Dreaming of Ka'ba

Q: I had a dream. It was the time of fajr. I was in Saudi Arabia and I was in front of the Ka'ba and it seemed to me that I been there before, but in real life I haven't. What does this mean?

A: Dreaming of the Ka’ba is a sign that one is in the right direction and on the straight path. May Allah keep you like that, aameen.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Dua for Sickness

Q: My brother-in-law has been diagnosed with Bi-polar disorder. The medication he is taking has little or no effect over the past 4 years. Can you please advise of a dua or quranic ayaats for mental illness that we could read for his recovery?

A: May Allah Ta’ala grant your brother good health and a cure from this disease, aameen. Read the following verse as well as the four quls daily and blow on him. Also blow into both his ears when reading the verse below:

أَفَحَسِبْتُمْ أَنَّمَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ عَبَثًا وَأَنَّكُمْ إِلَيْنَا لَا تُرْجَعُونَ

Mufti Siraj Desai

Reading Salaah Past the Time

Q: If someone is praying salaat and the time of the salaat ends does the salaat break? I understand for Fajr it breaks, and Asr does not break. But how about the other salaats?

A: With regards to the other three salaah if the time elapses whist one is engaged in these salaah, they will be valid and one does not need to repeat those salaah.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Doubt in Number of Rakaats

Q: If one is doubtful while performing a 4 rakaat salah that he has read 4 rakaats or 3, what should he do?

A: If this doubt occured for the first time then he should repeat his salaah. If this doubt occurs often then he should practise on the number he strongly feels. For examle, if he strongly feels it is the fourth rakaat then he should accept that. If he does not have any strong feeling then he should practise on the lesser of the two amounts; in this case that will be three rakaats. However he should sit after the third rakaat as well as after the fourth rakaat, and then make sajdah sahu at the end.

Answered by: Moulana Naziem Moosagie

Checked and ratified by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Salaah in a Chair

Q: What are the conditions for when a person is permitted to read salaat sat in a chair?

A: If a person is unable to get up from sajdah then he is allowed to make salaah sitting on a chair. Likewise if he is unable to make the sajdah itself then he may offer salaah sitting on a chair. He will then make his ruku and sajdah by bending forward slightly. He will bend forward lower for sajdah than he would for ruku. Similarly if a person cannot stand because of weakness or dizziness he may perfomr salaah on a chair.

Moulana Naziem Moosagie

Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

2 Sons, 2 Daughters

Q: A person had 2 sons and 2 daughters. One of the daughter died before his death. What are the inheritance shares?

A: If at the time of his death he had no parents or grandparents then after settlement of debts and wasiyyat if any, the estate will be divided into five shares: each son will receive two shares and the daughter will receive one share. The daughter who passed away before the mayyit will not inherit.

Answered by: Moulana Naziem Moosagie
Checked and ratified by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Wife, 3 Sons, 2 Daughters

Q: What will the proportions be for each of the following in a deceased male's estate: a wife, 3 sons and 2 daughters?

A: If the deceased did not leave behind any parents or grandparents then after settlement of debts and wasiyyat, if any, the wife will receive 12.5%, while the remainder of the estate will be divided into eight shares:from this each son will receive two shares and each daughter will receive one share.

Written by: Moulana Naziem Moosagie

Checked by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Zakaat to Family Members

Q: Who is eligible for Zakat within family members? Grandpatents, uncles and aunts, cousins, etc.?

A: You may give zakat to your uncles, aunts, cousins, brothers and sisters. You cannot give zakat to your parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren. Likewise the husband cannot give zakaat to the wife nor can she give to the husband.

Moulana Nazeem Moosagie

Checked and Approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Lady Attending Awards Function

Q: I am a lady who is a specialised accountant for a listed international corporate. For the passed 2 years, I have received performance awards, but have never attended the function. Now my company is giving me the group md's award, ceo award and divisional md's award. I also have been allocated 10 minutes to give a speech. My region's GM said that it was compulsory to attend or I would receive a written warning. I have never attended, because although I would wear an abaya and scarf, there is music, alcohol and dancing. My husband has abandoned me and my 3 sons all under the age of 10. I therefore have to work. Please advise.

A: The fact that you are seeking guidance on a matter like this is encouraging from an Islamic perspective, for it suggests concern for Deen and the Law of Allah. May He reward you for this.

Firstly you should understand that for a Muslim woman to be in a mixed gathering, even without alcohol, music, and dancing, and to address such a gathering is totally haraam. It is haraam notwithstanding the abaya and even pardah that she would wear. Just going there and delivering a public address is not permissible. When you add to the equation the above three haraam factors, the prohibition is compounded. You need to consider the situation honestly and sincerely.

The very first option to consider is to make a written submission that can be backed and supported by a reputable Aalim or body of Ulema explaining reasons why you may not attend. (Reasons being alcohol and dancing mainly, for the western mind may not comprehend the pardah factor)

If this is not possible or feasible, then consider whether non-attendance can result in you losing your job. If not, then you are obliged by Shariah not to attend.

If you run the risk of losing your job, then consider whether you will be able to find alternate employment that will enable you to live comfortably and provide for your children. If the answer to this option is in the affirmative, then too, you should chance your arm and not attend. If you lose your job, you can fall back on the alternate employment.

If there is no possibility or opportunity of alternate employment then as a last resort you are allowed to attend but on the following conditions:

1) Cover as much of the body as possible.

2) Avoid association with males as much as possible.

3) Never shake the hand of a male.

4) Come away from that haraam gathering as soon as you are able to, even if you feign illness or any other excuse.

5) Before attending, while present there, and after returning make lots of istighfaar and repentance to Almighty Allah, and ask for His Protection. Make taubah salaah, etc.

And Allah knows best

Mufti Siraj Desai

Owning a Pig

Q: Is owning a pig haraam?

A: Since eating a pig is haraam a Muslim is not alllowed to own a pig. The pig is not recognised as a lawful commodity in Islam.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Birthday Celebrations

Q: Many people view birthday celebrations as not a Bidah (innovation). I see it as an innovation due to the fact that Allah has not ordained it in the Quraan, nor has the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) ever advised us to celebrate it and make a festivity of the day. As there is no difference between "good" and "bad" bidah. I would like to know what your view is.

A: Birthdays will not be termed bid’ah, for bid’ah is an innovation in a religious matter. People who celebrate birthdays don’t do so for any religious reason, nor do they consider it an act of devotion. However, we will call this an un-Islamic custom because of its pagan origins (as this article proves). It, therefore, becomes unlawful.

As regards the two types of bid’ah, it should be noted that ulema have made a distinction between good and bad bid’ah based on the statement of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) who termed the 20-rakat taraweeh salaah as a “good” bid’ah. Generally every bid’ah is evil and the bid’ah that is referred to as ‘good’ is in reality not a bid’ah but an act that was introduced for the benefit of Deen. The definition of bid’ah as something not mentioned in Quran and Sunnah is not a complete definition of the term. There are numerous aspects of Deen that we do nowadays that are not found in Quran and Sunnah, such as the modern designs of mosques, erection of minarets, establishment of Islamic institutes with boarding facilities; using internet and email to propagate The Deen, printing Qurans and Islamic books through current methods, etc. These are all acts related to Deen, but are there for the benefit of Deen. So we need to make a distinction between things that are innovative but are needed to sustain our Deen, and those things that are unnecessary and evil bid’ah.

The proper definition of bid’ah is: The introduction of any such act or statement into Deen which is not found in Quran or Sunnah, nor in the lives of the Sahaaba, in spite of the need for it in those times. Ponder over this definition and you will notice everything falls into perspective And Allah knows best.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Hajre Aswad Pieces

Q: How many stones are there in the Hajre Aswad (Black Stone in the Kabah, Makkah)?

A: The Hajre Aswad is originally one stone. When it was taken away by the Qaramita it was broken into several pieces. The Hajre Aswad was returned and today comprises approximately 16 pieces.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Covering Face in Shafi Math-hab

Q: I am a Shafi Math-hab Muslim. I understand that in that Math-hab for ladies niqaab (covering the face) is not mandatory. Can I force my wife to wear niqaab?

A: In the Shaafi math-hab it is also waajib or mandatory for a woman to cover her face with a niqaab or jilbaab in front of strangers. This is mentioned in all the famous Shaafi works on Fiqah. So you have the right to ask your wife to do so, but do not force her, for this may lead to disharmony among yourselves. Try and persuade her with wisdom and remind her gently every while.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Creatures that can be Eaten Without Slaughtering

Q: What are the two things can be eaten without slaughtering?

A: One is fish and the other is a locust. That is halaal without slaughtering

Mufti Siraj Desai

Use of Tampons

Q: Are Tampons permissable to use?

A: In the hanafi math-hab, inserting anything into the vagina unless for medical reasons, is makrooh tahreemi (not permissible). Since a woman is able to use the normal sanitary pads, she should not use tampons. (Ref: Minahaul-Waarideen)

Mufti Siraj Desai

Intercourse Positions in Islam

Q: What is the correct intercourse position in Islam?

A: There is no particular position that Shariah has stipulated as the "right" position. However, some Ulema have mentioned that one may have intercourse with the wife in the usual position (man on top of the woman) or while lying on the side, or in the sitting posture, or from behind but penetrating her through the vagina. All these positions are allowed. Likewise it is permissible for the woman to be on top of the man during intercouse.

There is nothing in Shariah that prohibits these postures provided the following condition is maintained:

a) The couple should cover themselves with a large sheet or blanket so that even though their bodies are naked, the sheet or blamket still covers them. They should not be totally exposed.

b) Also note that insertion in the anus is totally haraam.

May Allah Ta'ala grant us all the modesty of Islam, aameen. Was-salaam

Mufti Siraj Desai

Salaah Behind an Improperly Dressed Imam

Q: At our local masjid, there is no regular imam. Often, a different person is appointed close to the time of prayer to lead the prayers. Usually the person will not have a long enough beard and/or will be wearing western clothing. Is it permissible to pray behind them? Am I required to insist that a person with proper external qualities lead the prayer, even if I am the only one?

A: 1) Salaah behind such people is valid. There is no need to repeat the salaah.

2) If you are a trustee of the musjid then you must insist that such people do not lead salaah and that a proper Imam is appointed. If you are not a trustee then you cannot insist or demand. Yes you can suggest to the trustees or make a request that they appoint a proper Imam. If there is another Musjid nearby where you can offer salaah behind an Imam who meets the Shar'ee requirements, then rather attend that Musjid. If there is no such musjid nearby then continue reading salaah in this musjid regardless of who leads the salaah. Your salaah will be valid and you will attain the reward of jamaat.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Doubt Over Ingredients of Medication

Q: I have been married for more than four months and have not successfully had intercourse with my wife. My doctor gave me medication similar to viagra in order to enable me to have intercourse. However, I am aware than in general, many medications contain ingredients from haram animal sources. However, I have no specific information that the particular drug I have been given contains anything haram. Is it allowed for me to use this medication?

A: As long as there is no certainty that a medication contains a haraam ingredient, you must consider it halaal and lawful. Not all drugs or medication contain haraam ingredients. There is no need to doubt. Continue using the medication.

We make dua that Allah Ta'ala grants you complete cure and enables you to fulfill the rights of nikah, aameen.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Life Insurance and Disability Policy

Q: I am remunerated by my employer on a cost to company basis. As part of the salary package every employee contributes to a life insurance and disability policy. Am I allowed to belong to such a fund, use such benefits in the case of my disability and can my next of kin use these funds in the event of my death?

A: If contribution to this fund is made by the employer by deducting the amount from your gross salary, then this will be permissible and you as well as your family members may utilize the benefits of this fund.But if you are contributing to this fund from your salary or your own pocket, or you have voluntarily chosen to take out such insurance, then this is not allowed and you can only draw from such a fund the amount of money you had paid in.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Spouses Reading Tahajjud in Jamaat

Q: Is it permissible for a husband and wife to pray tahajjud salaah together as a jamaat?

A: It is permissible for a husband and wife to offer tahajjud salaah together in jamaat form. In fact this is very meritorious and encouraged.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Six Fasts of Shawwal or Ramadaan Qadha

Q: Which fasts have priority: the six days sunnah fasting of Shawwal, or missed fasts of Ramadaan due to menstruation?

A: It is necessary to first pay in the missed fasts of Ramadaan, then do the six of Shawwal, if one has the strenght and the time.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Prevented From Marriage

Q: I want to marry according to my will, but my parents are not allowing it. Please tell me some dua to read.

A: Read this Dua from the Holy Qur'aan:

RABBANA AKHRIJNA MIN HAAZHI HIL-QARYATIZH-ZHAALIMI AHLUHAWAJ'ALLANA MIN LADUNKA WALIYYAN WAJ'ALLANA MIN LADUNKA NASEERAN.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Non-Muslim Owned Takeaways

Q: I would like to know if the pizza served from the halaal menu at Debonairs Pizza in Gelvandale, Port Elizabeth is Halaal? Will this apply to any non Muslim owned franchise store that holds a halaal certificate?

A: We do not have any knowledge of the Halaal status of this particular Debonairs nor do we certify any non-Muslim owned takeaway/restaurant. It will be best to abstain.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Area of Pubic Hair

Q: Could you please define the area of pubic hair that needs to be removed?

A: The area below the navel and the area around both genitals, front and hind.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Quraan on Phone and Wudhu

Q: Does one have to have wudhu when viewing the Quraan verses on ones cellphone?

A: One can hold the cellphone without Wudhu but should not touch the screen when the Quraanic verses appear on it.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Tying Hair in a Bun

Q: If its forbidden for men to tie hair in bundle, how should a woman's hair be tied when performing Salaah?

A: Women are allowed to read salaah with hair tied in a bun. Men may not do this.The women's salaah will not be affected or disrupted in any way.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Limit for Number of Marriages

Q: Is there any limit on how many times a Muslim man can get married and divorced? For example, can a man marry 6 different women at different times - only have 3 wives at the same time maximum.

A: A man may have 4 wives at one time, but there is no limit to the amount of times he can marry and divorce as long as he does not keep more than four women in his nikah at the same time. However, there is a hadith in the book Kanzul-Ummal where The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is reported to have said that Allah dislikes men who marry and divorce often. So this should not be done, unless it happens naturally or unintentionally.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Fardh Acts of Hajj

Q: What are the Fardh (compulsory) acts of Hajj?

A: There are two Fardh of Hajj:
1. Wuqoof at Arafaat
2. Tawaaf of Ziyarat (10th of Zul Hijjah)

Mufti Siraj Desai