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Ask About Ramadan Fiqhi Issues (Live Fatwa Session)

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty
08 May, 2019

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

 

Thank you very much for joining us in this Live Fatwa session. We would like also to thank our guest, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, for answering the questions directed to him. You will find the answers of your questions below.

Thursday, May. 09, 2019 | 13:00 - 15:00 GMT

Session is over.

I mistakenly broke the fast before the sun has set. What should I do?



If it was a mistake, then you need not worry as long as you stopped eating. If however, you continued to do so after recognizing your error, then you ought to make up for the day.

 

The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “Allah excuses my community of mistakes or forgetfulness or actions done under coercion.” (Ibn Hibban)

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

I don't pray, will my fast be accepted?



I am not the one to judge on such matters. What I can tell you is that Prayer is the first and foremost pillar of Islam. It is the true hallmark of a believer; that is why it was the first commandment issued to every single messenger of God from Adam to Muhammad: When Allah spoke to the Prophet Musa, peace be upon him, he ordered him thus: “I am the one and only God: so worship Me and establish Prayer to celebrate My remembrance.”

 

Therefore, while it is a good thing that you are fasting, you may do well to start praying immediately and never be slack in doing so. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “Whoever observes the Five Daily Prayers, they would be a light, evidence of faith and means of salvation for him or her on the Day of Resurrection.

 

On the other hand, if anyone neglects them, he would be deprived of light, evidence, and means of salvation; and would join the company of (the tyrants like) Korah, Pharoah, Haamaan and Ubyy b. Khalaf on the Day of Resurrection.” (Ibn Hibban)

 

Therefore, I would urge you even as you are ready to observe the Fast, why not take the next step of establishing Prayer? I would guarantee you that once you start doing so sincerely, you will experience inner peace and freedom from worry and anxiety. I pray to Allah to honor us all to remember Him, thank Him, and worship Him in the best way.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

 

Should a person with anemia fast in Ramadan?



As far as I can learn from postings from physicians, anemia may not pose a challenge to fasting, once correctly managed and controlled. It may, however, vary from person to person; so, you should consult your physician.

 

Let him recommend what is best for you. If your physician advises you against fasting, then you should skip the fast. It would be best if you fed the poor by way of compensation. If, later on, your condition improves and it is safe for you to fast, then you should make it up.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Can a Muslim break his fast to share his family thanksgiving?



The answer is a definite ‘no.’ You are not allowed to break your fast to share family Thanksgiving. I am referring to Ramadan fasting which is the fourth pillar of Islam; hence, no Muslim who can fast should skip it. However, if you are speaking of optional or voluntary fast, you are allowed to break it, and you may make it up later — if you wish.

 

Allah ordains the believers to honor our parents – even if they are non-Muslims; and yet qualifies it by stating, “if they were to force to associate partners with Allah – do not obey them; however, deal with them excellently in all other worldly matters. Also, follow the path of those who are ever turning to Me in repentance.”(Qur’an: 31: 11)

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

 

Can soccer player skip fasting on match day?



Fasting during the month of Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam; it is obligatory on every healthy person unless you have valid excuses: sickness, traveling, and from old age (and menses and postnatal period of bleeding, for women) are the only exceptions. There are some scholars, however, who have ruled that those whose jobs involve working in harsh conditions causing exhaustion and dehydration are allowed to skip: However, they ought to make up for the fasts later.

 

Based on this, if you are a professional player and you cannot postpone the match then you may skip if you feel you won’t be able to combine it with the rigors of fasting, in which case, you ought to make up the fast later.

 

If, however, it is not your profession. If instead, it is a hobby for you then you ought to fast, and you are not allowed to skip it.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Salaam Wrb, dear respected scholars, I have been facing people who are criticizing Islam and Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). They apparently quote verse 57 of surah 33 which states that Allah has cursed blasphemers. I have checked the tafsir Ibn Abbas: "(Lo! those who malign Allah and His messenger) by inventing lies about them; this verse was revealed about the Jews and Christians, (Allah hath cursed them) Allah will torment them (in the world) through being killed and expelled from their lands (and the Hereafter) in the Fire, (and hath prepared for them the doom of the disdained) they will be humiliated in their torture." That it what Ibn Abbas had to say in Tanwîr al-Miqbâs min Tafsîr Ibn ‘Abbâs. Is this sahih or daeef? Is there a punishment for blasphemers who are not muslim (because I know there are apostasy laws)? They also state that all the interactions of blasphemers in makkah is abrogated upon conquest all of them converted to Islam? Please explain the verse above. Bonus: my arguement was that He(S.A.W) spared Safwan Ibn Umayya, but they say that the Prophet (S.A.W) only gave him 4 months to live, can you refute this as well? Jazakallahu khair, May Allah Taalaa Reward You In Ramadan.



