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Youth-Related Issues (Live Fatwa Session)

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty
24 October, 2019

As-salamu alaykum dear brothers and sisters,

 

Welcome to a new live fatwa session. We are honored that Sheikh Ahmad Kutty will be our guest for this session.

 

If you have questions, feel free to submit them. Our guest, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, will answer all your questions. The answers will be published soon on this page at the time of the session.
You can also send you questions in advance at [email protected]

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019 | 12:00 - 14:00 GMT

Session is over.

How does Islam view early marriages of Muslim youth in non-Islamic societies?



The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “O the young people, those of you who can afford to support a family should get married for it helps to guard your eyes and keep you chaste.”

 

So, the purpose of marriage is guarding one’s chastity. Our scholars have ruled, if a person cannot guard his chastity and fears falling into sins, then he should get married; marriage in such a case is not simply a recommendation but an obligation as long as one can afford it.

 

If one cannot afford it, then one should seek to curb his sexual desires by fasting and occupying oneself with creative projects to turn his mind away from sinful thoughts until such time he is ready to take on the responsibility.

 

To conclude, if a person is an adult, male or female, he or she is eligible to seek marriage partnership provided they can fulfil the necessary conditions.

 

As for the requirements of a valid marriage, you may refer to the answer linked below:

 

https://aboutislam.net/counseling/ask-the-scholar/family/what-are-the-conditions-of-a-valid-marriage/

 

Allah Almighty knows best.

What are the possible ways for Muslim youth to have fun in non-Muslim societies?



Islam is a religion that celebrates life and stresses balance and moderation while catering to all of the legitimate instincts of men and women.

 

Therefore, we are allowed to have fun; however, joy is often confused with transgressions and indulging in raw carnal satisfactions.

 

If by fun, we mean enjoyment of life that is pure and wholesome, Islam not only allows it but also encourages it.

 

Allah asks, “Who has the authority to prohibit the good things that Allah has produced for His servants; it is for them in this world and for them solely in the next world.”

 

While enjoying the good things of life, we must never get carried away in indulging our carnal passions by breaking the limits or bounds Allah has set.

 

By doing so, instead of gaining pleasure, in the long run, we end up inflicting pain after pain. That is why we need to practice self-restraint and must never transgress the boundaries set by Allah, our Creator, who alone knows what ultimately brings lasting bliss and avert lasting pain.

 

Once you keep these boundaries in mind, you can be innovative in seeking lawful outlets that are bound to keep you energized, relaxed and thus self-fulfilled, and thus enable you to take on the challenges of life, emotionally, spiritually and physically charged.

 

Allah Almighty knows best.

How should Muslim youth behave in mixed gatherings in the West?



Muslim youth can interact with members of the opposite sex as long as they govern themselves by the guidelines of Islamic ethics of male-female interactions. Here are a few points to stress which applies to all Muslims, males, and females:

1- Islamic teachings about modesty require that both men and women abide by the rules of modesty and decency in attire as well as appearance; this would entail avoiding revealing, transparent or tight dresses that invite attention and elicit lustful stares and thoughts. Humans are created weak; Allah, who created us, has revealed laws that are intended to safeguard us against our weaknesses.

 

2- While interacting with the members of the opposite sex, one should guard the eyes against lustful stares, and keep the mind focused on pure thoughts, and seek to dispel the Satanic whisperings and suggestions by arming ourselves with the weapon of dhikr and duaa.

 

3- To arm oneself with the weapon of dhikr means to turn to Allah seeking protection from the traps of Satan:

Prophet taught us to supplicate thus while venturing out:

 

Tawakkalthu ala Allah laa hawla walaa quwwatha illaa billaahi

 

In the name of Allah (I set out). I place my trust in Allah; there is no power or strength except by the will of Allah.

 

We are told when we do so, the angels will say, “You are saved and protected.” And Satan will keep away from him or her.

 

Allah Almighty knows best.

