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Christmas and Other Issues (Fatwa Session)

Sheikh Kifah Mustapha
15 December, 2017

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

 

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

Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017 | 19:00 - 21:00 GMT

Session is over.

Assalamu Alaikkum I study in a convent girls school. So majority of my friends are christians. We had celebrations on that day we took christmas friend to give the presents after the holidays.Is it haram to take part in this and all my friends will be giving me their christmas treat like cakes etc is it also haram to accept those kind of gifts?



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

You will hear scholars saying it is all Haram and I respect their view. But I believe, the social part of any holiday is not included in the acceptance of their practices.

 

Meaning if involved in a party at work at time of Christmas, you can participate. This is not a religious service at that moment. It is just a social moment of holidays and people are off work, exchange words of greetings and gifts it should be fine.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Asalam o Alaikum!!!! Your timely response will be very helpful. I would like to ask about what should we do when we see someone or come to know someone committing a major sin like Zina, slandering or theft etc. Should we advise them to repent sincerely or should we report them and especially if the person regrets what he / she has done and wants to repents. I understand as a general ruling in Islam we should hide each other's sin as long as they are not done openly based upon the hadith “ Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim Allah will conceal his Sins on the day of judgement” But then I came across this hadith ( I don't know about the context and background of this hadith). It states “ Forgive the faults of right acting people unless they committ something which entails a Hadd punishment” (Al- Bayhaqi)’ Please clear up this confusion as this question is for the person who has done this shameful act ( close to Zina) but feels that some people have seen her committing that sin and generally know about her previous character. Now its been 5 years she has repented and living a good life according to Islam but still feels depressed whether her repentance was accepted or not and she is looking for general guidance Jazak Allah Your response will help to eliminate depression of someone and give them hope in life Jazak Allah



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

It depends on the type of person and the act of haram itself. If a person was in private and the sin is between him and God like drinking wine or committing zina with a female in private you have no right to expose him. You keep it to yourself and only if he knew that you have knowledge and he came to ask you for advice you advise him directly.

 

If he did not know you knew, the advice should be in general matter as a reminder.

Only when someone takes his sins to public you can speak of him.

 

Now if the sin is causing public harm like theft or killing someone and police is looking for him and asked public to help then yes you are helping protect public from the harm this person is causing.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Assalamu alaikum shaikh I have three questions, 1)if there is a rule in countries where it is must for women to take photos for visa and passport in which two ears and some portion of hair in the side of ears must be uncovered ,can women of those countries take their photos in this way for their visa & passport? Is their any concession for them as they are not doing it intentionally rather they are forced to do it because it is a rule 2) And for taking photos for visa and passport women have to uncover the ears, portion of hair beside ears in front of non mahram male cameramen as their is no female camera man is available in our country. Are women allowed to do it? They are not doing it intentionally rather situations force them to do so .3) if they are not allowed to do it what is the alternative of it? Will they stop to go to foreign country for treatment,hajj, education,job,training in job & educational field & other necessary purpose?



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

Yes, you can. This is `awrah shown per need for important matters of identification and is shown only per needed. Now, if you can get a religious paper from the Mosque that the government agencies respect and allow you to tale picture with full Hijab, then of course it would be better.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Salam'ualaikum warahmatullah wabarakatu'u? Pls can someone who miss a complete prayer hookup with somebody rise to complete his own as another Congregational prayer?



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

Yes, the difference in intentions between an Imam and a follower is fine. The Imam could be leading Asr and you are behind him in Zuhr intention. It is ok

.
Almighty Allah knows best.

Can i do ruqya on my own? If yes, how can it be done?



Yes of course that is what the prophet (peace be upon him) used to do on himself.

