Question: If any act was not done correctly or mistakenly during the Hajj and Umrah, can the Dam be given outside the precincts of the sacred Haram?

Answer: If it is Waajib to give Dam for the mistakes made during Hajj and Umrah, then that animal of Dam should be slaughtered in the Haram. If the animal is slaughtered outside the precinct of the Haram, Dam will not be regarded as valid.

Question: Can a person receive injections while he or she is fasting?

Answer: Yes. Most injections do not invalidate the fast. If a person can manage keeping the fast, and has no desire to break the fast, he or she may take an injection.

Question: Can Zakaah money be used to pay the salaries of those who collect Zakaah?

Answer: The paying of salary for a fund-raiser from Zakaah money is only permissable after making Hela-e-Shar'i. The method of Hela-e-Shar'i is that the Zakaat should be given to a Faqeer (poor person) by making him the owner of the money, then in his own way, the Faqeer should give this money to the Zakaat organisation for its use. In this way, the obligation of Zakaat will be accomplished, and the Faqeer will become worthy of Sawaab. Only after this is done, should the money be utilised to pay the salary of the fund-raiser. (Fatawa Amjadiya, Vol. 2)

Question: How many sons did Hazrat Ali (radi Allahu anhu) have?

Answer: It is known that Hazrat Ali (radi Allahu anhu) had four children, namely two sons - Hazrat Hasan and Hazrat Hussain and two daughters - Hazrat Zainab and Hazrat Umme Khulsum. This is the view of the majority of scholars as found in history. But, according to the Shias, they claim that Hazrat Ali (radi Allahu anhu) had a third son named Muhassin.

Question: Can breast-feeding mothers keep fast?

Answer: If the breast-feeding mother has sufficient milk and is in good health, she should keep fast provided she must also be convinced that by fasting no harm will come to her baby. However, if the breast milk is adversely affected on account of the fast, the mother should not fast.

Question: If a person who performed Umrah did not shave his head and returned to his country, what should he do?

Answer: He should shave his head and give Dam.

Question: What is the name of Hazrat Jibraeel's (alaihis salaam) horse?

Answer: Haizoom

Question: What time can a person start reading Fajr Namaaz?

Answer: Fajr Salaah begins with the rising of dawn until sunrise and Fajr Salaah must be read in this time, irrespective whether Azaan is given or not.

Question: Is the month of Safar a bad month ? Is it allowed to travel, to marry, etc. in this month?

Answer: This is only the way the people think. There is no source of such information in Shariah. Like other months of the year, it is permissible in Safar to travel, to marry, etc. According to the Shariah there is nothing bad. It has come in the Hadith that there is no such thing as Safar (Laa Safara); in other words, it is improper for people to think of this as a bad month.

Question: Is it permissible to use the term "radi Allahu anhu" for the Awliya Allah and the pious?

Answer: The term "radi Allahu anhu" is used in the Holy Quran with reference to the Sahaba-e-Kiraam and the Tabi'in. To use any other words of Dua for them will be contrary to the tradition of the Holy Quran. However, the use of this term for non-Sahaba (Awliya Allah and Buzrugaan-e-Deen) is also proper. The Shariah did not prohibit this in any way and there is no objection towards this. In the Arab countries, this term is also used for the learned Ulema. By writing or saying "radi Allahu anhu" with the name of a non-Sahaba will not make them the Sahaba. To think in this way is improper.

Question: Adjacent to where I live, a group of Muslims have formed a club. They meet almost on a daily basis to play card games and money is outlaid on betting resulting in people losing and winning money. Is this permissible?

Answer: The playing of cards is abominable. Where money is outlaid in bets resulting in people winning and losing money amounts to gambling. Gambling is absolutely Haraam.

Question: Is it permissible in Islam for Muslim men to marry Christian or Jewish women and allowing the women to practice their faith?

Answer: Islam does allow marriages to Christian and Jewish women who hold the correct beliefs and practices in their religion as People of the Book. However, in this day and age, it is not possible to find such Christian or Jewish women because over the years their religions have deviated from the true and original teachings of their Prophets to a point where the beliefs of most Christian denominations or Sects amount to Kufr and Shirk. Islam does not allow marriages with Mushriks (one who indulges in Shirk) or an unbeliever.

Question: When a Janazah is brought to the mosque at the time of any Fardh Salaah, Jummah Salaah or Eid Salaah, which should be performed first, the Salaatul Janazah or the above-mentioned Salaah?

Answer: When a Janazah arrives at the time of a Fardh Salaah and a Jamaat has congregated, then the Fardh Salaah should be performed first, followed by the Sunnats. Thereafter, the Salaatul Janazah should be performed. In the case of Eid Salaah, the Eid Salaah ought to be performed first, followed by the Janazah Salaah and then followed by the Khutbah.

Question: Is it permissible for Muslims to purchase and burn fireworks especially during the festival of Diwali?

Answer: This practise is not permissible for Muslims as it is a waste of money. It is stated in a Hadith that: "There is no good (benefit) in lavishness."

Question: If a person gives his wife three Talaaqs at one sitting, will such an action be accepted as three Talaaqs or as just a single Talaaq?

Answer: According to the Ahnaaf (Hanafis), this action has the effect of three Talaaqs. The Ghair Muqalideen and the misled do not accept this ruling and consider it to be only one Talaaq, which is improper.

Question: Fathima Begum Mohammed's husband has disappeared without trace for 8 years. There has been no confirmation of his death nor of him being alive. Fathima is extremely upset and worried. How does Shariah advise her in this matter?

Answer: In the case of a missing husband, the Fatawa (religious ruling) of Imam Maalik (radi Allahu anhu) is applied. The Imam's ruling states that if after four years the husband is not found, then the local Qazi or a group of senior pious and religious men from the Muslim Community may dissolve the marriage between the missing husband and his wife and instruct her to serve Iddat-e-Wafaat (Iddat upon death of husband) from that moment on time. Upon completion of the Iddat, the missing man's wife may marry again. Allama Shaami (radi Allahu anhu) states that where in a small community there is no Qazi, then a group of senior Muslims of the Jamaat (Congregation) may dissolve the marriage.

Question: Can Muslim children act as "Rama" and "Sita" in a Diwali or school play?

Answer: It is Na Jaa'iz or totally disallowed for Muslims to participate in such games, sketches and plays.

Question: It is a well known fact that Hazrat Khizr (alaihis salaam) is alive. Out of love for Hazrat Khizr (alaihis salaam), every week I offer Fateha in his name and also in the name of all Marhoums. Some say that Fateha may only be read in the name of deceased persons and not in the name of those who are alive. Could you please advise me on this matter?

Answer: Those who hold the view that Esaale Sawaab may only be read for the dead are wrong. Without doubt, Esaale Sawaab may be done for the living and the dead. (Durre Mukhtar; Shaami, Vol.10, p.242)

Question: What was the name of Hazrat Maryam's (alaiha salaam) mother?

Answer: Husna bint Faaqooza

Question: Which harf has appeared the least in the Holy Quran?

Answer: "Zaa" - Eight Hundred and Forty Two (842) times.

Question: What is "Maqaam-e-Mahmood"?

Answer: "Maqaam-e-Mahmood" is that place where Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) will stand on the Day of Reckoning and intercede for his Ummah (Station of Intercession).

Question: In the light of Hadith Shareef, and in accordance to the sayings of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), what is one of the unique ethics of Islam?

Answer: Hayaa or Shyness.

Question: Is it permissible to make Salaam to a Faasiq (Open Sinner) or to shake hands with him?

Answer: It is Makrooh to make Salaam to a Faasiq. A'la Hazrat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (rahmatullahi alai) has stated as follows in his "Malfooz": If a Faasiq wants to shake hands, then it is permissible, but you should not be the first to do so, even though he is a Faasiq. However, it is not allowed with false innovators.

Question: Is Tawaaf without making the Niyyah valid?

Answer: No. Tawaaf without Niyyah is not valid. It is Fard to make Niyyah for Tawaaf.

Question: What should one do if one realises that Tawaaf was not performed correctly, eg. not starting from Hajre Aswad?

Answer: The Tawaaf should be repeated as it is not valid. This should be done while one is in Makkah. However, if this is not possible it is Waajib for one to make Dumm.

Question: Is it compulsory to perform two Rakaah Salaah at Maqaam-e-Ibrahim?

Answer: Yes. This Salaah is Waajib. It should not be read during Makrooh times. It must be read after making the Tawaaf or later.

Question: Where should a person wear the Ihraam?

Answer: The Ihraam should be worn before one passes the Miqaats -boundries (i.e. those specific places beyond which it is not permissable to cross without putting on the Ihraam). To cross the Miqaat without the Ihraam is not permissable. If a person is travelling by plane it is difficult to determine the Miqaats. It is best advisable to tie the Ihraam before one boards the plane. This is only applies for the Hajj season. The Hajj season begins from the month of Shawaal.

Question: Many people say that the urine of a new born child is paak. Is this true?

Answer: The urine of a child even if he/she is only one day old is Na Paak (Impure). (Ahkam-e-Shariah)

Question: Is it permissible for a man to give Talaaq to his wife while she is pregnant?

Answer: Talaaq should not be given during pregnancy. However, if it is given, then it will be valid. In this case, the Iddat will be until the birth of the child. (Ahkam-e-Shariah)

Question: Is it allowed to make Tilaawat of the Quran during the time of Zawwal?

