Husband and Wife Bathing Together

Q: Is it permissible to have a bath with wife, provided she is in clothes?

A: It is permissible for the husband and wife to bath together. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) also bathed with his wife. (Saheeh Muslim V1 P176)

Moulana Yusuf LaherChecked and approved by:Mufti Siraj Desai

Designing Church Websites

Q: We are running computer software company. We have few clients from USA. They give us Christian or church work to develop their web site etc. As a Muslim, am I allow to do this kind of work?

A: Almighty Allah states in the Holy Quran:
“And do not aid each other in sin and transgression” (Al-Maa-ida, verse 2)
“I shall never be a helper to evil-doers” (Al-Qasas)
“And do not incline towards those who do injustice” (Surah Hud)
Rasoolullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “He who adds to the number of a people, is one of them.”

From the above verses and hadith we learn that a Muslim should not assist in any action, activity, business, or practice that is contrary to the beliefs and teachings of Islam. To do work for Christians that will help them propagate their religion is wrong because today it has become very widespread for Christians to use websites and attack Islam or propagate Christianity to Muslims. Any Muslim who helped in the development of such a site will share in the sin. You should politely refuse to do work for them or give them a reasonable excuse.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Using Interest to Pay Tax

Q: Can I use interest money to pay tax (SARS)?

A: Remember that placing money in the bank to earn interest is not allowed. However if one had to use the banking system for business purposes and then happens to receive interest, it may be used to pay income tax and rates. Obviously such interest may not be used for personal needs.
And Allah knows best

Mufti Siraj Desai

Male Tying a Ponytail

Q: Can a male tie his hair in a ponytail if it's shoulder length and it keeps going over his face?

A: This is not permissible because it resembles the hair of a female, and the hadith prohibits a male from imitating a female as mentioned in Saheehul-Bukhari. If the hair is long, apply oil and comb it regularly to keep it in place, or comb all the hair back, which resembles the sunnah.

Answered by: Moulana Nazeem Moosagie; Checked and Approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Fidya in Rice

Q: How many kilograms of rice should be given as fidya incase of non fasting per day?

A: If fidyah is given in the form of rice then one should take the value of fidya in wheat or barley, and then give out that amount of rice.

Answered by: Moulana Nazeem Moosagie; Checked and Approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Shower after Sexual Intercourse

Q: Do Muslims take a shower after sexual intercourse?

A: It is compulsory for a Muslim to take a bath after sexual intercourse.

Answered by: Moulana Yusuf Laher; Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Delay in Fulfilling a Vow

Q: If one says that if he gets this job he will fast for two days and will pay R100 to a poor man and he doesn't do it for many years, what should he do ?

A: He should still fulfil this vow, even after many years.

Answered by: Moulana Yusuf Laher; Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Delay after Promising

Q: I promised Allah if I pass my driving test I will R10 to a poor man. Can I give this money to a poor Muslim man or can I give it to any poor man if I don't find a needy Muslim guy? What if I don't give that money on the some day and pay it after a long time?

A: Although the fulfilment of the payment has been delayed, it still has to be paid. It is best to give it to a poor Muslim. If you cannot find a poor Muslim in your area, send the money to another locality wherein there is a poor Muslim.
And Allah Ta'aala knows best.

Moulana Yusuf Laher; Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Inheritance of Wife, 4 Daughters, Mother and Brother

Q: In the case where a Muslim male has a wife and 4 daughters, as well as a living mother and a brother (who is currently involved in un-Islamic dealings and on drugs and has previously stolen money from the family). The brother is the only living male family. How should the inheritance be distributed?

A: According to the Islamic Law of Inheritance in the above case the brother will certainly inherit if the other brother passes away. The wife will receive 12.5 percent of the entire estate, the mother will receive 16.66 percent, the daughters 66.66 percent (to be shared equally) and the remainder to the surviving brother. This is a fixed ruling mentioned in the Quran and cannot be changed, regardless of the bad habits and evil ways of any particular heir.