 

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

The Quran narrates many blasphemous statements of the disbelievers about Allah, the Quran, and the Prophet (peace be upon him), and yet there was no action taken against them.

 

The Prophet, peace be upon him, only waged war on those who waged war against him. They were the ones who expelled him and the small group of believers from their lands and possessions and made several attempts to assassinate him and persecuted him and his followers. They reduced the Prophet and his clan to a valley for months where they were forced to starvation and ate grass and plants to survive!

 

As for the work you mentioned, namely, Tanwîr al-Miqbâs min Tafsîr Ibn ‘Abbâs, the Hadith critics have judged it as a pure forgery, and therefore we cannot rely on it.

 

Safwan b. Umayyah was one of the chiefs of Quraysh who waged wars against the Prophet (peace be upon him) for years. He was also the one who plotted and sent Umayr b. Wahab with a poisoned sword to Madinah to assassinate the Prophet, peace be upon him.

 

It was only a miracle of Allah that saved the Prophet. The fact that even after all of such acts of terrorism, the Prophet (peace be upon), spared his life is clear evidence that the Prophet, peace be upon him, was a peacemaker and mercy for the worlds. Thanks to his mercy the even his deadliest enemies like Safwan, Ikrimah, Umayr and hundreds of others became Muslims and staunch defenders of Islam and the Prophet, peace be upon him.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

 

As' Salamu Alykum- Please answer the following two questioins: - A mufti in my community is giving people tawiz (amulet) to remove hardships and taking money. Is this permissible? -A Muslim scholar is telling people not to do Istikharah for their daughter's marriage and just investigate, consult with others and marry them, because our Prophet(pbuh) or the companions never did it for them selves or for thier children. Is this true? Jazak Allahu Khairan



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

Use of amulets and talismans is deemed as shirk. They are remnants of paganism that Islam sought to replace with tawhid and trust in Allah and seeking protection in Him.

 

If it had been good practices, then the Prophet, peace be upon him, would have done so to protect his children and granadchilden adn he would have recommended them to teh community.

 

Spiritual healing by reading the Quran and prescribed du’as is another matter; it is allowed; and a person is allowed to give what is given to him as a gift. However, setting a price as if it were a merchandise has no precedent in the practice of the pious predecessors.

 

What we learn from the authentic tradition is that once a group of companions were called to perform a spiritual healing; their leader read surah fathihah and prayed and the patient was healed and started walking; the clan was so pleased with the result they offered a herd of sheep to them as a gift. They refused to make use of it until they checked with the Prophet, peace be upon him. Upon arriving Madinah they posed the question to the Prophet, peace be upon him, and he approved it.

 

As for istikharah, there is nothing wrong in using it to seek the help of Allah in choosing one of the two valid options: choosing a  marriage partner, or accepting a job offer or entering into a business partnership are instances we can legitimately use istikharah.

 

The fact that the Prophet, peace be upon him, taught us to do so when faced with making decisions is enough proof to consider it as a valid religious practice. Scholars of the past and the present consider this as sufficient evidence to support use of Istikharah for such purposes.

 

For further details on this, let me cite one of my earlier answers:

 

Istikharah, in Arabic, means, “seeking the best course of action.” In Islam, it is used for approaching Allah through Prayer for guidance in a case when one cannot make up his mind. It should, however, be pointed out, that istikharah applies strictly to cases that are halal or permissible, since there cannot be a question of choice concerning matters that are considered haram (not permissible).

When faced with important decisions in life, a believer is persuaded to use all of his God- given resources, as well as consult people who are known for their knowledge, piety and sound opinion. After having done so, he can turn to Allah for guidance.

Humans are limited in knowledge, and Allah alone possesses perfect knowledge. Allah has told us that He alone possesses the keys to all that is good. He has also promised to help us, if we turn to Him earnestly and sincerely.

