Dear Brothers/Sisters,

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

Q:

I work as a cleaner at an Air B n B. My boss is a lady. She told us many times if we find items left behind by clients we should either trash them or keep them if we like. So the other day I saw an item left behind and kept it for myself. Then the owner told the management if so and so item was found in the house he stayed in, it should be mailed to him. So my boss asked me if I saw that item. I told her I trashed it because she’s a judgemental and nagging women. If I tell her I took it she would always use that against me. She always gives one instruction and when things go bad she turns around and gives a contradicting instruction. So now she said going forward we should not trash items but keep them in a designated cupboard in the house. I don’t know the owner’s mailing address, if I did, i would have returned it. Now I feel uncomfortable keeping the item. What should I do? Should I throw it away or what? If I ask my boss for the address she will know I took it and use it against me.

A:

I am sorry to hear about the mishap. In the first place, it was wrong on the part of your boss to issue the order she gave the employees. What the clients leave behind (precious items (not usually discarded) cannot be trashed or kept by others. Such things are to be held in trust (Amanah) for them for the clients to claim.

They ought to be held in trust for at least one year and advertised. Only after that can it be used by the person who picks it up. Still, he needs to pay back the owner if he comes to claim it.

In this case, because of the contrary order given by the boss, you took the item.  Therefore, since the owner has come forward, it should be returned.

However, because of your predicament, the next best alternative is to give it to a charity. Therefore, you should never use it.

It would be best if you asked forgiveness from Allah. And from now on, you should never allow yourself to fall into such traps.

And Allah knows best.

Q:

Is Auto trading of Gold permissible in Islam? There are robots (software applications) owned by some companies, these robots take the trade once everyday, it is designed to buy and sell an amount of gold lot in either limited profit or limited loss using our money which is already deposited in that robot company. The robot is trading on gold lot online using our money and making profit or loss is it permissible in Islam?

A:

I do not claim to be an expert in Islamic finance.

Therefore, you are advised to consult Dr. Monzer Kahf, who appears on this site often. Alternatively, you can contact him here:

[email protected]

And Allah knows best.

Q:

Network marketing Islam me halal hi ya nahi

A:

Network marketing is permissible only under strict conditions. For details, you may refer to the answer linked below:

Under What Conditions Is Network Marketing Permissible?

And Allah knows best.

Q:

Is there any hadith in umdatul ahkam , vol 3, pp. 460? Someone Christian has attributed to Allah very disgusting attributes & has given the hadith i mentioned as a reference . Please check whether the hadith even exists or not or it’s a fabricated hadith. Please answer soon.

A:

I do not know which tradition you are referring. I could not find it in the editions of Umdah I have checked.

Having said this, let me advise you on engaging in polemics with those in the habit of attacking other religions. Allah orders us in the Qur’an to stay away from such people.

When it comes to Christians in general, we are told to dialogue with them in the most gracious manner and call them to the terms that are common between us: “And dispute not with the People of the Book, save in the most virtuous manner, unless it be those of them who have done wrong. And say, “We believe in that which was sent down unto us and was sent down unto you; our God and your God are one, and unto Him are we submitters.” (Al-`Ankabut 29:46)

If they argue that we do not believe in the same God they believe, it may be best to refer them to book such as the following:

We Believe in One God: The Experience of God in Christianity and Islam, edited by Annemarie Schimmel and Abdoldjavad Falaturi

And Do we worship the same God (ed) Miroslav Volf.

If, however, they are bent on spreading hate and attacking Islam and Allah, then we should heed the following order of Allah:

Allah says:

“Do not revile those whom they call upon apart from God, lest they should revile God out of hostility, without any knowledge. Thus have We made the deeds of every community seem fair unto them. Then unto their Lord shall be their return, and He will inform them of that which they used to do.” (Al-An`am 6: 108)

I pray to Allah to guide us unto the truth and guide others through us unto the truth and make us instruments of guidance.

And Allah knows best.