Read the Fatihah, beginning of Al-Baqarah 5 verses, ayat Al-Kursi, end of Al-Baqara 3 verses, Ikhlas, Falaq and Nass. Then blow gently on your palms and wipe all your body before you sleep or any time you wish.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Is there any rule that women should not sit for Zuhor salah before men finished their pray on the day of



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

Women can pray in the masjid and attend Salat of Jumu`ah. They must be in separate rows then men. No relation for women Salat to that of men sitting or not.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Assalamu alaikum sheikh, am a female , can I take the picture of my brother by smartphone camera ?,is it regarded as drawing picture and sin ? If you would describe it according to authentic Islamic evidence ,l would be grateful



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

The pictures that were prohibited by the prophet (peace be upon him) were meant to be pictures of figures that are worshiped like Gods, religious figures etc.

 

It is ok to take pictures or draw it for normal family and friends.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

please how authentic is the quran? how was it compiled? how many years after the prophet, was the quran compiled? and were there any foreign verses included in it?



All of the Quran is authentic.

 

The prophet (peace be upon him) preserved it in two methods.

 

His followers memorized it by heart one generation after another. We are now in generation number 29 of people who are certified by their teachers as they heard it from their teachers all the way to prophet Muhammad as he heard it from angel Gabriel as the angel heard it from God.

 

The second method, it was preserved on written documents like skins, leather, wood plates etc. After the prophet’s death by one year his caliph Abu Baker collected all these pieces together in one place. 15 years later the 3rd caliph `Uthman wrote these documents of regular paper books that we inherit till now.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Is it permissible to be a district manager in a company that also sells alcohol?



No it is not because your income is going to be from such sale of alcohol. The prophet (peace be upon him) said: “if Allah made something Haram, He makes the income of it Haram too.” Another Hadith is that: “Allah is pure and will accept only pure things.” So you must make your income from Halal source.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Assalamualaikum, can I recite ayat-ul-kursi while sleeping and leaving house when I am on menses? I've heard that we are not allowed to recite Quran during this time and ayat-ul-kursi is from Quran but it is also for protection!



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

You can recite any verse of the Quran including Ayat al-Kursi while in your menstrual period. It is not permissible to hold the Mushaf Quran for recitation.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Assalamu alikum varhmathullah,May Allah shower his blessings upon you and your family. Sir I have 2 questions. In our area leather from pig are common as cattle or sheep leather.so a product in doubt is permissible to use ? 2.for the sake of doubt whether leather upholstery in a car is from pig or cow is that ok? or If I decided to replace the leather seat covers by artificial leather then is it ok to use ? Or a man touched the leather with wet hand then he touched at a point after that another person touch the same point with wet hand then the najjis transfer to his hand also ?



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

The Hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him) that if a skin is dyed it becomes pure. Many scholars referred this Hadith only to the original lawful animal like sheep and goat. But other scholars said, since the Hadith did not specify, then the process of dyeing a skin should produce pure material even if the skin was of a pig.

 

To these scholars, you can use leather made from pigs for it became pure in the process of dying.

I say, if you can buy known leather material not made from pigs it is better indeed.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Assalmu alekum, I'm very fond of research. I want to become a great physicist. I've observed that many scientists are atheists and more persons who became scientists have been influenced by atheists. I want to know how to protect my iman? Moreover, by using science, how can i spread islam?



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

You build yourself with faith first and surround yourself by good Muslim scholars that you lean on when needed for direction and then you study and science out there.
No science out there can stand against the truth. It is only the mind of people who go astray for many reasons.

If you do your homework studying Islam and logic in Islam and keep a reference of scholars for help as needed, you should be able to hold on your faith insha Allah.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Salaam, is it permissible for a husband to look at his wife s pictures and mastrubate when she is away ? 2. Is it permissible for wife mastrubating her husband ? 3. During sex is it permissible for wife to give mouth to husband's organ ? Please advice.



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

All types of sexual pleasure between husband and wife are allowed except intercourse during her menstrual period and penetration in the anus.

 

Masturbating when wife is away from husband with a picture or without is only permitted if one feared on himself from Haram acts. I do not like the idea of men relieving themselves in such practice always for it affects their intimacy with their wives in the future.

 

I had many cases of wives complaining about husbands getting used on masturbating for sexual pleasure and not having interest in intercourse itself which is the ultimate pleasure in Halal supposedly!