We see around us people doing all sorts of things for confirmation when faced with important decisions in their life. The Pre-Islamic Arabs resorted to the practice of divining of arrows or stirring of birds. In modern times, even some of the most prominent people consult astrologers, or psychics, or gurus or so called spiritual masters. Islam teaches that since Allah alone knows the unseen realities, and He alone is aware of what is good for us in an absolute sense, we must seek His help.

The Prophet, peace be on him, taught us how to do so. He told us that if we are faced with decisions in life and are unable to make up our mind, we must approach Allah through prayer. This prayer is called Prayer of Istikharah. It is a sunnah or a highly recommended act. The specific method of doing it, is as follows:

First, one must offer a prayer of two rak’ahs with the intention of seeking guidance from Allah. Then he should offer the following supplication:

Allaahumma innee astakheeruka bi ilmika wa astaqiruka bi qudratika wa as’aluka min fadlika al-azeem, fa innaka taqdiru wa laa aqdiru, wa ta’lamu walaa a’lamu, wa anta allaamu al-ghuyoob. Allaahumma in kunta ta’lamu anna haadha al-amra khayrun lee fee deenee wa ma’aashee, wa aaqibati amree fa uqdurhu lee wa yassirhu lee thumma baarik lee feehi, wa in kunta ta’lamu anna haadha al-amra sharrun lee fee deenee wa maa’shee wa aaqibati amree fa isrifhu annee wa isrifnee anhu wa uqdur liya al-khayra haythu kaana thumaa radhdhinee bihi

(O Allah, I seek Your help in finding out the best course of action (in this matter) by invoking Your knowledge; I ask You to empower me, and I beseech Your favor. You alone have the absolute power, while I have no power. You alone know it all, while I do not. You are the one who knows the hidden mysteries. O Allah, if You know this thing (I am embarking on) is good for me in my religion, worldly life, and my ultimate destiny, then facilitate it for me, and then bless me in my action. If, on the other hand, You know this thing is detrimental for me in my religion, worldly life, and ultimate destiny, turn it away from me, and turn me away from it, and decree what is good for me, wherever it may be, and make me content with it.)

After having done so, he should follow the decision that he is strongly inclined to. If he feels no such inclination, then he should choose one of the options; he can rest assured that Allah will guide his steps. It has been reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “One who asks Allah for guidance in choosing the best course of action will never be a loser.”

It is not at all necessary for a person to have visions or dreams following istikharah. However, if a person does experience a vision or dream, and he feels strongly about it, he should follow it.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

 

I would like to ask about having wali for marriage I'm 40 years old woman, never married and I live in Egypt. I'm getting married to a British Muslim man who lives in UK, he was married and got divorced couple of years ago before we meet. his ex refused to sign the divorce decree which means he is not legally divorced , due to this matter we find it hard to marry through the civil administration. For many reasons I will be going to UK soon inshaa Allah and we want to get married there, my brothers wont be able to travel with me so if we get their approval and conduct a Nikah at the Masjid how can I have a wali to be halal, can I have them on video attending the Nikah or do I have a written approval for the Imam. Please advise, thank you.



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

If the court has issued the divorce, then you can marry him through the nikah. If, however, he is still awaiting the judgment of the court, then I would advise you against going ahead with the nikah. We should not break the laws of the land.

As for the wali, being a mature adult, you can marry him with the consent of your wali. Their actual presence is not a requirement for the validity of the Nikah.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

My wife tells me in normal conversation that i am giving my brother a favor i told him with anger that O my mother tell me what do you consider a favour and how is that a favor than i explained it to her that in my view point it is a given take ,intension was to call wife a mother in a sense that she was bossing me like my mother. Please guide us if it does fall in Zhihar and kufara is required Jazak Allah



You are not to use such words jestingly. Since you spoke them thoughtlessly in a joking way, it cannot be ruled as Zhihar. We are to pray to Allah ‘not to take us to task if we forget or make a mistake.’

 

The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “Allah has excused my Ummah of their thoughtless mistakes or forgetfulness or actions that they do under coercion.” (Ibn Hibban)

 

Having said this, however, I would urge you to seek repentance of Allah and resolve never to do the same and also encourage you to give some charity to expiate for your mistake.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

 

My wife has left my house with out any reason and go to her father's home and not coming back home. After several reminders she did not come back. So I send msg to her father and brother that I give her talaq. I mentioned talaq word only 1 time in mobile SMS msg. So please confirm it's only one talaq and I can take her again as wife with in 3 periods of her. Please send breif answer.