Q:

A few days ago i was talking with my fiancé about our future kids, and we got into an argument.

first and foremost, the subject of a disobedient child.
he said if his grown up daughter/son will become a disbeliever or commits zina without repenting, he will cut them off and disown them.
as far as i can recall, there are multiple verses in Quran and hadith who’s talking about the importance of kinship.
so, isn’t it haram to do so?

also, if i may continue asking:
are we supposed to have any difference in the way we should react to a family member who commit zina, based on their gender?
[meaning, is the different view regarding female and male who commit zina, islam based or just a misogynistic culture?]

and one last question:
until what age it is permissible for a parent to hit his child? if he is already an adult, is it still permissible to lay a hand on him?
i find it extremely disturbing, honestly.


hope to receive an answer, thanku and JazakAllah khair

A:

Your question reminds me of the novel (Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck) I read a long time ago.  If this is the kind of discussion you are engaged in now, I am afraid (based on my experience as an Imam for over four decades), it may not be an auspicious beginning.

Islam teaches us to think positively and do our best to train our children by instilling the right beliefs and morals. Above all, we ought to set an example for our children by leading a wonderful Islamic life. Once we have discharged our obligations, we need to leave them alone. We are not allowed to force it down to their throats. Allah declares:

“There is no coercion in religion. Sound judgment has become clear from error. So whosoever disavows false deities and believes in God has grasped the most unfailing handhold, which never breaks. And God is Hearing, Knowing.” (Al-Baqarah 2:256)

Having said this, if your children become corrupt or turn away from Islam, you should not boycott them; it would be like breaking the bridge. Instead, a better policy would be to keep praying for them and using whatever persuasive methods that may be beneficial to bring them back to the fold.

After all, if there is any good in them, they would come back as you have done the best to build a foundation of faith and Islamic values in them.

Coming to the last question, I would hasten to warn you against using corporeal methods of discipline; it may have been helpful in the distant past; it would only backfire today. So, a better way of disciplining will be to keep in mind the golden rule: children learn what they practice. So, as parents it is high time for you to ask what kind of life you live at home: are you caring, loving, compassionate, and forgiving to each other. How do you come across as parents to your children? As Allah reminds us in the Quran, a home in Islam is a place of peace, tranquility, love, and affection and thus a place of healing.

And Allah knows best.

Q:

Can a Muslim keep someone’s ashes?

A:

As Muslims, we do not believe in cremation. As such, the associated rituals should be delegated to those who believe and practice them.

Islamic method is burying the dead after going through the required Islamic funeral rites.

You may, however, attend a non-Muslim funeral where they may cremate the body. You are not to be involved in performing the rites or keeping the ashes. Such duties should be discharged by those who follow such rituals.

And Allah knows best.

Q:

Is it possible for me-female to perform hajj (I already did my hajj) on behalf of deseased person -male who is my blood relative i.e my father’s sister’s son died recently. I accompany with my sister to go for haj as the person who died was my sister’s husband. Is it petmissible without my husband i csn go with my sister to perform haj .

A:

You may perform Hajj on behalf of your blood relative who has passed away as long as you do so with the consent of your husband, and you go in a group where you can feel secure and safe.

You are allowed to travel for Hajj with your sister in a group.

It is not a must for your husband to accompany you.

And Allah knows best.

Q:

Why do so many adherents to Islam need to make use of a “Scholar”?

A:

The Qur’an is a complete book of guidance; however, that does not mean we do not need to rely on those who are more knowledgeable. If you are Christian, you should know that even though you may read Bible, often, you refer to the priest or an expert in the Bible in case of confusion or counseling or advice.

The Qur’an itself advises the faithful to refer to the experts when we are faced with issues where we are not able to find a satisfactory answer.

And Allah knows best.

Q:

Please can you resume prayers after an abortion of one month pregnancy?

A:

The bleeding after an abortion before 120 days is not considered post-natal bleeding. Therefore, you should resume prayer as long as the bleeding is not related to your menstrual cycle.

