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 have a question about istijmar. So i know it is enough to wipe yourself with toilet paper after using the bathroom but if urine spreads from the passage so it get on my inner thigh for example, can I just wipe it away once? Or do I have to wipe it away three times? or do I have to wash it.

When I flush the toilet it always splashes on the seat so do I have to wash the toilet seat every time i get on it. The splashes don’t have a colour at all and when they dry they also don’t stain because i never noticed them before.

A:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Cleanliness is half of faith.” Allah says, “Indeed, Allah loves those consistently purifying themselves and seeking repentance.”

When it comes to purification and cleansing, water is the primary agent. We should use water when it is available when you can use it. The only exception is when it is unavailable, can not be used due to medical challenges, or water is rare, and one needs to use it for drinking or cooking, etc.

Allah says:

“O believers! When you rise up for prayer, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows, wipe your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of ˹full˺ impurity, then take a full bath. But if you are ill, on a journey, or have relieved yourselves, or have been intimate with your wives and cannot find water, then purify yourselves with clean earth by wiping your faces and hands. It is not Allah’s Will to burden you, but to purify you and complete His favour upon you, so perhaps you will be grateful.” (Qur’an: 5: 6)

“And He sent down rain from the sky to purify you, free you from Satan’s whispers, strengthen your hearts, and make ˹your˺ steps firm.” (Qur’an: 8: 11)

And the use of Istjmar for cleansing is only a substitute when there is no water or one cannot use it or wipe the spot dry after cleaning with water.

So, you need to use water to clean yourself after using the washroom, if water is available. The same goes for the drops of urine that fall on any spot in your body or clothes; you need to wash with water.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

I just recently got a position selling solar panel systems. However, I just found out that to finance these systems, customers have the option to either pay cash or take out riba-based solar loans (I am assuming most do the latter because these systems are expensive).

In my position I would have to pull people’s credit and determine if the qualify for these loans and have them sign a loan agreement, although the loan is done through a separate provider. My commission would not come from the loan itself but from the installation service that the company provides. Is my income haram?

Jazakhallah khayr

A:

You are selling solar panels. Since it is a lawful business, there is nothing haram. Now, how those who buy from you pay for it to the company is their business. They are the ones accountable for their actions. It is not different from a real estate agent selling a house or business. He is not responsible for those who purchase the home by using whatever methods they choose.

In Islam, we are accountable only for our actions and not for those of others. However, you will incur a sin if you promote the use of riba-based transactions.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

Is it permissible to convert to Islam and take shahadah if the lady committed Zina and get pregnant?

A:

She may do so if she chooses to do it of her own free will without external coercion. Allah says, “There shall be no compulsion in religion.”

The fact she committed Zina and got pregnant should not stop her. Once she takes the shahadah and repents and begs the forgiveness of Allah, she can be forgiven. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “When a person embraces Islam, all of their past sins are wiped clean.” (Ahmad)

However, once she has embraced Islam, she cannot be expected to go back to her previous lifestyle. Instead, she ought to commit herself to leading an examined life while observing Islam’s fundamental duties, such as the diligent practice of Salah and other acts of worship. I pray to Allah to inspire her to change her life around and thus seek the pleasure of Allah.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

I find myself having thoughts like “Why did Allah create hellfire” and as someone struggling with an addiction “why didn’t Allah save me before I ended up here”. I know it is haram but sometimes I have a hard time accepting things in life. I have a hard time accepting the decree of Allah. Does Allah love me? I do not like my life, there are people blessed in ways I have not been. Why did Allah prohibit suicide? Why did Allah make women a specific way and men a specific way? I know these questions are haram and I should humble myself in front of Allah but these questions cause me difficulty or emotional pain. As someone who wants to memorize the Quran, my addiction is slowing me down and I am jealous of those who have finished their hifz and have never experienced addiction,this then leads me to be upset and ungrateful. Then this also affects my views on Allah’s decree.

A:

I’m sorry to say I cannot dare to question Allah’s wisdom, knowledge or will. We are His servants; He creates us. He provides for us and sustains us; we breathe and live by Him, so who are we to question His power and wisdom?

However, if you ask yourself, you know that some of the things you suffer from are the consequences of your actions.

Addiction is a habit you acquire by doing something over and over again. Allah did not force you to do it. When you first started it, you did so on your own choice and free will; you also had the option to stop and change, but you didn’t and continued to do it again and again until it became an addiction.

