Is It Permissible to Fast Continuously, Especially in Winter, and With Mixed Intentions? QuestionSalam Imam, Is it permissible to fast continuously, especially in the winter months, where fasting is simply a matter of having a late lunch? I have heard mixed opinions on this, with some saying one should not exceed the fast of Dawud … Read more
is Watching Movies Always Haram? How Do We Understand Media, Gazes, and Modern Reality? QuestionSalaam alaikum warahmatullah wabarakaatu. I heard from a sheikh that watching all movies is haram, due to things like music, seeing the opposite gender, free mixing, and immoral messages. I have some doubts and would appreciate clarification, because I have not … Read more
Is It Permissible to Keep Former Religious Trinkets as Mementos After Accepting Islam? QuestionSalam Imam Mahmoud, Can a person keep formerly religious trinkets from their past life as mementos? For example, if a person was a Christian, can they still keep their rosaries and Bible after accepting Islam if they have sentimental value? Or if … Read more
Is It Permissible to Read Fantasy or Sci-Fi Books That Contain Fake Gods or Imaginary Religions? QuestionAs-salamu alaykum,Many popular fantasy and sci-fi books contain fake gods, human worship, or false religious systems. If someone reads these stories knowing they are fictional and does not believe in any of it, is that allowed? Or should such … Read more
Is It Permissible to Do Yoga If the Intention Is Only Exercise? QuestionIs it permissible to do yoga if you only have the intention for the workout? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. 1. The Shar‘i Context The word “yoga” today refers to two very different things: Islam strictly forbids … 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
Zakat on Land Purchased for Investment or Personal Use: How Intent Affects Zakat Obligation Question Salaam alaikum warahmatuLlah wabarakaatu. I would like to know how to pay zakah in this case : he bought 2 units of land back home initially for investment but he hasn’t decided if he will build them as a family … Read more
Q: What is the meaning of “al-umur bimaqasidiha” and how does it affect rulings? A: It means: “Matters are judged by their intentions.”This principle allows scholars to consider: Does “maqasid” mean intention? Not exactly. So in Arabic: But in usul 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 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., six months) … Read more