Islamic QA | Fatwa

Due to this situation, would it permissable to conduct a class via video broadcast (distance learning) to students in another city?

lightofquran — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:44:13 +0000

In some cities in North America there is a shortage of ulama who can offer classes in the english langauge on subjects such as fiqh, arabic, etc.

Video broadcasting is Tasweer and picture making which is expressly prohibited in the Hadith.

and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Is it permissible, to stand for presidency with a fellow muslim on a College Student Council?

lightofquran — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:40:48 +0000

If, by standing for presidency on a college student council, your friend would be required to act or pass decisions contrary to the teachings of Shariah, then you are not allowed to support such a cause. On the contrary, if there is benefit in holding such a position, in terms of requesting your permissible needs etc. then you are allowed to stand for presidency with your friend.

and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
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Was wondering how come we celeberate the birth of Musa (Moses) A.S., and not that of Isa (Jesus) A.S.? We fast on 10th Muharram based on the practice of the Jews.

lightofquran — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:37:25 +0000

We do not celebrate the birth of Moosa [Alayhis salaam] as well.

The fast of the 10th of Muharram is an expression of gratefulness to Allah for granting victory to Moosa [Alayhis salaam] and his followers against Firawn. It is recommended to fast on the 9th or the 11th with the 10th to avoid imitating the Jews.

and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Want to ask about inheritance from father who has been working in a bank

lightofquran — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:34:05 +0000

Inheriting (WIRASAT) money and property from father who was working in a bank. My father has been working in a bank(non-islamic bank). He got retired in 2000 and he built a house during his job and now he has some money he received after his retirement. I want to know about the validity of inheritage (WIRASAT) we will receive from him. Is it valid for me and my all siblings to receive it and spent it on ourselves and our kids? Allah hafiz I asked this question a few weeks ago and the question number was 18142 but you didn’t reply me. I request to post a reply of my question, so that i could correct myself

The issue of working in a bank is different from the issue of receiving salary from the bank.

Your father’s house as well as his retirement package are both legitimate possessions in the Shari’ah. The inheritance on both will also be legitimate.

and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Is it true that the Prophet (saw) had destroyed all idols and paintings, EXCEPT for those that pertained to Prophet Isa and Mariam (peace be upon them)?

lightofquran — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:30:45 +0000

I have read that when the Prophet (saw) had finally made his move in taking over Mecca as it leader, one of his first actions was to destroy the idols in the House of God. If the above is true, could you please refer me to an original source/text that describes these events? Any other recommedations of excellent books on the biography of the Prophet (saw) that are in English would be appreciated.

Nabi [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] marched against the Makkans after their break of the treaty of Hudaybiyah. The day the Muslims were blessed with victory is known as ‘Yawmul Fath’. On this day, the Ka’abah returned to its original form, free from the pollution of the pagans (polytheists). Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] saw to the destruction and removal of all the paintings and statues.

Ibn Abbaas [radhiallaahu anhu] narrates that Nabi [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] entered the house (Ka’bah) wherein he found the picture of Maryam and Ibraaheem (alayhimus salaam). Nabi [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] thereafter mentioned, ‘As for them, they had heard that the Angels do not enter a house contain pictures.’ (Bukhari vol.4 Hadith3351)

The above contains some important points:
1. Ibraahim (alayhimus salaam)and Maryam (alayhimus salaam)knew that picture making is forbidden.
2. Angels do not enter a house containing pictures;
3. Ibraahim (alayhimus salaam)and Maryam (alayhimus salaam)are not responsible for the pictures made of them.

In another narration, ibn Abbaas [radhiallaahu anhu] narrates, ‘When Nabi [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] saw pictures (idols) in the Ka’bah, he did not enter till he gave a decree for their destruction. Thereafter, they were erased and Nabi [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] saw Ibraahim and Ismail (alayhimus salaam) within divining arrows in their hands. Nabi [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] said, ‘May Allah destroy them, I take an oath on Allah that they (Ibraahim and Ismail (alayhimus salaam)never predicted the future with diving arrows.’ (Ibid)

In another Hadith, Jaabir (alayhimus salaam) mentions that there were pictures in the Ka’bah. Nabi [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] commanded Umar [radhiallaahu anhu] to erase them. Umar (alayhimus salaam)went with a cloth and erased them with the cloth. Nabi (alayhimus salaam)entered the Ka’bah and there were no pictures remaining. (Musnad Ahmad vol.3 Hadith396)

and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

I would like to know the permissability of using a certain medication which is prescribed for my pancreas problem

lightofquran — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:27:05 +0000

Since I was 14 years old I have had a condition called pancreatitis. This condition is where the pancreas swells & produces too much pancreatic juice with severe pain. The pancreas produces enzymes which help break down the food in the stomach. The reason for my problem is unknown & the doctor has put the condition down as being a genetic defect. Over the past 2 months my pancreas has been troubling on & off. About 2 weeks ago I started having pain in the bladder & right kidney. I went to a doctor who sent me for X-rays of the kidneys. On the scan it showed that there is a stone in the pancreas. I took the X-rays to the specialist who has been treating me for my pancreas condition who told me that the function of my pancreas has decreased significantly which explains my lack of energy due to the fact that my food is not breaking down properly & my stomach not working properly when I go to the toilet. This is also causing my pancreas to overwork causing some pain. The reason for my communication with you is that the medication that will help break down the food in my stomach & help to reduce the work load on my pancreas contains pig fat & there are no other medicines available on the market that are specifically designed to help my pancreas. I would like to know if I am allowed to take this medication.