Assalamu alaikum shaikh. If a woman hears or recites ayat of sijda, is it mandatory that she should wash herself, do wudoo then cover herself like in prayer for doing sajda on prayer mattress?



Wa`alykum as-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh.

 

Wudu is necessary for making sujud al-sahw according to the majority of scholars.  However, there are some scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah who hold the view that one may do it without wudu. He argues there is no compelling evidence for making it essential.

 

Based on the latter view, you may still offer sajdah without wudu; however, it would be recommended to make wudhu, if you can.

 

Having said this, I would also suggest it is an excellent practice to be in a state of wudu unless there are valid reasons for not keeping the wudu. The Prophet said, “Wudu is the weapon of the believer.” By keeping wudu, one can be in a state of dhikr always, which helps to keep the Devil away. I pray to Allah to honor us to be in a state of remembrance always.

 

Allah Almighty knows best.

 

Assalamu alaikum I'm a woman & I have question about repentence. One of the conditions of repentance is to resolve to not do the sin again. What is the meaning of resolving here? Does it mean promise to Allaah & promise to myself not to sin again in a sense that, if I sin again, I have to give kaffarah for breaking oath? Or it is only firm determination for not doing sin?



Wa`alykum as-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh.

 

Resolving is making a firm intention. It is not the same as a vow. A vow is a solemn oath one makes by invoking the name of Allah. If one were to break a solemn oath, one should expiate for it by feeding ten poor persons or fasting three days.

 

In the case of repentance, one should form a sincere intention to refrain from the sin. If one were to repeat the same, he should make repentance again. However, by persisting on the sin, one may fall in the category of those who are jesting, which is blasphemous and is a greater sin.

 

After all, he would be risking his eternal salvation if he were to die in such a state. Therefore, as believers, we ought to persist in repentance by keeping away from sins. One should implore the mercy and help of Allah for doing so. With sincere intention, coupled with the grace of Allah, one can hope to achieve success.

 

Allah Almighty knows best.

My husband lives abroad in a very in-Islamic country for work. He prays, fasts alhamdulillah. Stays away from any form of alcohol. But since the Muslim community is extremely low, he has a lot of non-Muslim friends that often call him at 10-11 p.m to link up/meet in bars and pubs and he ends up staying till 1 -2 a.m. I’m 100% certain he doesn’t drink alhamdulillah and I understand he does this only because he doesn’t have a lot of friends from the same belief. But the whole idea of him sitting on a table where alcohol is served, music being played and even women dressed indecently makes me sick to the stomach. I brought it up once and he called me controlling. I told him I can’t control him because it’s not my opinion but a GOD given command to stay away from evil and environments that encourage evil even if he doesn’t indulge in it. The matter was left unsolved. I need advice. What do I do? ISNT sitting on a table where alcohol is served haram? I fear this could lead towards bigger evil. And I have a hard time shushing the waswaas in my head. Shaytan whispers thoughts that make me feel betrayed even though nothing has occurred . He loves me very much alhamdulillah but I look for more than love in a man. Always have. I seek for faith.



The Prophet has warned us against keeping bad company; he has also warned us against condoning the evil and those who do evil. Alcohol consumption is a big evil that may lead to other sins; it can be a slippery road for a person to take.

 

According to the rules of jurisprudence that which leads to haram is also deemed as haram.

 

Therefore, your husband should not keep such a company; by doing so, he is endangering his salvation.

 

The Prophet said, “the parable of a good companion is like that of a person keeping the company of a perfume seller; by doing, he stands to benefit by smelling the perfume or partaking of it.

 

On the other hand, by keeping a bad company, one is like a person sitting near an ironsmith who blows into bellows. One may get the sparks or ashes coming from the bellows.”

 

As Imam Ghazali tells us, the company we keep may influence us positively or negatively, for as humans, we tend to gradually imbibe the traits or habits of those whose company we keep.