 So Allah had already warned we are responsible for our actions as free agents. We will have to suffer the consequences of our actions. You know, those people who succeed in life are the ones who work hard on their character. Suppose you look at those who earn excellent grades in the university, focus on their studies, and commit themselves to it, forsaking their comforts and other frivolous pursuits. So, if someone else were to waste time on frivolities and then fail their tests, they cannot ask: why did Allah make me flunk in my studies, and why did Allah make them succeed? Those who passed worked hard and failed because of your sloth and laziness.

On the question of whether Allah loves you, the answer is definitely Yes. Allah loves you as you are His creature and servant. Therefore, He calls you back to faith in Him and trust Him by doing what He has commanded you. The fact you failed in the past does not matter. How often you find those who failed but learned from their past mistakes and changed their lives around? Indeed, you can also succeed if you are determined to change.

So many of the criminals and addicts changed their lives around by working on themselves. You can do the same thing. Then Allah will accept you. Allah says: “O My servants who have exceeded the limits against their souls! Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy, for Allah certainly forgives all sins. He is indeed the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Qur’an: 39: 53)

On the question of destiny and Allah’s decree, I cannot add anything to a previous answer which I cite here:

“On the question of destiny and Allah’s decree, I cannot add anything to a previous answer which I cite here:

“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.”

Elaborating more on the question of man’s free will, Sheikh Kutty adds:

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

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: 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: 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: 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!’”

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

I am a young pakistani male living in the uk. I am looking to get married but I have terrible anxiety about any potential spouse’s virginity as zina is common nowadays.

I know many Muslims that have committed zina in the UK and I have also heard that a good amount of Muslim girls in Muslim countries don’t care about religion and try to be more western which leads to them committing zina as well. Most of these girls act religious and pious and cover up by wearing hijab when it is time for marriage so I can’t trust them. There was a quiet hijabi girl in school who was caught engaging in zina on a Snapchat story so my trust is almost nonexistent for girls.Even if I find a genuine religious woman who is perfect in every way, I am an over thinker and I have a strong fear that she may have committed zina as a mistake but repented and hid it.
I know if Allah forgives and hides the sin then I have no right to object or question her, but virginity is very important for me. I have a very strong sexual desire, but Alhamdulilah I have kept away from zina despite very attractive girls trying to be intimate with me. It was very hard to resist but I did it either by embarrassing or harming myself and even acting rude towards them. Despite the strong urges and opportunities, I kept away from it by making myself look like a lunatic.So nothing would be more disrespectful, challenging and heartbreaking to find out my future wifehas committed it even if was a mistake. I just can’t get over it. I pray tahajjud everyday for a pious virgin wife, but I fear Allah May test me in this matter and I know for sure I will lose my mind and fail. To me, it feels like there is a strong possibility that my wife will be a non virgin. Could you please give me hope or assurance that I will end up with a virgin by telling me how many Muslim girls actually commit zina and if majority are pious virgins or not? And could you also help me to learn to trust my future wife as I am an over thinker and I will always be questioning whether or not she is a virgin or if she’s hiding it, even if she actually a true virgin who has stayed away from all boys? I can’t even trust the bleeding as the hymen can be reconstructed. Please help me, this is destroying my sanity. There are times when I just hope that Allah takes me before I have to deal with this. Please don’t ask me to forgive if she isn’t a virgin as that is impossible

A:

While it may be true that young people of all genders are more promiscuous today than before, we have no right to allege that all of them are the same. Islam does not allow us to make allegations. We need incontrovertible proof or evidence to do so; otherwise, we are committing a major sin.

Allah says: “Surely those who accuse chaste, unsuspecting, believing women are cursed in this life and the Hereafter. And they will suffer a tremendous punishment.” (Qur’an: 24:23)

Allah says, “O you who believe! Avoid most suspicion—some suspicion is sinful. And do not spy on one another, nor backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would detest it. So remain mindful of God. God is Most Relenting, Most Merciful.” (Qur’an: 49:12)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) teaches us to think well of others. We must never violate the Islamic principle: the onus of proof is the accuser’s responsibility.

Furthermore, Islam also warns us against the decease of self-righteousness: thinking of oneself and looking down on others. This is what the Prophet (peace be upon him) wanted to teach us by narrating the following story:

“A person (who thought highly of his good deeds) said of another (who was a sinner): “By Allah, He will not forgive him), then Allah said, “Who is the one who dares to make such a statement on My behalf: Let him know that I have forgiven him and I have invalidated your good deeds (because of your self-righteousness)!” (Muslim)

So, please stop accusing others based on suspicion or conjecture. Also, it would help if you stopped condemning those who slip up or go astray, as they may repent and come back. Instead, you should pray for them. If you don’t, it will only add up to your register of sins, and as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Allah may forgive them and abandon you altogether.

It may also help you to know that all of the Prophet’s wives except Aisha were not virgins;  most were widows. So, shunning marriage on the pretext that you cannot find any virgin is also highly self-righteous, which will be another sin added to your registry.

In conclusion, I pray Allah to guide you in making reasonable judgments.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

We see different practice of sex in different societies and as far as different sex practice is concerned, I get to know that during time of Prophet. Shahaba raised this issue about different sex practice and Prophet assent different sex practice and regarding Hadith is also there. But nowadays we complete different sex practice is practiced which is not practised during time of the Prophet like etc etc. My question is very explicit, Can husband use Dildo? Is it Haram? Please guide based Sunnah and Ijtihad. Thank you.

A:

According to the Muslim scholars’ consensus, such toys use falls in the category of aberrations and perversions. Allah says, “Those who guard their private parts…except their spouses…whoever goes beyond the limits are transgressors.”

Allah created males and females and ordained marriage so that they find their sexual satisfaction through marriage via natural channels.

Allah warns us in the Quran that Satan vowed to use all his means to lead humankind from the natural order of things decreed by Allah. So, abandoning the natural ways of finding sexual fulfillment and resorting to such artificial devices is the work of Satan, which no one with good faith can embrace.

Another juristic rule states that if something leads to haram, it is also considered haram. According to eminent scholars, sex toys come under this category.

In conclusion, instead of thinking of such methods you should find other creative ways of seeking sexual fulfillment.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

Can we ask divorce for a reason that husband comes to wife only for sexual need but doesn’t talk, stays away whole day in other room within the house but provides (monetary things) for wife.

A:

Divorce is the most hated of all permissible things in Islam. So, we can only resort to it as a last resort. 

Valid grounds for divorce in Islam can be listed below: 

• Physical or emotional abuse causing trauma and harm;
• Neglect of spousal duties, including providing maintenance and support.
• One may add to this failure to provide comfort and peace of mind through loving mutual love and affection.

You may seek divorce if your condition falls in any of the above categories. However, before rushing for divorce, you should exhaust all means of reconciliation through counseling and arbitration.

Perhaps it may be helpful if both of you can study the following book on blissful marriage; it would help you cement your relations if only both of you are willing to work on improving your relations:

Blissful Marriage: A Practical Islamic Guide by Ekram Beshir M.D.

I pray to Allah to guide you to peace and inspire you to make sound decisions.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

I recently found out that my wife has been sleeping with another man and she admitted it after I found the evidence on her phone what can I do

What advice can you give me

A:

You cannot continue cohabitating with your wife if you know she is sleeping with another man. Therefore, you have a valid reason to divorce her since she is guilty of infidelity.

If she has repented and changed, you can forgive her, provided you can trust her.

Allah says, “Corrupt women are for corrupt men, and corrupt men are for corrupt women, and good women are for good men, and good men are for good women.” (Qur’an: 24: 26).

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

I (17 year old female) am planning on wearing the hijab soon insha’allah (in a few weeks if possible). However, I am also the vice-captain of my school, and so I get pictures taken of me A LOT by teachers during school-events. This means that many people have access to photos of me without the hijab, both teachers and students, which often times get posted on our school’s socials or displayed around the school. Since I don’t know the exact list of people who have access to these photos, I am not quite sure if I can get them all deleted before I begin wearing the hijab. I have one more year before I graduate though, so I am wondering, should I wait till after I graduate to wear the hijab? Would I get sins for wearing the hijab before ensuring all photos/videos of me are deleted?

I am considering waiting with the assumption that the photos will not be in use (or at least not as often) if I am no longer the vice captain. This is causing me much distress as I am really eager to wear the hijab, but don’t want to do it incorrectly as to get me sins.

Some of these photos/videos were taken during big school events, so I am scared that the school would not agree to taking down the photos/videos.

Thank you so much and sorry for the long question if you get time to answer it!

A:

I commend you for your intention to wear hijab; I pray to Allah to reward you and inspire you to act upon it without delay.

I urge you to act upon it as soon as possible; never mind the whispering doubts and justifications Satan uses to stop you from acting upon your intention.

The fact that you did not wear a hijab before and that they have your photos without a hijab should not be a reason to delay wearing it. So, firstly, ask: how do you ensure it is all deleted from every forum?

So, all you can do is urge those who own such pictures to delete them. If they did not do that, you are not responsible. In Islam, we are excused for our past sins or mistakes. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “One who has repented of a sin is like someone who didn’t sin.”

So, try what you can and leave the rest to Allah while consistently asking forgiveness from Allah and repenting for your past mistakes.

I pray to Allah to forgive you and urge you to wear a hijab without delay.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

I want to convert to Islam but my parents won’t accept this decision of mine at any cost I’m 17 years old I feel connected to Islamic culture and Allah but convincing my parents and family members is a tough job to do what should I do I’m really tensed

A:

Since you are an adult, you should consider yourself free to choose your path in life. Your parents should not stop you from exercising your choice. Therefore, if you are convinced that Islam is the truth, then you owe it to yourself to embrace it, for our duty to obey our Creator supersedes our responsibility to obey our parents.

However, you don’t need to disclose your decision to your parents until you are confident to face them; until then, you can do so secretly and try to observe the Islamic duties when you are away from their watchful eyes.

You should pray to Allah to give you the strength to overcome your fears and challenges. Then, indeed, Allah will be with you when you strive to please Him.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

I have read some hadiths regarding women. Hadiths stating that a woman can’t be ruler/leader, women have a half brain than men etc.
I know that i don’t know the real context and the history related to these hadiths. i want to know the real meaning of these Hadiths.
Secondly, the thing that disturbs me most is that non-muslims often quote these Hadiths to state that Islam oppresses and insults women and don’t give independence to women.
Kindly provide me guidance in this issue.
Thank you

A:

The traditions you have alluded to should be explained by reference to the fundamental teachings of the Quran that emphatically state the equal status of men and women. It is a basic principle reiterated throughout the Qur’an. Here is a definite statement:

“For submitting men and submitting women, believing men and believing women, devout men and devout women, truthful men and truthful women, patient men and patient women, humble men and humble women, charitable men and charitable women, men who fast and women who fast, men who guard their private parts and women who guard [their private parts], men who remember God often and women who remember [God often], God has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” (Qur’an: 33:35)

The reforms Islam introduced in the area of women’s liberation has compelled even non-Muslim historians to consider the Prophet Muhammad as a pioneer in advocating women’s rights. For example, here is a statement from Montgomery Watt, a Christian biographer of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):

“At the time Islam began, the conditions of women were terrible – they had no right to own property, were supposed to be the property of the man, and if the man died everything went to his sons. Muhammad improved things quite a lot. By instituting rights of property ownership, inheritance, education and divorce, he gave women certain basic safeguards. Set in such historical context the Prophet can be seen as a figure who testified on behalf of women’s rights.” ( Professor W. Montgomery Watt (Christian Reverend, Orientialist Historian of Islam, d. 2006),

(Interview with Alstair McIntosh, 1991)

In contrast to the standard view prevailing all over the world before the arrival of Islam that questioned whether the woman had a soul, the Qur’an (2:228, 4:19, 4:1, 33:35), emphatically stressed the spiritual equality of men and women as persons under God. The Qur’an outlawed female infanticide (81:8); granted women the right to: own and dispose of property (4:7)inheritance (4:7), consensual marriage (4:19) receive a dower upon marriage (4:4) receive financial maintenance during marriage divorce (4:35) receive maintenance after divorce (2:241) retain possession of property after marriage (4:11) be witnesses (2:282) work, etc.

So, we must rely on something other than isolated traditions, such as the ones you mentioned, to deny the fundamental principle established by the explicit verses of the Qur’an. 

Therefore, the only plausible explanation of the traditions is as follows:

1. The tradition about the country’s fate under a woman’s rule was simply a prophecy related to the specific case. The Prophet did not mean to condemn a woman’s leadership. Women have occupied leadership positions starting from the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him), including his wife, Aishah. 
2. As for the tradition of ‘women lacking intellect and religion,’ it was also not meant to be derogatory; instead, he wanted to state that women whom people associate with diminished intellect and deficiency in religion overpower men who are assumed to be more intelligent.

In conclusion, we cannot throw the established Quranic principles out of the window and run with isolated traditions stripping them out of their contexts. The fact that men and women enjoy equal status in the sight of Allah is an incontrovertible Quranic imperative.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

I asked my husband for divorce and he said I should write

A:

I am sorry to hear you have asked for a divorce. I am assuming you have exhausted all the means of reconciliation before taking this drastic step. Divorce, as you should know, is the last resort if the couple cannot reconcile. It is the most hated thing in the sight of Allah.

For details on the rules of divorce in Islam, you may refer to the answer linked below:

What Are the Procedure and Rulings of Divorce?

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

I have a very specific question. I am a university student and like any other university we sometimes have to do group assignments, group reports etc.. Now I have a friend who doesn’t choose their own group partners and instead always says yes to the first one that invites them regardless of who it is. Now I don’t like the fact that they don’t think for themselves. My question is that, “will it be considered for them to actually reject the first one who reached them to opt for a better option for a group? Or will it be fine if they select a better choice for a group even if another person gets angry for not being selected?”

A:

It’s not selfish if you choose your group partners based on their competence and ability to think for themselves. However, rushing to select someone whimsically compromises your chance for academic excellence. Islam teaches us to strive for excellence. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Allah loves you to excel in the work you set out to do.”  (A-tTabarani)

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

A few years back, I was talking to a girl and we were online friends. I never saw her in real life, she gave me her account for a video game that contained (according to her) 600 riyal worth of items, I ended up stealing them which I ended up regretting.

Fast forward to 12/22/2022 I realized my mistake and I wanna correct it. How should I do so? I got her contact info and she says she wants the money back but I’m still unsure.

I seriously regret what I have done and I want to make up for it and inshallah Allah forgives me, how should I proceed? (I have her contact information)

A:

It is evident that you stole the items from her, so you ought to compensate her for the loss. You should give the value if you cannot return the items you took. You cannot redeem yourself unless you do so and clear your conscience. You also ought to repent and ask the forgiveness of Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “One who cheats is not one of us.”  (Muslim)

He also said, “Signs of a hypocrite are three: when they speak, they lie; when they promise, they break; when they are trusted, they betray it.” (Al-Bukhari)

She trusted you with something, and you betrayed the trust. So, you ought to compensate her and seek repentance.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

Would I (Muslim male) be allowed to marry a non-Muslim female? She is Buddhist in a cultural sense but believes in ONE god, angels, the holy books, the prophets, and judgement day. She does not want to commit to any one religion but we’ve agreed that if we were to marry, our kids would be Muslim and we would together along with my parents teach them about Islam. Would our marriage be legitimate?

A:

Clearly, she does not have any religion; instead, she wants to make up her own religion. As a Muslim, you cannot marry such a person. No matter that she has agreed to bring up the children as Muslims. You should ask: how can you ensure that a child brought up by a mother who has no religion would be trusted with bringing up a God-fearing person? The Islamic motto says: Mother is the first school of a child; if you choose it wisely, you will nurture a generation with sound roots.”

So, never be complacent about choosing your marriage partner; otherwise, you will regret it.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

I have sort of problem many times i go to toilet up to 3 times per hour some times more some times less for urination. Now the question is how am i going to be able to undertake Hajj. I have read other peoples Stories that going to toilet Can take some time and If its true in muzdalifah depends where u are there are No toilets. According to your opinion am i excused from undertaking it in that condition.

Best regards

A:

The medical challenges you are facing should not stop you from performing hajj. Islam is a religion of ease and latitude; it considers human circumstances. Allah says, “Allah does not impose on anyone a duty they have no strength to bear.” 

Therefore, according to the rules of jurisprudence, “where there is hardship, the rigor of the law is relaxed.”

In other words, if you have bladder incontinence, you can enjoy some concessions; you don’t have to undergo purification as is required in ordinary circumstances.

For further details, let me cite here one of my earlier answers on a similar issue:

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

You should make sure to wash yourself and perform your ablution close to the time of the Salah you intend to perform. After having done so, if, during the course of your Salah, you were to experience any wetness, drops, etc., you need not worry about it; it shall be shall be considered as “excused” in your case. Allah clearly tells us
“He has not appointed any hardship for you in your religion.” (Q. 22:78) But we must, once again, stress that in this case, one must only perform the necessary purification and Wudhu as close to the Salah as possible.

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

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

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

In conclusion, while in hajj, because of your health challenges, you can perform wudhu and wear a pad or undergarment and continue the rituals without worrying about leakage and the ordinary rules of purification. You are excused. Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

My 2 year old Baby girl cry from fear whenever she listens The Holy Quran. Like if i recite Surah Fatiha she immediately starts crying and put her hands on my mouth and fingers on my eyes she really wants me to stop. I am very worried please help me.

A:

You should not stop the Quran because of your baby’s reaction. Instead, choose a soothing recitation and continue to play it. Insha Allah, the baby will gradually be used to it and will find comfort in it.

We have had similar experiences in our home as my wife babysat children. Some children who were brought up in less-than-ideal homes acted violently; however, when we continuously played the soothing Quranic recitations, they became so peaceful and relaxed.

So, never give up playing the Quran. Your baby will get used to the soothing, gentle, spiritual power of the Quran and will be healed.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

I remember reading a hadith (though I don’t remember where) that “someone who loves for Allah, and hates for Allah, and gives for Allah, and stops for Allah; completes his faith”

I’ve two questions
1. Is this (or some similar hadith) ‘sahih’
2. “To do something for Allah” – what does it mean add how do we do it?

A:

The hadith you mentioned is reported by Abu Dawud on the authority of Abu Umamah; it is a sound tradition.

The proper wordings are as follows:

“Whoever loves for the sake of Allah and hates for the sake of Allah and gives for the sake of Allah and withholds for the sake of Allah, they attained the perfection of faith.”

 It is intended to explain the many verses in the Qur’an that stress that Allah wants us to surrender to His will and live accordingly. So, we ought to ensure that we do not follow our whims and caprices; instead we ought to work to please Allah. Allah ordered to His Prophet to declare:

Say, “I am only a human being like you. It is revealed unto me that your God is one God. So whosoever hopes for the meeting with his Lord, let him perform righteous deeds and make no one a partner unto his Lord in worship.” (Qur’an: 18: 110)

And the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Allah is Pure and He accepts only that which is pure.”

Therefore, we ought to do all good works solely for His pleasure and not for any ulterior motives such as pleasing humans, gaining favor, fame or name or power. Such works we do will be thrown in our face.

In light of the above, the above hadith teaches us the following:

• In so far as we love anyone it should be purely for the sake of Allah; the same goes for our hatred. We ought to love the things that Allah loves and hate the things that Allah hates.
• Likewise, our giving and withholding also ought to be for the sake of Allah.

When we realize these virtues we act upon our pledge to Allah which we repeat in the beginning of our Salah: “Indeed, my worship, my sacrifice, my living and dying are solely for Allah, the Lord of the worlds.”

May Allah honor us to attain this ideal.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

Hi, so I have four accounts with survey websites that pay me for giving my opinion. I try my best to do halal surveys and stay away from haram ones. My question is that what am I doing is it halal? I keep on having thoughts about this that I could be doing something wrong.

A:

I don’t see anything wrong with the kind of work you are doing as long as you keep away from engaging with haram websites.

I assume that the websites you work on render some valuable services to society: promoting virtue, ethics, and morals and not focusing on making money by exploiting the weak and vulnerable.

As long as the services are ethical and promote good in the world, you may continue, provided you are also objective in your reviews.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

In my family we have this blanket that is 20 years old which was gifted to one of the children in our family when they were a newborn. Recently I noticed that this blanket has just the word Christmas on it and a picture of a bear. I know that pictures of animals are not permissible but does this blanket having only the word “Christmas” on it make it haram or is having this blanket shirk?

A:

I don’t find anything wrong with using the blanket. The word Christmas printed on it does not make its use haram.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

Do we have to say the person name when we are asking Allah to give them something?

A:

It’s up to you. You may take the person’s name when you pray for them. However, it is not essential. If you were to keep their names in mind while praying for them, that should be fine too. Allah knows what our innermost thoughts and intentions are. He will also reward us according to our intentions. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Intentions judge actions, and everyone will be rewarded accordingly.” (Al-Bukhari)

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

I used to work for an employer for whom I had travelled for more than 5 times to different countries for business purposes. The employer gave the travel expenditures reimbursement upon returning to base station.

I had to submit original receipts for this. There was no limit defined for the daily use but the use of regular taxis, good hotels, expensive food all was allowed. Instead of utilizing these luxuries, I opted to stay low and tried to save as much as I could to claim maximum money out of the trips i.e,I used to present receipts that were not related in actual but still they were near to normal daily spendings on meals and accomodation. Sometimes I bought another item for my personal use and skipped the meal for that time to claim it as a lunch receipt.

1. Is this act justifiable in Islam?
2. If not, how can I make it up for this as the organisation is a multinational for which I don’t work anymore. Cannot pay them directly.
I have repented upon it Alhamdulillah and want to make it up for it if it was wrong

I believed that sacrificing the luxuries and claiming it for my own use was allowable as long as the purpose of the visit is fulfilled and I did not claim any unrealistic amount. I travelled in local buses to avoid taxis, stayed in shared hostels instead of 4 star hotels to do all this.
Allah knows the best

JazakAllah o Khairan

A:

If you understand correctly, you were to provide receipts for your expenses and claim them from the company you worked. If that was the case, I assume you were expected to produce proper receipts to claim refunds for the expenses you incurred. Since you did not do so, you committed an offense as you breached your trust.

The fact that you made fake receipts to claim more than the amount you spent is akin to cheating. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “One who cheats does not belong to us.” He also said, “There are three signs of a hypocrite: when they speak, they lie; when they promise, they break, and when they are trusted, they betray.”

Therefore, you should make an educated guess, take out a reasonable amount, and give it to a reputable charity. Otherwise, your income will be tainted by unlawful earnings. So, act without delay so that you can redeem yourself.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

I am very tensed about a situation that I encountered last night. Thing that’s making me tense is that one of my brother’s Christian friend bought him a cake of Christmas and he didn’t refuse and took it home and we ate it. Have I or my family committed a sin? Because one of my brother was saying that it’s Haram to take anything from them on this day. if my brother had refused him then it would had made that christian guy saddened.
Kindly help me out in solving this tension.
Thank you !

A:

You don’t need to overstress yourself over this situation. Allah says:

“Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “I do not find in what has been revealed to me anything forbidden to eat except carrion, running blood, swine—which is impure—or a sinful offering in the name of any other than Allah. But if someone is compelled by necessity—neither driven by desire nor exceeding immediate need—then surely your Lord is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Qur’an: 6: 145)

The cake given to you was not immolated or offered to an idol or even to Jesus (peace be upon him.). He presented it to you to cement your friendly relations. It is reciprocating kindness with kindness; even as you would give him an Eid gift, he wanted to give you a gift on his special occasion.

When Imam Abu Hanifa’s father offered a cake to the Caliph Ali (Allah be pleased with him), the pious Caliph accepted it even though it was on the Nouruz or the Persian new year’s day. The Caliph asked, ‘what was the occasion?’, he replied, ‘it was because of the Nowruz or New Year’s Day’, the Caliph smiled and said, “For us, every day is like a new year’s day!” So, he never refused to accept it.

The Caliph accepted the gift because it was not immolated or offered to an idol.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Q:

My 1st question is I said my wife 1 talak 2talak (full sentence now I forgot ) by telephone I have no intention talak but I was anger so I said it is it valid or not ? After 5 min later I fell apologies for that.

My 2nd question is my wife last 2 month never pray namaz . I said her pray namaz and she prayed after 1 day she again stop because she’s irregular period but which one I did not know and I said her if you don’t pray namaz talak (I did not intend regular namaz). I intend talak (but I don’t know that time it’s automatic issue) when I am angry but 2 min later I have no intention so this situation talak is effective or not.

A:

You are playing with the Laws of Allah. If you are a Muslim who is conscious of Allah, you ought to honor and revere His symbols and laws. Otherwise, you are failing in your duties towards Allah. Allah says: “It is because whoever reveres the sanctities of Allah—it is good for him with his Lord.” (Qur’an: 22: 30). Therefore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) has warned us against jesting with the words of talaq.

On the issue of talaq in anger, you may refer to the following answer:

Is Pronouncement of Divorce Under Duress Valid? (aboutislam.net)

Therefore, I urge you to repent to Allah and never treat the laws of Allah lightly. If you have valid reasons to divorce your wife, you should do it legally and not by making whimsical statements intending to intimidate or threaten her.

Almighty Allah knows best.