If you did dictate Talaq pronouncement and communicated it to her and the parents, then it should be counted as a single talaq. You can take her back within the waiting period of three months.

 

If the three months have expired, you should marry her through a new nikah contract.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

 

Assalamualaykum we rahmeaullaahi wa barakatuhu. Human history has many infamous sinners like Charles Darwin that have become a causer for billions of people to deny god. There are also the infamous sinners that are mentioned in the quran like the dajjal, the pharaoh and yajooj and majooj. I have five questions that have to do with the comparison of the level of sin between dajjal, majooj yajooj and pharaoh. Who is in a bigger state of kufr and punishment in the afterlife??? Charles Darwin or the dajjal? Charles Darwin or the pharaoh? An ordinary individual from majool yajool or the dajjal? Majooj yajooj or Charles Darwin? Majooj yajooj or the pharaoh? This question would help understand the importance of the sins of the heart because the dajjal and yajooj majooj have not become a causer for billions of people to disbelieve god like Charles Darwin yet they are among the worse sinners.



 

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “The deadliest sins are: associating partners with Allah, murder, displeasing one’s parents, bearing false testimony.”

 

The work of the tyrants such as Pharoah and Dajjal reflect blatant forms of shirk; they are also guilty of murder.

 

As for Darwin, some say that he was a believer, but some of his statements show that he was an agnostic. Agnosticism is a virus that many of the so-called scientists and academics today are afflicted with; they are the ones who think that reality is exhausted what can be measured by the limited tools of science, which cannot be beyond the data of senses.

 

As the Quran says: They are like the travelers in the desert who mistake the mirage for water.

 

Like the tyrants mentioned above, they are also guilty of shirk and falsification and projecting their whims and fancies as the truth.

 

I pray to Allah to save us both these groups. Now as for the question who among them fares the worst, let us leave the judgment to God, who judges every person based on His perfect knowledge of him or her. So, let Him be the final judge. “Doesn’t the Creator know His creation best?”  (Qur’an: 67:14)

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

If I face obstacles in trying to attain perfection such as family who physically object you to supererogatory deeds, what is the solution? What is Karamah and can you give me full detail on what it is and examples of some which previously happened to some awliya. Also can Allah give future knowledge to his awliya such as when a companion was giving a Friday sermon and through intuition predicted there was an army on the way/ or in 699 A.H when ibn taymiyah predicted what would take place in 702 A.H than the army would seize goods ?



“Lo, the friends of God will have neither fear nor sorrow. They are the ones who cherish faith and are always mindful of God. For them there is the good news for them in the life of this world, as well as (good news for them) in the next— God’s words never change – and that is the triumph supreme!” (Qur’an 10: 62-64)

 

The wali (pl Awliya) as Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani defines is the one who knows Allah, steadfast in obedience to Him, and is earnest and sincere in worship.”

 

We read in a hadith Qudsi: “My servant can never come closer to me by doing anything better than the duties I have enjoined upon him. After having fulfilled them, he advances (on the spiritual path) by performing the supererogatory acts of worship until My love is established for him; and when I love him, I become his ears with which he hears, his eyes with which he sees, the hands he grasps with, and the feet he walks with. Then when seeks protection with Me, I will protect him; and when he calls upon Me, I will answer him.” (Al-Bukhari)

 

Karamah is the special favors or graces (like the answer to prayers as mentioned in the hadith or intimation of certain future events, and so on). However, it is not something a true friend of God would look for; instead, it is a gift from Him when and as He wills. Worshipping Allah or doing supererogatory acts of worship in the hope of receiving Karamah is undesirable. No real wali would do that. So, I would urge you never to look for Karamah while seeking to excel in your worship.

 

The examples of Karamah among the Prophet’s companions and salaf al-Salih are many: Here are some:

Two of the eminent companions, Usayd b. Hudhayr and Abbad b. Bishr spent conversing with the Prophet, peace be upon him,  in pitch darkness, and while returning home, as they walked one of their staffs lighted up for them to see the path; and when each one of them parted ways, and the staffs they were holding in their hands lighted up until they reached homes.

 

When during the course of the battle (of Badr), the sword of Ukkashah b. Muhsin broke, and the Prophet, peace be upon him, handed him a piece of wood which turned into a sword in his hands and he fought with it.

 

Imran b. Husyan, another companion, is known for hearing the greeting of the angels.

