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Thursday, February 25, 2010

Extent of Impurity

Q: My clothes was napaak (ritually impure). I touched my clothes and my body was sweaty. I then touched another object and think that the sweat passed onto that object. Before I could clean that object, somebody else touched this object. And they touched this object with sweathy/wet hands becuase they came out of the bathroom.

How far does the najis (impurity) go. The clothes, my hands, and the object are now cleaned, but that person is going everywhere touching things, washing his hands, etc. Is the najaasat continuing?

A. Your hands did not become Naapaak, nor the object that you touched afterwards. The other person's hands also did not become Naapaak. There is no need to delve into matters of cleanliness and impurity with a fine-tooth comb. Shari'ah has made it easy. A moist or sweaty hand does not contract impurity from impure garments unless the hand comes into direct contact with Najaasat.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Harms of Alcohol

Q: My friend is addicted to alcohol. How many days does alcohol remains in the blood according to Islam? I have heard thet if you drink beer or alcohol your prayer or any good deeds are not accepted but you will not get any reward for that. Is this true?

A.
A Hadeeth in Tirmidhi narrated by Sayyidina Abdullah ibni Umar (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) states that if a person drinks alcohol, his Salaah will not be accepted for forty days. (Tirmidhi V4 P290). It can be gauged from this Hadeeth that the effect (spiritual harm) of alcohol remains in the body for forty days.

Salaah is the most important form of Ibaadat. If the Salaah is not accepted, then all other Ibaadat is also affected. The meaning of 'not accepted' in the Hadeeth means that there is no reward for the Salaah for a forty day period. The person still has to compulsorily perform his Salaah, etc. daily, but he will not receive reward for it. He should not leave out Salaah, etc. Omitting the Salaah will be sinful upon him.
Allah Ta'aala knows best.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Colours of Islam

Q: What colours are associated with Islam?

A.
If you are referring to clothing, white, green and black have been mentioned. All colours are permitted in Islam. A man is not allowed to wear bright colours such as bright red, maroon, orange and bright yellow (Hadeeth in Bukhaari), but permissible for women. There is no colour that is associated with Islam as a salient feature or trait.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Performing Hajj for my Father

Q: Can I perform my deceased father's hajj if I have done my fard hajj?

A.
If Haj is already Fardh on you then to perform Haj Badl for someone while delaying your own Fardh Haj is sinful (Makrooh Tahreemi). The sin is for delaying one's own Haj which has already become Fardh on oneself. In this case you should first perform your own Haj.

If Haj is not Fardh on you and you perform Haj Badl, it is not advisable (Makrooh Tanzeehi). In both cases the Haj Badl will be valid. (Al Bahrur Raa'iq V3 P74)

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Our School of Thought

Q: According to which school of thought do you reply our questions?

A:
We are Hanafi and belong to the Deobandi School of thought.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Dog for Security

Q: What is the ruling pertaining to having a watch dog? I live on an average size urban plot.

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)

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Old and New Testament

Q: What is the difference between the bible's old testament and the new testament ?

A:
The Old Testament of the current bible comprises a number of books that the Jews believe were inspired by Almighty Allah to Nabi Moosa (alayhis-salaam) and his followers, while the New Testament contains books that Christians believe were inspired to Nabi Eesa (alayhis-salaam) and his followers. The two collections of books were written thousands of years apart. The Old Testament came first, and then thousands of years later the New Testament was written. However, later on both these collections were compiled in one format.

The above is the viewpoint held by Jews and Christians respectively. We Muslims do not maintain this belief or view, and we have historical facts to back this up. Allah Ta’ala referred to the OId Testament as Taurah, and this was the original book that was revealed to Nabi Moosa alayhis-salaam on Tablets that came directly from Jannat. (Al-Quran 7:145) The Taurah was written down in the time of Nabi Moosa Aalyhis-salaam, but after his demise there began a continuous process of deletions, omission, interpolations, and adulterations. Some books that were not revealed to Nabi Moosa (AS) were added to what the Jews dubbed as the Old Testament and they claimed these books were the result of ‘divine inspiration’ to its authors. Some books contained mere historical facts. The same can be said about the New Testament and its Gospels. Here too, latter Christians added books that just contained historical data to this collection and claimed these were inspired works.

