Misunderstood Fatwas

Is ethyl alcohol (ethanol) in Iced Capp permissible to drink?

Question I sent an email to Tim Hortons seeking clarification about the use of ethyl alcohol (ethanol) in their Iced Capp. The following is the reply I got from them: “Thank you for contacting Tim Hortons! Many of our products contain flavour ingredients, which may utilize ethyl alcohol as a flavour carrier. Please note that … Read more

Combining and Shortening the Prayers While Traveling

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Praise be to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon His Messenger. 1. Combining and Shortening the Prayers While Traveling Allah, out of His mercy, has granted the traveler ease in his prayers—by shortening and, at times, combining them. This is clearly established … Read more

Musharakah: Islamic Partnership Contracts and Their Modern Applications

The Prophet ﷺ said regarding partnerships: “The hand of Allah is with the two partners as long as they do not betray each other.”(Narrated by Abu Dawud, 3383; classed as hasan) Musharakah: Islamic Partnership Contracts and Their Modern Applications Definition:Mushārakah (مشـاركة) is an Islamic partnership contract in which two or more parties contribute capital to … Read more

Is using buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services Islamically permissible if paid off within the grace period?

Question:Is using buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services Islamically permissible if paid off within the grace period? Answer: 1. What are BNPL (Buy-Now-Pay-Later) Services? BNPL services allow customers to purchase goods immediately while delaying full payment. Typically, they offer: 2. Scholarly Consensus (Ijma‘) and Established Opinions Contemporary Islamic jurisprudential bodies, including AAOIFI and the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, … Read more

Is male birth control halal?

Question:Is the newly developed male birth-control pill—reported to have passed early human safety trials with no side-effects—halal for Muslim men to use? Answer:The default ruling in Islamic jurisprudence is that it is permissible in principle for a Muslim man to use a safe contraceptive method, but its use should be based on a valid need … Read more

Can I pray Jumha before Dhuhr?

Does the Jumuah Khutbah Need To Be Within Dhuhr Time, or Can It Start Before Zawal? QuestionBased on my understanding the time for Jumuah overlaps with Dhuhr. I understand there is a difference of opinion on the matter, but my question is: does that include the Khutba itself, or can the Khutba start before Dhuhr … Read more

Importance of Treating Non-Muslims with Respect in Islam

Importance of Treating Non-Muslims with Respect in Islam 1. Contemporary Context of Muslims in Non-Muslim Lands Muslims today living in non-Muslim countries operate under implicit or explicit agreements (عهد), such as citizenship, residency visas, or social contracts, establishing mutual rights and responsibilities. Contemporary Islamic scholars (e.g., Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Islamic Fiqh … Read more

Can I have disability or life insurance?

Can I have disability or  life insurance? Question: Are Muslims allowed to have disability or term life insurance in non-Muslim countries like Canada, where there are no well-recognized alternatives like takaful, and families might suffer without such support? Short Answer: No, it is not allowed to take life insurance—including term life insurance—according to the consensus … Read more

Duff in Islam: Occasions, Gender & Nasheeds

Question:Is using or listening to the duff only permitted during weddings and Eid? Can it be used more generally, such as in Islamic nasheeds? Is it restricted to women only? Answer:Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim The permissibility of the duff is established in multiple authentic reports in the Sunnah. It is one of the musical instruments clearly … Read more

Is reciting Qur’an or Surah al-Fatiha at the grave permissible?

Question:Is reciting Qur’an or Surah al-Fatiha at the grave permissible? Answer:Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim The matter of reciting the Qur’an at the grave—such as Surah al-Fatiha or other passages—is a well-known topic addressed by the scholars of the four madhhabs. The origin of the discussion is based on the principle of benefit for the deceased (iṣāl … Read more

Are cashback and rewards from credit cards considered ribā (interest)?

Question: Are cashback and rewards from credit cards considered ribā (interest)? Answer: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ، الْـحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى أَشْرَفِ الْأَنْبِيَاءِ وَالْمُرْسَلِينَ، نَبِيِّنَا مُحَمَّدٍ، وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِينَ، وَمَنْ تَبِعَهُمْ بِإِحْسَانٍ إِلَى يَوْمِ الدِّينِ. Conventional credit card agreements usually include a clause allowing the issuer to charge interest (ribā) on late … Read more

When Does Gelatin or Keratin Become Halal?

When Does Gelatin or Keratin Become Halal? The halal status of gelatin is one of the most talked-about issues in Islamic dietary law. At the heart of the discussion is a key concept that has been debated by scholars for centuries. To understand when – or if – gelatin becomes halal, we need to explore … Read more

Are vocal-only nasheeds allowed, especially when the voice mimics musical sounds?

Question: Are vocal-only nasheeds allowed, especially when the voice mimics musical sounds? Answer: Wa alaykum as-salam wa rahmatullah. Yes, vocal-only nasheeds are generally considered permissible as long as two key conditions are met: 1. No musical instruments are used.If the nasheed relies solely on the human voice—even if it imitates instrument-like sounds—but does not include … Read more

Is it permissible in Islam to draw or illustrate living creatures?

Question: Is it permissible in Islam to draw or illustrate living creatures? Answer: This question has been discussed by scholars for centuries, and it’s important to understand the context of the Islamic rulings related to images. Islam strongly discourages anything that could lead to idol worship, especially during the time of the Prophet ﷺ when … Read more