 

That is a fact we can vouch for as we see good people become corrupt because of keeping the company of the evil people.

 

I pray to Allah to make us cherish faith and virtuous deeds; and make us hate disbelief, disobedience, and sins of all kinds.

 

Allah Almighty knows best.

Assalamu alaikum. I'm woman. Is it enough to remove visible impurity from portion of my dress in stead of washing my whole cloth?



Wa`alykum as-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh.

 

If you can precisely locate and identify the spot with the impurity, it is enough to remove and wash it; otherwise, one should clean the whole cloth. Aishah, the beloved wife of the Prophet, peace be upon him, says, “I used to scrape off the traces of semen from the clothes of the Prophet.”

 

As long as the impurity is removed, you are allowed to pray in it.

 

Allah Almighty knows best.

I have a chronic neurological condition and was advised by my neurologist to get a flu shot. I was also encouraged to get a shingles vaccine. I answered the pre-vaccine questions re ones health and allergies. One question was re allergies to latex, gelatin, etc. I thought they were generic questions asked of everyone. I got the flu and the first shingles vaccine. I later found that both contain gelatin. From what I read, it did not specifiy whether the gelatin was halal/kosher. Was I wrong in getting these vaccines and should I avoid getting the second shingles vaccine?



There is no need to be overly rigid over this issue. According to the preferred view of eminent scholars, it is not haram to use vaccines containing minuscule ingredients such as gelatin or other forbidden elements.

 

Such ingredients used in medicines undergo a chemical transformation in such a way that it is wholly changed into another substance.

 

Thus it can be compared to alcohol turned into vinegar; while the former is haram, the latter is halal. Therefore, you need not worry about getting such vaccines as they are preventive measures.

 

Furthermore, standard rules are relaxed in case of treatments for saving the life is one of the priorities in Islam.

 

Allah Almighty knows best.

I had intercourse with my husband and when i wanted to do ghusl, i found out my period started. Should i still do ghusl? This happens a lot and I want to know.



According to the rules of jurisprudence, you are not required to perform ghusl after sexual intercourse if you started menstruated immediately. The reason for it is that even though you perform ghusl, being in a state of menstruation, you are still ritually impure to perform Prayer or tawaf, etc.

 

Having said this, you can still bathe for your satisfaction. Bathing is a good practice even while you are menstruating.

 

Allah Almighty knows best.

Assalamu alaikum. My question may sound strange but I need to remove my confusion. As far I know women have to cover everything except face & hand. Are washing face with face wash, brushing teeth & other hyegenic procedures done on mouth & face considered as haram, if women go out without covering face?



Wa`alykum as-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh.

 

I do not understand the intent of your question. I do not see any connection between going with faces uncovered and washing face and brushing the teeth and using hygienic products.

 

According to rules of jurisprudence, permission is the rule; the prohibition is an exception. In other words, we cannot declare something as forbidden without evidence.

 

Allah Almighty knows best.

Assalamu alaikum. We both males & females ask from people & seek from people normally in various situations. Is it shirk, cause there is hadith that we all Muslim & Muslimahs should ask from & seek from Allah?



Wa`alykum as-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh.

 

There is no contradiction between the two: we ask people for things that are within their power and authority; that is how Allah has created the world.

 

In other words, they are causes appointed by Allah. However, while doing so, we need to believe that ultimately, Allah is the Uncaused Cause of all things; and that no one can do anything without the will of Allah, which is Supreme.

 

Therefore, while you seek the means and use causes appointed by Allah, you must never rely solely on them; instead, you do so while firmly believing that nothing can be done in the universe without the will of Allah.

 

We are taught to exert our utmost in achieving our goals while putting our trust in Allah. A believer is therefore ordered to pray while venturing out:

Bismillahi tawakkalthu ala Allah; laa hawla walaa quwwatha illaa billaahi

 

(In the name of Allah; I place my trust in Allah; there is no power or strength except by Allah).