And Allah Ta’ala knows best.

HISTORY OF THE GOSPELS
WHEN WERE THE GOSPELS WRITTEN: CHRISTIANITY’S BROKEN LINK
The Gospel of Luke


The Encyclopedia Britannica, citing Christian sources, dates this Gospel back to round about 63 AD to 70 AD. The New American Bible (page 1019) says it was written after the persecution of Nero that began in 64 AD, whilst some conservative Christians claim Luke’s Gospel was compiled before 60 AD.
What is clear from these sources is that the Gospel of Luke was written at least 60 years after Jesus departed this world. It is also clear that Luke could never have been an eyewitness to even a single event recorded in his Gospel. Luke is also the author of the Acts of the Apostles, another book of the New Testament.

The Gospel of Matthew

Encyclopedia Britannica states that the writer of Matthew is probably anonymous, and was written some time after 70 AD. This timeline is corroborated by The New American Bible, page 965.

The Bible Encyclopedia states: Many hold, in accordance with old tradition, that it (Matthew’s Gospel) was originally written in Hebrew (i.e., the Aramaic or Syro-Chaldee dialect, then the vernacular of the inhabitants of Palestine), and afterwards translated into Greek, either by Matthew himself or by some person unknown.

According to Wikipedia online, today most scholars agree Matthew did not write the Gospel which bears his name, and most contemporary scholars describe the author as an anonymous Christian writing towards the end of the first century. It further states that the consensus view of the contemporary New Testament scholars is that the Gospel was originally composed in Greek rather than being a translation from Aramaic or Hebrew.[6] Matthew (and Luke) used Mark’s narrative of Jesus' life and death, plus the hypothetical Q document’s s record of Jesus' sayings. (Q represents the word Quelle which is German for source. This is an assumed source for Matthew’s Gospel – New American Bible).

Wikipedia also adds that New Testament Scholars agree that the Gospel of Matthew was originally written in Greek, meaning that the Gospel was later on translated, because the author was not speaker of Greek.

The New American Bible further elaborates that Besides the sayings of the Lord, it is certain that author of Matthew had access to the Gospel of Mark.. Matthew is obviously an expanded version of Mark… (page965)

The Gospel of Mark

We again quote the New American Bible: Following the suggestion of Clement of Alexandria and Origen, the majority of modern scholars consider the Gospel to have been written in Rome. The date of the composition is c 70 A.D.

According to Wikipedia, this Gospel was anonymously written but traditionally ascribed to Mark the Evangelist (also known as John Mark), a cousin of Barnabas.

The Catholic Online Encyclopedia, after lengthy discussion, puts the date as round about the beginning of the first century.

The Gospel of John

The New American Bible states that final editing of the Gospel and arrangement in its present form probably dates between A.D. 90 and 100

Encyclopedia Britannica says: There has been considerable discussion of the actual identity of the author. The language of the Gospel and its well-developed theology suggest that the author may have lived later than John and based his writing on John's teachings and testimonies. It states further that the final chapters appear to be a later addition and this suggests the text may be a composite. Carrying on further, Encyclopedia Britannica states: The Gospel's place and date of composition are also uncertain; many scholars suggest that it was written at Ephesus, in Asia Minor, in about AD 100

According to other Christian sources the Gospel of John and the Revelation may have been written as late as 95 A.D.