 

Likewise, the pious Caliph Umar while delivering a sermon in the Prophet’s mosque alerted the Muslim army engaged in the battle against the Romans hundreds of miles about the dangers lurking, which they heard thus saving the Muslims from the imminent attack by the enemy army hiding behind the mountain.

 

Umm Ayman, whom the Prophet, peace be upon him, called as ‘my mother after my mother’ (as is the one who took care of him after his mother’s death) was traveling alone to emigrate to Madinah; on the way she experiencing a torturing thirst, then suddenly bucked was dropped from heaven and she drank her fill from it. She later recalled, ‘after drinking from the bucket’ she never again felt any thirst – even while fasting in the hottest summer months!”

 

Instances like these are so many as reported from the companions and the pious predecessors.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

As-salamu'alaikum, Here in the United States, it's a regular practice for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, a statement addressing acknowledgement of the republic of their country and promising devotion to and support for it. While it intends no endorsement of religion―something the Constitution of the United States actually prohibits to allow freedom to practice any religion for all of its citizens, to any extent that they wish―it is not compulsory for anyone to say. As Muslims, would it be all right to state this kind of allegiance to our country's republic, or does it fall under the category of putting its love before Allah's? Your answer would be very much appreciated. May Allah bless this website and help all of its visitors find contentment and peace of mind.



 

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

The pledge of allegiance states:

 

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

 

As eminent scholars such as Dr. Taha Jabir al-Alwani and others have stated, Muslims are allowed to swear the pledge of allegiance to the State which means we commit ourselves to protect the peace, security, integrity, and freedom for all of its citizens.

 

Therefore, you are allowed to pledge allegiance or take the oath of citizenship as long as you are clear in your mind that you are doing so without contravening the sovereignty of Allah. The American constitution (just like the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms) already assume the sovereignty of God; as a Muslim you are obligated to obey the laws of the land and stand to defend it against aggression, and work for upholding justice and rights for all of its citizens; none of these ideals is contrary to the Islamic teachings.

 

So be clear in your conscience: By swearing the oath allegiance you are committing yourself to fulfill your duties of good citizenship while not contradicting the sovereignty of Allah, which is supreme. The constitution allows you the freedom to act according to the dictates of your conscience. You can stand up for what you believe to be right and just within the charter of rights granted to all citizens.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Is it permissible to hug the opposite sex while fasting?



If you are speaking about hugging your wife, you should avoid it while fasting.

 

Aisha, the beloved wife of the Prophet, peace be upon him, was asked whether one is allowed to kiss his wife while fasting? She said, ‘no,’ then when someone pointed out to her, ‘Didn’t the Prophet, peace be upon him, kiss you while he was fasting?’, She replied, “Who among you can restrain himself as the Prophet, peace be upon him, was able to?” (Ibn Hibban)

 

In other words, we should avoid such actions to save ourselves from breaking our fast.

 

I do not see any difference between hugging and kissing; it is likely to arouse desire, and therefore should be avoided unless someone knows that he can control himself.

 

As for hugging the members of the opposite sex — who are not related to you in blood or marriage–, one ought to avoid it all circumstances.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

 

Can I wear lipstick while fasting?



It is best to avoid such beautifications while fasting. Fasting has a form and soul. The soul of fasting entails shunning indulgence, learning self-restraint and overcoming passions and desires, and nurturing mindfulness of Allah.

 

Therefore, we should try our best to avoid indulging our passions. Having said this, I cannot firmly state that using lipstick would break the fast.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Does acid reflux invalidate fasting?



Acid reflux does not break the fast. It is like vomiting which is not self-induced. Since you have no control over acid reflex, it does not break your fast.

 

However, if anything comes to your mouth, then you should spit it out.

 

Allah says, “ Allah does not burden anyone what he or she has no strength to bear.” (Al-Baqarah 2:286)

 

The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “Allah excuses my Ummah of actions done out of unwilful mistakes, omissions out of forgetfulness, and that which they do under compulsion, and thus have no control over them.” (Ibn Hibban)

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Can I apply a patch on my arm while fasting?



There are different types of patches for various functions. Patches delivering nutrients or medicines to the body should break the fast.

 

If, on the other hand, it is applied only to the skin, then it is like massaging the body with oil; in which case, it should not break the fast.