 

The Prophet further said, “If you were to put your trust in Allah, He would provide for you as He provides for birds; see how they fly out of their nests at dawn and return at dusk saturated.”

The birds do not merely sit in their nests hoping to be fed by the divine power; instead, they fly out and seek the provision God has decreed for them by using the best of their God-given means and assets.

 

Allah Almighty knows best.

How should be our relationship with the womens that not dressed Islamically? I'm a university student and Im trying to obey the borders in the gender interactions but when they are not dressed islamically people says that look them is haram.Actually ı dont want to see their part of the bodies that they have to be covered it. I'm only look into to their face or hands in dignity and ı dont focuse to the other parts,is that haram to.I dont know how should ı do,outsides,movies theaters thats all have this kind of people so can't ı watch a film about that problem.I m going for study to the library again the same thing.Maybe gyms,beaches has this kind of people more so cant ı go to the beaches even ı dont focus or not feel sexual desire. What should be the my border what should ı do if ı can control may gaze, is that ok?Can you explain it please and if not all them have a one answer or rule please help me to understand all of them.



In Islam, we are ordered to lower our gazes while coming face to face with members of the opposite sex:

 

“Say to the believing males to lower their gazes and guard their chastity…and say to the believing females to lower their gazes and guard their chastity…and do not expose their beauty except what is apparent save for their …” (An-Nur 24:30)

 

The above rule intends to promote a society where women are not treated as sexual objects and secondly to prevent the arousal of lustful thoughts in men and women.

 

Having said this, it also assumes that there will be social interaction between males and females. And that while interacting with the members of the opposite sex, we need not avoid them altogether; instead, we ought to shun lustful stares and looks.

 

Furthermore, the divine laws are given to us not to make life difficult, instead to make it as chaste and pure as possible to save us from our human failings and weaknesses.

 

So, when you are faced with an unavoidable situation of interacting with members of the opposite sex in the university campus or business or workplace, you should do your best to be conscious of the divine guidelines.

 

We are excused of what we cannot avoid as Allah knows our circumstances. Having said this, this in no way justifies going to beaches or movie houses or places where nudity or permissiveness is rampant. We cannot warrant frequenting such areas under the rule of necessity.

 

Frequenting such places is haram for, as the rule of jurisprudence states, “that which leads to haram is also deemed as haram.” For hanging around such sites is bound to arouse lustful thoughts, ultimately leading to sinful interactions and fornication.

 

We ought to pray to Allah, “O Allah, make us cherish love for faith and embellish our hearts with it, and make us abhor and hate disbelief and transgressions and acts of disobedience.”

 

Allah Almighty knows best.

Assalamu alaikum. Can men normally touch his all Mahram female relatives? Similarly can women normally touch her all Mahram male relatives ?



Wa`alykum as-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh.

 

Interaction between males and females who are considered as mahaarim or close blood relationship or marriage is judged differently than interacting with others.

 

There is nothing wrong with touching or hugging such relatives. While saying that, it is equally important to state that the rules can change when there is a risk of lustful thoughts, in which case, one should conduct accordingly.

 

The provisions of jurisprudence state that the laws are rendered stricter when faced with corruption.

 

Allah Almighty knows best.

Assalamu alaikum. In Indian subcontinent, especially in our country domestic violence (physical torture, mental torture) of wife by in laws & husband is common. Is it major sin? Can wife take divorce in this situation?



Wa`alykum as-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh.

 

Allah orders men ‘not to cause harm,’ and in case of conflicts between spouses, Allah orders men to keep their wives in marriage by treating them honorably; if that is not possible, then  by releasing them honorably.” And do not hold them as prisoners to oppress them.”

 

By violating such explicit divine mandates, Allah warns men that they are harming their souls; and that they are accountable before Allah.”

 

In light of these divine imperatives, the rule of jurisprudence states, “where there is harm, it should be removed.”

 

If the harm cannot be removed except through divorce, it is allowed.

 

Furthermore, a woman in Islam is not bound to continue in a marriage where she finds no fulfillment or happiness. Abuse, whether emotional or physical, is sufficient ground for divorce.

 

Once the wife of an eminent companion approached the Prophet saying: I do not fault his character or religion; however, I am afraid I cannot keep myself chaste while being married to him.” On hearing this, the Prophet ordered her to return the mahr he gave her and dissolved the marriage.

 

It is therefore reasonable for us to conclude from the above that a woman suffering emotional or physical abuse from her husband has a right to seek divorce through the legal channels, if necessary.

 

You may also consult the answer posted here for further details on valid grounds for divorce:

 

https://aboutislam.net/counseling/ask-the-scholar/family/valid-reasons-for-divorce-in-islam/

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Assalamu alaikum. Once I get into Paradise, can I ask Allah just in curiosity why You don't want To reverse time? Also, will I be able to seek His Permission?



Wa`alykum as-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh.

 

I cannot speak about the matters of ghayb or realities beyond human cognition and rational understanding. Heaven and hell are hidden realities, and humans have no way to speculate out them.

 

All that we know is heaven is abiding bliss untainted with pain and suffering, unlike the pleasures we experience, which are always tainted or followed by pain and suffering.

 

The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “In the heaven there awaits the faithful such bliss the like of which no eyes have seen or ears have heard, or mind could conceive or imagine.”

 

So what is crucial for us is to pray that we get into heaven rather than wasting time in speculating on matters beyond our ordinary means of perception or cognition.

 

I pray to Allah to help us focus on what is relevant for our salvation rather than becoming obsessed with the frivolities.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Asalaamualaykum warahmatulahi wabarakaatuh, I would like to know about the permissibility of a Muslim woman becoming a judge and joining the army in both Western and Islamic worlds. Jazakallhu khairan



Wa`alykum as-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh.

 

There is nothing in the authentic sources of Islam to rule that a woman cannot become a judge or join the army as long as she is not forced to rule against the explicit commandments of Allah.

 

The same applies to men occupying such positions as well. While saying this, it should be known that most of these countries have constitutions that guarantee freedom of conscience.

 

So, even while serving in the army, one could excuse oneself from participating in wars of aggression and occupation, which cannot be justified in Islam. Islam only allows us to defend ourselves when attacked or oppressed.

 

For further details, you may refer to detailed answers on this topic posted on this site.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Salaam alejkum. It is true that I promised that this would be my last question of this type but I was referring to imagining sentences and not to i imagining naked and visual things. The truth is that I pass entire nights without sleeping due to the ambiguity of not knowing this answer. So please reply. Many people say that imagining naked people is sinful even without sexual feelings and even without the intention of disrespect it is sinful anyway according to them. And it can be kufr if it is done with a prophet. This is in big contrast to imagining a blasphemous sentence or a blasphemous voice. My question is why? What makes the big difference between imagining the sentence from imagining a naked prophet or sahabah out of curiosity or with the mindset that how he would look like if he was naked like me when he was taking ghusl or having a shower? The second question is. Sometimes it comes to my mind. The prophets or sahabah have a genital organ just like you and a genital organ appears in my imagination in that context. Is this sinful? Please reply. The third question is imagining things in context: Someone depicts naked a prophet and sahabah and I think within myself. They imagine our prophet in that state, and i imagine him naked in the context of thinking how they depicted him. But I have no intention of insulting him. My only intention is to think what they think. My only intention is to imagine how they depicted the prophets or sahabah. Is this major sin and your arguments? Is there any part of Quran or hadith that clearly states that this is sinful?



Wa`alykum as-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh.

 

We are accountable for the thoughts we deliberately harbor or dwell on.  We are, however, we are not responsible for the mental chatter or thoughts we have no control over as long as we dispel them as soon as we become aware by seeking refuge and protection with Allah.

 

Allah says, “Whenever an evil suggestion afflicts you from Satan, seek refuge with Allah.”