Some Christian scholars cite verses 21:20 – 25 of John as testimony that John, the disciple of Jesus was the same John who authored the Gospel and was an eyewitness to all these events. However, the big question that needs to be answered is: If John the disciple was indeed the author of this Gospel, why did he write about himself as reference to a third person? These events were key factors to Christian belief and faith, and would certainly carried far greater weight had he referred to himself in the second person tense. So those verses should have read thus:

1Peter seeing me (not ‘him’) saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
22Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me!
24It is me whp testifies (not ‘this is the disciple which testifieth) of these things, and wrote these things: and my testimony is true (not “we know that his testimony is true”).
The answer to the above question is simply that these verse were written by someone other than John the disciple. The corroborating references supplied above also prove that the Gospel according to john was written decades after Jesus’s life.

SUMMARY
It is abundantly clear from the above that the Christians do not have a shred of evidence linking up the Gospels to any eyewitness. There is no chain of transmission that goes back right to the time these events took place. In stark contrast to this, the books of Islam like Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood, Tirmizhi, and a host of others that portray and chronicle the detailed life of Muhammad, have irrefutable chains of transmission for every single act or statement of the Holy Messenger Muhammad. These chains of transmission have been meticulously recorded and preserved over the centuries and provide undeniable proof of Muhammad’s Life and Mission. The cornerstone of Christian belief, Christ’s crucifixion, is widely accepted by Christendom without a single eyewitness. It can thus be safely concluded that the entire edifice of Christianity is based on hearsay. The case for Christ’s “death by crucifixion” must then be thrown out, for hearsay evidence is not admissible.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY

IDENTITY CRISIS

Muslims were called Muslim since the inception of man, in The Holy Quran, and in the time of The Holy Prophet Muhammad. Thus the identity of the followers of Muhammad was established and is embedded in history. They were historically known as Muslims. The word ‘Muslim’ means one who has submitted or surrendered to Almighty God, and is derived from the word ‘Islam’ which means to submit or to surrender. Our Religion and our identity, are therefore, in total harmony.

Christians, on the other hand, had no real identity for almost a century after Jesus had departed the world scene. The first time that the term ‘Christian’ was used to refer to followers of Jesus was in a book of the Bible called ‘The Acts of the Apostles’. It is stated in Chapter 11, verse 27 of the Acts of the Apostles: It was in Antioch that the disciples were called Christians for the first time. The New American Bible, in its Encyclopedic Dictionary appended to it at the end, states: The followers of Christ usually applied to themselves such terms as faithful, disciples, brethren, and believers.

It must be born in mind that the Muslims are also referred to as Believers or ‘Mumin’ in the Holy Quran. But remarkably, the term Muslim was introduced by Almighty God so as to differentiate between believers among Christians, who apparently also used this term during the early days, and believers among the followers of Islam. This in itself is proof that The Quran came from God, for Muhammad himself could never have know these details.

Prepared by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Monday, February 22, 2010

Singing for Husband

Q: Is it permissible for a wife to sing romantic songs to her husband only?

A.
It is permissible for the wife to sing romantic songs for her husband with these conditions:
a) No one else must be able to listen to the singing.
b) The source of the song must not be from a Haraam source, e.g. films, pop singers, etc.
c) The words of the song must be Islamically correct.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Interacting with Female Cousins

Q: Can my husband add female cousins on his facebook account? And can he kiss his female cousins or shake hands with them?

A.
Strict Hijaab has to be observed between those males and females who can marry each other. This includes cousins. It will be HARAAM to have contact with them via facebook. Kissing them and shaking their hand is also completely Haraam.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Renting to Bank

Q: Is it permissable to rent out our premises to the bank?

A.
Letting premises to banks is not allowed, for the core income and basis of all dealings of banks is interest (Ribaa).

Mufti Siraj Desai

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Time for Zuhr Qadha

Q: If a person misses Zuhr salah for any reason, should the Qadha be performed before or after asr salah?

A.
If the person only has this Qadhaa of Zuhr on him and no other Qadhaa, then he has to first make the Qadhaa of Zuhr and thereafter perform Asr. If he first made Asr and then Zuhr, he will have to repeat both in sequence.

