Is a “Halal Mortgage” Valid If the Contract Clearly Lists Interest and a Standard Amortization Schedule?

Is a “Halal Mortgage” Valid If the Contract Clearly Lists Interest and a Standard Amortization Schedule? Question Assalamu Alaikum, I am seeking guidance on a residential financing agreement I am entering into. The provider marketed this as a “Halal” financing option (Tjara), but the commitment documents I received from the processing company (Radius Financial) include … Read more

Can a Muslim Prisoner Work Assigned Labor While Fasting in Ramadan?

Can a Muslim Prisoner Work Assigned Labor While Fasting in Ramadan? Question As salaamu alaykum When a Muslim person in prison is fasting during Ramadan can/should he work a designated/assigned prison job such as field labor? What would the ruling(s) be in this? Answer Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. … Read more

Is 15 Degrees More Accurate Than 18 for Calculating Fajr and Isha?

Is 15 Degrees More Accurate Than 18 for Calculating Fajr and Isha? Question I have read an article arguing that fixed degree calculations for Fajr and Isha are unreliable and that 15 degrees is a better approximation than 18 degrees. The article claims twilight varies by season, latitude, altitude, and other factors, and therefore recommends … Read more

Is Day Trading Through Online Prop Firms Permissible in Islam?

Is Day Trading Through Online Prop Firms Permissible in Islam? Question Salam alaikum sheikh. I wanted to ask for a ruling regarding day trading through online proprietary trading firms (“prop firms”). Based on your ruling that cash equity trading without margin is permissible, I wanted to ask whether trading through these firms affects the permissibility. … Read more

Can I Count Money I Owe My Friend Toward My Zakat?

Can I Count Money I Owe My Friend Toward My Zakat? Question My friend paid $4,000 for something I wanted… when we came home I offered to pay him the money but he said it’s okay leave it for now and I’ll get the money from you later….I pay my zaakat during Ramadan so, do … Read more

Dental Practice Rulings: Alcohol Mouthwash, Bone Grafts, Cosmetic Procedures, Zakat, and Wudu

Dental Practice Rulings: Alcohol Mouthwash, Bone Grafts, Cosmetic Procedures, Zakat, and Wudu Question Is using a dental mouthwash with alcohol allowed? For certain dental surgical procedures, animal products need to be used, like animal bone. Is that allowed? This may be sourced from cows or pigs. Are dental cosmetic procedures allowed in Islam?BotoxDental veneersOrthodontics for … Read more

Dental Procedures in Ramadan: What Breaks the Fast?

Dental Procedures in Ramadan: What Breaks the Fast? Question Assalamu Alaikum. The following questions are always presented to dentists from Muslim patients. Does any of the following break someone’s fast during Ramadan?Swallowing some water during a hygiene or dental visit.Swallowing blood after a dental extraction.Getting dental numbing, whether topical or via injection, for mouth ulcers.Using … Read more

Rulings on Common Legal Practice Issues: Statutory Interest, Damages Beyond Actual Loss, and Contracts Containing Riba

Rulings on Common Legal Practice Issues: Statutory Interest, Damages Beyond Actual Loss, and Contracts Containing Riba QuestionSalam Sheikhna, I am a practicing lawyer and would like Islamic guidance on several issues that commonly arise in legal practice. Question 1: Pre Judgment and Post Judgment InterestIs a Muslim lawyer Islamically accountable for requesting and enforcing pre … Read more

Is Fasting and Increasing Supplication on the 15th of Sha‘ban Sunnah or Bid‘ah?

Is Fasting and Increasing Supplication on the 15th of Sha‘ban Sunnah or Bid‘ah? QuestionAssalamu alaikum warahmatallahi wabarakatuhu shaykh, Is it a sunnah or bid‘ah to fast and increase in supplication on the 15th of Sha‘ban? I have seen different opinions online. I have also heard that the hadith about the night of mid-Sha‘ban is weak, … Read more

Am I Allowed to Cremate My Non-Muslim Mother if She Requested It?

Am I Allowed to Cremate My Non-Muslim Mother if She Requested It? QuestionI am a Muslim and my mother, who is Christian, wants me to cremate her when she passes away. In Islam we are buried. I want to respect her wishes, but I do not want to commit a sin or displease Allah. Am … Read more

Is Fidyah Calculated the Same as Zakat al Fitr if Zakat al Fitr Is 15 Dollars?

Is Fidyah Calculated the Same as Zakat al Fitr if Zakat al Fitr Is 15 Dollars? QuestionAssalamu alaikum shikhna, if zakat al fitr is 15 dollars this Ramadan, can we measure the fidyah based on it as well? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. This issue must be answered with … Read more

What Is the Nisab and Ruling of Zakat on Wheat and Grains (Wasqs)?

What Is the Nisab and Ruling of Zakat on Wheat and Grains (Wasqs)? QuestionSalam Imam Mahmoud. I was asked about the zakat on wheat and grains. I overheard remarks about a minimum amount, nisab, and wasqs. Unfortunately I did not have an answer at the time. Could you clarify this concept? JazakAllahu khairan. AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu … 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

What Is the Correct Understanding of Jilbab, Khimar, and Face Covering (Niqab) in Islam?

What Is the Correct Understanding of Jilbab, Khimar, and Face Covering (Niqab) in Islam? QuestionAssalamu Alaikum.I would like guidance regarding the proper understanding of hijab for Muslim women, especially regarding the jilbab, khimar, and face covering (niqab). I have read that some scholars understand jilbab as a loose outer garment that covers the body, while … 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

What Is Meant by the Prophet’s Statement: “The Earnings of the Cupper Are Khabith”? Is It Makruh or Haram?

What Is Meant by the Prophet’s Statement: “The Earnings of the Cupper Are Khabith”? Is It Makruh or Haram? QuestionThe Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:“The earnings of the cupper are khabith.”(Reported by Muslim, 1568) What does the word khabith mean here? Does it indicate prohibition, or is it merely dislike? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, … Read more