Once you have determined that the bleeding is not due to your period, you should wash, perform ablution, and start praying.

And Allah knows best.

Q:

I’m a practicing Muslim and have been reading about Islam quite lately. While reading about it, I came across certain hadeeths which were quite oppressive to women. I do believe we should be obedient and respectful to husband to what is reasonable. But what about permission to go out. That’s making me lose my faith. What are we? Slaves! I had to find the details and background for other hadiths and was okay when it and then came over this hadeeth. Our whole lives are dependent on permission from either father or husband. Why is that so?

A:

You need to educate yourself on the record of Islam; here are some articles you may refer to:

Even some Western scholars of Islam, including the British scholar Montgomery Watt and Karen Armstrong, Annemarie Schimmel, and others, have recognized the positive contribution of Islam towards the liberation of women. Here is a good lecture you should read in the transcript by Professor Tamara Sonn titled: Islam’s Liberation of Women.

Here is another article from a sister who is a revert to Islam from Christianity:

Does Islam Oppress Women?

As for the question about a woman needing permission to go out has no basis in the sound sources.

The Prophet indeed insisted that a woman should not undertake a long journey without a male escort. And the statement was made in the context of Arabia when women were not at all safe. They could be victims of assault or kidnapping, or molestation.

That is why from the early years of his mission. The Prophet had set one of his goals to introduce law and order to Arabia so that a woman could travel all by herself without any escort. He made this statement in Makkah: “I will continue this struggle until a woman can travel all alone from Hirah to Haram without any fear for her safety.” He repeated the same in Madina to a Christian chief, Adiyy b. Hatim who converted to Islam: Adiyy, if you live long, you will see that a young lady will be able to travel from Hira to Haram without any escort!”

Therefore, the goal of Islam is to ensure the safety of women and restore their dignity and honor as Allah has decreed for them.

I pray to Allah to clear your mind of the negative propaganda against Islam you have been exposed and conditioned upon. And may Allah open our hearts to see the truth as truth and follow it; and see the error as error and shun it.

And Allah knows best.

Q:

My question is- if a parent doesn’t have any son and if the get old who is to look after them. If only daughters are there then what is her responsibility towards them and can the daughter keep them at her home. Please provide a detailed answer as to what is to be done and how to look after them.

Please also tell that if only single parent is there and same conditions as above then what should be done for them. What does Islam says about it?

A:

Parents’ rights over their children come second only to the rights of Allah over His servants. That s is the clear imperative of the Qur’an. Allah says:

“Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him and that you be good to your parents. If either of them or both of them reach old age with you, do not say to them a word of disrespect, nor scold them, but say to them kind words.” (Al-Israa 17:23)

Numerous verses reiterate the same commandment. It is reinforced in the Prophetic traditions as well.

The Quran also clarifies that honoring one’s parents and treating them most kindly is the second foremost commandment issued to every messenger of Allah.

It is not mentioned anywhere in the sources that the above commandment applies only to men; if it were the case, then Allah and His Messenger would have said so.

We are not allowed to tamper with such critical imperatives or commandments.

Therefore, even as the sons are commanded to honor and take care of their parents, daughters also have similar duties.

Having said this, Islam also teaches us that daughters, being mothers or wives, will have to balance their duties towards the parents with their duties towards their spouses and children.

And Allah knows best.

Q:

Islam’s stance on women and children is depressing as the religion views them inferior to men. I am really disgusted about Islam’s stance on sex-slaves and I don’t see any good for slaves coming from emancipating them. Every verse in the Quran & Hadiths infuriates & disturbs me. Allah forces women & children to act like slaves to husbands & parents respectively. Islam is a patriarchal religion favouring men only. I also learned Allah never cares if the mental health of the youth, thus, society does not care about us either. I really don’t think Allah is merciful by 1% although He brags about it at the beginning of every Quranic chapter. My parents want to ‘honour kill’ me and my mother is using Islam to abuse me in all forms. All these are so gross about Islam that I came to a point of suicide. Every time I read or watch something about Islam it makes me want to leave this faith. It seems my heart, mind and soul have gotten tired of all these, and now refuse to even hear Allah’s name even for once. Could you please help me because I am really getting sick of Allah and Islam.