If he has 5 or more Qadhaa that are unfulfilled, then he may perform Asr first and then the Qadhaa of Zuhr Salaah. (Deen Ki Baatein P139)

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Calculating Iddat of Death

Q: My uncle passed away on the 13th October 2009/24th Shawaal 1430. Could you please advice as to the date when my aunt's iddat would be completed: Islamic date as well as English date and whether before Maghrib or after Maghrib.

A. One hundred and thirty days will be counted from the day of demise. Demise took place on 13 October/24 Shawwaal. Iddat will end 130 days after: 20 February 2010. The ending time of the Iddat will be the time of demise, e.g. if the uncle passed away at 10am, Iddat will end at 10am on this day. (Rules and regulations of the Iddat P11)

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Compensation for Divorce

Q: I have given two divorces to my wife due to some reason. The first was given a week ago then we did Rujoo (got back together) on the same day. Then the second was given after a week for which we also did Rujoo on the same day. What is the Kaffarah (compensation) for issuing two divorces?

A.
There is no Kaffaarah for after issuing a divorce. Repent unto Allah Ta'aala for this callous act. Remember that now you are the owner of only one divorce. If you issue a divorce for the third time, you will not be able to make Rujoo' and she will become Haraam upon you.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Nikah at Bridegrooms Home

Q: Is Nikah (marriage) at the bridegroom's home possible?

A.
Unless there is a valid reason, Nikah should not be performed anywhere besides in the Masjid. The Hadeeth states that the Nikah should be proclaimed by performing them in the Masaajid. (Tirmidhi V3 P398). However, it will be permissible at the home of the bridegroom.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Loop, Spotting and Periods

Q: Since I changed my loop 7 months ago I have been spottng/bleedng continuously. In the last 2 months I had a full bleed also (just lke a normal haid). Which days must I take as haid (periods)? My habit is 10 days. If I take 10 days as haid and 15 as days clean then the full bleed days are not days of haid. Must I ignore the spotting/bleedng and wait for the full bleed as haid?

A.
Consider your habit of ten days. Ten days as per habit will be Haidh and the rest will be Istihaadhah. Your minimum time of clean days will be fifteen.

If bleeding takes place after insertion of the loop, usually cauterization helps. Speak to your medical practitioner.

Mufti Siraj Adds:
You also need to determine which 10 days of the month is your habit: the start, middle, or end. If you don’t know this, and the bleeding is continuous, meaning there is no 15-day clean period or more, then count the first 10 days as Haidh and 20 days as Istihaadhah.
And Allah Ta'aala knows Best.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Divorce with no Reason

Q: Is it permissible for a Muslim male to divorce his wife without any reason ?

A.
The Hadeeth mentions that divorce is the worst of permissible acts. (Kanzul Ummaal V9 P661). Shari'ah even frowns upon a person who divorces for flimsy reasons, so imagine if a person divorces his wife for no reason. This will definitely be sinful and such a person will have to answer in the Divine court. The throne of Allah shudders when a person divorces his wife (Kanzul Ummaal). A person who divorces with no reason is inviting the wrath of Allah Ta'aala. Shaytaan becomes very happy when a man divorces his wife. (Kanzul Ummaal). Divorcing without reason will be even more pleasing to him.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Unhappy with Wearing Scarf

Q: I am 19 years old. I wear a scarf but I don't like wearing it. I force myself to wear it and I feel like I'm not ready for wearing it. Can I start wearing when I feel that I'm completely ready for it? I'm actually really unhappy wearing it.

A
. That you are wearing scarf while not liking it shows you respect the Law of Allah. Maasha Allah! This is a sign of true Imaan. These thoughts of wondering when one will be ready for scarf and Hijaab are all whispers of Shaytaan trying to entice you away from Shari'ah.

