Contemporary Issues

Is Hajj Permissible and Accepted for Someone Who Has a Mortgage?

Is Hajj Permissible and Accepted for Someone Who Has a Mortgage? Questionالسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته If someone has a mortgage for his or her house, are they still allowed to perform Hajj? Is their Hajj accepted? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. This question requires distinguishing between the obligation … Read more

What Is the Sharia Ruling on Investing in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)?

What Is the Sharia Ruling on Investing in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)? QuestionAssalam alaykum Sheikh. Please we need a fatwa stand on the following business related question. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are companies that own, operate, or finance income producing real estate across a wide range of property sectors. They raise capital by … Read more

What Is the Ruling on Medical, Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures Such as Botox, Fillers, and Laser Treatments?

What Is the Ruling on Medical, Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures Such as Botox, Fillers, and Laser Treatments? QuestionSalam Imam, What is the permissibility of medical, non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as laser tightening, RF microneedling, HA fillers, and botox? At what point do we draw the line between something like makeup and reconstructive surgery in the pursuit … Read more

Is It Sinful to Look at Women Who Are Not Dressed in Jilbab or Khimar?

Is It Sinful to Look at Women Who Are Not Dressed in Jilbab or Khimar? QuestionAhlan ya sheikh. Is it sinful to look at women who are not dressed in jilbab or khimar, such as women in Western dress, news presenters, non Muslim friends or neighbors, or even Muslim women who do not cover their … Read more

What Is the Ruling on Standing for the National Anthem?

What Is the Ruling on Standing for the National Anthem? QuestionWhat is the ruling on standing for the national anthem? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. This issue requires careful distinction between respectful civic custom and religious veneration, as well as between outward conduct and inner intention, especially for Muslims … Read more

What Is the Ruling on Shaking Hands with the Opposite Gender (Non-Mahram)?

What Is the Ruling on Shaking Hands with the Opposite Gender (Non-Mahram)? QuestionWhat is the ruling on shaking hands with the opposite gender (non-mahram)? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. 1. The Shar‘i Context Islam seeks to preserve modesty and prevent fitnah. For this reason, Sharia regulates physical interaction between … Read more

Is Music Haram in Islam, and Why Is There a Difference of Opinion?

Is Music Haram in Islam, and Why Is There a Difference of Opinion? QuestionSalam alaikum. I am interested in the topic of music in Islam. I’ve heard it is haram but am wondering the reasoning behind it and the difference of opinion. I understand why some kinds of music are haram, such as bad lyrics … Read more

Is Being a Lawyer Haram, and Which Fields of Law Are Permissible?

Is Being a Lawyer Haram, and Which Fields of Law Are Permissible? QuestionSalam alaykum. I am looking to get into law and I am wondering: is being a lawyer haram? Which fields are permissible for Muslims to work in? I understand concerns around criminal law, especially defending someone who is guilty. What about other fields? … Read more

Is It Permissible to Keep, Use, or Donate Profits from a Shariah-Screened Investment ETF?

Is It Permissible to Keep, Use, or Donate Profits from a Shariah-Screened Investment ETF? QuestionSalaam alaikum warahmatullah wabarakaatu. I invested some money into an investment that claims to be halal and that it “complies with Shariah law and excludes companies deriving more than 5% of their income from alcohol, tobacco, pork-related products, weapons, conventional banking … Read more

Is Smoking a Major Sin or a Minor Sin in Islam?

Is Smoking a Major Sin or a Minor Sin in Islam? QuestionAs-salamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.Is smoking a major or minor sin?Jazak Allahu khayran. AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. 1. The Shar‘i Context Smoking was not present in early Islamic history, so the ruling is derived from general Qur’anic and … Read more

What Are the Community’s Fard Kifayah Responsibilities Toward Individuals With Physical or Mental Disabilities?

What Are the Community’s Fard Kifayah Responsibilities Toward Individuals With Physical or Mental Disabilities? QuestionWhat is the community’s responsibilities as fard kifayah for individuals with physical and/or mental disabilities? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. 1. The Shar‘i Context Islam places extraordinary emphasis on the dignity, care, and protection of … Read more