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 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

What Is the Ruling on Becoming a Police Officer in Canada?

What Is the Ruling on Becoming a Police Officer in Canada? QuestionWhat’s the ruling on becoming a police officer in Canada? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. 1. The Shar‘i Context Muslims living as minorities in non-Muslim countries face unique circumstances. Their work, contribution, and participation in public institutions are … Read more

Nursing and Opposite-Gender Care in Islam

Nursing and Opposite-Gender Care in Islam Question As a nurse, part of my job sometimes involves changing briefs for male patients and assisting them with showers. Until I am able to find alternative work, is this permissible in Islam, or what guidance is there regarding this situation? Answer Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ‘ala Rasulillah, wa ‘ala … Read more

Will We See Our Deceased Pets in Jannah?

Will We See Our Deceased Pets in Jannah? QuestionIf a pet passes away, will we see that pet in Jannah? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. 1. The Shar‘i Context Animals are among the many creations of Allah, and they are included in His perfect justice and mercy. They are … Read more

Is Ghusl Valid If I Wear a Hair System or Hair Replacement?

Is Ghusl Valid If I Wear a Hair System or Hair Replacement? QuestionSheikh, this has been bothering me for 10 years. It’s causing me depression and even suicidal thoughts. I suffer from male pattern baldness, and it’s very hard for me to live like this. I don’t even like to look in the mirror. I … Read more

Should a Layman Feel Shy or Hesitant to Ask Questions in Islam?

Should a Layman Feel Shy or Hesitant to Ask Questions in Islam? QuestionShould a layman feel shy when he asks questions? Sometimes I refrain from asking questions because I think they are stupid or pointless.Other times the matter is somewhat prude.And finally, sometimes I refrain from asking questions because I feel as if I would … Read more

Can a Muslim say Merry Christmas or happy holiday to Non Muslim:

QuestionWhat is the ruling on congratulating non-Muslims on their holidays? Is this an issue of worship or social dealings, and how should classical opinions be understood in today’s context? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma‘in. 1) Qur’anic Baseline: Kindness Without Religious Participation Allah says: لَا يَنْهَاكُمُ اللَّهُ عَنِ الَّذِينَ لَمْ … Read more

Can I decorate for holidays at my workplace?

Question I work at a company, and part of my job is to put up holiday-themed displays for example, New years or Halloween decorations. Is this permissible in Islam? Answer Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ‘ala Rasulillah, wa ‘ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma‘in. This matter involves a balance between preserving one’s faith identity and fulfilling professional obligations … Read more

Is Reading Surah Al-Fatiha During an Engagement (Khutbah) Considered Bid‘ah?

Is Reading Surah Al-Fatiha During an Engagement (Khutbah) Considered Bid‘ah? QuestionIs reading Surah Al-Fatiha during your engagement (khutbah) bid‘ah? Many families do this, and the day of the engagement is often called “Fatiha.” AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma‘in. The recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha is among the greatest acts of … Read more

Is it Okay to Rejoice at Others’ Misfortunes in Islam?

QuestionIs shamatah (rejoicing at someone’s misfortune) allowed when it is toward non-Muslims? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. Islam teaches believers to maintain hearts of mercy and dignity, even in the face of differences. Shamatah, which means rejoicing at another person’s suffering, is discouraged in the Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ … Read more

Gender Interaction and Separation in Islam

Gender Interaction and Separation in Islam QuestionSalam Imam, to what extent should men and women separate in Islam? Jazakallahu khairan. AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. 1) The Principle of Modesty and Interaction Islam recognizes natural interaction between men and women in society — for trade, learning, family, and communal … Read more