By now the scarf should have been replaced with full Hijaab. The scarf does not suffice for you anymore. Islam has not stated that a law should be practiced upon when we are ready for it. Many of the laws go against our grain, but we have to fulfil and abide by them, happily or unhappily. By you donning full Hijaab and going against your Nafs, you will earn even more reward Inshaa Allah Ta'aala. Remember that all the laws are in place for our benefit and protection. There are unimaginable and numerous benefits in the Divine laws. You are a gem with the treasure of Imaan. Protect yourself from the illicit gazes of others.
May Allah open your heart towards complete obedience to the Shari'ah, Aameen.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Cornrows Hairstyle

Q: Is it permissable for a male to have cornrows?

A.
Cornrows is a style which originates from non Muslims, thus it should be avoided. The Hadeeth forbids us from emulating the styles and fashions of other nations.
Allah Ta'aala knows best.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Adding "And Allah Knows Best" to Answers

Q: I am really pleased with your questions and answers. May Allah Ta'ala take you from strenght to strenght, ameen.

I have a suggestion, could you please place the words "And Allah Ta'ala knows best" after the answers?

A:
We normally mention these words in answers that are perhaps intricate and open to alternate interpretations. However, we do not feel the need to mention these words in answers that are straight forward and that are mentioned in the reference works quite conclusively. You will notice this in the books of the Fuqahaa as well. For example, in answer to a question on drugs or alcohol one would say: ‘it is Haraam’ without adding the words Wallahu’ A’lam.

However, if you have come across sources that are contrary to what I have just mentioned, I would highly appreciate you sending this to me for my guidance.

Allah reward you for your interest in these matters, Aameen.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Trading in Foreign Currencies

Q: 1) Is it permissable for me to buy foreign currency at lower than the market rate in this way, that the seller gives me the pounds, we agree on a rate then I give him the money later?
2) How is the market rate calculated? Will the spot rate be considered (what we hear on radio or see on currency converting sites), or will the rate given by the bureau be considered (including their commission or excluding)?
3) Is it permissable for me to charge a commission when exchanging currency like all other bureaus do?

A: Currencies that are in vogue today will fall under the category of trade commodities. Therefore, the price charged for these currencies is left to the mutual agreement of the two parties, regardless of what is being charged on the foreign-exchange markets. Whatever the two parties agree upon, that price becomes binding. However if both parties decide that we will not fix our own price but will instead consider the market price then you are faced with the question of which market price to consider. Well in our humble opinion one has to consider the price of the currency as given in the local media (radio, newspapers, etc.)

It will not be permissible to charge a commission. Rather increase the price of the currency but without commission of any sort.

And Allah Ta’aala knows best

Mufti Siraj Desai

SMS Competitions

Q: Is it permissable to enter a competion by sending the answer of the competion question by sms which will cost R2.00? I don't know if this money goes towards the prize or this is the rate for sending an sms to that special number. We are actually paying the R2.00 for the sms and not towards the prize.

A:
When one enters a competition via sms, then part of the cost of the sms goes to the company or business that is offering the competition and the prize. This we have ascertained from the people who provide these short code services. It is a money-making scheme all round. Hence when you send in your entry you are actually paying money towards the prize. This is on the same level as gambling and usury, so Haraam.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Photography of Animate Objects

Q: Can I take photographs of animate objects?

A.
Photography is not allowed in Islam unless necessary, e.g. for passport, visa, identity document, etc.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Requirements for Valid Marriage

Q: What are all the requirements for a nikah (marriage) to be valid?

A.
Both boy and girl must be Baaligh and sane. The girl must grant her permission to get her married to that particular boy. The boy must accept. At least two witnesses should be present. The two witnesses should also here the declaration and the acceptance. The witnesses should be two males or one male and two females.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Courting in Islam

Q: Is courting allowed in Islam?
A. Premarital relations are not allowed in Islam. Even if there is no physical sexual relationship, it is still not permissible. The Hadeeth explains: It is narrated from Sayyidina Abu Hurayrah (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said:

Fornication (Zina) of the eyes is the gaze. Fornication of the ears is to listen. Fornication of the tongue is the speech. Fornication of the hands is to touch. Fornication of the feet is to walk, and the heart desires and hopes. The private part either confirms it or negates it. (Muslim V8 P52)

Usually an 'engagement' takes place whereby it is now confirmed that this boy and girl will marry in the near future. This engagement is not a licence for the boy and girl to have any contact; whether by meeting, by phone, email, etc. Many a time although they were engaged, they changed their minds and never married. A relationship of any type between boy and girl is only allowed after Nikah. According to Shari'ah they are 'strangers' before Nikah, notwithstanding the engagement. Whoever has a relationship (courting) before marriage, will fall under the category of the Hadeeth mentioned.

The Qur'aan says: “So marry them (women) with the permission of their families, and pay them their dowries in an equitable amount, while these women should remain chaste (before marriage), without fornicating not taking illicit friendships (i.e. boy-friends).” (Surah Nisaa, verse 25). The same theme is mentioned in two more places in the Holy Qur'aan. These verses prove that courting is Haraam.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Halaal Multi Vitamins

Q: My mother is elderly, and in need of multi vitamins etc, but it is very difficult to find something which is halaal. What can I do?

A
. There are Halaal multi vitamins on the market. Speak to a Muslim medical practitioner who will advise you better and can prescribe according to your mother's condition. Secondly if your mother is very weak and frail and needs these multi-vitamins desperately, then she is allowed to take even the Haraam vitamins, but there certainly are Halaal available. After speaking to a pharmacist, he confirmed that there are 'vegetarian suitable' multi vitamins available. The ingredients are not from animals and the capsule does not contain gelatine. May Allah Ta'aala grant her Shifaa, Aameen.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Salaah with Long Skirt

Q: Is it permissible for a woman to make salaah with a long skirt and burka over (nothing underneath the skirt) or must she wear a pants under the skirt?

A.
If the skirt is thick and not see-through, and movement does not cause the skirt moving in such a manner that a portion of the Satr (that which must be covered) to open, the Salaah will be valid. However, it is best to wear pants under the skirt.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Lady Covering Feet in Salaah

Q: Can a female make salaah without her entire feet being covered?
A. Salaah of a female is valid without the feet being covered. (Al Inaayah V1 P418). This is according to the Hanafi Madhab.

According to the Shaafi'ee Madhab, the feet must be covered in Salaah. (Fiqhul Ibaadaat – Shaafi'ee V1 P231).

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Procedure for Marriage

Q: I intend getting married, but I do not have a potential partner. What is your advice?

A. Ask the elders in your family to seek a good girl for you. When looking for a girl for marriage, always give preference to the piety of the girl over anything else. Learn about the laws and rules of marriage. Start improving and increasing your Deeni actions and inculcate within yourself tolerance and patience. May Allah Ta'aala grant you a pious girl and grant you a blissful marriage, Aameen.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Standing for Salaah Before Imam

Q: What is the ruling for standing up for salaah before the imaam stands up?

A.
For the Muqtadis to stand up for Salaah and straighten the Saffs before the Imam stands up is permissible. There is great emphasis in many Ahaadeeth on the straightening of the Saffs. In these times of apathy, it is best that the Muqtadis prepare the Saff well in advance.

A Hadeeth narrated by Sayyidina Abu Hurayrah (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) states that they (the Sahaabah) would stand up for Salaah and straighten the Saffs even before Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) emerged from his quarters.
(Muslim V2 P101)

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Meanings of Aasiyah and Maryam

Q: Do the names Aasiyah and Maryam have an Islamic meaning? How are they spelt in English and are they good names to give a baby girl?
A. Both Aasiyah and Maryam are good names. Aasiyah was the wife of Fir'aun but she was a Muslim. The Hadeeth has praised her. You have correctly mentioned that Maryam is the name of the mother of Nabi Eesaa (Alayhis Salaam). By virtue of these two names belonging to two special ladies in Islam, they are meritorious and good names to keep. The name Maryam is mentioned in the Qur'aan. In fact, it is the only female name mentioned in the Qur'aan. Immaterial of whether these two names have meanings or not, by keeping these names it is hoped that our children will develop the qualities of these two pious and fortunate ladies, Inshaa Allah Ta'aala.