 

If one’s medical condition requires the use of patches delivering nutrients or medicine to the body one should skip the fast it unless it can be applied only during the night.

 

In such case, one can delay applying the patch till after breaking the fast. While enjoining fasting during the Ramadan, Allah says, “if anyone of you is sick, or traveling then he or she may skip the fast and make up for it later. Allah wants for you ease; He does not wish to impose hardship on you.” (Al-Baqarah 2:184)

 

As for nicotine patches, they are akin to smoking tobacco. One should shun it altogether. Smoking is a sin; it destroys health as well as the valuable resources which one ought to could use for beneficial causes.

 

Therefore, we ought to seize the opportunity of the blessed month of Ramadan to quit such habits cold turkey. A person who fasts sincerely should be able to do so by the help of Allah. Many people have done it; so with faith and complete trust in Allah, it should not pose a problem for a true believer.

 

As for using patches for medical r  health problems, one should refer to the advice of his or her physician. I pray to Allah to grant us discernment in thoughts and actions.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

 

1) Is it shirk to repeat lyrics of songs that contain shirk but have no belief in those words? 2) I told someone I know about the above sin because I was scared it was shirk and I was always crying and couldn't sleep so I wanted help to find an answer. But then I remembered the hadith that mentioned sins that are made public will not be forgiven. Does this now mean I won't be forgiven ever?



Shirk, no doubt, is the gravest sin in Islam. Allah says, “Verily ascribing of divinity to any other than Allah is an awesome wrong!” (Qur’an: 31: 13).

The reason why it is such terrible sin is because of the simple fact that since Allah is the Creator, Sustainer, Cherisher, Provider, and the One who alone is the source of life and death and all things in the universe by ascribing such powers to any other than Him is indeed an enormity.

 

Therefore, one who commits shirk deprives himself of salvation in the next world. Allah says, “Behold, whoever ascribes divinity to any being beside God, unto him will God deny paradise, and his final abode shall be the fire: and such evildoers will have none to succor them!” (Qur’an: 5:72)

 

Moreover, we are told in another place in the Qur’an: “Verily, God does not forgive the ascribing of divinity to aught beside Him, although He forgives any lesser sin unto whomever He wills: for he who ascribes divinity to aught beside God has indeed contrived an awesome sin” (Qur’an: 4:48).

 

When someone asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) about shirk, he replied, “It is associating a partner with Allah while He alone is the One who created you” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

 

We can explain the enormity of shirk by saying: Tawhid is all about liberation and freedom. It means that we refuse to bow down before anything or anyone other than our Creator and Lord- including idols or statues made of gold, stone or wood, as well as idols of humans in the shape of leaders, priests or gurus as intermediaries or partners in divinity. A true believer in tawhid is thus free of all such forms of slavery and is a slave to none but God.

 

So you can never utter the words of shirk whether sincerely or jokingly. You ought to seek repentance. Repentance means feeling remorse for what you have done, followed by refraining from such deeds in the future and resolving firmly in your mind never to do it again. You may also do well to expiate for your sin by making lots of Istighfaar and offering some charities – if you can afford.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Assalamu alaikum I have married a revert 2.5 years ago. I have never succeeded into making her understand how important it is that she respects me. Every time she gets emotional I face disrespectful behavior. Ive never succeeded into earning her respect, despite having people’s respect, especially men. I have already divorced her twice, she never learned. I think one of the reasons is because she is 3.5 years older than me. Im struggling now into making a decision of final divorce. Because if I do that, she will have to stay with her family in a country where she will not be able to practice her deen properly, and she would not have muslim friends. Can I get your kind advice?



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

Before making the final decision to part ways forever, you should seek professional counseling. A counselor should be able to help you with how you can reconcile the differences amicably. You may also do well to study the book, Blissful Marriage: A Practical Islamic Guide by Ekram Beshir and Mohamed Beshir.

 

I would also urge you to read my short piece on the 5 tips to build a happy marriage: you may access it here:

 

http://www.islam.ca/documents/akutty-Five_Cs_for_happy_marriage.pdf

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

I always get gas during prayer. I wouldn't say it's constant, but it does hinder my ability to complete my five daily prayers in one go. I always worry about it even on the rare occasion it doesn't happen. I've read that the only time a person is excused is if it's constant. If that is the case I'll have to repeat every single prayer at least three times on most days (I'm not exaggerating). I even avoid voluntary prayers because it's such a hassle to redo wudu and then break it in the middle of the prayer! I get so stressed about keeping wudu I can't concentrate on my prayers. Is there any ruling regarding a person who has gas most of the time to the point it hinders prayer, but not constant 24/7?