A:

Sorry to hear about your depression. You are best advised to see your physician; let him refer you to a specialist to treat your depression.

As for your negative views of Islam’s treatment of women, I am afraid you are being brainwashed by those who accuse Islam. They may do well to learn that even according to the Western scholars of Islam, who are not even Muslims, have declared that Islam’s performance in this regard far exceeds anything that history has ever known in the past in other civilizations and religions.

For details, you may refer to the answer posted above on a similar question.

As for the so-called ‘honor killing,’ there is no such practice sanctioned in Islam. You are guilty of attributing false customs and traditions in some cultures which have no basis in Islam. In Islam, we are not allowed to take any life except through the due process of law.

After all, Allah tells us in the Qur’an, taking the life of a single human being is akin to taking the life of all.

I would also advise you to refer to a Muslim counselor who appears on this site from time to time.

Finally, I pray to Allah to cure you and bring you peace of mind by connecting with the source of peace and life: Allah, who is the Creator, Source of Peace and all-Compassionate, and all-Merciful.

And Allah knows best.

Q:

I am the head of my family. My wife and children have about 20 Totas gold. The Nisab is 7.5 tola according to Fiqa Hanifi. My question is:
1.The jewelry is occasionally used
2. Whether I have to pay zakat on total value of gold ( 20 tolas )
3. Is the jewelry used occasionally exempted?

Mr. Javed Gamdi, a Scholar said that the jewelery of women used occasionally is exempted from zakat and the Nisab value ( 7.4 tola) is also exempted from whole weight of gold. So I am confused. Please clear in the real light of Holy Quran and Hadees Mubarik.

A:

The question of Zakah on jewelry is a contentious issue among scholars. You got one such ruling. However, according to most scholars, the preferred view is that any jewelry above seven tolas is subject to Zakah; anything under that that women use is not subject to Zakah. So, if a single woman owns 20 tolas, it is subject to ZakaH; if however, it is shared by a number of them, then each one is allowed to keep a minimum of 7 tolas; if it is above the threshold, they should give out the Zakah on it.

And Allah knows best.

Q:

I have done with multiple times and often done mastrubation what are the ways to get repent immediately?

I request you to please kindly look after this and provide me a good way to repent.

A:

On the question of repentance, please access the answer posted here:

The Door of Repentance Is Wide Open

Q:

Can Muslims work for a crypto asset company?

I find this to be permissible although would like clarity on this.

A:

I do not provide answers on issues related to Islamic finance on such contemporary issues.

Please address this question to Dr. Monzer Kahf, who appears on this site from time to time.

Alternatively, you may also contact him here:

http://monzer.kahf.com/

Q:

I am an Artist I do landscape watercolour paintings in which there will not be any living animals or birds in my paintings but is it allowed if i add some small birds in background sky like dots or people walking from far scene in background where faces is not visible in this landscape art ? Is this permissible?

A:

Drawing and painting are powerful mediums of communication/education today. Painting and image-making were forbidden in Islam primarily due to their association with shirk or idolatry. That is, however, not the case with these media today.

In light of this, eminent scholars have ruled that Muslims can use them for education/communication since they would be depriving themselves of a great tool by shunning them.

For details, you may refer to the answer posted here:

Is photography haram?

And Allah knows best.

Q:

I was tested positive for pregnancy. When i had my blood works done it shows i am pregnant but in ultrasound they couldn’t find yolk sac or fetal pole. Might be blighted ovum where fertilized egg did not implant or grow. Or stopped growing.

I am bleeding now but my gestational sac is still there. Is this bleeding considered haid or istihidah? Can i pray?

A:

If there is no fetal growth, then the bleeding is not post-natal. It could be either related to period; if that is ruled out, then it is considered akin to Istihada, in which case, you should wash and perform ablution and resume prayers.