In the absence of Halaal medicine, it is permissible to use the non-Halaal medicine which contain pig fat.

and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Can a woman go on Hajj with her daughter and son-in-law as a Mahram ?

lightofquran — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:21:06 +0000

According to Shariah, the son in law is the Mahram for the mother in law. Therefore, she may travel with her son in law for Umrah. However, it is important that if the mother in law is young and there is fear of fitnah, it is better if she does not travel with him. If there is no fear of fitna, she may travel with him.

And Allah Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Asalam alaikum can you please tell me the source of this hadith JazakAllah khair

lightofquran — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:17:37 +0000

When a man dies and his relatives are busy in funeral rites, there stands an extremely handsome man by his head. When the dead body is shrouded, that man gets in between the shroud and the chest of the deceased. When after the burial, the people return home, 2 angels, Munkar and Nakeer (names of two special Angels), come in the grave and try to separate this handsome man so that they may be able to interrogate the dead man in privacy about his faith. But the handsome man says, “He is my companion, he is my friend. I will not leave him alone in any case. If you are appointed for interrogation, do your job. I cannot leave him until I get him admitted into Paradise”. Thereafter he turns to his dead companion and says, “I am the Qura’an, which you used to read, sometimes in a loud voice and sometimes in a low voice. Do not worry. After the interrogation of Munkar and Naker, you will have no grief. When the interrogation is over, the handsome man arranges for him from (the angels in Heaven) a silk bedding filled with musk. May Allah bestow this favour on all of us. AMEEN AMEEN Rasulullah (Sallalloho alaihe wasallam) said, “On the Day of Judgement, before Allah, no other intercessor will have a greater status than the Qura’an, neither a Prophet nor an angel.” Please keep forwarding this “Hadith” to all …because the Prophet (PBUH) said : “Pass on knowledge from me even if it is only one verse”

This Hadith can be found in Musnad al-Bazzaar (Hadith2625).

and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Are we allowed to pray for maghfirat of someone who has committed suicide? Can we read Holy Quran and send him/her the sawab?

lightofquran — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:10:46 +0000

I know a person who just expired and was a Shia, since I do not know his exact beliefs, can I keep good faith in his beliefs and pray for his maghfirat or not? What should be my reaction towards the situation? Is it allowed for husband & wife to publicly hold hands or to hug each other in public? Is it allowed for them to kiss each other not in public but in front of other mehrams?

1. It is permissible to make du’aa of forgiveness for any deceased Muslim. If a person committed suicide, that is a major sin. It is permissible to make du’aa of forgiveness for such a person.

2. In principle, it is not necessary to make du’aa for a deceased Muslim. It is prohibited to make du’aa for a deceased non-Muslim. If a person was known to be a Shi’a, it is best to exercise caution and not make du’aa. If he is a true Muslim in the sight of Allah, then at most you did not fulfil a desired act but if he is a non-Muslim is the sight of Allah, and you made du’aa for him, you would be guilty of committing a prohibited act.

3. Shame and modesty is an integral part of Islam. Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] said, ‘Shame is a great branch of Imaan’. Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] said, ‘Imaan and shame are inseparable colleagues. If one is absent, the other is also absent.’ A husband and wife should express modesty in their relationship. It is against shame and modesty for them to hold hands and kiss in public.

and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

How haram is it for me 2 eat food from haram-money. My friend has a shop where they sells alcohol, i know it is haram for me to eat their food. What will happen with me if i eat it, now and after dead

lightofquran — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:05:31 +0000

Allah created the universe with all its planets, the earth, the moon, the sun, etc. He created man for His worship. Allah Ta’ala states in the Qur’aan, ‘I created man and Jinn solely for my worship.’ (51:56)

Every person does a thing for a purpose. A car manufacturer manufactures cars to make money, and for people to have a mode of transport. Computers are made to do work or for games, they are not made to hang socks on them or grow flowers. Everything is made for some objective. If one does not utilise an item for its correct objective, this would be foolish. A man is created to please his Creator, Allah. Eating Halaal is a fundamental aspect for one’s worship being accepted by Allah, eating Haraam results in one’s prayers and supplications not being accepted.

Nabi [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] has mentioned, ‘O people, Allah is pure, He only accepts that which is pure (untainted).’ Allah has commanded the believers with what He commanded the messengers. He states, ‘O Messengers, partake of the pure things (good and wholesome) as do good deeds and Allah has said in the Qur’aan, ‘O you who believe, eat of the good things that we have provided for you and be grateful to Allah. If it is Him you worship.’ (Baqarah Aayat172)

Nabi [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] mentioned a man who undergoes a lengthy journey and is in a dishevelled and dusty state and raises his hands to the heavens supplicating, ‘O my Lord ! O my Lord !’ whilst his food is Haraam, his drink is Haraam, his clothing is Haraam and he is nourished with Haraam. How can his supplication be accepted due to these factors?’ (Muslim Hadith2343; Tirmidhi Hadith2989)

There are many points to be learnt from the abovementioned Hadith:
1. Allah is pure and free from any deficiencies. He is from any faults;
2. Allah does not accept deeds that are not pure;
3. The messengers came in different ages, yet all of them were given the command to eat that which is pure, that which is Halaal;
4. The believers are also given that very same command;
5. Allah wants us to eat that which is Halaal and praise Him;
6. Indication is made towards a man who is in an unkempt state, this could be due to a number of reasons – a) Hajj, b) Umrah, c) Jihaad, d) Seeking knowledge, e) Welfare work;
7. Yet, this person’s supplication is not accepted;
8. This is due to his Haraam food and drink and his attire being Haraam. His prayer is not accepted;
9. Even if a person buys with money which is attained through Haraam, something Halaal, his supplication will not be accepted due to him being nourished from Haraam.

It is clear from the above that eating from the proceeds of alcohol incurs the curse of Allah upon oneself.

and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai