Can a Woman Perform Umrah Without a Mahram? QuestionCan a woman go for Umrah by herself, without a mahram? Would it also be permissible for her to go with a group of female friends? What are the Islamic rulings regarding this? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. The matter of … Read more
Is It Permissible to Play Qur’an in the Background While Studying, And to Use “Focus Music”? QuestionIs it permissible to listen to focus music while studying, if my intention is only to improve concentration and I don’t use it outside of that? Also, is it permissible to listen to the Qur’an while I am studying, … Read more
Is a TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) Permissible in Islam? QuestionIs a TFSA account haram? I read that it helps you avoid paying taxes on your savings, but since the bank invests that money and adds interest to it, is it still permissible to use? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma‘in. … Read more
Should a Layman Feel Shy or Hesitant to Ask Questions in Islam? QuestionShould a layman feel shy when he asks questions? Sometimes I refrain from asking questions because I think they are stupid or pointless.Other times the matter is somewhat prude.And finally, sometimes I refrain from asking questions because I feel as if I would … Read more
QuestionWhat is the ruling on congratulating non-Muslims on their holidays? Is this an issue of worship or social dealings, and how should classical opinions be understood in today’s context? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma‘in. 1) Qur’anic Baseline: Kindness Without Religious Participation Allah says: لَا يَنْهَاكُمُ اللَّهُ عَنِ الَّذِينَ لَمْ … Read more
Question Salam Imam, Is it permissible to perform ʿUmrah on behalf of someone who has passed away, even though they already performed ʿUmrah during their lifetime? JazakAllahu khayran. Answer Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ‘ala Rasulillah, wa ‘ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma‘in. Performing ʿUmrah on behalf of someone who has passed away is permissible and a form … Read more
Question I work at a company, and part of my job is to put up holiday-themed displays for example, New years or Halloween decorations. Is this permissible in Islam? Answer Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ‘ala Rasulillah, wa ‘ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma‘in. This matter involves a balance between preserving one’s faith identity and fulfilling professional obligations … Read more
Following the Imam in Sujood When Should You Move? QuestionIf the imam says “Allahu Akbar” but hasn’t yet placed his face on the ground, should I go into sujood immediately after hearing the takbeer, or should I wait until I see that he is already in sujood? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ‘ala rasulillah, wa ‘ala alihi … Read more
Is Working as a Barber Permissible in Islam? Questionما حكم العمل في الحلاقة؟What is the ruling on working as a barber? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma‘in. The work of a barber (halāqah) in itself is permissible (halal) and can even be a commendable profession, as it provides a useful … Read more
Is My Wudu and Prayer Valid If I Later Find a Small Streak After Using the Washroom? QuestionSometimes when I use the washroom and relieve myself, I clean with water and toilet paper and make sure there’s nothing left. Then I make wudu and pray. A few hours later, I find a streak. Is my … Read more
Can a Follower of Another Madhhab Pray Asr Behind a Hanafi Imam Who Is Praying Dhuhr? QuestionIf a group of Hanafis are praying Dhuhr late, past the beginning of Asr time according to the other madhhabs, can someone from the Hanbali, Maliki, or Shafi‘i school join them in congregation with the intention of praying Asr? … Read more
Is Reading Surah Al-Fatiha During an Engagement (Khutbah) Considered Bid‘ah? QuestionIs reading Surah Al-Fatiha during your engagement (khutbah) bid‘ah? Many families do this, and the day of the engagement is often called “Fatiha.” AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma‘in. The recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha is among the greatest acts of … Read more
Is It Permissible to Temporarily Block One’s Mother for Mental Relief? QuestionI have moved out from my house some months ago. Since then, my mother has called me multiple times a day. Her talks are unpleasant, she nags, complains, and belittles me. Is it permissible to block her for a few days for my own … Read more
When Should the Imam Say “Allahu Akbar” During Salah Movements? QuestionWhen I am leading the prayer, at what point should I say Allahu Akbar — while standing, on my way down to ruku‘, or after I have reached the bowing position? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma‘in. The takbir (saying … Read more
Is a Person Who Lost Mental Capacity Before Puberty Considered Muslim if His Caregiver Later Accepted Islam? QuestionA young boy began to lose his mental faculties at around three years old and eventually became completely non-verbal and incapacitated. He remained in this state throughout his life.His sister was his main caregiver, and years later, she … Read more
Is Microblading Permissible to Restore Eyebrows Lost Due to Medical Treatment? QuestionAs-salaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,I was diagnosed with a medical condition that caused my hair loss, including my eyebrows. Alhamdulillah, my scalp hair has regrown, but my eyebrows are still very thin. I understand that tattooing is haram, but is it permissible to … Read more
Loans for Dental Work: Medical Necessity or Not? QuestionWhat is the ruling on loans specifically for dental work like getting wisdom teeth removed, braces, etc.? Would it be permissible out of necessity? Jazakallah khair. AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. 1. General Ruling on Loans with Interest The Qur’an prohibits … Read more
Designing for Halloween and Christmas Themes QuestionSalam respected Imam, I am a graphic designer. With Halloween coming up, is it permissible for me to create mock-up designs for my portfolio and to sell these designs on shirts and other wares? Moreover, does this ruling apply to Christmas as well? What if I avoid religious symbols … Read more
Do I Have to Make Up All My Missed Prayers or Just Repent? QuestionDo I have to make up every single prayer I have missed? For example, I’ve been tracking the ones I have missed since November — it is 805. I used to always make up the missed prayer that same day. I don’t … Read more
QuestionIs shamatah (rejoicing at someone’s misfortune) allowed when it is toward non-Muslims? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. Islam teaches believers to maintain hearts of mercy and dignity, even in the face of differences. Shamatah, which means rejoicing at another person’s suffering, is discouraged in the Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ … Read more
Forgetting Which Prayer One is In QuestionSalam Imam, what should one do if he forgets what he is praying? In a regrettable lapse of focus, I forgot if I was praying the last rakaat of Isha or the first rakaat of witr. Jazakallahu khairan. AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. … Read more
Gender Interaction and Separation in Islam QuestionSalam Imam, to what extent should men and women separate in Islam? Jazakallahu khairan. AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. 1) The Principle of Modesty and Interaction Islam recognizes natural interaction between men and women in society — for trade, learning, family, and communal … Read more
Ruling on Celebrating Birthdays in Islam QuestionIs it allowed to celebrate your birthdays in Islam? And how did the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ mark his own birthday? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. 1) Did the Prophet ﷺ Mark His Birthday? The Prophet ﷺ did not celebrate his birthday through yearly … Read more
Car Financing Through Toyota: Bank vs. In-House QuestionAssalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,I recently went to Toyota to finance a car. They told me they will give me the car through financing, and the monthly payments include interest. They said the price of the car will not change, but there will be interest added. My … Read more
Professional Liability Insurance for Dietitians in Canada QuestionAssalam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh! I was wondering if you are familiar with services that provide professional liability insurance for dietitians in Canada that aligns with Islamic principles (takaful). In order to have and to maintain the permit of dietitians, it entails the following rules: College of … Read more
Acting Without a Fatwa When Faced With Urgent Dilemmas QuestionSalam Imam, what should we do when we are faced with a dilemma which requires a fatwa, but we cannot receive one in a timely manner? For example, if I didn’t know whether something was pure or impure, and the time of prayer is coming. What … Read more
Using Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer and Eating Afterwards QuestionSalaam alaikum warahmatuLlah wabarakaatu. JazakAllahu khairan. I would like to ask if I’m consuming alcohol if I use hand sanitizer wipes on my hands and then touch some food to eat. Or should I only use alcohol-free hand sanitizers? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa … Read more