Actually these names are not Arabic names, but since they are names of pious people, we are advised to use them for our children. The spelling is as written above.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Lady Issuing Divorce

Q: Can a woman issue a divorce? What am I entitled to as a wife?

A.
A woman cannot issue a divorce. Issuing a divorce is the prerogative of the husband. If the wife has valid grounds, she can ask the husband to divorce her. Valid grounds for a divorce or annulment are physical and mental abuse, withholding of expenses, deserting the marital home, refusing to fulfil the wife’s conjugal rights. If any of these reasons are found and the husband still refuses to issue divorce, the wife may apply to the local Ulama body for a Faskh or annulment. The Ulama or Learned People will follow a strict procedure and after having ascertained that there are indeed Islamic grounds for annulment, they would proceed to annul the marriage by issuing a decree of Faskh.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Tawaaf with Baby

Q: We are going for Umrah. When I perform tawaf for umrah can I do this 7 times or 14 times as I will have my one and a half year baby with me at the time? Must I perform the walking between Safwa and Marwa seperately or together with the baby?

A.
You will make one Tawaaf which consists of seven rounds and one Sa'ee which is seven times between Safa and Marwa. You do not need to make a separate Tawaaf and a separate Sa'ee of Safa Marwa for the baby. From Safa to Marwa is one crossing, then back again is another. So between the two you will move seven times.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Friday, February 5, 2010

Surah Fatihah in Janaza salaah

Q: A ghair muqallid (person who does not follow a Math-hab) brother asked me why Hanafis do not recite surah fatiha in Janaza Salaah (funeral prayer). He said it is mentioned in a Bukhari hadith. What is the answer?

A. Explain to your Ghair Muqallid brother that Bukhaari Shareef does not contain ALL the Hadeeth, there are other Hadeeth compilations too. Yes, Bukhaari does have the Hadeeth that Surah Faatihah should be recited in Janaazah Salaah and this is the practice of the Shaafi'ee Madhab. On the other hand it is reported from Sayyidina Abu Hurayrah, ibni Umar, Umar, Ali and many others among the Taabi'een (Radhiyallaahu Anhum) that there is no Qiraa'at in Janaazah Salaah and this is the practice of the Hanafi and Maaliki Madhabs.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Fiqh of Makkah Imams

Q: Which Fiqh e Mazhab (of the Four Imams) do the Imams of Masjidul Haram (Makkah) follow in Namaz (Salaat)?

A
. The Imams of Makkah are inclined to the Hambali Madhab.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Repentance from Adultery

Q: For last 3 years I had sex with prostitutes on a regular basis. I have made tawbah (repentance) previously but again relapsed to this great sin. Now I really feel shattered and even feel too bad to ask for Allah's mercy. What should I do?

The other thing is my parents want me to get married. Should I ever get married? If I never get married and never have sex in my life again will Allah forgive me?

A. The fact that you have regret is a good sign. It is mentioned in a Hadeeth that regret is also Taubah. Even though you have previously made Taubah and relapsed, do not become despondent. A person with Imaan never becomes despondent of the mercy of Allah Ta'aala. It is the deception of Shaytaan when a person 'feels bad' to ask for the mercy of Allah. Shaytaan wants that you become despondent and cease making Taubah. Do not fall prey to his tricks. Why should a person stop making Taubah if he has not given up committing sin? A Buzurg says in a poem that if you fall a hundred times then get up a hundred times. Do not remain where you have fallen. Whenever a sin is committed, it is the incumbent duty of the bondsman to resort to Taubah, irrespective of the sin being repeated. One day that Taubah will have its desired effect and that person will give up that sin completely Inshaa Allah.