The concern is obviously the fact that this brother will squander his share of inheritance on feeding his evil habits. This is a valid reason for adopting a scheme to prevent him from inheriting a share of the estate. Muftis of former times gave permission for this. Hence, the brother is allowed to give away all or most his assets in his lifetime to his mother, wife, and daughters. So when he dies, there will be nothing much left to share, and this errant brother will get nothing or very little from the estate. Remember that when a person dies, all he owns automatically passes on to his heirs. This devolution property cannot be stopped at all. However, if property is distributed in one’s lifetime then the recipients become the owners and when the father dies, such property will not form part of his estate. A condition for such distribution is that the recipients must take possession of the property and must become the real owners. The gift or donation must not just be on paper, instead it should be physically and tangible.

If you need further details on how to distribute such assets, please write back but also provide a list of the assets that need to be distributed, such as house, car, business, etc. We can then explain how each asset can be disbursed among family members.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Taking an Oath on Parents

Q: I took the following oath: "I take an oath on my parents and all the Prophets that in future I would never do a certain action". After taking this oath, I still did the action. How do I give Kaffarah (compensation) for this broken oath?

A: By taking an oath on anyone else besides Allah Ta'ala, no Kaffarah becomes compulsory. Therefore, there is no Kaffarah due upon you. Keep in mind that to take an oath on anyone else besides Allah Ta'ala, is a major sin. This is prohibited in the Hadith. Repent for this sin and in future do not take an oath on anyone else besides Allah Ta'ala. (Beheshti Zewar V3 P53)

Answered by: Moulana Yusuf Laher; Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Children from Two Marriages and Inheritance

Q: A lady has a boy and girl from her first marriage and ten years later she has a girl and two boys from her second marriage. Is it permissable for her to make a calculation of her own estate. (a number of properties which are let and some cash) and settle the inheritance of the older children from her first husband, and keep the rest of the estate for the children of her current marriage till a defered period or death?

A: If the inheritance from the first husband has not yet been distributed between herself and the children of the deceased, she should do so immediately. This means she will give them their shares from their late father’s estate.

If she intends giving the children of her first marriage from her own wealth, then she should not only give them, but her other three children as well.

The Ahaadeeth on distribution of wealth to children teach us that we should give them equally, whether the children are male or female. During one’s lifetime one will not distribute wealth among one’s children according to the laws of inheritance, but will give them equally, male or female. This is not considered inheritance because the giver is still alive; instead this will be regarded as a gift. Gifts should be given equally amongst children. Although it is permissible to give them unequally, the Hadeeth discourage us from doing so. (As Sunanul Kubraa V6 P176)

Answered by: Moulana Yusuf Laher; Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Cervical Neck Problem and Medical Aid

Q: I have a severe Cervical neck problem with a lot of pain. I am only 40 years of age and am on pain killers prescribed by the Docter. I have tried the tablets for 9 months as prescribed by the Doctor, and now the Doctor has given me the option for an operation and I got an option of carrying on with my life taking tablets and living with the pain and later on have to go for an operation. The problem is the operation costs R100 000.00. It's unaffordable and the choice is Medical Aid. Is Medical Aid permissible? The prices are exorbetent. If I cannot afford it I have to carry on with pain killers, so I am not sure, some Ulema say that Medical Aid is not permissible. Am I allowed to take out Medical Aid?

A: In your situation it will be permissible to take out a medical aid and/or hospital plan, since the future benefits are certain and defined. This is totally permissible. May Allah Ta’ala grant you shifaa (cure).

Mufti Siraj Desai

Naming a Takeaway "Bismillah"

Q: Is it possible to name a food business “Bismillah”?

A: To name a business with the term bismillah is a form of disrespect to the Name of Allah and to the Words of the Quran, for indeed bismillah is part of the Holy Quran. One should refrain from doing so.

Answered by: Moulana Naziem Moosagie; Checked and Approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Funeral Rights

Q: During funeral of mother or father, who reserves more rights of taking funeral decisions (time fixing, etc)?

A: If the father dies, then his son has more rights than anyone else with regards to decisions related to the funeral, provided the son is capable of making decisions. If the mother dies then her husband (the father) has more rights in this regard. If a woman’s husband is not alive when she dies, then her son who is her wali will assume decision-making at the time of the funeral.

Answered by: Moulana Nazeem Moosagie; Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Renting Home and Riba (Interest)

Q: Home owner is renting out his house bought on interest through the bank. Is he out of Riba

A: He will remain in Riba until the bank loan is not cleared, whether he rents the house or not. The Riba transaction with the bank is a different deal, and renting the house to a third party is a different deal. Although because of the Riba he will not have much Barakaat or blessings in the money he gets in rental.

Identifying the Dead

Q: A woman was found dead. How do we detemine if she is Muslim or not?

A: If one is aware that Muslim women in the area use mehndi, or dress in a certain way, or apply a certain makeup peculiar to Muslims then this could be used as signs to determine the religion of the deceased female. Other that this, there is no way to ascertain from her body whether she is Muslim or not.

In that case you need to do the following:
a) Check for identification on her.
b) Ask people in the area where her body was found. Perhaps someone will know her.
c) Find out from the police and the 'Missing Persons Bureau' if someone with her description has been reported missing.

In the absence of proper identification from the above sources, one should use discretion. If the heart strongly feels that the deceased is a Muslim then give her an Islamic burial. If not, then wrap the body in one or two pieces of cloth, dig a hole and bury it. There will be no duas, janaaza salaah, etc.

Prepared by: Moulana Yusuf Laher; Checked by Mufti Siraj Desai

Ladies Jamaats and Tabligh

Q: What is your opinion on ladies jamaats as well as the whole issue of tabligh in general?

A: The Tableegh movement had been initiated by pious Ulama and the Ulama have always been a part of this. For the purpose of the reformation of women, they have sanctioned the participation of women. If the women participate and confine themselves to the principles laid down by the elders of Tableegh and also do not flout the laws of Hijaab, they will benefit from this participation. The Tableegh Jamaa'at is a movement of Haq, beneficial to oneself and to others.

Prepared by: Moulana Yusuf Laher

Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Who is Allah

Q: Is Allah an idol? Who is this Allah that Muslims are worshiping? Which Bible do Muslims read?

A: Allah is not an idol and Muslims do not worship idols. Islam is strictly against idol-worship in any form. Islam is a monotheistic religion, i.e. belief in only one God. Allah is that Supreme Being who has always existed and will always remain. Allah is the creator of the entire universe and all its contents. Allah is the creator of man, animals, etc. Allah is the Creator, Nourisher, Sustainer, Provider, gives life and death, sustenance and rain, etc. Allah chose various men among His creation for the guidance of mankind whom are called prophets or Divine messengers, from Adam to Jesus to Mohammed (peace be upon them all). Muslims believe that Mohammed (peace be upon him) is the final messenger of Allah, and the final Divine book which was revealed to him is called the Qur'aan which Muslims read and follow. This Divine book is in the Arabic language.

The word ‘Allah’ comes from the Arabic “Al-Ilaah” Which means ‘The God’. “Ilaah” is an Arabic word that means God. The God of the Muslims is no different to the God of the Christians and Jews. The God spoken of in the Bible is the same God mentioned in The Holy Quran.

The Quran is the bible or Holy Book of the Muslims. As explained above, this Book was given by Almighty God to The Prophet Muhammad like the Old Testament was given to Moses and the New Testament to Jesus (may God’s peace be upon them all).

Moulana Yusuf Laher and Mufti Siraj Desai

Sexual Intercourse and Halaalah*

Q: Is sexual intercourse necessary for the purpose of halaalah*?

A: Sexual intercourse is necessary in this case, i.e. entry of the male private part into the female private part, although ejaculation is not a condition. (Fataawa Hindiyyah V1 P473) Although the second Nikah is valid and after receiving Talaaq from the second husband and spending the Iddat, she can marry the first husband again, it is a sin if the second Nikah of the lady has taken place just for the purpose of Halaalah, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) has cursed people who marry solely for the purpose of Halaalah. (Ibni Maajah V1 P622)

Prepared by: Moulana Yusuf Laher, Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

*Halaalah: A lady whose been given three divorces gets married to another husband. He dies or divorces her. She can now marry her previous husband who gave the three divorces.

Using Condoms and Contraceptives

Q: Can a Muslim man use condom with his wife if they don't want children? And can they use some type of medicine to stop having children.

A: Use of condoms if a form of contraception. This is permissible under the following conditions:

A) When it is established through experience or expert medical advice that pregnancy will endanger the life of the mother or the foetus-to-be, or she will suffer serious complications to her health.

B) When the mother is unable to cope in the rearing of children for social or economic reasons, such as her having to go out and work for a living when the husband is invalid or not willing to earn an income.

C) When the couple live in such a remote area where they fear for the morals and Deeni upbringing of their kids.

D) Due to physical weakness or terminal illness the mother cannot rear children, and the family is not by the means to employ people for this purpose.

E) The couple intend separating in the near future, or the wife fears her husband may divorce her soon, or desert her.

F) To enable the couple to provide proper education and discipline to their offspring, contraception is used to space out pregnancies.

Resorting to contraception for fear of poverty, or to enable the wife to pursue a career, or merely because it is ‘fashionable’ to have small families, is not permissible. Further, the moment the above reasons no longer exist, use of contraception will once again become unlawful.

Lady in Iddah Attending Religious Gatherings

Q: Can a old woman who is in Iddah of the death of her husband, leave home to attend to religious gathering?

A: A woman in Iddah is not even allowed to go for Haj or Umrah. She will definitely not be allowed to leave her home to attend a religious gathering, irrespective of her age. (Al Fataawa Al Hindiyyah)

Prepared by: Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Applying Mendhi in Husband's Absence

Q: Can I apply mendhi in the absence of my husband?

A: You may apply mendhi in the absence of your husband for your own satisfaction.

Prepared by: Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Making Profit from Deceased's Clothing

Q: Is it permissible to sell my deceased dad's clothing thus making a profit? my step-mom sent all his belongings to me. I have distributed some of his clothing to family but I have lots left. They are in good condition.

A: You are allowed to sell your deceased father’s clothing, even with a profit, provided you have the consent of all other heirs. Once they consent, sell the clothing and divide the proceeds among the heirs according to each one’s share.

Embracing or Seeing one's Dead Spouse

Q: What is the ruling on embracing/seeing one's deceased spouse?

A: It will be permissible for the husband to see his late wife, but not touch her. If the husband dies, the wife can see her late husband and touch him. (Imdaadul Ahkaam V1 p 724, 730)

There is no merit in embracing the deceased. In fact, embracing may be a means of Takleef (inconvenience) to the deceased.

And Allah Ta'aala knows best.

Prepared by: Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Athaan When Praying Salaah Away from a Musjid

Q: When performing Fard salaah away from masjid, must Adhaan always be called out?

A: Calling out the Adhaan and Iqaamat for a person performing Salaah at home or anywhere else alone is Mustahabb (preferable). This will apply if the Adhaan and the Iqaamat in the locality has already taken place. The reason for this is that the Adhaan and Iqaamat of the locality suffices for all within that area. (Beheshti Zewar V11 P25)

Prepared by: Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Qasr Salaah

Q: Please give details of Qasr Salaah.

A: Qasr Salaah is a gift from Allah Ta'aala to this Ummat. The criterion for Qasr Salaah is the distance being travelled and the duration of stay at the temporary venue. One who travels 77.7 km or more and will stay at a place for 14 days or less, qualifies as a Musaafir. If a person is travelling this distance or more, Qasr Salaah will commence as soon as the person leaves the border of his hometown.

When making Qasr, the four Rakaats Fardh of Zohar, Asr and Eshaa will be reduced to two. This will apply when performing Salaah alone or behind an Imam who is also a Musaafir. The Fardh of Fajr and Maghrib will remain the same. If when reaching another place en-route, a resident of the area is the Imam, then the Musaafir follower will perform the full Salaah behind this resident Imam.

