Zakah on Land

ZAKAH ON LAND Q: I own land intended for business but haven’t sold it in years. Do I owe zakah?A: Yes, you do: 📌 This is the opinion of the majority of scholars, though the Maliki school holds a different view. Q: What if the land is for business and I can’t afford yearly zakah … Read more

Zakah on merchandise and stores

ZAKAH ON MERCHANDISE & STORES Q: Do I pay zakah on merchandise in my store even if I haven’t made any profit yet?A: Yes. Even if you haven’t earned revenue, if the merchandise remains for a full year, you are required to: 📌 This applies to grocery stores, gas stations, and any business holding salable … Read more

Zakah on behalf of parents

ZAKAH ON BEHALF OF PARENTS Q: Can I pay zakah on behalf of my father if he refuses to do it himself?A: Only with your father’s permission. 📌 Zakah is an act of worship and requires intention. There is a scholarly consensus on this. Q: What if I know how much zakah my father owes … Read more

Q: Do I pay zakah on loans?

Q: If I lend money to many people, do I pay zakah on those loans?A: Yes—only if the borrower is capable of repaying.There is consensus (ijma’) among scholars that if the debtor can repay, you must pay zakah on that money each year.

Zakah on lent money

Q: Do I have to pay zakah on money I lent to someone else?A: It depends on the financial status of the borrower: Scenario: The borrower is wealthy and capable of repaying 📌 Example:If you lent $20,000 and you have $1,000,000 in your account: Scenario: The borrower is struggling or refuses to pay (broke or … Read more

How to calculate zakah on Inheritance

Q: How do heirs calculate zakah on inheritance?A: Each heir must: 📌 Example:If a person has $70,000 in personal wealth and their share of inheritance is $20,000, they will: Q: What if the inheritance hasn’t been distributed yet?A: If the inheritance remains undivided for a full year, then zakah is still due. Q: What if … Read more

Zakah on Inheritance

Q: Does zakah apply to inheritance money? A: Yes, zakah applies to inheritance money. Q: How is zakah calculated on inheritance? A: Each heir calculates their share of the inheritance and adds it to their own wealth. Q: What if I haven’t received my share yet, but it’s confirmed? A: If the inheritance amount is … Read more

Usool Principle “al-umūr bimaqāsidihā”

Q: What is the meaning of “al-umūr bimaqāsidihā” and how does it affect rulings? A: It means: “Matters are judged by their intentions.”This principle allows scholars to consider:  Does “maqāṣid” mean intention? Not exactly. So in Arabic: But in usūl 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 – Islamic Finance

📘 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., … Read more

Ownership, Investment & Intention

🧾 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 … Read more

Gifting & Ownership (Hibah)

🏡 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 … Read more

Fatwa: how many Rakats for taraweeh prayer

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 make up the fasts for those two Ramadans when you are able. If you are still unable to fast due to illness, weakness, or … Read more

Does a dental appointment break my fast during Ramadan?

If your dental appointment is for a routine cleaning or an examination, it does not break your fast. However, you must be cautious not to swallow any water or substances used during the procedure. If a small amount is unintentionally swallowed, your fast remains valid. Therefore, you can proceed with your appointment while maintaining your … Read more