And Allah knows best.

Q:

If a man works enough to provide for food clothes etc., but not enough to rent a place because of education can he still get married to avoid fitnah and live separately for a while until he finishes university

A:

There is nothing wrong for you in getting married and living separately until you can afford to have your own living arrangement for both of you.  Protecting yourself from fitnah is a priority while it is permissible for the couple to postpone living together for valid reasons. Completing your education is a valid reason.

The fact you are not living together does not mean you are not allowed to have intimate marriage relations.

Having said this, I would also urge you to see whether you both can earn enough collectively to have your place to rent. That would be a better alternative.

I pray to Allah to facilitate things for easy and save you from falling into fitnah.

And Allah knows best.

Q:

I know removing a mole from face or body is permissible but is there going to be any problems that person will face for removing it because my aunty had it removed and since then she never experienced a happy day in her life . There’s always troubles in her life.

A:

If the mole was disfiguring the face and causing distress, then it is permissible to remove it. If, however, that was not the case, then it is not desirable to remove it simply for cosmetic reasons.

Anyhow, now that is done, there is no reason to brood over it. The challenges that she is facing -have nothing to do with the removal of the mole.

It is a superstitious belief; as Muslims, we should purge our hearts from such pernicious thoughts.

She should empower herself through prayers and dhikr.

Here are some tips to follow:

1) As we rise in the morning we should put ourselves in a positive mindset by counting the blessings of Allah thus emulating the beautiful example of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him), and praying to Allah to grant us a successful day full of blessings. 

2. Pray Fajr, read at least a page of the Quran and spend a few minutes in dhikr and offer the daily supplications (from the treasury of Prophetic Du’as as found in works such as Invocation of God by Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah).

3) Start the work or project soon afterward with a prayerful heart. By doing so, we may count on the blessings of Allah that the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed: “O Allah, bless my Ummah in their morning endeavors.” (Reported by Tirmidhi)

4) Turn to Allah in supplication and ask His help in fighting sloth, laziness, and helplessness through the following prayers (Du’as): 

Allahumma innee a’dhu bika mina al-‘ajzi wa al-kasal wa al-jubun wa al-bukhl wa ghalabati al-dayni wa qahri al-rrijaal

(O Allah, I seek refuge in You from impotence, sloth, cowardice, niggardliness, and burden of debts and domineering men.)

Laa ilaaha illa Allaahu al-azeem al-haleem, la ilaaha illa Allaahu rabbu al-‘arshi al-‘azeem, laa ilaaha illa Allaahu rabbu al-ssamaawaati wa al-ardhi wa rabbu al-‘arshi al-kareem

(There is no god but Allah, the Tremendous and Clement; there is no god but Allah, Lord of the Great Throne; there is no god but Allah, Lord of the heavens and earth and the Noble Throne).

Q:

I want to ask if I can call, mom ” my mother in law who is Christian?

My wife is Muslim but her mom is Christian.

A:

You are allowed to call your mother-in-law ‘mom.’ That in no way means that you are saying she is your biological mother; it simply means you are using that word by way of endearment and showing respect.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) referred to Umm Ayman, saying: She is my ‘mother’ after my mother. He meant to say that she was the one who looked after him after his mother passed away.

While studying at the Islamic University of Madina, I still remember the students addressing Shaikh Ibn Baz: Our respected ‘father’. No one believed that he was the biological father of thousands of students who studied at the university.  They used it simply as a term of endearment and to express respect for him, who was like a father figure for all of us.

So, it is acceptable for you to call your mother-in-law ‘mom’; never mind, she is a Christian.

And Allah knows best.

Q:

 I just wanted some fatwa. Actually I was in love with a guy but he seems to be flirty .moreover when I told him relationships are haram he is like Allah is most forgiving.rather than that he is a good one.can I marry him?and I wanted to know will I be forgiven for the sins I made if I repent sincerely

A:

If the person thinks that flirting with women is acceptable and rationalizes such behavior saying Allah is Forgiving, that is unacceptable in Islam. It is one thing for someone to slip up, while it is another to insist on doing it by saying that Allah is Merciful. Indeed, Allah is Merciful; He is also stern in punishment.

