Two Wives and Inheritance

Q: If a man who has two wives dies, do they inherit one eighth each, or must you divide one eighth between the two wives?

A: The one eighth must be shared between two or more wives.

Applying Perfume Before Ihram

Q: Is it permissible to apply itr (perfume) before putting on ihram for haj and umrah?

A: Yes, this is permissible. In fact, it is part of the etiquette and aadaab of Ihram to do so.

Wife Wearing Tight Clothes in the House

Q: Is it permissible for a wife to wear tight fitting tops and pants in the house on the husband's command?

A: This is permissible on two conditions: 1) She must not dress like this in front of her children no matter what age they may be; 2) She must not appear like this in front of other males who may enter the home or who live there, whether they are mehram or non-mehram.

Marriage Without an Aalim/Sheikh

Q: If nikah is made between a couple without the presence of a Moulana, what would the procedure be?

A: Due to discrepancies that have arisen in the past, we do not allow marriages without the presence of a Moulana or Imam. Any couple wishing to get married must seek the assistance of a Moulana or Imam.

Killing a Lame Horse

Q: One owns a horse which is lame and weak. Vet suggests we put the horse down. Is it allowed?

A: If the horse is not going through any visible pain or torture then you are not allowed to kill it. Care for it to the best of your ability and let it die its natural death.

Viewing DVDs

Q: Is it permissible to view a CD or DVD on the Chechen struggle?

A: CD’s or DVD’s of this nature display pictures and images of human beings, which are not permissible to view. We are of the view that pictures appearing on computer or TV screens fall under the Shar’ee definition of photography. When Rasollullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) conquered Makka, he ordered the Sahaaba to wash off pictures that were painted on the walls inside the Holy Ka’ba. This is proof that pictures on flat surfaces are also not allowed, contrary to the belief that only three-dimensional images have been prohibited in the hadith. While we fully understand that Muslims would love to view the losses inflicted on the enemy by the Mujaahideen, let us in the interests of our Islamic principles, confine ourselves to the printed stories.

Not Attending Juma

Q: If a person does not attend Juma salah, is his income halaal?

A: Presumably you are referring to one who trades during the time of Jumu’ah and thus misses his Jumu’ah. If this is so then know that one who misses Jumu’ah has committed a major sin. According to some Ulema a male who misses three Juma’s in a row for no valid reason, loses his iemaan. Though his income will be halaal, there is no blessing and good luck in such an income. It is devoid of barakaat, and such a business is doomed to failure.

Extended Guarantee on Items

Q: Is it permissible when purchasing an item to purchase an extended guarantee? Normally the guarantee is for one year, but pay an extra R250 (for example) and it will be extended to 3 years.

A: If this amount is included in the overall price, which amount is paid at the time of collecting the item, then such a deal is permissible. In other words, at the time of taking possession of the article, one pays a single price inclusive of all costs related to the article. If this extra amount is paid separately or after taking the possession of the article then it is not lawful.

Bungy-Jumping

Q: Is it permissible to go bungy-jumping?

A: This is not permissible. Any act which endangers one's life and does not bring any worldly or religious benefit, is not allowed. If due to a mishap, should one die while bungy-jumping, it will be tantamount to suicide, hence from the very outset this act should be forbidden.

Istikhaara Salah and Dreams

Q: When a person performs isthikharah namaaz, how should one interpret the dream? Is there any colour or object that indicates acceptance? Must the dream be interpreted by a Maulana? If the person sees a dream the same night, does he continue reading the salaah on other nights?

A: In most cases, interpretation of the dream comes naturally to the person involved. After having made istikhara, one may wake up the next morning with a feeling of conviction, a positive feeling that you should go ahead with the proposed venture or idea. The feeling is obvious. At times one does not see any dream, but still gets up in the morning with this strong inclination. Sometimes one will need to have the dream interpreted by an Alim. One will see a very vivid dream and know exactly that in it lies the answer, but is unable to interpret the dream. For this you need to refer to an Alim who has the ability to interpret dreams.
There is no particular colour or object to look for. However, if one has a dream in which a specific colour is seen, the interpreter may explain the significance or connotation. As for the last part of your question, once you have received your answer, either in a dream or from an interpreter, you discontinue the istikhaara salaah, even if it's after just one night.

Fiance's Terrible History

Q: A friend of mine is getting married and her fiancé has a terrible history, and there is suspicion that he continues to take part in these haraam activities. Is it my duty to notify her, anonymously of course?

A: It is definitely your Islamic duty to inform her of whatever information you have about the person she intends marrying, especially since she is courting that person as well. This is not gheebat or scandalising, provided your information is correct.

Issuing Medical Certificates Under False Pretences

Q: I am a medical practitioner and we usually issue medical certificates to sick patients. Sometimes patients are not really ill, but seek a certificate out of fear for losing their jobs should they fail to produce one as reason for their absence. Is it permissible for us doctors to issue a certificate under false pretences?

A: To certify a patient as ill when he is not really so, is tantamount to giving false evidence. No matter what valid reason an employee has for staying out of work, the doctor cannot falsely certify him or her as sick. The doctor will have to explain the Islamic and moral position to the patient and kindly refuse. If money is taken in lieu of such untrue certificates then the sin is even bigger.

Wudhu with a Nose-Ring

Q: Can one make wudhu with a nose-ring?

A: One may make wudhu while wearing the nose-ring, but it must be rotated so that water gets into the hole. If the ring is so tight that water will not reach beneath it then the rings must compulsorily be removed, otherwise your wudhu will not be valid.

Wudhu with Earrings

Q: Can one make wudhu with earrings on? If I do will my wudhu be accepted?

A: Wudhu could be made while wearing ear-rings because it is not compulsory to wash the ears in wudhu. However, when making a faradh ghusl, if the ear-rings are loose then you may wear them but make sure the water goes into the holes. Otherwise, it is necessary to remove the ear-rings for ghusl.