 

And the Prophet is ordered: “Say: My Lord, I seek refuge with You from the evil suggestions of devils and I seek Your protection against their gathering around me (to lead me astray).”

 

Islam is all about leading an examined life: it means that we ought to control our thoughts, our words, and actions because Islamic psychology teaches that these three have an impact on each other.

 

Once we manage to control all of the three, we are enabled to lead a virtuous life; otherwise, we become heedless, and heedlessness is the root of all evils in Islam. It is not becoming of a believer; Allah condemns it and tells us that animals without intelligence are better than such men and women.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Are subliminal messages affirmations to change eye color from brown to green using affirmations to the subconscious mind to change the eye color and lighten it halal or haram (permissible or not ) knowing that i have seen results from it on myself and also on others please I need a clear answer Affirmations are those frequencies which have enough power to change your DNA without causing significant damage to your body. They reach by your subconscious mind and if you continue to listen , your subconscious mind accepts them and changes your body to whatever the affirmation says.



I do not see how affirmations can cause a change of eye or skin color or bring about other variations.

 

The general guideline in Islam is that we are not allowed to alter or to interfere with Allah’s creation to mutilate or disfigure it. It was the sworn project of Satan when he was expelled from paradise. He pledged to lead men astray by such methods.

 

We are only allowed to resort to measures to enhance it and not to disfigure or distort it.

 

Islam also teaches us that we should accept what Allah has given us. So,  if we are black or brown or white, we should be content with it.

 

Likewise, we should be happy with the eye color that Allah has given. However, we are allowed to resort to treatments if we have a deformity or medical condition that needs to be corrected or treated for us to function normally.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

I'm in my last year of high school and I have to decide what major should I pursue. Business major has been my dream since forever, but now that I researched about it. I'm afraid that it's very corrupted and may contradict my islamic values. I mean working at a company is a "halal job" but so many do shady stuff to advances in the market and I don't want to be part of it, I'm sure that not all companies are the same but I'm afraid I may fall under that category. And I really want to work in clean/halal enviroment because I love such a job but I aslo want it within my religion lifestyle. it's also more corrupted in islamic countries than it is for non others unfortunately. Should I just abandon my dream?



I commend you for your desire to earn a lawful livelihood free of the taints of haram. Although you may be right in alleging that most of the businessmen engage in shady and doubtful practices to enrich themselves, we cannot generalize it. Instead, we would be fair in stating that others are careful in avoiding them and keep their business halal.

 

You should look to them for role models. You should find solace in the fact that business is one of the best options for those who are creative and have the ambition to succeed.

 

Perhaps you can inspire yourself because the Prophet (peace be upon him) was a successful businessman; his companions Abu Bakr, Uthman, and Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf and others were also quite successful in their businesses and did so without engaging in shady business practices.

 

If, however, you are not comfortable, then you should take up a job, you can excel and be creative. While searching for a lawful source of livelihood, you should not be rigid and be pessimistic and say there is nothing wholly free of the taints of haram.

 

Allah assures us in the Quran that He has chosen for us a religion that is free of undue hardship. That is why our jurists deduced a golden rule: where there is a hardship, the rigors of the law are relaxed.

 

So, never wrack your brain by being so rigid in your judgment. You only need to do your best to avoid that which is haram; once you have done your best, you are excused of what is beyond your means or ability or control.

 

There is another in jurisprudence which states, ‘We are not questioned about what is hidden or absent from us.”

 

Finally, let me advise you to continue praying to Allah:

 

Allaahumma agninee bihalaalika an haraamika wa bi ta’tika an ma’siyathika wabi fadhlika amman siwaaka

 

(O Allah, make me self-sufficient with that which You have made halal for me so that I am not forced to indulge in that which You have made haram for me; let me content with Your obedience so that I am not forced to disobey you. And make me satisfied with Your favor so that I do not need to look for favors from others).

 

Almighty Allah knows best.