You are considered a ma’zoor (a person with valid excuses) if you are suffering from this condition. Therefore, the standard rules of purification are relaxed. You are to perform wudu as close to each prayer as possible, and then you need not worry about what happens.

 

On further details, let me cite here one of my earlier answers:

 

“The answer to your question may vary according to one of the two scenarios described below:

 

If you are suffering from incontinence, or bladder control problems, then you should do the following:

 

You should make sure to wash yourself and perform your ablution close to the time of the Salah you intend to perform. After having done so, if, during the course of your Salah, you were to experience any wetness, drops, etc., you need not worry about it; it shall be shall be considered as “excused” in your case. Allah clearly tells us

“He has not appointed any hardship for you in your religion.” (Q. 22:78) But we must, once again, stress that in this case, one must only perform the necessary purification and Wudhu as close to the Salah as possible.

 

Regarding the second scenario:

 

If you do not suffer from incontinence or bladder problems, then you must ask yourself whether you are certain that you have started your Salah after having clearly established the necessary purification and Wudhu or not. If you are definitely certain that you have done so, then you don’t need to pay attention to such intrusive thoughts or doubts that assail your mind unless you see some tangible signs indicating otherwise. Such tangible signs include wetness, foul smell or sound of passing winds or fart, etc. If you were to experience any of these tangible signs, you must break your Salah and resume it only after having performed the requisite procedure of purification and Wudhu,

 

If, on the other hand, you did not experience any such tangible signs indicated above, then you don’t need to pay any attention to such doubts. This is in accordance with the principle of Fiqh that “Certainty cannot be undermined by mere doubt or hesitation”. Therefore, you should continue your Salah until such time that you see clear signs to the contrary.

 

In this case indicated above, it important for us to know that such nagging doubts are due to the whisperings of Satan as the Prophet (peace be upon him) told us that Satan will approach us in our Salah, trying to distract us from it. In doing so, he will definitely play different cards with different people. If, in your case, he is to trying to cast doubts in your mind regarding your purification, in the case of another, it may be by suggesting some other thoughts, and, hence, the remedy for it is simply turning to Allah for protection and invoking His help against the accursed one.”

I pray to Allah to grant you relief.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

 

 

I live in a country where the vast majority of people are not Muslims, and as such food pantries and soup kitchens do not provide halal food to the poor. However, I want to help the poor as Allah has commanded us. Not all of the food at the pantries and kitchens is haram. Is it permissible for me to volunteer or work for such organizations if it is done with the intention of helping the needy?



Volunteering in soup kitchens or other facilities to help the poor and the destitute is a great virtue. I would commend you for such works.

 

If the people you are serving food are sickly or older adults, then there is no reason to stop doing it in Ramadan or any other time.

 

If that is not the case, then you should ask if you can do so after the month of Ramadan, especially if you have to serve food during the day hours while fasting.

 

Alternatively, you may also choose to volunteer at night (as long as you do not compromise your spiritual regimen of the Ramadan.).

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

 

Is it permissible according to Quran & Sunnah to greet the elderly (because of respect) before others who are before them on the right side?



The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “He is not one of us who does not show mercy to the young and does not recognize the right of the elderly among us.” (Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi)

 

We also know that the Prophet, peace be upon him, also taught us to give precedence to the elderly in serving and greeting. He also warned us against ignoring or looking down on them.

 

In conclusion, greeting the elders and giving preference to them over others is a good practice encouraged by the Prophet, peace be upon him.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Salam my friend’s wife had miscarriage in late December and he sent her divorce late March by paper. Is this valid divorce? Is there any way to reconcile for them. We are sad at this and want them to be together. Please advice



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

If I understand your question correctly, I cannot see how could a Muslim man divorce his wife because of her miscarriage; such a man is heartless and cruel; how can he justify such an action, when she is the one who deserves all forms of emotional, moral and spiritual support. How could he victimize her more?

 

It is not befitting a Muslim to do so. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “The best of men are those who are most affectionate to their wives.”

 

Her miscarriage is not her fault; it is a decree of Allah; so by reacting to her in this way, he is guilty of challenging the order of Allah. Therefore, I would urge him to repent, seek forgiveness of Allah and his wife and use the opportunity of the blessed month of Ramadan to repent and wash his sins.