The Sunnah Mu'akkadah Salaahs attached to each Salaah also become optional when on journey, but if time and circumstances allow, they should be performed.

The Witr of Eshaa is Waajib, so it must also be performed.

If a Salaah became Qadhaa while travelling, it will later be performed as Qasr, even if one is back home when fulfilling that Qadhaa.

Prepared by: Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Men Wearing Wedding Rings

Q: I would like to know if men are allowed to wear a wedding ring.

A: Men are allowed to wear a ring made of silver only. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) wore a ring which was used as a seal on correspondence, etc. The Khulafaae Raashideen (Radhiyallaahu Anhum) also wore rings for a similar purpose. This need does not apply today. We do not use rings for this purpose (of applying seals to correspondence, etc) anymore. Although permissible, some jurists are of the opinion that if a ring is not worn for this purpose, then it should not be worn at all.

Also, the tradition of a wedding ring is from other cultures and not from Islam and Muslims. Thus, in our humble opinion, it is best to abstain from wearing a ring.
And Allah Ta'aala knows best. (Raddul Muhtaar)

Prepared by: Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Sleepin in Aziziyah and not in Mina

Q: Can I sleep in my hotel in Aziziyyah instead of Mina? Is Aziziyyah part of Mina?

A: It is Sunnah to spend the nights in Mina during Haj. Aziziyah is not part of Mina. By spending the nights in Aziziyah, this Sunnah will be neglected.

Prepared by: Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Sin of Masturbation

Q: Is masturbation haraam?

A: Yes, masturbation is a Haraam act. Sayyidina Ataa' was asked regarding this. He said that a group of people will be resurrected on Qiyaamah and their hands will be pregnant. It will be these people who had been doing this and did not repent. Their fault will be witnessed by everyone on Qiyaamah.

Sayyidina Sa'eed ibni Jubayr says that Allah will punish those people who play with their private parts.

Prepared by: Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Paying Zakaat on a Monthly Basis

Q: I have a monthly debit order going off for zakah to SANZAF. Is this within the laws of giving zakah?

A: Paying zakaat on a monthly basis via debit order is permissible and zakaat paid thus is valid.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Missing Two Rakaats Salaah

Q: We entered the masjid for Isha namaaz. We unfortunately missed 2 rakaats and therefore joined in the third. The Imaam then incorrectly performed 5 rakaats, and the Musalis decided to remake the Isha namaaz. Were we to complete just one rakaat, as we performed 3 behind he Imaam or should we make salaam after 1 rakaat and re-join the Jamaat?

Also, is it correct in saying that if you join the Jumuah salaah after Ruku in the second rakaat, then you have to perform 4 rakaats?

A: (a) You should make Salaam after one Rakaat and re-join the Jamaat.
(b) If you join the Jumu'ah Salaah after Ruku in the second Rakaat, you have to perform two Rakaats and not four.

Prepared by: Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Muslim Women Holding Leadership Positions in a Company

Q: Can Muslim women hold leadership positions in a Muslim company?

A: It is permissible for women to hold positions of leadership in a company on condition that such a function does not lead her to discarding the laws of hijaab and pardah. This means that she cannot interact directly with men, she cannot sit in on meetings in the same room, nor can she move around in male circles, as normally executives do. If the above occurs then she will be compelled to withdraw from the position she holds. It will then be no longer permissible for her to retain such a post. The rules of hijaab are compulsory, as mentioned in the Holy Quran and Hadith. It is a maxim in Islamic Law that any action that leads to the abandonment of an Islamic injunction will be considered unlawful.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Non-Muslim Senior Executive Employees

Q: Is it advisable to have non-Muslim senior executive employees who are involved in the decision making of the company and if not why?

A: It is not advisable to appoint non-Muslim personal to senior positions in a Muslim company, or to position that requires a high level of trustworthiness. This is because of the command of Allah Ta’ala in Surah Aala-Imran: O Believers! Do not take bosom friends from among others (i.e. other faiths).. (Sura 3, verse 118) This command was revealed in relation to the Jews and Christians of former times. However, the general rule derived from this verse still applies today. Whilst we do not say such appointment is totally haraam, but in the light of this verse, it is certainly discouraged. (Tafseer of Qurtubi, Aloosi and others)

Percentage of Muslim Employees

Q: For a Muslim business, what would be the recommended percentage of non-Muslim and Muslim employees and does having more Muslim employees in any way help in increasing the Barakah (blessing) of the business even accounting for the Muslim employee/s indulging in sin?

A: In terms of Shariah, there is no recommended or mandatory number of non-Muslim employees a Muslim employer may engage. The Shariah has not prohibited the employing of non-Muslims in a business enterprise. Likewise, merely having non-Muslims in one’s business does not prevent or affect the barakah or blessings of a business. Barakah actually comes through the actions and practices of the employer, because workers only carry out the instructions of the boss. The same can be said of Muslim workers. If the employer instructs the workers to adopt wrong practices and activities in the business, such as cheating people, or not fulfilling rights of clients, or ill-treating customers, then the employer himself is guilty of destroying the blessings of his earnings. However, should the workers, both Muslim and non Muslim indulge in haraam activities while at work, such as flirting with female co-workers, or similar immoral, sexual behaviour, or consuming liquor, etc. then it is the duty of the employer to stop these evils or dismiss the guilty parties. Similarly, Muslim workers who neglect their salaah should also be taken to task for such neglect. Failure by the boss to stop such wrongdoings will certainly result in loss of barakaat and blessings. The Jurists of Islam have written that fathers who hire women to breast-feed their babies, should seek out women with good morals, so that the goodness of such women can be transferred to the child. In short, non-Muslim employees who do not indulge in immorality or un-Islamic activity while working will not ward off the blessings in a Muslim business. During the times of Rasoolullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and his illustrious Sahaaba (radhiyallahu anhum) Muslims employed non-Muslims and were employed by them. There is, therefore, no restriction. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) even used confederate Jews to fight in the Battle of Khaybar, but they were subservient to the Muslim army, being used as foot-soldiers. They were not made commanders over other Muslims.

Zakaat on Provident Fund

Q: Does one have to pay Zakkah on your provident fund? If so how will one calculate this amount?

A: There is no Zakaat on a provident fund, for this money only becomes the property of someone when it is paid out. Prior to that it remains the property of the company for which one works.

And Allah Knows Best.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Dua to Help Forget Someone

Q: Is there a dua that a person can read to help forget about someone or remove that person from their mind? (In order to progress and be happy in life).

A: There is no special Du'aa for this purpose. Du'aa in your own words is most effective. Do not even make Du'aa for this. Making Du'aa for this is itself a reminder of that person. Make Du'aa for 'Aafiyah'. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) advised Sayyidina Abu Bakr (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) to make Du'aa for Aafiyah. Aafiyah is such a word which encompasses all goodness and protection from all harm and difficulty. May Allah Ta'aala make it easy upon you. Aameen.

Status of Walimah (Wedding Feast)

Q: There is a couple that are planning to make Nikah (get married) next month, but do not wish to have a Walimah as the boy has just converted to Islam and has no Muslim family to help with the Walimah. What advice could be given to the couple regarding the Walimah?

A: The Waleemah feast is Sunnah and not a compulsory act. If it is left out, no sin will be incurred. It is a misconception to think that a Waleemah has to be a lavish feast, with many people invited. The alternative is that two or three people are invited with the intention of Waleemah and something simple is served, e.g. a few glasses of milk, or tea and biscuits, etc. Issues such as venue, amount or types of food are immaterial. We advise the boy gives a simple Waleemah by inviting a few Muslim friends and a few members of the girls family. The latter may assist in preparations etc.

Prepared by: Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Working at a Car Show

Q: This weekend I got a part time job at a car show. My duties were to collect money at the entrance.The show was put together for individuals to showcase their modified and done up cars. Some of the wrongs that were going on were: there was music being played, there were people drinking even though alcohol was not being sold and there was a bit of intermingling of sexes.
Is the money I earned from working at the show halaal for me to use?

A: The money earned from such work is Halaal, but participating in such an event where un-Islamic practices occurred is sinful. Make Istighfaar and repent unto Allah, and promise that you will not work at such an event again. I repeat, the money you earned is Halaal, for the actual work you were doing, i.e. collecting money, was not Haraam. The Haraam was found in attendant factors. In future make an effort to work in lawful places, and Allah will certainly open up more avenues of Rizq.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Marrying a non-Muslim Lady

Q: Is it possible for a non-Muslim female to marry with a muslim guy?

A: It is not permissible for a Muslim male to marry a non-Muslim female of any religious following. This is the Fatwa of Hadhrat Abdullah bin Umar (Radhiyallaahu anhu). When he was asked about the permissibility of a Muslim male marrying a Jewish or Christian female, he responded by saying: “The Statement of Almighty Allah in the Holy Qur'aan is quite clear: ‘And do not marry Mushrik women until they become Muslims;’ (Surah Baqarah, verse 221) And I do not know of a greater form of shirk (polytheism) than to proclaim Eesa the son of Maryam or any servant of Allah as one's Lord and God.” (Ahkamul-Quran of Jassas). This is the statement of a Sahaabi of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) who was among the Fuqahaa of his times and a man very strict upon the Sunnah of Nabi Mohammed (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam). According to most of the scholars such a Nikah or marriage is abominable due to the threat that faces the Imaan of Muslims. The basis of their ruling is that when Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab (Radhiyallaahu anhu) heard that Hadhrat Huzhaifa bin Yamaan (Radhiyallaahu anhu) had married a Jewish woman in Madaa-in, he commanded him in a letter to divorce her immediately. He wrote: “There is no chastity and honour among their (Jews and Christians) women. So I fear this may be the cause of lewdness and immorality developing within your homes.” Imam Mohammed bin Hasan Shaybaani narrates this incident from Imam Abu Hanifa in his Kitabul-Aathaar (page 156) and states that the exact words of Hadhrat Umar’s reply to Hadhrat Huzhaifa bin Yaman were: “I make it obligatory upon you that you shall not put down this letter of mine until you have released that woman from your Nikah, for I fear that other Muslims may follow you in this act and give preference in marriage to women of the Ahl-e-Kitab because of their beauty. And this in itself is a great Fitnah for Muslim women.”

Being Hit in a Dream

Q: I had the following dream: it was the time of fajr and a part of my consciousness was awake. In my dream I was home alone and it was very late at night. I was very afraid. I did not know were my husband was. I was expecting my father who was coming. However when he was late I was even more worried. I heard my gate opening and thought my father had finally come but a sense of fear over came me. He walked into the house and i felt like there was a stranger in my house. The man was beaten up very badly, I couldnt even recognise him. There was blood all over his face and his face was swollen. He then said to me: "Look what I had to go through to get here," and I realised it was my father. I asked him what happened, and he said that he kept taking lifts from different people and each time they hit him. Tears rushed to my eyes and I woke up for fajr just as the azaan finished. My father has been going through a very difficult patch. He was retrenched from his job last year and hasn't been able to find a stable job. I am also home alone everyday while my husband is at work and at the musjid. Please can mufti give a meaning to my dream if any.

A: A person who is seen in a dream being hit to the extent that blood flows, will suffer (or has already suffered) loss in wealth or property. And Allah knows best.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Mut'ah

Q: I have recently heard about Mut'ah marriage. Can you please shed more light on this?

A: Mut'ah means to 'marry a lady' for a prescribed period of time, and this is forbidden and Haraam according to all the four Madhabs. This type of 'Nikah' is invalid. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) did give permission for this at the time of a certain battle which took place a great distance from Madinah Shareef, but later on totally forbade it. The Sahaabah (Radhiyallaahu Anhum) are unanimous on its prohibition. There are many narrations stating the prohibition of Mut'ah. Certain sects among the Shi'as believe that Mut'ah is still permissible, but such a view is totally false. Mut'ah is akin to prostitution. (Fat'hul Qadeer)

Prepared by: Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai