Marriage: Partners are chosen by Allah or by our will? Q362 :People say that our names together with the names of our marriage partners have been written down long before we are born. How much of this is true? Is every one's marriage partner chosen by Allah's will or do people's efforts play any part…
Read MoreScholarly discretion in legislation [permissible or prohibited] Q585 :While discussing the question on smoking some time back you remarked that "everything is permissible unless there is cause to prohibit it. This is a basic principle which applies to food and drink in the same way as it applies to actions and practices." However, more recently…
Read MoreSufism: Degrees of knowledge and sufism Q619 :May I know what is meant by "tareeqah", "ma'rifah" and "haqeeqah". Some people suggest that in addition to normal and statutory prayers, there are other prayers which bring a person in closer communication with Allah. The practice, according to them, was taught by the Prophet to his cousin…
Read MoreWomen: At work and the pressures of society Q675 :In some countries, particularly those experiencing high inflation, women find themselves obliged to go out to work. It is often the case, however, that such Muslim women find it difficult to observe Islamic requirements in dress because of pressures from different sources. How should a woman…
Read MoreAirlines, women's charms Q22 :It is well known that Islam requires women to dress modestly when they appear in public. How do you view the advertisements inserted by certain national airlines of Muslim countries in these terms: "A superb in-flight service is assured by our charming air hostesses"? A22 : Such advertisements cannot be accepted…
Read MoreQ247 Hadiths: Revelations or intuitions Q247 :If Hadith is not revelation, can it be termed as "lofty intuition"? A247 : Hadith is much more than what can be described as 'lofty intuition'. Everything that the Prophet has taught us of our religion has been revealed to him. The Qur'an is revealed in meaning and in…
Read MoreHusband's long absence from home Q264 :I have been working in Saudi Arabia for the last five years. According to the terms of my contract, I am entitled to a one month vacation and a ticket every two years. My company stipulates that I cannot bring in my family. Therefore my wife stays home. I…
Read MoreAllah's existence Q28 :What is the most convincing way to prove the existence of Allah, the Almighty? Also, what is the proof of the existence of the Prophet? A28 : Do we really need to prove Allah's existence? Perhaps thirty years ago, I might have warmed to such a question and could have written a…
Read MoreAmputation: A punishment to fit the crime Q34 :The Repast - "Al-Maidah":"As for the man or woman who is guilty of theft, cut off their hands in retribution for what they have earned, as an exemplary punishment ordained by Allah. Allah is Almighty, Wise. But whoever repents after having thus done wrong, and makes amends,…
Read MoreBackbiting or honest testimony Q54 :It is well known that Islam forbids backbiting. What if a person happens to be dishonest or a petty thief? Should not people be warned of the fact, so that they be on their guard when they deal with him? Similarly, should not people in the neighborhood be warned that…
Read MoreClassification of mankind Q103 :In the Qur'an, human beings are divided into three groups: believers, hypocrites and non-believers. However, we find in writings about Islam further groupings under such headings as: good Muslims, true believers, Sunnis, Shiites, etc. Please comment on this method of classification. A103 : What you have said about the classification of…
Read MoreCompensation: A fair compensation or an unfair gift Q107 :May I put to you the case of a family which includes two brothers and three sisters as well as their two parents. Normally, brothers contribute to the finances of the family and meet its commitments. When one brother has a better position and greater income…
Read MoreCopyrights and wrongs Q123 :How far is it permissible to obtain unauthorized copies of written material on Islam including books, tapes, videos and computer programs? Should not the propaganda of Islam be made easy by the distribution of such material. For example, I have a set of cassette tapes of the Qur'an in Arabic, with…
Read MoreFasting: About concession of not fasting Q199 :At times, I get very severe pain in my neck which needs analgesic tablets to relieve because I suffer from cervical spondylitis. It happened once or twice in the month of Ramadan that the pain was so severe that I could not bear it any longer and broke…
Read MoreGreeting: the dead at graves Q242 :According to some Hadiths, it is recommended to greet the dead when one visits or passes by a graveyard. At the same time, Allah states in the Qur'an that those who are in their graves cannot hear. Please explain. A242 : The Qur'anic verse which you have referred to…
Read MoreHusband & wife: Rights and duties Q263 :Could you please explain the rights and duties of a married couple. How does Islam view a situation where a woman is unwilling to do what her husband says, but she follows what her parents say? Can a woman stay in her parents' home in the case of…
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