Allah’s will and man’s choice Q30 :When something happens, we say that it has happened by Allah’s will. But then we say that man is required to abide by Islamic teachings and he will be either rewarded or punished for his actions. I realize that certain things like health and illness, birth and death, etc.…

Allah’s will and His foreknowledge Q29 :A person who loses his job or money as a result of his negligence may blame Allah for that, saying that it is His will. The total earnings of a person in his lifetime are already determined by Allah. Why should a man work, then? Please explain what powers…

Allah’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…

Allah’s entity and human perception Q27 :I have been thinking of a scientific explanation of God’s existence and I would be grateful for your comments. Time is eternal. It has neither a beginning nor an end. When there was nothing in the universe, there was time, which will still remain when there will be nothing…

Allah’s 99 names Q26 :I read in a note posted in a mosque that the person who memorizes Allah’s 99 names is certain to go to heaven. I am always repeating those 99 names after Fajr and evening prayers. [Please comment]. A26 : Most of Allah’s 99 names denote His attributes. Thus, a name like…

Alcohol: Physical use of Q25 :Some of the substances which a woman uses as part of her makeup, such as perfume, hair spray, anti-deodorants and facial and body powder may contain alcohol. What should she do, if she wants to offer her prayer? Some women pray wearing their full make up, including lipstick. How far…

Alcohol: In soft drinks Q24 :I attach copies of two letters from the manufacturers of Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola which clearly indicate that alcohol is a part of the basic formula of both of these drinks. In the light of this information, is it permissible for Muslims to consume these drinks? A24 : Thank you for…

Al-Fatihah in congregation Q23 :Is it compulsory for a person in congregation prayer to read the Fatihah? Is the prayer valid without reading it? A23 : Scholars have different views about the reading of the surah Al-Fatihah by a worshipper who has joined a congregational prayer. Those who say that it is not required rely…

Airlines, 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…

Advice to parents, elders Q21 :How can I advise my parents and elders to offer their prayers regularly and to fast during Ramadhan? A21 : The Prophet says: “Good faith is to give good counsel.” In his reply for a clarification as to whom good counsel should be given, the Prophet included the leaders of…