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Living in the West & Need a Fatwa?

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty
31 October, 2016

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 all the questions directed to him. You will find the answers of your questions below.

Wednesday, Nov. 02, 2016 | 19:00 - 21:00 GMT

Session is over.
DISCLAIMER
Views expressed by hosts/guests on this program (live dialogue, Facebook sessions, etc.) are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.  

I hate my half uncle: he hits me when no one is here, asks me rude and personal and perverted questions. My parents bully me. When I tell them that I hate them; their answer is that they own me because I am their child and if I hate them I will go to hell and they cannot go to hell. I hate Allah for giving me a family like this. I was told that I have to honor and respect them but no one said I must love them. Family to me is when friends love one another despite having no blood connections. Blood relatives are just blood relatives. I do not consider them my family. I wish I was never born. Life is too painful. I am depressed. I think I will go to hell because of them. Why is it okay for kids to go to hell but not parents. Why is Allah so cruel to me? If I magically escape hell will I be free from my family in the afterlife? I do not ever want to see them again. I know we will be brainswashed and not be mad. But, I still want them to be blocked and have a reatraining order from me. I want to be free from them and never see them since Allah is cruelly saying we cannot cut ties. I hate Allah for making that unjust rule. The more I stay with family the worser I feel. I feel good when my family member dies. I cannot wait for my family to die. I get happy thinking about it. I am in a crisis. Please reply quick.



No one in Islam has a right to abuse anyone (a child or an adult whether father or mother or spouse or relative or anyone else for that matter). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There shall be no toleration of inflicting of harm.” And therefore, where there is a clear evidence of physical or emotional harm inflicted the law should step in to prevent it.

I would urge you to speak to your family doctor; he should refer you to a counselor to help deal with the situation. You should do so without delay so that you don’t end up harming yourself.

Is playing Pokemon, by itself, haram?



You may refer to the posting here which may help to shed some light on it:

Pokemon Go – The Psychological Experiment

Is it ok for a wife to tell her husband I am just going to town to or a meeting or does she have to ask can I go to town? Also does the husband need to tell his wife exactly or where he is going rather than just say I am going out.



Marriage in Islam is a true partnership based on mutual love and affection; as such, it is not governed by strict rules and regulations as if one were running a business or company.

Mutual trust, understanding, and communication are the foundations of a successful marriage.

Therefore, just as the husband has a right to know where his wife is going, the wife has also the right to know where her husband is going.

I would urge you to read my article posted here:

The Five Cs for Happy Marriage: Legacy of the Prophet

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If I do Udhaiya on behalf of my deceased parents, will they get any reward?



You should offer sacrifice or udhhiyah on behalf of deceased parents if they have a made will to that effect. Otherwise, it is better to give charity on their behalf rather than offering a sacrifice.

I am not saying you are not allowed to offer sacrifice; you may do it; however, charity if preferable. When asked about the good deeds one can do on behalf of one’s parents, the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned charity and not sacrifice; it is for this reason that we find the pious predecessors were in the habit of opting for that instead of sacrifice.

My question to you is it not like we are giving bayat to these so called human beings that are running for U.S. president. I mean why would I want to go and vote for either one of them. Both od them dislike Islam. Both will still make war on Islam or anybody called muslim. They will not stop at nothing over in the war torn Syria. I know who they are looking for, and so do you.



Taking part in elections in a modern democratic system and voting for a candidate is not in any way comparable to giving Bay`ah. Bay`ah in Islamic political system is swearing allegiance to a ruler who commits himself to govern by the Shari`ah.

Islamic Shari`ah applies only to Muslims; so, it does not apply to predominantly non-Muslim countries.

Voting in a democratic system is, therefore, different. Muslims ought to participate in the democratic process to safeguard their interests as well as to contribute to the country as good citizens.

Your statement that some of the previous presidents of America in their foreign policies were apparently targeting Muslims  makes it even more important for Muslims to get involved in the system so that they can work to reverse such policies.

For further details, please refer to the detailed answer posted here:

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Why Should Muslims Vote?

Hi, I have a problem like I do a sin masturbating but after masturbating I felt like the things that I have touched will also get dirt even though I touch with left hand which was not at all contact with my thing for example the phone, bed, flush but the sperm didn't feel on any of the things. So do I have to clean all the things?



If you are sure that your hands with semen have touched something, then you should wash it or wipe it clean.

If it is a simply doubt in your mind, you need not bother about it; for according to the principles of jurisprudence doubt cannot be used to cancel that which is certain; in other words, things are deemed clean unless you can be sure they are in contact with filth.

It seems to me you may do well to speak to your doctor as you seem to suffer some psychological challenges; he can refer you to a specialist to help you.

Asalamaleikum. I like a person very much and I always made dua to Allah to let me marry him. I got to know him and he liked me too. But there was some complications. He was ahmedi and im sunni, and we are not from the same country. He always said that we will try our best and never give up until our family accept us. But one day he come and said that its impossible for us to get married and his parents can not accept me if im not ahmedi. After that day he cut all the communication. I have made so so much dua. I have made dua every single minut the last 5 month. I really wanted to marry that guy and and always prayed for that Allah makes a way for us and makes it possible and easy to get married and make our relationship halal. My question is: - If Allah has taken him away for me, can I make dua that Allah brings him back again?? - Can I say in my dua "Ya Allah plz come love and rahim in his heart, and make him strong to fight for us with me and never give up, and let him realize that sunni is the right path and let him convert to sunni so our nikkah and be accepted by You. And Ya Allah plz make it easy and possible for us to be lift partners in this dunya and akhirat. And if You have taken him from me because he may not be good for me or my future, plzYa Allah with the power you have make him good for my dunya and akhirat".? - Can my dua change his decision and heart? Can I ask Allah to put love and rahim in his heart for me? and is it possible that someone begin to love you more because you have made dua for that? I really hope someone can help me and advice me. Plz remember me in your dua. plz because I am so sad and depressed. JazakAllahkhair. May Allah bless you and fulfill all your dreams and dua - amen.



Your question clearly implies that you are a Sunni Muslimah and the man you wish to marry an Ahmadi. Ahmadis are followers of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadiyan who claimed to be a prophet. One of the basic tenets of faith in Islam is that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final prophet and hence anyone who claims to be prophet after him is indeed a false one.

Therefore, according to the consensus of Muslims, they are out of the fold of Islam; so, you cannot pray to Allah to marry him as you are not compatible (in faith).

Therefore, I would urge you to pray to Allah to help you find a marriage partner who would be a source of joy for you in both worlds.

My Question pertains to divorce, I have been divorced nearly a year or so, the person I was married to did not tell me nor did he give me notice that he was going to divorce me,it all happened very quickly and before I knew it he had written the notice of divorce and sent it to me. The regular three month period in which one has to wait before the marriage is over had reached and the marriage had ended. I have always wondered if how he went about it and the manner in which he carried out the divorce in regards to Islam was ever permissible or allowed. JazakallahKhair



Your husband has not followed the proper procedure for divorce recommended by Islam.

Here is the proper procedure of divorce as outlined Dr. Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi:

“Divorce is the most hateful thing to Allah, but it is allowed (halal) only in the case of absolute necessity. If a couple tried their best to reconcile their differences, but they still could not agree and they found impossible to live with each other, then only in that case they should separate in a proper and decent manner. Divorce can be initiated by the husband or by the wife. The husband has the right to pronounce the words of divorce (talaq) to his wife. He can also give her a statement of divorce in writing. The wife can seek divorce from her husband throughkhul`, but if he refuses to grant her request then she can seek the dissolution of marriage through the court of law. The Shari`ah has not given the right to a woman to divorce her husband, because only the husband has all the financial obligations of the family. After divorce he will be responsible to provide her maintenance during her`iddahand if there are any children in the family then he will be responsible for their expenses. Thus to grant her that right equally with the husband while she has no financial obligation is unfair and unjust. The wife can, however, divorce her husband if her husband gave her that right either at the time of marriage or afterwards.

A husband who wants to divorce his wife should use the words of divorce with full awareness after much thinking and consideration. Using the words of divorce in haste or anger is not right. The proper procedure is to give divorce when a woman is not pregnant and is not going through her monthly menstrual cycle. Divorce can take place by saying one time “I have divorced you” (talluqtuki) or “You are divorced” (anti taliq). After this the women should spend the time of her`iddah. During the period of`iddahthe husband can cancel his divorce and can resume the matrimonial relationship, but if it does not happen then the divorce takes effect and at the end of the`iddahperiod their marriage ends. There is no need to repeat the words of divorce more than once. Even one divorce is sufficient to terminate the relationship.

The provision of the second and third divorce is given for a husband who divorces his wife one time and then cancels his divorce, but then after sometime changes his mind and divorces her again second time. Then he changes his mind and resumes the relationship and then again after that he divorces her. The Shari`ah says that now this relationship should end. Marriage is a serious matter. One cannot keep divorcing one’s wife and returning her back. After the third divorce he cannot take her back. The third divorce is called the “irrevocable divorce” (talaq mughallaz). The wife now becomes forbidden to her husband completely. She cannot go back to this husband who has divorced her three times, unless she marries another person who out of his own free will divorces her and then after the`iddahshe and her previous husband want to remarry. This is calledhalalahin the language of the Shari`ah. This rule is given by the Shari’ah to reduce the occurrence of three divorces and to protect the honor of the woman.

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Some people misuse this procedure out of ignorance or willingly. There are some people who think that the divorce (talaq) would not happen unless one makes the statement three times. There are others who repeat the words of divorce for emphasis and have no idea that this could be very serious. The jurists (fuqaha’) have discussed this issue for the last fourteen hundred years. There were some jurists who took the strict position that three divorces whether uttered at once or separately would be considered as three divorces. According to them, whether a person misused this right knowingly or unknowingly the affect would be the same. If some one uttered the words of divorce three times, then this would betalaq mughallazand his wife would become totally forbidden for him and they could not reconcile without ahalalah. There are, however, some other jurists who emphasize the role of will in marriage and divorce. They say that if the husband used three divorces intentionally as three, then they will be counted as three, but if he repeated the words in anger or to emphasize his point then this is one divorce and he will have the right to resume the relationship with his wife. I feel that the second position is closer to the spirit of the Shari`ah. I am pleased to see that there are now some Hanafi jurists also who are inclined to this position. There were fatwas issued to this effect by the `Ulama’ of Deoband and Nadwa in India as well the `Ulama in Saudi Arabia.

The issue of a divorce given in anger is also important. The basic rule is that divorce must be uttered with full consciousness and without any coercion. If a person pronounced the words of divorce to his wife, in a fit of anger, while he lost all control over himself or due to the influence of intoxicants which he sinfully consumed, or he was forced by someone else to do so, then in all these cases his words of divorce are null and void and have no effect. In conclusion, let me say that Muslims must protect their family life and must avoid divorce as much as possible. If it becomes necessary to have divorce then use the Islamic methods and procedures. Obviously we cannot give all the details here. Those who need more information they should consult special books on this subject or speak to those who are knowledgeable.”

Is it cruel the way animals are killed (Halal) . I am aware the meat is better for the human body when eaten. Many thanks



The entire philosophy and method of slaughter in Islam are intended to prevent all forms of animal torture, and thus to make the slaughter as humane as possible. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Allah enjoins benevolence in all things: So if anyone kills an animal (for food) let him sharpen the knife first and spare the animal pain as best as possible (i.e. inflict the least pain on the animal).” (Muslim)

The Qur’an categorically declares that animals tortured to death are unlawful for us to consume; they include those choked or strangled or gored to death or pushed down from a cliff, etc.

All objective students of Islam will attest to the fact that Islam is unique in its teachings of compassion to animals, and no religion comes even close to it.

Does Allah's will justify committing sins?



The fact that all things are already decreed and pre-determined by Allah does not take away from men and women their freedom to choose, for that itself is part of the divine will.

No one can use the excuse of pre-determination for acting irresponsibly. Everyone knows quite well that he has a choice to do certain things, while he has no choice to do certain other things. No one therefore should use the excuse of divine will to justify some evil deed he has committed, for deep inside of him, he knew he had a choice to do it or not to do it.

Allah will punish us only if we have been given the choice. The Qur’an clearly teaches us that we humans are accountable only for such actions that we have control over, and that we would certainly not be accountable for those over which we did not have any control whatsoever.”

To elaborate this further, let me cite here from one of my earlier answers:

“It is important that we form a sound notion about this issue, in order to avoid any confusion or misgivings.

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The issue you have raised is commonly known as the doctrine of qadaa’ (Divine Decree) and qadar (pre-determination). This issue in so far as it is related to man’s freedom to choose has been a perennial issue that has been contentious in all world religions. The Qur’an provides us the foundations for a balanced approach to this issue. It balances our belief in the divine pre-determination with man’s will and freedom to choose and create his own destiny.

Essentially, the Qur’anic position states that while Allah has decreed all things, and that His Decree is at once all-wise and impeccable, human beings have been granted freedom to choose. The freedom granted to humans, however, does not contradict Allah’s Will or Decree, as it itself is a part of Allah’s Will, since man would not have been able to choose if not for Allah’s Will.

Islam teaches us that Allah is the Creator and Sustainer of this enormous universe and everything it contains in its infinite diversity and multiplicity. He is the Lord of them all, All-Wise, All-Powerful, All-Knowing, and All-Aware. Allah has decreed all things in due proportion, balance and harmony. Allah’s creation is immaculately perfect, and there is no discrepancy or disharmony existing in the universe. Almighty Allah says: “(Blessed is He) Who has created seven heavens in tiers. You cannot see any disharmony in the All-Merciful’s creation; look again. Can you see any rift? Then look again, and yet again, your sight will return to you, vanquished and weak.” (Al-Mulk 67:3-4)

Stated differently, the Divine Decree or pre-determination is part of the all-embracing knowledge, wisdom, and power of Allah as the Creator. It means that Allah’s Will is supreme, and that Allah is fully in charge of His creation. It teaches us that there is essentially one supreme Will operative in the universe, namely the supreme Will of Allah.

This is on the one hand. On the other hand, we are also taught that Allah, in accordance with His supreme Will, has appointed man as His vicegerent on earth. In His wisdom, Allah has bestowed on man intelligence, moral conscience and revelation. Allah has bestowed on him these resources in order for him to exercise freely between what is good and bad. Man is rewarded or punished based on such choices he has made.

Thus, the fact that Allah’s Decree is supreme does not contradict the fact that man has been given choice and freedom. But human freedom is not unlimited; it works within the all pervasive Will of Allah. Man’s choice is granted to him by Allah; man cannot choose without Allah’s Will; in so far he exercises his will, he does so by Allah’s Will. “But you cannot will unless Allah wills; Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” (Al-Insan 76:30)

Let us list a few Qur’anic verses to further illuminate this concept:

“Say: ‘Truth is from your Lord’. Now whosoever will, may believe, and whosoever will, may disbelieve.” (Al-Kahf: 29). “If it had been your Lord’s will, all who are in the earth would have believed. Will you, then, force the people to become believers?” (Yunus 10:99)

The above verses clearly establish the fact that human beings have the freedom to choose. So the belief in pre-determination is not opposed to man’s freedom to choose or act in the universe.

It was because of the balanced understanding concerning Divine Will and human choice that the early Muslims were the most active and dynamic in their approach to taking action to improve themselves and the society around them. Their belief in qadaa’ and qadar, instead of making them passive and complacent, acted as a powerful impetus for change. They believed that nothing in the universe could stop them if they believed in Allah and their own power to realize what is beneficial. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Always entertain positive and beneficial thoughts, and seek the help of Allah in accomplishing your tasks, and never feel helpless or impotent. If, in spite of your best efforts, something does not work out the way you had planned, then simply say: that was Allah’s Will; He does what He wills. But never say to yourself: I wish I had done this or that; if it had been so, it would have been different. For such thoughts (are not constructive at all and) only open the door for Satan to act!’”

How did Allah create Adam in his image?



Perhaps you are referring to a tradition attributed to the Prophet (peace be upon him), which states: Inna Allah khalaqa Aadama alaa surathihi

These words have been variously translated by scholars. According to one group, it means that Allah created Adam in his original human form (as distinct from other animals), thus preempting any notion of them evolving from animals, including monkeys. Another translation is that Allah created him in His image.

If we take it in the latter sense, we must not take it literally as doing so involves anthropomorphism which is repugnant to both scripture and reason. Allah tells us in the Qur’an: “There is no one comparable to Him”; “There is nothing like Him.”

So for anyone to take the above statement literally would be akin to comparing Allah with His creation.

Then a question arises: What is the meaning of this statement?

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The only viable interpretation is as Imam Ghazali states: It is to be taken in a spiritual sense to denote that Allah has endowed man with traits such as mastery, knowledge, reason, etc., that makes them His vicegerents on earth. Stated differently, God has breathed from His spirit into the human form, which makes them the crown of creation and God’s representatives on earth.

Is it allowed for Muslim to steal non-Muslims in the west?



Stealing, fornication, cheating, murder, etc. are major sins in Islam; they are fundamental teachings of perennial religion revealed to all prophets from beginning of times. Thus, it is one of ten commandments revealed to Prophet Musa (peace be upon him); the same applies to the Shari`ah revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Hence, we read in the sources that the Prophet used to take oaths of allegiance from those migrating to Madinah that they shall not steal.

In conclusion, stealing is a major sin in Islam, regardless of time and place.

What is the significance of registering marriage in the West?



Marriage, according to Islam, is a solemn social contract. Since it is not a secret liaison between man and woman it cannot remain a secret affair; rather it should be publicized so that people recognize them as a married couple.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “Publicize marriage and beat drums to celebrate it.”

Now, what is an acceptable form of marriage varies from culture to culture. In advanced societies, marriages are documented and solemnized according to legal requirements, the purpose of which is to preempt any potential disputes. Since Shari`ah laws are based on higher objectives and purposes, including protection of honor, strengthening the family, etc., it is only reasonable to think that marriages should be documented – as per the requirements of the country.

In conclusion, registering marriage is highly crucial to safeguard the interests of marriage partners.

How should Muslims settle their family problems in the west?



Muslims ought to settle their differences by using the professional methods of counseling.

Muslims ought to train counselors who are knowledgeable in Islamic ethics and norms as well as the scientific methods of counseling and behavioral therapy that are beneficial. Islam teaches us to benefit from wisdom wherever we find them.  One of the popular adages states: “Wisdom is the lost article of a believer, and he would claim it as his own wherever he finds it.”

If counseling does not help, then they have to resort to the next step: reconciliation or arbitration. Once again, it is important to find those with wisdom and training in both Shari`ah, and preferably, also knowledgeable in the laws of the land.

Having said this, I would urge all parties before tying the knot, to take a marriage course. It would also be beneficial to take a course in anger management.

I would also recommend some books/resources such as the following:

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1- Blissful Marriage by Ekram Beshir

2.  The Five Cs for Happy Marriage: Legacy of the Prophet

Is hugging the opposite sex allowed in the west?



Hugging members of the opposite sex is considered haram or unlawful in Islam. That which is considered haram shall remain as haram – regardless of culture.

Can Muslim students in the west resort to temporary marriage?



Temporary marriage or marriage for convenience is not permissible in Islam. Marriage can only be contracted with the intention of forging a permanent union. Allah calls it a solemn contract, and like all contracts, Muslims are bound by them and are expected to keep them as a basic act of faith. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Of all terms of contract we enter into, there is nothing more worthy of strict observance like those of marriage!” Moreover, marriage in Islam is a noble institution with high noble purposes such as achieving tranquility and peace through a successful union, partnership and companionship, commitment in shouldering the responsibilities of life, and rearing and nurturing of children. It is for this reason that Islam insists that we look for compatibility in spiritual and moral values as the supreme criterion in selecting a marriage partner.

Based on the above considerations, we are not allowed to resort to marriage simply for the purpose of sexual gratification. So you are not allowed to embark on marriage while you have the intention of terminating the marriage once you have finished your studies.

The only option left for you, therefore, is to seriously consider marrying her if she is of a reliable and trustworthy character. Otherwise, seek other healthy ways of sublimation by taking your mind away from lustful thoughts and practicing the discipline of fasting. For the Prophet said, “Fasting helps to curb one’s desires!”

Finally, never fail to call upon the Lord to guide you to the right decision and strengthen you in your resolve to remain chaste, steadfast, and protected. Ameen.