Is Ignorance an Excuse in Matters of Belief and Shirk?

Is Ignorance an Excuse in Matters of Belief and Shirk? Question If a Muslim, perhaps during their teenage years after reaching puberty, believed or did something because they had been taught incorrectly or simply did not know better, and later discovered that a scholar considered that belief or action to be shirk, would the person … Read more

Drawing Fictional Characters and Imagining Them

Drawing Fictional Characters and Imagining Them Question I am a creative person and enjoy designing my own characters. I understand that there are Islamic rulings concerning drawing living beings, but my characters are fictional and are not similar to the creation of Allah. I have also become attached to these characters in my imagination. Sometimes … Read more

Making Up the Two Sunnah Rak’ahs of Fajr After Its Time Has Ended

Making Up the Two Sunnah Rak’ahs of Fajr After Its Time Has Ended Question If I’m working during Fajr time due to being on a night shift overseas, and I typically have to make up my Fajr prayer when I’m back at my hotel, is it still allowed to pray the Sunnah rak’ahs at that … Read more

Placing the Mushaf in a Suitcase or Carry-On Bag During Travel

Placing the Mushaf in a Suitcase or Carry-On Bag During Travel Question I know there are rulings and opinions about placing the Mushaf on the floor and on what shelf it should be kept, but what about packing it in a suitcase or carry-on bag for travel abroad? Answer Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa … Read more

Wearing Football Jerseys with Religious Symbols: Is It Permissible?

Wearing Football Jerseys with Religious Symbols: Is It Permissible? QuestionIs it permissible to wear football jerseys such as the AC Milan, Barcelona, and Manchester United kits? I have seen differing opinions due to their logos, with some stating it is actual shirk to wear the top, while others say it is permissible because of the … Read more

Prediction Contests with No Entry Fee: Are They Considered Gambling?

Prediction Contests with No Entry Fee: Are They Considered Gambling? QuestionAssalamu Alaikum, Shaykh. We know that lotteries and gambling are prohibited (haram) in Islam. I have a question about some activities that seem different because there is no participation fee. At my workplace, we have a prediction game every spring. Employees try to predict the … Read more

Reading Profanity in Games, Books, and Subtitles: Is It Permissible?

Reading Profanity in Games, Books, and Subtitles: Is It Permissible? Question“I play a game with swear words. I mute the audio so I don’t hear them, but the bad words still show up in the subtitles. I read them silently in my mind, not out loud, just for fun. And it’s not a passing thought, … Read more

Using MiraDRY to Permanently Destroy Sweat Glands: Is It Permissible?

Using MiraDRY to Permanently Destroy Sweat Glands: Is It Permissible? QuestionSalam Imam Mahmoud, MiraDRY is a procedure that uses local microwaves to destroy sweat glands. It otherwise leaves the skin and other tissues intact. It is typically used in the armpits. Some patients may get it due to pungent body odor, or excessive sweating. Some … Read more

Forgetting a Prayer vs Delaying It: Am I Sinful?

Forgetting a Prayer vs Delaying It: Am I Sinful? QuestionSalam Imam, If I intended to pray but merely forgot to without laziness or carelessness. Am I sinful? What if I was being careless, or was delaying the prayer without solid reason? Jazakhallah Khairun AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. 1. … Read more

Working as an Enumerator for CMHC: Is the Income Halal?

Working as an Enumerator for CMHC: Is the Income Halal? QuestionAs-salamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh, I am seeking your guidance regarding the permissibility (halal status) of a specific job I am applying for at the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). While the corporation is involved in the national housing system, including mortgage insurance … Read more

Is a Wife Sinful for Not Wanting More Children?

Is a Wife Sinful for Not Wanting More Children? QuestionMy husband would like to have more children, but I do not feel the same. Allah has blessed us with two children, alhamdulillah. Due to the nature of his work, he is often away, and I am home alone with the children about 90% of the … Read more

Can Missed Ramadan Fasts Be Combined with the Six Days of Shawwal?

Can Missed Ramadan Fasts Be Combined with the Six Days of Shawwal? Questionالسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاتهFor the sisters who wish to fast Shawwal, do we have to make up our fast we missed during Ramadan first or can we stack our intentions for both? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi … Read more

Does Zakat Count If You Intended It for the Wrong Years?

Does Zakat Count If You Intended It for the Wrong Years? QuestionSalam Sheikh, I tried my best to calculate everything and paid what I thought I owed for my missed zakat from 2015–2022. After I recalculated and realized the small amount I might have missed was actually from 2023, not those earlier years. When I … Read more

Is It Permissible to Tell Your Child “I Am Proud of You”?

Is It Permissible to Tell Your Child “I Am Proud of You”? QuestionPride: since it’s bad in general. What if you’re proud of your son? Ex. Winning a game, getting high marks, achieving something. Am I allowed to tell him I’m proud of him? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. … Read more

Is It Permissible to Make Dua Asking Allah for a Long Life?

Is It Permissible to Make Dua Asking Allah for a Long Life? Question Is it wrong to make dua for a long life? Answer Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. 1. The Shari Context Life itself is a blessing from Allah, and the value of a long life in Islam … Read more

Can Someone with Student Loan Debt Give Sadaqah, and Will It Count?

Can Someone with Student Loan Debt Give Sadaqah, and Will It Count? Question I have student loans and I’m technically in debt, is it still okay for me to give sadaqah, and will it count? Answer Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. 1. The Shari Context Charity (sadaqah) is highly … Read more

How Can Someone with ADHD Improve Focus in Salah?

How Can Someone with ADHD Improve Focus in Salah? Question Tips on performing salah with ADHD? Answer Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. 1. The Shari Context Salah is the greatest physical act of worship in Islam. Allah says: “Establish prayer for My remembrance.”Surat Taha 20:14 And He says: “Successful … Read more

Is It Permissible to Attend a Non-Muslim Funeral Inside a Church?

Is It Permissible to Attend a Non-Muslim Funeral Inside a Church? QuestionAssalamu alaykum Sheikh, I attended a Catholic funeral inside a church for a non-Muslim coworker. I did not participate in the prayers but stood and sat when others did. I later heard that some scholars say this is not permissible and that condolences should … Read more