Missed or Unpaid Zakah in Previous Years Q: We didn’t know about zakah and haven’t paid it for 10 years. What should we do? A: If someone didn’t pay zakah due to lack of knowledge for the past 10 or even 20 years, they still have to pay it. Q: Even after 20 years? A: … Read more
Zakah on RRSP & Registered Educational Plans Q: Do we have to pay zakah on a registered educational plan or RRSP? A: Yes, zakah is due if the amount reaches the nisab (around $11,000 CAD) and has been held for a full year, as long as you have access to it. Q: What if I … Read more
Q: What is the meaning of “al-umur bimaqasidiha” and how does it affect rulings? A: It means: “Matters are judged by their intentions.”This principle allows scholars to consider: Does “maqasid” mean intention? Not exactly. So in Arabic: But in usul al-fiqh (Islamic legal theory), this maxim often overlaps with the idea that intention determines the legal ruling of an action — which is … Read more
Q&A Collection: Student Loans, Riba, Mortgages & Halal Finance Dr. Mahmoud Omar Organized by Topic for Clarity STUDENT LOANS & FINANCIAL AID 1. Q: Can a student take a loan just to access attached grants, if they already have enough money? A: Yes, if the loan is interest-free for a set period (e.g., six months) … Read more
Q: If a child pays off their parents’ debts, such as mortgages and car loans, does that make them the owner of those assets? A: It depends on the intention. If the money was given as a gift (hibah) with no expectation of return or ownership, then the asset remains the parents’ property. But if … Read more
1. Q: What is the Islamic concept of hibah (gifting), and how should it be practiced? A: Hibah is giving something to someone without expecting anything in return. It is done sincerely for the sake of Allah. If a person gives a house, money, or furniture and intends no repayment, then it’s a valid hibah. … Read more
Salam Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. Alhamdulillah wa Salatu wa Salam ala Rasulillah, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, My dear brothers and sisters, yesterday I received a very concerning email. Someone was accusing all the masajid that pray 20 rak’ahs, 21 rak’ahs with Witr, or 23 rak’ahs of going against the Sunnah. They referenced Shaykh Al-Albani … Read more
I missed fasting during Ramadan due to pregnancy and then continued breastfeeding for two years. Now, I still cannot fast. What should I do? Fasting is an obligation for every Muslim, but Allah does not burden anyone beyond their ability. If you missed Ramadan due to pregnancy and then continued breastfeeding, you are required to … Read more
Can I feed the poor instead of fasting if I miss days in Ramadan? No, you cannot simply choose to feed the poor instead of fasting. If you miss fasting during Ramadan, you must make up the missed days by fasting later. This is an obligation and not a personal choice between fasting or paying. … Read more
Can a Pregnant or Breastfeeding Woman Break Her Fast During Ramadan? QuestionCan a pregnant or breastfeeding woman break her fast during Ramadan? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. 1. The Shar‘i Context Fasting Ramadan is an obligation upon every accountable Muslim. However, Sharia is built upon mercy and does not … Read more
Does a Dental Appointment Break My Fast During Ramadan? QuestionDoes a dental appointment break my fast during Ramadan? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. 1. The Shar‘i Context The fast is broken by anything that intentionally reaches the stomach (or what takes the ruling of eating and drinking), and by … Read more