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Prayer Fiqhi Issues (Fatwa Session)

Dr. Muhammad Salama
21 November, 2019

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

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

Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 | 16:00 - 18:00 GMT

Session is over.

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Q:

Does driving to the mosque entail the same reward as walking?

A:

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Mercy-Giving

All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad.

A number of prophetic statements strongly recommend walking to mosques. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said, “The one among people who gets the greatest reward for Prayer is the one who comes walking to it from the farthest place and then the one who comes walking from the next farthest place…” [Muslim]

Ubay ibn Kab said, ‘There was a man whose house was farther from the mosque than anyone else’s, as far as I knew, and he never missed the [congregational] prayers. It was said to him, “Would you buy a donkey to ride on in the dark nights and in the burning sand.” He said, “I would not like my house to be by the side of the mosque, because I want my steps towards the mosque and back from it, when I return to my family, to be recorded.” Upon this the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Allah has gathered all these [rewards] for you.” [Muslim]

These and other reports give preference to walking to mosques over riding to them.

Still riding to the mosque, along with its expenses, is rewardable. Almighty Allah says, what means, “Moreover, anything you spend in the path of Allah shall be fully rendered to you.” [8:60]

Furthermore, when walking to the mosque involves unbearable hardship, such as when one is aged or resides very far away from the mosque, riding turns to be the reasonable solution.

Almighty Allah knows best. 

N



Q:

Can we receive donations from usurious banks?

A:

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Mercy-Giving

All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad.

Yes, you may receive donations from usurious banks and these donations should be spent on public interests. It is these banks that bear the sin of their usurious activities. Usurious profits should be gotten rid of through donations and philanthropic activities anyway.

Almighty Allah knows best.

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Q:

Can I make duaa to my non-Muslim dead parents?

A:

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Mercy-Giving

All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad.

Making duaa for a non-Muslim dead person has no avail and is even prohibited by explicit Quranic injunctions. In Surat al-Tawbah we read the following two verses, “Therefore, do not ever pray over any one of them who dies. Nor stand over the grave of such a one, for they have disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger and died while they were ungodly”, [9:84]

“It is not for the Prophet and those who believe to seek forgiveness for the idolaters- even if they are [their] close relatives- after it has become clear to them that they are the Companions of Hellfire.” [9:113]

The Quran clearly prohibits praying over and seeking forgiveness for those who die as disbelievers.

Almighty Allah knows best.

N



Q:

Can we combine Zhuhr and Asr in winter?

A:

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Mercy-Giving

All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad.

Winter itself is not a justification for combining prayers (Dhuhr and Asr together and Maghrib and `Isha’ together).

However, heavy rains and severe, cold wind may justify combining prayers when they cause hardship for people to attend congregational prayers.

This rukhsah (license), thus, is given to those who attend congregational prayers and find it difficult in these bad conditions to attend every congregational Prayer.

Heavy rains was a reason to combine prayers during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad as indicated by the statement of Ibn Abbas, “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) combined Dhuhr and Asr together and Maghrib and `Isha’ together in Medina without being in a state of danger or rainfall.” [Muslim]

This implies that combining prayers during rainfalls was a known practice. Severe and cold wind is considered analogous to heavy rainfalls, according to the Hanbalite School of Fiqh.

Almighty Allah knows best.

N



Q:

Where to put my hands in prayer?

A:

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Mercy-Giving.

All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad.

While standing in Prayer one should basically place his right hand over his left forearm. Sahl ibn Sa`d, one of the Prophet Muhammad’s Companions, is reported to have said, “People were commanded that a man should place his right hand over his left forearm in Prayer.” [Al-Bukhari]

Authentic reports that describe the Prayer of Prophet Muhammad prove that he used to place his right hand over the left one. The majority of scholars, thus, consider this as one of the recommendable acts in Prayer.

Nevertheless, scholars have differed as to where to place both hands- above or below the belly button or on the chest?

Each of the three positions finds favor with a group of jurists who support their opinion with a report attributed to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him).

But all the reports in this regard proved to be of doubtful authenticity, though the collectivity of the reports that attest to placing both hands on the chest gives this opinion more weight over the others.

Almighty Allah knows best.

N



Q 1:

What is the time of Duha prayer?

A 1:

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Mercy-Giving

All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad.

The time of Duha Prayer starts about 15 minutes after sunrise and ends about 10 minutes before Dhuhr Prayer.

======================================== 

Q 2:

I am a revert since approx 4 years .I am suffering from waswas Nd ocd since I reverted in most of matters of Ibadah .I am trying to follow  advice of ignoring ol doubts until I m ? percent sure if it’s impurity but what about thoughts that I get after that did I washed the najasat or not .what to do in such kinda situations when I am nt sure and I can’t recall  washing it and with same wet hands wud hav touched other things Nd clothes ,when there are possibilities that I may have washed it but because of my ocd mind could not recall it because soo much goes in my mind most of the time .i have already gone to a psychiatrist for ocd Counselling but it didn’t helped and I don’t have Muslim psychiatrist in my place and I am a doctor myself but since it’s a religious issue I don’t know the best approach to solve it and fear of doing things in a wrong way nd affecting validity of my prayers .It will b helpful if you give me a ruling according to Shafi Madhab .jazakallahu khayran.

A 2:

Many people mistake such thoughts for wasaws (Satanic whispers) and accordingly restrict the solution to more recitation of the Quran and making dhikr (remembrance of Allah) to dismiss Satan and his whispers.

 

Of course, these are important factors for dispelling such doubts and thoughts, but there are still more steps to be taken to eliminate such bad thoughts.

 

OCD causes persistent, unpleasant thoughts. It is a well-known illness caused by an imbalance in the chemicals of the brain, which needs medication.

 

Thus, the first step you should take is to seek treatment on the hands of a reliable professional, preferably Muslim, psychiatrist so that he would be able to understand and deal with your problem.

OCD is an illness, like any other illness, which needs taking certain medicines prescribed by a specialized doctor. So do not feel hesitant in taking the step.

 

We indeed know persons who experienced a suffering similar to yours, but they visited a psychiatrist and followed his instructions until Allah granted them cure and health.

Actually, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered us to seek therapy and treatment.

Imam Ahmad reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said “Seek medication, O servants of Allah, for Allah has not created an illness without providing a medicine for it except one illness, i.e. old age.” [Ibn Hibban and Al-Hakem]

Allah, the Most Merciful, makes it clear in the Qur’an that He never burdens people with things that they cannot afford. He knows the suffering you experience and the struggle you exercise to combat these thoughts, and He will never let you down.

My advice to you is to avoid repeating or exceeding the limits in removing impurities or in making wudu, ghusl, prayers, etc. Just perform these rituals normally—without any excess or repetition, and have a firm belief in your heart that Allah will accept and reward you abundantly for it.

Thus, we can sum up our advice in the following points:

First: Consult a professional psychiatrist, and continue following his instructions.

Second: Try your best to ignore the thoughts and doubts that befall you.

Third: Be sure that these doubts have no effect on your faith.

Fourth: Don’t unnecessarily repeat or exceed the normal limits in offering the rituals.

Fifth: Be sure that the suffering you experience is a test form Allah, and that your patience will be of great reward. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) “No fatigue, nor disease, nor anxiety, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Finally, and most importantly, a Muslim is to seek Allah’s help, strengthen his relationship with Him, try his best to do good and refrain from evil deeds. One should have strong belief in Allah and His Absolute Power, as the Prophet says: “If people gather to confer a favor on you, this will never be done unless it has been predestined for you. And, if they conspire together to harm you, they will never harm you unless that has been predestined for you.” [Al-Tabarani]

=========================

Q 3:

Can I offer blood donation to get some money?

A 3:

There is an agreement among Muslim jurists to the impermissibility of selling blood. The Quran explicitly declares “Forbidden to you is [the consumption of] carrion, and blood…” [5:3]

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) sets a rule that dictates “When Allah forbids people to eat something, He forbids its price for them as well.” [Abu Dawoud]

There is another prophetic injunction that forbids the price of blood. [Al-Bukhari]

=========================

Q 4:

Is oil included in the zakatable items?

A 4:

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “One fifth is due [as Zakah] on rikaz (buried treasures.)” [al-Bukhari and Muslim]

This one fifth is payable once the rikaz is extracted regardless of the mount discovered, for there is no nisab (minimum amount of wealth to be zakatable); and the elapse of a whole lunar year is not necessary as well.

The majority of contemporary scholars include oil in the concept of rikaz. If this oil is extracted by an individual or a company, one fifth becomes due as zakah.

The same is the case if it is extracted by the state authority, according to a group of scholars who regard the state as a legal personality.

But, according to another group of scholars, the state authority cannot be subject to Zakah because it has to utilize it for public interests anyway. This latter opinion sounds more reasonable.

=====================

Q 5:

Is it permissible to wipe over the neck in ablution?

A 5:

A group of scholars hold the view that wiping over the neck during wudu (ritual ablution) is recommendable.

But authentic reports that describe how the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) performed wudu say nothing about wiping over the neck.

Therefore, the majority of scholars maintain that this practice is not recommendable. Even some scholars label this practice as bidah (heretical innovation); particularly if practiced regularly.

===================

Q 6:

Is it allowed to wear colored contact lenses?

A 6:

Colored lenses have the same Shariah ruling as other adornments. They are basically permissible.

Almighty Allah says in the Quran what means “Say: Who is it that has prohibited the adornments of Allah, which He has brought forth for His servants…” [6:32].

 

But colored lenses may not be used to deceive or allure others as commonly practiced by a large segment of their users. Such usage is undoubtedly forbidden.

============================

Q 7:

Is it OK to use cell phone during Friday Khutbah?

A 7:

It is obligatory upon those who attend Friday Prayer to listen attentively to the khateeb (one who delivers Friday sermon) and thus it is prohibited to engage in any idle activity.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “He who touches pebbles, [during the Friday sermon] has engaged in idleness.” [Muslim]

 

It is even prohibited to give advice to another one as dictated by the prophetic declaration, ‘If you say to your fellow “Be quit”, while the imam is delivering the sermon on Friday, then you have engaged in idleness.’ [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Accordingly, using one’s cell phone during Friday sermon is similarly prohibited. One should rather shut down his cell phone and give heed to the sermon.

Almighty Allah knows best.

 

N



Q:

Is it OK to use cell phone during Friday Khutbah?

A:

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Mercy-Giving

All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad.

It is obligatory upon those who attend Friday Prayer to listen attentively to the khateeb (one who delivers Friday sermon) and thus it is prohibited to engage in any idle activity.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “He who touches pebbles, [during the Friday sermon] has engaged in idleness.” [Muslim]

 

It is even prohibited to give advice to another one as dictated by the prophetic declaration, ‘If you say to your fellow “Be quit”, while the imam is delivering the sermon on Friday, then you have engaged in idleness.’ [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Accordingly, using one’s cell phone during Friday sermon is similarly prohibited. One should rather shut down his cell phone and give heed to the sermon.

Almighty Allah knows best.

N



Q:

Is it allowed to wear colored contact lenses?

A:

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Mercy-Giving

All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad.

Colored lenses have the same Shariah ruling as other adornments. They are basically permissible.

Almighty Allah says in the Quran what means “Say: Who is it that has prohibited the adornments of Allah, which He has brought forth for His servants…” [6:32].

But colored lenses may not be used to deceive or allure others as commonly practiced by a large segment of their users. Such usage is undoubtedly forbidden.

Almighty Allah knows best.

N



Q:

Is it permissible to wipe over the neck in ablution?

A:

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Mercy-Giving

All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad.

A group of scholars hold the view that wiping over the neck during wudu (ritual ablution) is recommendable.

But authentic reports that describe how the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) performed wudu say nothing about wiping over the neck.

Therefore, the majority of scholars maintain that this practice is not recommendable. Even some scholars label this practice as bidah (heretical innovation); particularly if practiced regularly.

Almighty Allah knows best.

N



Q:

Is oil included in the zakatable items?

A:

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Mercy-Giving

All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “One fifth is due [as Zakah] on rikaz (buried treasures.)” [al-Bukhari and Muslim]

This one fifth is payable once the rikaz is extracted regardless of the mount discovered, for there is no nisab (minimum amount of wealth to be zakatable); and the elapse of a whole lunar year is not necessary as well.

The majority of contemporary scholars include oil in the concept of rikaz. If this oil is extracted by an individual or a company, one fifth becomes due as zakah.

The same is the case if it is extracted by the state authority, according to a group of scholars who regard the state as a legal personality.

But, according to another group of scholars, the state authority cannot be subject to Zakah because it has to utilize it for public interests anyway. This latter opinion sounds more reasonable.

Almighty Allah knows best.

N



Q:

Can I offer blood donation to get some money?

A:

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Mercy-Giving

All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad.

 There is an agreement among Muslim jurists to the impermissibility of selling blood. The Quran explicitly declares “Forbidden to you is [the consumption of] carrion, and blood…” [5:3]

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) sets a rule that dictates “When Allah forbids people to eat something, He forbids its price for them as well.” [Abu Dawoud]

There is another prophetic injunction that forbids the price of blood. [Al-Bukhari]

Almighty Allah knows best.

N



Q:

Asalam alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu

I am a revert since approx 4 years .I am suffering from waswas Nd ocd since I reverted in most of matters of Ibadah .I am trying to follow  advice of ignoring ol doubts until I m ? percent sure if it’s impurity but what about thoughts that I get after that did I washed the najasat or not .what to do in such kinda situations when I am nt sure and I can’t recall  washing it and with same wet hands wud hav touched other things Nd clothes ,when there are possibilities that I may have washed it but because of my ocd mind could not recall it because soo much goes in my mind most of the time .i have already gone to a psychiatrist for ocd Counselling but it didn’t helped and I don’t have Muslim psychiatrist in my place and I am a doctor myself but since it’s a religious issue I don’t know the best approach to solve it and fear of doing things in a wrong way nd affecting validity of my prayers .It will b helpful if you give me a ruling according to Shafi Madhab .jazakallahu khayran.

A:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Mercy-Giving

All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad.

Many people mistake such thoughts for wasaws (Satanic whispers) and accordingly restrict the solution to more recitation of the Quran and making dhikr (remembrance of Allah) to dismiss Satan and his whispers.

Of course, these are important factors for dispelling such doubts and thoughts, but there are still more steps to be taken to eliminate such bad thoughts.

OCD causes persistent, unpleasant thoughts. It is a well-known illness caused by an imbalance in the chemicals of the brain, which needs medication.

Thus, the first step you should take is to seek treatment on the hands of a reliable professional, preferably Muslim, psychiatrist so that he would be able to understand and deal with your problem.

OCD is an illness, like any other illness, which needs taking certain medicines prescribed by a specialized doctor. So do not feel hesitant in taking the step.

We indeed know persons who experienced a suffering similar to yours, but they visited a psychiatrist and followed his instructions until Allah granted them cure and health.

Actually, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered us to seek therapy and treatment.

Imam Ahmad reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said “Seek medication, O servants of Allah, for Allah has not created an illness without providing a medicine for it except one illness, i.e. old age.” [Ibn Hibban and Al-Hakem]

Allah, the Most Merciful, makes it clear in the Qur’an that He never burdens people with things that they cannot afford. He knows the suffering you experience and the struggle you exercise to combat these thoughts, and He will never let you down.

My advice to you is to avoid repeating or exceeding the limits in removing impurities or in making wudu, ghusl, prayers, etc. Just perform these rituals normally—without any excess or repetition, and have a firm belief in your heart that Allah will accept and reward you abundantly for it.

Thus, we can sum up our advice in the following points:

First: Consult a professional psychiatrist, and continue following his instructions.

Second: Try your best to ignore the thoughts and doubts that befall you.

Third: Be sure that these doubts have no effect on your faith.

Fourth: Don’t unnecessarily repeat or exceed the normal limits in offering the rituals.

Fifth: Be sure that the suffering you experience is a test form Allah, and that your patience will be of great reward. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) “No fatigue, nor disease, nor anxiety, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Finally, and most importantly, a Muslim is to seek Allah’s help, strengthen his relationship with Him, try his best to do good and refrain from evil deeds. One should have strong belief in Allah and His Absolute Power, as the Prophet says: “If people gather to confer a favor on you, this will never be done unless it has been predestined for you. And, if they conspire together to harm you, they will never harm you unless that has been predestined for you.” [Al-Tabarani]

Almighty Allah knows best.