her parents. Jazakum Allahu kayran.

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Is it possible to change the day you are fasting to another date? I have running practice during Ramadan, and I was wondering if I can fast another day instead of that day. Jazakum Allahu khayran.

As-salamu `alaykum. If a Muslim travels during Ramadan to another country where people there started the fast later or earlier than his country, and he stays in that country until `Eid, with which of the two countries should he break the fast? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

Last Ramadan I paid zakat al-fitr on the first day of Ramadan, but a friend of mine told me that this is not lawful in Islam and that I have to pay it again. May you give me the viewpoint of Islam in this regard?

Respected scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. For a long time, I used to pay the value of zakat al-fitr, which is a saa` (about 2.176 kg) of the food mentioned in the Prophetic hadith for myself and my family in money. I usually send this money to the poor kindred, relatives and neighbors in the occupied territories inPalestine. I was quite sure that this act is permissible, relying on many fatwas I heard from you and from many other scholars such as Sheikh `Abdullah ibn Zayd Al-Mahmud, the chief of the Shari`ah Courts in Qatar.However, one day while I was listening to the radio, I heard one of the sheikhs state that paying the value of zakat al-fitr in cash is not permissible in any case; and if anyone does so, his zakat is invalid because it is contrary to the Sunnah. Moreover, the sheikh launched a severe attack on scholars who permitted paying it in money and accused them of being contradictory to the texts of Shari`ah.Frankly, I became confused after hearing this fatwa, especially after I heard a hadith that states "Fasting in the month of Ramadan lies suspended between the earth and heaven; it is only raised (to heaven) by zakat al-fitr." This means that the fasting of my family lies suspended all during these years and was not accepted! Then what is the value of our acts of worship if we perform them while they will be invalid or unaccepted, as the sheikh said? What should the layman Muslim do when the scholars differ over a certain fatwa?I hope you disburden my mind and the minds of millions who pay the value of zakat al-fitr in cash. Jazakum Allahu khayran.

I have missed some fast days of Ramadan because of the menses. Now, I wonder if it is better to make up for these missed days following Ramadan or first observe the voluntary fasting of six days of Shawwal to get a reward equal to perpetual fasting as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said.

As-salamu `alaykum. Can a Muslim make up for the days of fast he missed in Ramadan during the month of Sha`ban?

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. In advance, I'd like to say Jazakaum Allahu khairan for this great service, and may you have a happy and blessed Ramadan. My question is regarding paying zakah during the month of Ramadan. Is this obligatory?thanks!

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. A woman is asking about making up for missed Ramadan fasts and feeding the poor as expiation for having delayed doing that. Should she give food for each day, or should she give food for all the days in one go after she has finished making up the fasts for these days? jazaka Allahu khayran.

"`Umrah in the month of Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj." What is meant by that? I would like a detailed explanation, please.thanks in advance.

Assalam alikumI have couple of questions that I would like to know the answer for.I know that you are allowed not to fast during Ramadan if you are breast-feeding and fear the health of your baby. But is it the same when you are breast-feeding a 1 year old, who is able to eat solids fearing that he is ?not eating well?, or ?not feeling well?, and therefore, he needs the milk?Also, if one was to follow the scholars that say that you should both make up the fast and feed the poor, do you have to pay once for each day you missed because of pregnancy and breast-feeding, or is it every year until you make that fast?Another thing, I have read in one of your answers (by Br. Ahmad Kutty ?Making Up for Fasting Days Missed Because of Pregnancy?)about the lady who has about 16yrs of missed Ramadans because of pregnancy and/or breast-feeding, and the answer was that she is better off with the paying option since she has lots of missed days and she would have to be fasting almost all the times for couple of years to make up that fast. But is it the same when she has lots of missed days because of the monthly period, that she has never made them up for no specific reason? ( about 10 yrs or so * 7 -9 days a year). She also has missed couple Ramadans for pregnancy and breastfeeding.  Should she consider paying for the Ramadans missed for pregnancy and breastfeeding and making up the ones that she missed for the monthly period?Last thing is, can someone skip fasting because he/she has a cold/ runny nose ( in other words, what goes under being ?sick? when it comes to fasting)? What about the feeling that she wouldn?t have the energy to look after the kids if she was fasting? Also, is feeling the need to throw up and upset stomach ligament for one to miss the fasting or is it part of being fasting??Jazakum Allahu Khair

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Does thinking about sex break your fast? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

Asslam Alekum,I left some of my fasting this ramadan due to illness. Please tell me that is it necessary to keep these fasts before next ramadan or I can even keep it after next ramadan.Thank you.

Dear Scholars:as-salamu ?alaykum! Is it allowed to have double intention on fasting. For example, can I do fasting during the month of Ramadhan while at the same time having intention also of doing the optional fasting such as during Mondays and Thursdays, and 13th, 14th and 15th day of Ramadhan in addition to obligatory fasting (Ramadhan)? Jazakum Allah khairan

Assalamu Alaikum, I am a new shahadah. So of course this my first Eid. I missed some days of fasting in Ramadan b/c of monthly menses. In the month of Shawwal which days do I fast first. Do I make up for menses or six days of shawwal) I asked several muslimahs but I'm getting different answers.AA WR WB

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. With Ramadan approaching, I’d like to know how Muslims can avoid differences regarding the beginning and end of Ramadan. Jazakum Allahu khayran.

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Why do Muslims calculate and pay their zakah in Ramadan? Is this necessary during Ramadan or can zakah be paid any month in the year? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

As-salamu `alaykum.according to my sister-in-law, who is a doctor, brushing teeth during Ramadan is not allowed. I gave her reference of your site and your answers to such similar questions and still she doesn't agree. She says that the glucose or the sugar in the toothpaste is immediately absorbed in the mouth. Hence, it should not be used. I told her about Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) brushing his teeth several times a day during fast, and her argument is that there was no toothpaste in those days. Please clarify.

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Why do Muslims differ on the beginning and end of fasting in Ramadan? Please explain.

What is the virtue of Laylat Al-Qadr (the Night of Power)?

Assalaamu alaikum wa rahamatullah wa barakatuhu Dear learned brothersI have a question regarding mental health is Islam. If one has bad thoughts in their mind outside Ramadhan, they can blame Iblis. But what about when it occurs during Ramadhan when the Shaytan are chained. I have sought refuge in Allah and asked for his forgiveness, particularly during laylat al qadr, but occasionally bad thoughts continue. Since shaytan is chained does this make me an evil person or mentally unwell? Please assist by replying to my email if possible. Otherwise posting this on the website is ok, as there may be others out there in a similar position who may be too embarrased to ask. Jazakallahkhair.

As-Salam `Alaykum Warahmatullah Wabarakatuh ! Dear Sheikhs, given that the blessed night Laylatul-Qadr is approaching, we would like you to tell us what should we do in this night. Kindly inform us of the acts of worship that are recommended in this night?

As we are winding down to the end of Ramadan, sure we could gain from you some advice on how to spend these last precious days. Right?

Dear Scholar, as-salamu `alaykum.thank you for your time and the efforts you devote to Allah's Cause and spreading His Word everywhere. I would like to know the best way by which one should welcome Ramadan and get its blessed rewards. Jazakum Allah Khayran.

As-Salamu `Alaykum. I would like to know if it is permissible to sleep in Mosques. I have seen and practiced this when going out in Da`wah congregation but I guess there are many people who are totally against the issue of sleeping in Mosques or Musallahs. Can you please enlighten on this issue?

Respected Scholar:assalam AliaqumLast night in taraweeh prayers, Imam by mistake made salam after 3 rakah of taraweeh prayers. After salam people informed the imam that he had made 3 rakahs and should repeat the salah, but our  Sheikh/Scholar told the Imam to continue and make the next taraweeh salah only one rakah. Is this combination of 3+1 salah in taraweeh acceptable. Is taraweeh salah valid in this situation or should the imam had repeated the salah.thanks for your reply in advance.

Respected Scholar, as-salamu 'alaikum:Last night in taraweeh prayers, Imam by mistake forgot to sit after 2nd rakah and continued to read taraweeh for the 3rd  rak'ah. He didn't make salam after 3rd rak'ah but rather continued for the 4th rakah. The Imam also didn't make prostration of forgetfulness at the end of the salah. Is taraweeh salah valid in this case or should it have been repeated?thank you in advance for your reply.

Dear Scholars Asalam o alikum, Pls can you advise on my below questions 1) Is taraweeh sunnah as people say it was started by Hazarat Umar ? Is there any hadeeth ( pls can you give book and hadeeth number ) to confirm taraweeh as sunnah It states in Sunan adu dawood page 456 that it started in hazzrat Umra?s period 2) Is Eid salah farz 3) Is jumma salah faraz? 4) Are wives of Holy prophet allowed to go out of there homes ? as in Quran siparah 23 ayat 33 surah ehzab states the they should not go out ..if yes then why did hazrat Ayesha went out and fought hazrat Ali 5) Pls advise how was hazrat Ayesha martyred and who martyred her and where is her grave ?6) Was hazrat Ayesha on wrong in jung e jamal where she fought with hazrat ali 7) Is ijtihad allowed and who can do this ? 8) Are imammas masoom ?( 16th siparah 23 rd ayyat) 9) Surah e nisa 58 ayat 10) Surah e maidah 54 ayat 11) In how many ghazwas /wars did hazrat umar participated Ill be grateful if you can advise all my questi on through quotes of mustanid hadeeth/history books with ref i.e name /page numbers etc Jazak Allah Usman

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Can a young youth, aged 13 years old, lead the Tarawih Prayer? He knows the Qur'an by heart, is a good reciter, and understands the rules of Tarawih Prayer. Jazakum Allahu khayran.

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum wa rahmatullah. What is the Shar`i ruling regarding i`tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) with the spread of swine flu this year? Is it permissible to prevent i`tikaf by a binding ruling in case of the spread of serious diseases? Jazakum Allah khayran.