Previous sins should not deter a person from marriage. Never having sex again is not part of the Taubah. Divine forgiveness is attained by repenting and thereafter staying away from that sin. You do not have to give up sex completely to gain the forgiveness of Allah. By marrying, you will now make the sexual relationship Halaal for yourself with your wife. This is one the purposes of marriage; to abstain from Haraam and enjoy that which is Halaal (your wife). May Allah accept your Taubah and grant you piety, Aameen.
Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Meaning and Pronounciation of the Name Hamzah

Q: I would like to know the pronounciation and meaning of the name Hamza for a boy. Is the pronounciation with a light 'ha' or deeper 'haa'?

A.
The name Hamzah is with the letter 'haa' (the one after the letter jeem) and not the deeper haa. It means lion. It was the name of the beloved uncle of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam). Because of his bravery he was known as 'the lion of Allah'. It is a good name to keep. Du'aa should be made that Allah Ta'aala instils the qualities of Sayyidina Hamzah (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) in the child. Sayyidina Hamzah will be the leader of the martyrs in the hereafter.
Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Poem for the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam

Q: I want to know what the name of the famous poem the companions of Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam recited for him?

A.
Tala'al Badru Alaynaa…

Mufti Siraj Desai

Blackseed Cure for Asthma

Q: I would like to know whethers there is a cure for ashtma Islamically using blackseed

A.
The Hadeeth encourages the use of blackseed as a cure for many diseases, but there is no specific mention of the method of using it for Asthma. You should speak to the Hakeems about this. They will advise you better. However, the following may help:

Cough & Asthma - Rub the chest and the back with Black Seed Oil, drink three tablespoons of oil per day and inhale the vapor of a mixture of Black Seed Oil and Water.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Number of Rakaats in Esha

Q: How many rakaats are there in esha salaah. Please give details about the number of rakaats as well as their status (farz, sunnah muakiddah or not, nafils, witr etc.)

A
: Four Sunnah Ghayr Mu'akkadah
Four Fardh
Two Sunnah Mu'akkadah
Two Nafl
Three Witr (Waajib)
Two Nafl.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Monday, February 1, 2010

Reading Zuhr Salaah in Asr Time

Q: For a year I have read salah zuhr late i.e. in the time of asr. I didn't know that the time of zuhr had finished. Then when I came across the local salah timetable I was shocked. I had read the namaaz of zuhr late. Do I still have to do qadaa?

A
. All the Thuhr Salaahs that you performed in the time of Asr thinking that it was still Thuhr time are valid and do not have to be repeated as Qadhaa. You should now ensure that you perform Thuhr in its correct time and not after the time of Asr has entered. (Raddul Muhtaar V3 P313)

Mufti Siraj Desai

Period of Breastfeeding

Q: What is the minimum period of suckling? What is the maximum period of suckling?

A.
There is no minimum period stipulated for suckling. The maximum stipulated period for suckling is up to two years. (Raddul Muhtaar V10 P365)

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Ladies Singing

Q: Is it permissible for a male to listen to a female singing?

A. Many Ahaadeeth condemn singing by women.
The following Hadeeth is recorded in Tirmidhi Shareef:
It is narrated by Sayyidina Imraan ibni Husayn (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: “In this Ummah there will be earthquakes, disfiguration, and showers of stones.” A person from among the Muslims said: “O Rasulullah! When will this be”? He replied: “When singing girls and musical instruments will become rife, and (different types) of wines will be consumed.”

Many jurists are of the opinion that the voice of a female is ‘Aurah’, i.e. part of the female body that must be concealed. Therefore, even if a non-Mahram female is singing Nazams, it will not be permissible to listen to her.

The following is recorded in ‘Shaami’ V3 P255: The melodious voice of a female is ‘Aurah’.
She will not say the Talbiyah aloud (during Hajj), because her voice is ‘Aurah’.
If this is forbidden, listening to their singing is undoubtedly not allowed.

Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai