Begging in an Islamic community Q60 :Giving alms and charity and feeding the poor is highly recommended in the Qur’an and the Hadith. Does it not encourage pauperism in the community? As a result of this we frequently see people who are physically and mentally fit and able to work but they prefer to resort…

Becoming a Muslim: How to become a Muslim Q59 :What are the procedures and requirements if one wishes to convert to Islam? A59 : The adoption of the religion of Islam is very simple. Nothing is required except a declaration by the person concerned that he believes in Allah as the only God and in…

Bath with pants on Q58 :Some people insist on having their pants on when they take a bath for grand ablution. Is this correct? A58 : When we take a bath as a religious requirement, such as to remove the state of ceremonial impurity or on a Friday, we should make sure of properly washing…

Banking; An overview of the system Q57 :Are ‘riba’ and interest synonymous? There exists a general impression that transactions involving all forms of interest are forbidden in Islam. Perhaps an international debate amongst Muslim scholars and religious leaders on this important issue is necessary. What is submitted here are thoughts of a layman who, like…

Bank interest and an acceptable arrangement Q56 :There is no doubt about the fact that usury is forbidden. However, Qur’anic reference to usury speaks of doubling and multiplying the capital as a result of usurious transactions. The Hadith suggests that such transactions lead to feelings of greed, selfishness, laziness, etc. on the part of the…

Bank employees – and prayer at Bank’s premises Q55 :Some magazine contained an article saying that the fact that a bank pays and receives interest on its loans and deposits makes it forbidden to pray there. How does a bank employee solve this problem. Some employees offer their prayers at the Bank while others are…

Backbiting 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…

Babri Mosque and killing by Muslims Q53 :At the time when the Babri Mosque was destroyed by Hindus and there were many casualties in communal conflict, certain questions were in my mind. A Muslim should be ready to protect anything which relates to his faith. However, should he kill anyone in order to prevent the…

Ba’it or “Pledges of loyalty” to spiritual leaders Q52 :In a book entitled “Saviors of Islamic spirit” by Abul-Hassan Ali Nadwi, the practice of taking a pledge of loyalty, or ba’it is mentioned in the chapter on Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani as something that follows “the procedure and technique” of the Prophet. In one of…

Bindi’ or ‘Bindiya’: the use of Q51 :Is it forbidden to keep ‘bindi’ i.e. adhesive sticker or colored enamel on our foreheads? A51 : The general rule which governs the use of such material is that everything is lawful unless pronounced otherwise. There may be some rules which restrict the use of certain items and…