Trimming Beard for Wife

Q: Is it permissable to trim the beard if wish to keep it tidy or your wife desires?

A: The minimum length of the beard is one fist-length on all sides. According to all jurists, it is not permissible to trim it shorter than a fist-length. Whatever is over a fist-length can be trimmed. (Raddul Muhtaar V7 P473)

Even if the wife desires one to trim the beard to less than a fist-length, it will not be permissible. Your first obligation is to Allah Ta'aala and His Rasool (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam), and thereafter to the creation, on condition that it is not contrary to any teaching of Islam.

A Hadeeth narrated by Sayyidina Imraan (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) says that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: There is no obedience to the creation if (in it) there is disobedience to Allah. (Al Mu'jamul Kabeer V18 P177)

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

Sucking Wife's Breasts

Q: Can a husband suck his wife's breasts?

A: If the husband sucks the wife's breasts and drinks the breast-milk, the Nikah is not affected in any way. The wife does not become haraam upon the husband. However, even though the nikah remains intact, it is not permissible to drink the wife's breast-milk. Sucking the breast which does not issue milk is permissible. (Qaadhi Khan and Fataawa Rahimiyyah v.2 p.112)

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

Removing Pubic Hair with a Razor

Q: Can a female remove pubic hair from her private parts by using a razor especially if other things not available?

A: It is permissible for a female to use a blade to remove hair from her private parts.
(Tahtaawi alaa Maraaqiyil Falaah V1 P342)

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

Halaal Gelatine

Q: Is there any halaal gelatine and could you list them?

A: Contact SANHA or other reputable Halaal certifying bodies with your query.

Oral Sex for Husband or Wife

Q: Can a husband or wife perform oral sex on the other spouse?

A: Among other purposes, the mouth has been created for the Zikr of Allah Ta'aala, recitation of Qur'aan, recital of Durood, etc. It has not been created for the purpose mentioned in the question. Sucking of the private organ is an animalistic quality.
Usually during arousal, the organ secretes a fluid called Mazi. This fluid is Najis (impure) and Haraam to take in the mouth. This act must be avoided. Sperm (Mani) is also Najis (impure).

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

Speaking with Female Cousins

Q: Can a male talk with his female cousins?

A: A man’s female cousin or his male cousin’s wife are not his mehrams, so there has to be purdah or hijaab between the two. In Surah Noor, verse 31, Almighty Allah mentions a list of mehram males with whom a woman may interact; the cousin is not on this list.

Number of Prophets

Q: How many prophets were sent to the earth?

A: Allah Ta'aala alone knows the exact amount of messengers chosen by Him for the guidance of mankind. A Hadeeth in Musnad Ahmad mentions of approximately one hundred and twenty four thousand. (Musnad Ahmad V36 P619)

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

Singing and Dancing

Q: Is singing or dancing haraam?

A: Both singing and dancing are Haraam (prohibited). Allaamah ibni Katheer records a narration in his Tafseer under verse 6 of Surah Luqmaan: And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks… Sayyidina Abdullah ibni Mas'ood (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) was asked regarding the meaning of idle talks. He answered thrice under oath that it refers to music. (Tafseer ibni Katheer V6 P330). This is also the verdict of other scholars of that time, including Sayyidina Hasan Basri (Rahmatullaahi Alayh).

Sayyidina Abu Maalik Al Ash'ari (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: Some people among my Ummah will consume alcohol whilst giving it another name. Their gatherings will consist of music and dancing girls. Allah will let the earth swallow them and some of them will be transformed into apes and swine. (Sunan ibni Maajah V2 P1333).

May Allah Ta'aala save us. Aameen.

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

Bridegroom Changing Surname

Q: Is it possible that at the time of nikaah (marriage) the surname of a bridegroom changes?

A: Usually after Nikah the girl adopts the surname of the husband. The surname of the bridegroom does not change. In fact it will not be permissible for the bridegroom to change his surname if he has a legitimate father. He must maintain his father’s name.


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

Moir's Jelly and Custard Products

Q: What is the ruling on the following sweet products: Moir's jelly and custard products and Maynards?

A: Contact SANHA or other reputable Halaal certifying bodies with your query.

Mahram for Step-Daughter

Q: Is a man a ghair mehram for his step-daughter?

A: A step-father, though being a guardian, is not a mehram for his step-daughter when it comes to Hajj, Umrah, or any form of travel. The hadith states: A woman who believes in Allah and the Last is not permitted to travel a journey of three days (i.e. 48 miles) or more without her husband or mehram. (Bukhari, Muslim)

She, therefore, cannot travel for Hajj or Umrah with the step-father only, unless there is another mehram such as her baaligh brother or nephew or uncle who accompanies them.

And Allah knows best

Dogs in the House

Q: What is Sharia stance on dogs at home merely for security purposes. Can they be allowed in the house?

A: It is permissible to keep a dog for security purposes and protection. Do not allow the dog inside the house unless there is a dire need, e.g. the robber is in the house, etc. (Raddul Muhtaar V20 P296)

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

Oral Sex on Husband

Q: Can a wife kiss or suck her husband's private organ if it is clean?

A: Among other purposes, the mouth has been created for the Zikr of Allah Ta'aala, recitation of Qur'aan, recital of Durood, etc. It has not been created for the purpose mentioned in the question. Sucking of the private organ is an animalistic quality.

Usually during arousal, the organ secretes a fluid called Mazi. This fluid is Najis (impure) and Haraam to take in the mouth. This act must be avoided. Sperm (Mani) is also Najis (impure).

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

Salaah Behind Ahle Hadeeth

Q: Can I pray Salaah behind an ahle hadith imam? Is the Salaah valid?

A. There are two types of Ahle Hadeeth. One is the Ahle Hadeeth who does not insult the Imams of the four math-habs, believes in Taqleed though he does not subscribe to it, and maintains general respect for the math-habs. The other type is the Ahle Hadeeth who views Taqleed as shirk, oppose the great Imams and speak disparagingly about them. It is permissible to read Salaah behind the first type of Ahle Hadeeth on condition that he does not commit an act in Wudhu or Salaah that renders the Wudhu or Salaah of the Muqtadi invalid. It is not permissible to appoint the second type of Ahle Hadeeth as Imam for Salaah, and people should avoid offering their Salaah behind such an Imam.

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

Time for Intention when Fasting

Q: Can I make a Niyyah (intention) to fast just before beginning Suhur (pre-fasting meal)? When is the best time to make Niyyah for fast?

A: The purpose of partaking in Suhoor is to retain strength during the day and avoiding excessive weakness. Thus the best time to partake of Suhoor and thereafter to make Niyyah for fasting is just prior to the time of Suhoor ending, i.e. a few minutes before the time of Fajr begins. The time of Fajr begins at Subuh Saadiq. As a precautionary measure, it is best to stop eating a few minutes before this time.

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

Not Ruling According to Qur'aan

Q: Recently a Shaikh who studied in Madinah was here from overseas. In several of his lectures he referred to the Saudi Arabian government as ‘kaafier’ (non-Muslim), as well as those Muslims who do not govern according to Quran. He quoted verse 44 of Surah 5 (Al-Maaidah) wherein Allah states that whosever does not rule according to what Allah revealed is kaafier. Is this view correct, and can one listen to such lectures?

A: The view espoused by this Shaikh is totally incorrect and erroneous. All the classical and authentic tafseers such as Ibni Katheer, Qurtubi, Tabari, etc. refute such a concept. These tafseers mention quite clearly that the meaning of verse 44 of Surah Maa-idah is that those who reject and refute the Law of Allah (in belief) and consequently rule in conflict with this Law are out of the fold of Islam. However, Muslim rulers who adopt western and un-Islamic democracies while still believing in the Law of Allah are faasiq and open sinners, but they are not kaafier. They have abandoned the Law of Allah in practice, but not in belief. Today some Muslims neglect salaah or fasting, but they still believe these are faraa-idh of Islam. We call such people ‘faasiq’ (rebellious sinners) but they remain Muslims. The only time iemaan leaves the Believer is when he or she mocks at Islam or openly rejects Islamic Law. The belief and view articulated by this Shaikh is typical of radical Salafis, who maintain very rigid views on tauheed and shirk. They are quick to brand people as kaafier, without understanding the reality of pure tauheed. People should not listen to such talks, for clearly these are highly misleading. Rasoolullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) took the pledge of allegiance from Sahaaba with the condition inter alia that they will obey the rules and not rebel against them, but added: “except if you see clear kufr;” (Bukhari, Muslim) This hadith proves that rulers who do not apply Shar’ee Law are sinners but not kaafier, for in belief they have not rejected the Law of Allah. It is a serious sin to brand such people kaafier and even call for their blood.

Giving English Translation of Qur'aan to a Non-Muslim

Q: Christian lady wants to read a Quraan with the English translation. Is it permissible for me to borrow it to her?

A: You may give the Christian a copy of the English translation, but tell her not to touch the Arabic when reading it. Also tell her that she should keep it with respect, on a raised or enclosed place, and not in a room where liquor etc will be consumed or music played.

Softdrinks and Pig Ingredients

Q: I received an e-mail saying that Pepsi contains pork extracts. They say the head of Delhi University’s science and technology department, Dr. Mangoshada scientifically proved that the key element in Pepsi and cola contains extract from the intestines of pig. Is there any truth in this report?

A: The email that was circulated regarding coke & pepsi containing pig extract is a hoax. There is no one by the name of “Dr Mangoshada” at Delhi University or anywhere else. Delhi University does not even have a department of Science and Technology. So please disregard this. However, coke does contain ethanol, so we should avoid consuming it. There is difference of opinion among Jurists whether this ethanol is of the haraam type. In matters like these, caution is best. Furthermore, there are many alternate soft drinks available, and there are also serious health risks related to Coke. So we strongly urge people to avoid consuming coke and similar soft drinks.

Reading Qur'aan by a Suicide

Q: If a person committed suicide can one go and read Quran by the dead body?

A: Yes, to read Quran by a deceased who died through suicide is permissible, as long as this is done after ghusl and kafan.