The Prophet said, ‘A wise person is the one who restrains himself and strives for the good of the next world; a foolish person is the one who follows his desires and then vainly hopes for the mercy of Allah.”

However, if the person repents and changes his behavior and attitude, you may both get married.

Otherwise, it is not advisable.

And Allah knows best.

Q:

I heard from someone that we cannot perform Sajda on things that we can’t wear like cloth kindly help me to answer my question.

A:

It is permissible for a person to make sujud on a piece of cloth or garment or scarf or anything else. We have numerous reports from the Prophet’s companions and pious predecessors that they were in the habit of prostrating on a piece of clothes they wore, such as turbans or any part of their loose clothes.

Anas narrates that we would pray behind the Prophet, and some of us would prostrate on parts of our clothes because of the extra heat of the sand. (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Thanks to such reports, Imam Al-Bukhari inserted a chapter title in his Sahih: Prostrating on one’s clothes to ward off heat. Then he cites the statement of Al-Hasan (al-Basri) that they were in the habit of prostrating on their turbans, headwear and the sleeves of their shirts.

Imam An-Nawawi concludes that based on the reports that state that when they were not able to place their foreheads on the ground because of heat, they would spread their clothes and prostrate on it, we are allowed to prostrate on the piece of the clothes that we wear.”

Moreover, in Islam, we are not allowed to prohibit anything without clear evidence. According to the rules of jurisprudence, permission is the rule, and prohibition is an exception.

And Allah knows best.

Q:

I just wanted to know whether the MEANINGS of the following names are good enough to be kept as Names of Muslim Baby Girl:
– Rahmah
– Elizeh / Alizeh
– Arisha
– Daneen

– Urwah

Thanks and waiting for your reply

A:

The word rahmah means mercy; it is a good name to choose.

The word Aliza is not a good name; the root word is Alaza means panic, fear, pain in the stomach, etc.; as such, we should not choose such a name.

As for Elizeh, there are two root words; if it is lazh, it means striking or beating; if however, if it is derived from laaza, then it means refuge.

You may use it; however, I would not recommend it.

As for Arisha, it can be derived from arrasha which is used for a bird spreading its wings to protect its chicks. The word is also used for the trellis or lattice for plants such as grapevines or plants like squashes.

I don’t know whether you should use it as a name.

The word Daneen also does not seem to have a good meaning; its root word means lowly, weak and despicable.

Urwah is used in the Quran in the sense of hold; the word is also used for a buttonhole. It was used as a name in the time of the Prophet. If it were a bad name, the Prophet would have changed it.

 Before concluding, I would advise you to choose a good name and leave names that do not have reasonable means or are doubtful. On further details on naming children, let me cite here from one of my earlier answers:

As for the choice of names, we are given the following guidelines:

1. We must certainly avoid names that indicate any trace of shirk or association of partners with Allah. Therefore it is forbidden to call someone `Abd al-Ka`bah, or `Abd al-Nabi (servant of the Ka`bah or servant of the Prophet), since all of us are servants of Allah alone.

2. We must also avoid names that imply meanings that are offensive or unpleasant in connotations. The Prophet (pbuh) changed names such asHarb (War) with Salam (Peace), ‘Asiyah (Rebellious) with Jamilah (Beautiful), Sa`b (Difficult) with Sahl (Easy to deal with), etc.

3. We are encouraged to give names that have good or noble meanings or associations, for names may inadvertently inspire a person to do great things or stay away from vices. Choosing names of prophets or great persons who have been role models of virtue and piety is an excellent idea. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) named his son Ibrahim, and he said, “I have called him by my father’s name!”

Having said this, I must add: There is nothing in the Islamic sources to indicate that we are allowed only to give our children Arabic names. Since Islam is a universal religion, there is no such requirement. Any name is okay so long as we keep in mind the above points. But, at the same time, while choosing names, we must strive our best not to compromise our Islamic identity.”

And Allah knows best.

Q:

My best friend is a married woman whom I know for more than a decade and she was forced into the marriage by family at a minor age and had a forced pregnancy. She doesn’t love her husband even a percent. He has always lived abroad running after money and not worried that she needed a companion and not materials. She hasn’t allowed him to touch her in 10yrs. Her husband is my friend too and always spoke I’ll about her and tried to manipulate me about her that she’s characterless and has affairs. Where as I know the truth she is not such a person and that when he is not getting what he wants from her he starts showing her in bad light to her relatives and friends , behaves like he did nothing and it’s all her fault. To be honest Sheikh she doesn’t love him at all. All 3 of us know this. I know it’s wrong in our deen but she is my best friend from very long and have had our share of fights patch ups in these years and we both have analysed that we are the most compatible with eachother in every aspect and I will not shy away to say that we both like eachother a lot but she is scared that every1 will judge her. How do we make this right.. My intention is to marry her at the earliest.. Please help me understand this situation better.

A:

You are laying the foundation of marriage on shaky ground. To state differently, your entire approach to marrying this woman is wrong. She is a married woman; regardless of whether she likes him or not or has issues in their marriage, the fact that she is married should stop you from lusting after her or thinking of marrying her. That is adulterous thought, which is a most heinous sin on your part. No Muslim should ever think of marrying someone who is already married.

If, however, she is divorced, you may entertain the thought of approaching her for marriage once she has been through her waiting period.

Otherwise, your question is nothing but rationalizing sinful behavior.

In Islam, haram is haram, and halal is halal. Therefore, you are not allowed to think of marrying some who is a wife of someone else until she is divorced and free of the marital bond.

I pray to Allah to make us love faith and good traits and deeds and hate disbelief and sins of all types and kinds.

And Allah knows best.

Q:

Is it haram to wear a tabis around the neck?

A:

We are not allowed to wear anything with dubious writings or inscriptions. Likewise, the Prophet forbade us from wearing talismans and strings that the pre-Islamic Arabs used to wear to ward of evil spirits. He said wearing them is an act of shirk.

Coming to wearing tawhid with the Quranic inscriptions, however, is a contentious issue among scholars. Many scholars consider it forbidden or undesirable, while some consider it as permissible as long it contains the verses of the Quran or Prophetic Duas. That is the view of Imam Ahmad and Ibn al-Mundhir, who cite the precedents of some of the pious elders on it.

However, if I were to choose, I would prefer not to do it and instead practice reading the supplications and invocations taught by the Prophet to protect ourselves.

You can find them in the Dua books. The Prophet taught them to his children and grandchildren, and he also used to read them on himself every night. So, we may do well to keep to the practice of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

And Allah knows best.

Q:

Is it haram to go to the beach in western countries for recreational purposes, even if you wear full hijab?

A:

We are allowed to go to beaches as long as we can avoid the places of nudity and exposure and find a private place where we can keep away from the source of fitnah. According to the rules of jurisprudence, that which leads to harm is also haram.

And the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Keep away from the doubtful; by doing so, you are better enabled to guard your honor and faith. But, on the other hand, by indulging in the doubtful, one may end up falling into that which is haram.”

Therefore, I would advise you may go to beaches only if you can be assured of keeping your faith and honor intact.

I pray to Allah to save us all from the evil inclinations inherent in our souls and help us remain steadfast on the straight path.

And Allah knows best.

Q:

If you could help me understand what the likely punishment in Islam would be if an adult child set a trap to physically hurt a parent? I am a Muslim revert and I do not want to identify myself, for obvious reasons. My child is not Muslim. The result was a serious finger cut requiring stitches. Does Sharia law allow me to break familial ties, even if only temoparily? Please help me understand how to manage this situation. I am heartbroken, but my child is away from me and there are no safety issues at this time. I am protected. But, there will come a time where a face to face conversation will be needed. Jazak Allah Khair.

A:

I feel sorry for your predicament. I must, however, hasten to state: we live in a time where there is a steady decline in moral standards worldwide, and the kind of things you have reported are becoming more and more common.

Indeed as Allah tells us in the Quran, our wealth and children are tests for us. Therefore, I pray to Allah to help us come out of all such fitnah while keeping our faith intact.

I would advise you to be patient with your son; be gentle with him; after all, he is not worse than Pharoah. When Allah sent Mosa and Harun to Pharoah, He told them:

“Go, both of you, unto Pharaoh! Truly he has rebelled Yet speak unto him gently, that haply he may remember or have fear.” (Taha 20:43-44)

So, forgive him for what he has done; perhaps he was carried away by his wayward emotions. However, it would be best to treat him gently; use the opportune moments to have a conversation with him. Perhaps the counselor on this site would give you some tips on how to go about it.

And never stop praying for your child. After all, Allah can open his heart to see the truth.  There is no shortage of heartwarming stories of families who reconciled after having broken up relations due to a father or mother embracing Islam. I pray to Allah to guide us aright, guide others through us, and make us instruments of guidance.

And Allah knows best.

Q:

Please read my question carefully as its very hard to find the answer to this question.
The question is: I am well aware that dropshipping is haram because we sell what we do not have. I wanted to confirm of a way that I think it may be permissible, and that is the Salam transaction. For example, there is a customer, there is my website from where he will buy the product and there is a wholesaler website where the order will be sent to. So how this works is that for example I have made an agreement with a wholesaler who is selling online through a website Amazon for example. The agreement is that I will market and advertise his product and sell it with a profit on my website, but whenever someone buys that product from my website, the order will be sent to the wholesaler on Amazon and he will process and ship the product to the customer. I will be the middle man in this process. Now I have made a sale and got profit from it but what I sold wasn’t in my possession except I took the customers money and bought the product from the wholesaler I was in an agreement with already and shipped it to customers address. If I have written the exact date of delivery, the exact and honest description of the product with exact pictures of the product. Then will this dropshipping be permissible if it falls in Salam transaction? I have seen many people who say its halal while others who say its haram. I am really confused, I hope you can answer this question.
JazakAllah Khair.

Kindly tell the answer and if it is haram, then please tell any halal alternative for dropshipping.

A:

I would advise you to consult Dr. Monzer Kahf; he is an expert on Islamic fiancé; so, let him give you a detailed answer on this issue. He appears on this site from time to time. Alternatively, you may also contact him here: http://monzer.kahf.com

And Allah knows best.

Q:

My husband’s parents are trying to force both my husband and I into what we believe is against Allah’s will. My father in law told my husband to divorce me because I stopped my husband from doing as his father wishes ( to learn palmistry and fortune reading). My mother in law have said things to me that I find tears on my cheeks when I think about it. She doesn’t think I am fit for her son. His siblings curse and attack me saying I don’t respect their parents and accused me of telling my husband to cut family ties. I love my husband and he doesn’t like what his parents are doing. What should I do?

A:

Your husband’s parents are not allowed to force him to divorce you. Therefore, it is wrong on his part to obey his parents in this matter. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There is no obedience to anyone in disobedience to the Creator.”

It is equally wrong to learn or resort to palmistry or fortune reading; such practices are abominations in Islam; they are considered shirk, which is the most heinous sin in Islam.

On your part, you should insist that while your husband should never listen to them in such matters, he should never sever ties with them.

You should tell them plainly that you never will tolerate if he cuts relations with them, and you will never do that. Once you have told them you never advised him to sever the family ties, you should leave it to Allah if they still make the false allegation. After all, Allah is all Hearing and all-Knowing, and He will be with you as long you remain steadfast in keeping to the straight path.

Allah reassures us that He is with those who excel in good works.

And Allah knows best.