 

Once he has done that, he should take her back, if the waiting period of three months did not expire. If, however, three months expired, then he should renew the marriage.

 

Having said this, I would also urge him to seek marriage counseling; he can also benefit from studying the book, Blissful Marriage: A Practical Islamic Guide by Ekram Beshir and Mohamed Beshir.

 

I pray to Allah to guide our hearts and inspire us all to do what is right to improve our faith and character by seeking repentance and doing what is right and pleasing to Him.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

 

Salam alaikum. I would like to know if it is permissible for a Muslim to listen to Catholic hymns that do not exalt Prophet Jesus/Isa as equal to Allah/God since I enjoy listening to the worship songs of my former religion. Thanks



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

Listening to devotional songs and hymns which do not contain shirk or association of partners with God in divinity is okay. There is nothing objectionable about it.

 

However, prayers to Jesus, and those containing dogmas of Trinity, crucifixion,  and other dogmas alien to Islam ought to be avoided.

 

We believe that such are innovations introduced by the later Christians; as such, the great Prophet Jesus, peace be upon him, is wholly innocent of them.

 

We ought to know that the Quran came to affirm the pristine religion preached by the previous prophets and messengers that were changed or tampered with by their later followers.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Salam alaikum. I have some questions regarding kafaraat yameen. I decided to break an oath I made to Allah a few years ago and wish to offer kafaraat yameen by clothing 10 poor people. I plan of giving away my old clothes which mostly consists of shirts and a few pants. My questions are: 1. Does the 10 poor persons need to be Muslim or can I give them to non-Muslim poor people? 2. Can I just give each of them one shirt or pants? Thank you and may God/Allah bless you and this website.



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

General charities can be given to anyone whether Muslims and non-Muslims. The case of Zakah and Kaffarah funds, including Fidyah, are different. One should give them to Muslims only — as ruled by the majority of Scholars:

 

This is the view of Imams and scholars such as Hasan al-Basri, Nakhi; Awzai, Malik, Shafi, Abu Yusuf, and others. However, Imam Abu Hanifah holds the view that Kaffarah can be given to the poor non-Muslims who are not hostile to Islam.

 

It would be best for you in this case to follow the former view (the majority view) which states it should be given to Muslims,  while usual kinds of charities can be given to all: Muslims as well as non-Muslims.

 

We cannot exaggerate the fact that millions of Muslims in many parts of the world are languishing under the worst forms of starvation and deprivations. The Rohingyas, Syrians, Palestinians, Kashmiris,  Somalis, are only a few examples.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Assalam O Alikum, Need help to convey my daughter not to marry Agha Kahni. I read the article by Br. Akbarally Meherally and need his advise from him or any scholars



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

  

The litmus test of a Muslim is the following: Belief in the six tenets of faith including the Oneness  of Allah, angels, books, messengers, resurrection, and divine decree and the five pillars including testimony of Oneness of God and Messengership of the Prophet, peace be upon him, five daily prayers, charity, fasting and pilgrimage to the House. On top of these, one ought to declare as Halal what Allah has declared as Halal, and maintain as Haram what Allah has declared as Haram. If he accepts the above, she may marry him.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

 

assalamu 'alaikum shaikh.I have 2 questions. 1)if madhiy & other vaginal discharge not connected with period (blood stained,yellow, reddish, pinkish, brownish, green, other color) comes,is it enough to wear pad whole day & ensure it doesn't come in contact with body & cloth and just wudoo every prayer time without washing private parts? Cause washing private part thoroughly 5 times a day kinda difficult, time consuming & even cause pain in private part. & 2) is it mandatory to change pad 5 times before five prayers in this case? it may can't be always maintained as price of suitable sanitary pad is high. so women whho have frequent coming of madhiy & colored discharge face problem. if sufficient pads are not in home what she can do in this case?



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

In the case of discharges that are not related to menses or post-natal bleeding, the rule is to wash the private parts and renew wudu. According to an authentic tradition, the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised a companion who experiences madhy discharge to wash the genitals and repeat wudu.

 

If you are suffering from a condition and you are advised by your physician against frequent washing, you may perform tayammum and wash and clean yourself by using a clean pad.

 

According to the rules of Fiqh, rigors of the law are relaxed where there is a hardship.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.