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Aoa . I want to ask if its permissible to curse/give bad dua to someone who had done you wrong. And if yes, what bad dua is most appropriate. I have tried to forgive but my heart can't find peace until i pray against them to Allah. I need guidance please. Remember me in your prayers.



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

To call Allah for help and support and guidance and to make dua explaining and talking about the hardships a person caused you is acceptable. People are asked first to forgive and relay matters to Allah for what He the Almighty decides is the best. And for that I am not in favour of cursing others in general.

 

Now, if one is to make a Dua, it must be in a language of asking Allah for support.

O, Lord help me against this unfairness and injustice that fell upon me… like that.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

I consider having a car a basic need. I purchased my own car. My husband purchased sports car he cannot drive in winter. He pays my gas and insurance. He wants my car for winter. I prepared my car bought my own tires for winter. Yet he expects he can drive mine all winter. He will not pay insurance or gas if he cannot use for at least 4 months daily. He only buys me basic needs nothing more. Do I get job so I don't have to rely on his little income and providing me minimum to show him lesson he should not have bought fancy car he cannot even drive in winter. Or let him use it. We are expecting a child and he doesn't prepare for it financially either thinking rizq will just come. I want to show him nothing comes you have to work for it. He doesn't accept jobs he thinks are out of his league.



I always hope that both spouses look at their things they own as one unit and not separate. His car is yours and yours is his.

 

Now I agree it will be lot easier to cope with such concept if husband shows level of responsibility and common sense in handling personal decisions. When one marries, the priority is for the family as a whole not the individualism.

 

In the example you gave, it showed more focus on his well-being than the family as a whole. He must be advised to provide you with the best car for your safety and the safety of the new future born child.

 

A wife can always get a job if it does not take her away from her responsibilities at home and by permission of her husband.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

 

Assalamualaikum Sheikh. A book costs £20. I found the same book abroad for just £10. I asked friends if they wanted to order with me & the cost is £10. Many said yes. I paid for everyone in advance. Book supplier gave me a discount. Book is now £8 each. Can I tell friends to pay me £10 for a book without telling them about discount ? It was a very stressful process importing the books, answering multiple queries from friends & delivering to them. Jazakallahukhayr



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

If one made an agreement of sale between him and others even friends of a certain amount and they agreed to it and then he was able to bring it cheaper, he can keep the extra 2 as a profit.

 

Now, this is what merchants do, they sell goods and make profit out of it.

 

If your intention in the beginning was more of a service with no plan to make money off your friends, it will be a good ethical practice to tell them the real cost and let them decide if you are to keep the extra 2 or return it back to them.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

My husband of 6 years has been committing zina for 6 years. I have found messages, pictures etc. He has shown remorse for one night on the day I found out. Since then, nothing. I have consulted with my mother and she says to stay patient and that it shouldn’t bother me. I have a son. Which I know he needs his father. But am I supposed to in Islam just ignore it?. Am I supposed to continuously just ignore it? Wallahi it is killing me inside. I pray salah, I give zakat, I wear hijab. I am always begging Allah to help me.



No woman can ignore her husband’s acts of Haram. But the issue here is, how to handle it.

In many cases, men or women go through phases in their life of weakness in their faith, vulnerability against Haram and they fall into such acts.

 

These people including your husband should be helped to quit first. You did mention that when you confronted him he felt remorse and guilty and that is something we can build on.

 

He might need counselling, spiritual support and strong social presence by family.

 

Now all this is based on him admitting to wrong doing, asking for a new chance and willing to change.

 

If you feel that he has no interest in quitting and insisting of relations in Haram, it will be your call to think about other options even if it has to lead to separation.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Assalamu alaikum shaikh I'm a female . I have multiple cysts within left eye . if I don't treat it may be complicated and may result in distorted/blurred vision. So it requires surgery and before surgery I have to do some blood test. For taking blood I have to uncover my hand upto arm . blood may be taken by non mahram men( for this purpose he has to touch me) and other non mahram men will be present there as there is no gender separation in hospital in our country. My question is ,can I uncover for this purpose?



 

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

Medical treatment is one of the areas in which Islam applies exemptions. If there are no same gender medical personal who can provide service needed, then it is permissible to allow people of other gender to provide such service.

 

The Islamic rule is: “If a matter became limited (in options) expand (as needed.)”

 

 

In general, all medical personal are under a code of ethics to make their work professional and limited to the service needed.

 

`Awrah or private areas of females should be shown if needed to non-Mahram people in case of medical treatment only in the portion needed. It is also preferable to have another family member with you at that time like your sister or mom.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Assalamu alaikum. I am 26m and i have beard from my young age i have never touch or shave my beard till now. The problem is i have some pimples on my face and doctor suggested me to trim my beard to 0 size and after treatment i can grow it as usual. So my question is CAN I TRIM MY BEARD? Thanks and regards.



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

Scholars have different views on the actual growing of the beard itself. Many scholars consider it an obligation and that the length of it must be that which your hand can grab or bigger.

 

Few consider it a human act by the Prophet (peace be upon him) with no religious reference at all so even if shaved it should be fine.

 

Others consider it a Sunnah to grow even a little bit to cover your cheek regardless of the length and that it is Makrooh to cut not Haram.

 

On the trimming part particularly, all scholars approve to remove extra hair that is growing outside the norm and to keep it looking good and clean.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Is the darwin theory is the sign of arrival of dajjal?



I do not see the relevance between any theory of Darwin and the presence of the Dajjal. The signs of the Day of the Judgment are part of the world of the unknown in its timing.

 

Since we do not have a clue on the time of the Day of Judgment itself, by default we do not have a clue on the timing of the signs minor or major. We can only call it when it happens.

 

 

In general, the presence of the prophet himself (Peace be upon him) was the first sign of the closeness of the Day of Judgment.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

asalamu alaykum I have been married for about 7 years now to my aunty’s son (mums nephew).. we have a daughter who is 3 years old an we live in our own house alhmdlh...his mum an brothers live around the corner from us which is what he wanted. Since i fell pregnant with my daughter my husband has been a different man she was born premature two months in my hometown an we stayed in neonatal for one month in bham where i moved from once i gt married. To keep it basic i have had no support from him in any way since she has been born till this day he never helped me wen she was a newborn and i suffered serious pre natal depression as a result ...my husband is not a very talkative person at all but i put that down to him being shy around his own family an expected that to change once we moved into our own house an only had each other for company aswell as our baby. When my husband is not working he is asleep an when he is awake he will eat an take his daughter an leave for his mums until it’s his time to go back to work he will it return home n it’s the same routine every single day. As a family we do not do anything an we never go out unless it’s for grocerys he never makes an effort to do something with us both as a family. If i want to spend time with him he tells me i should come with him to his mums everyday to spend time with him how is this acceptable when he knows we do not have a great relationship that’s why we moved out. He doesn’t talk to me at all or communicate with me during the daylight hours if u ask him anything or try to start a conversation he gets annoyed or says such a thing the conversation ends before it begins. I go to see my mum an family with my daughter every couple of months and he always try’s to stop me yet he’s own family he wants to be with every waking hour. Can you please advise me or help me to tackle this behaviour of he’s as he doesn’t seem to think he’s doing anything wrong an says he’s family are everything to him but what abwt all the sacrifices i have made for him ??!!



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

Many men think that paying bills for the household and not causing direct harm to family members is a fair deal for a wife to enjoy. They really do not put effort to upgrade this relationship into a true intimate one bringing souls next to each other like how close friends are.

 

Your husband needs counselling with you for I think he needs help himself too from the stresses of life that he is experiencing next to you. Maybe it is the worries in his mind that is making him limit the relationship with you and seek other ways to enjoy relief.

 

If he refuses and you end up with options of change on his side, then it will be your task to make better of yourself and spirit. It will be hard to be positive and objective with no support from husband but you can pull enough strength to enjoy matters even solo with your kids and close family members or friends around you.

 

At the same time, keep the good mood around your husband and look for things he likes to do and enjoy and see how you  can join him in it to be part of that which is of his interest.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

 

Dear Scholar, Asslam Alaikum Hope you are in the best of health. I have a case that I would like for you to comment upon. I have been married to my husband since 20 years. We both belong to Muslim families but I began observing my deen according to Shariah since the last 5/6 years. During this time my life had completely changed and became a very challenging struggle. My husband shuns me for following Islamic rulings, particularly for wearing a hijab during our outings. This has taken a heavy toll as for currently I have been isolated in my house and we have do not have any communication between us except for basic household related matters which also takes over via phone messaging. My husband has also refused to take me outside with him because I would not leave the house without veiling myself. There has been instances when he lost control and thrusted me towards the ground. I have also been victim of threats and verbal abuse even after trying my best to act morally and decently as a wife should be under Islamic principles. My husband is not a practicing Muslim and he rarely observes the compulsory obligations at their appointed times. He also denies the Islamic rulings for Hijab. Like mentioned earlier, my husband has not spoken to me for a month and half and my position is only to tend the needs of the house without any regards or respect, similar to the role of a house maid. His final remarks on the situation was that if I keep holding on these Islamic commandments, he will leave me for disobeying him. I am very worried with this scenario because i do not have any reliable options if a divorce takes place since my mother has passed away and my father is very elderly living with my brother and I have one elder sister who is married. Thank you and JazakAllah Khairun for dedicating your time, looking forward for an urgent response.



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

It is very clear that honoring God’s orders is over any other matter. The prophet (peace be upon him) said: “No one shall be obeyed in that which is a sinful act towards God.” Your husband is pressuring you to let go one of God’s commands, Hijab. That is not acceptable at all.

 

If someone can talk to him not to bother you in practicing your faith, it will be the best option. Actually he should be happy for you!

 

If he is not willing to change and yet ignoring your rights to practice your faith, it will be your call to choose between staying with him and trying to cope without removing Hijab or seeking divorce.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Assalam alikum there sounds like there is a contradiction between 7:54 and 36:40 in 7:54 it says night overtakes day but 36:40 says night can't overtake day



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

Not at all, the first verse talks about the cycle of darkness with light on earth witnessed by humans as of night and day. The second verse is talking about the flow of sun and earth in space.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Assalamu alaikum sheikh, will women get less reward than men & men get more reward than women in hereafter? will both men's & women's rewards be equal in quantity(amount), quality & all other ways or not?



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

Rewards are based on the levels of sincerity in intentions and the level of perfection in deeds. Scholars say that the two main conditions of any deed to be accepted are: Sincerity and the properness of the deed itself. It has nothing to do with gender, color or ethnicity.

 

The amount of rewards is all to Allah the Almighty to decide and no one knows for sure of how much each will get. People should focus on the idea that Allah accepts their deeds. That is the most important thing.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

asalam alaykum I want to ask how long husband and wife live separately in different countries.



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

A wife has the right to ask for divorce if the husband exceeds 4 months of separation. This practice was applied since `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) made it part of the length of absence for army soldiers away from family.

 

If she chooses to wait, then that is her personal choice to practice patience; being away from her husband. But she has the right to ask for the presence of the husband with her. If he refusesm then she can bring her case to the judge and ask for divorce.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

As'salamu Alykum, My cousin lives in Pakistan. She did not have any physical relation with her husband for the past 8 months and now she is filing for Khul` through the court. She wants to know the following: - Does she has to observe her iddah? - Will the khul` granted by the court will be valid or has she to go through a mufti again?



Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

The `Iddah must be observed from the time the Khul` is valid, but it is only one month not three months as it was in the case narrated by Ibn `Abbas about the wife of Thabit Ibn Qais.

 

If the court is a civil court with no religious authority, then yes she must still do the Khul` by a Mufti. Divorce or Khul` is a religious practice and must be observed according to the Islamic Shari`ah. If in certain countries civil courts demand documentation for divorce, it does not substitute the need for the Islamic divorce or Khul`.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.