Answer: It is better to read Durood or to be engrossed in any other Zikr during the exact time of sunrise, sunset or Zawwal, rather than reciting the Holy Quran. These times are not appropriate for the recitation of the Holy Quran. (Ahkam-e-Shariah)

Question: Does the Shariah allow a Muslim female to travel alone for Hajj or to gain Ilm-e-Deen?

Answer: It is not permissible for any women to travel abroad without a Mahram, even if it is for the reason of gaining Ilm-e- Deen. To travel alone to a foreign land without a Mahram is against the laws of the Quran and Ahadith. Thus, there is no use in striving to study Ilm-e-Deen if it is done in the manner prohibited by Shariah. Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam and obligatory upon every Muslim who has the means of accomplishing it. But, even to accomplish this Fardh, it is not permissible for a women to travel for Hajj alone. It has been narrated from Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (radi Allahu anhu), that the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said, "A women may not travel, except with a Dhu Mahram, and no man may visit her except with a Dhu Mahram." A man got up and said, "Ya Rasoolallah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)! I intend to go to a certain battle and my wife wants to perform Hajj." The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said (to him), "Go along with her (to Hajj)." (Ref: Bukhari, Vol. 2, Ahadith No. 085)

Question: What is the law in a case where the husband commands the wife to do a certain chore (task) and the chore will take so much time that her salaah will become Qazah. Should she follow the command of her husband in such a case?

Answer: She should perform her Salaah. For him to give such a command (at the time of Namaaz) is Haraam.

Question: Is the month of Safar a bad month ? Is it allowed to travel, to marry, etc. in this month?

Answer: This is only the way the people think. There is no source of such information in Shariah. Like other months of the year, it is permissible in Safar to travel, to marry, etc. According to the Shariah there is nothing bad. It has come in the Hadith that there is no such thing as Safar (Laa Safara); in other words, it is improper for people to think of this as a bad month.

Question: What is the law in the case where a person is in need of Ghusl but knows that by the time he performs Ghusl, his Fajr Salaah will become Qazah?

Answer: He should make Tayammum and perform his Salaah and then make Ghusl and repeat the Salaah.

Question: After sunrise, how long does one have to wait before making Qazah Namaaz?

Answer: To wait at least twenty minutes after sunrise is Waajib.

Question: What are the Fards (Faraa'id) of Ghusal?

Answer: Firstly, to wash the whole mouth. If you are not fasting, then you must gargle your mouth until the water reaches the throat. Secondly, to cleanse the nostrils. Thirdly, to wash the whole body thoroughly from the head to the toe.

Question: In Salaah, how must the female cover herself?

Answer: It is necessary for her to cover the body from the head to the feet, except the face. The feet till the ankles and the hands till the wrist must be covered.

Question: What are the four Faraa'id of Wudu?

Answer: To wash the face - which is from the forehead till the chin and from one ear to the other ear once. To wash both the arms till the elbows once. To make Masah of at least a quarter of the head. By quarter is meant 4 fingers width. To wash the feet till the ankles once. If these 4 actions are not carried out, then the Wudu will be incomplete. It will, therefore, be Haraam for a person to read Salaah.

Question: What is the ruling of the Shariah regarding the following: Because of land development for housing, the developer's wish to exhume the bodies of unknown Muslim students or disciples of Hazrat Sayyid Jaffer (rahmatullahi alai) at the place called Camps Bay. The Cape Mazaar Society wishes to know whether such an action is Islamically correct. If not, what action should be followed?

Answer: If the land is Waqf, like that of the general Muslim graveyards, or if it is the personal property of an individual who allows Muslims to be buried there and there are graves already existing there, then to erect houses on such land is disallowed. To build houses on the graves is disrespect to the deceased, and disrespect to the deceased is Haraam. It has been stated in "Raddul Muhtar": "That which causes discomfort to the living, causes discomfort to the deceased." It is clear from the above mentioned statement that to build on the graves of Muslims is Haraam. It is written in "Fatawa Alamgeeri": "To walk on graves is sin. The top of the grave is the belonging of the Mayyit." Thus the Cape Mazaar Society and the Muslims should join hands and oppose such an un-Islamic act. You should also try to legally stop this act.

Question: When is it forbidden to read any Nafil Salaah?

Answer: After the break of dawn; before sunrise; after the Fard of the Fajar Salaah; after Asar Salaah until sunset; and during the Khutbah of both the Eids and the Jummah Salaah.

Question: What is the law in the case where a person is in need of Ghusl but knows that by the time he performs Ghusl, his Fajr Salaah will become Qazah?

Answer: If one makes Wudu or Ghusl, then the Salaah will become Qazah, thus one should make Tayammum in place of Ghusal. (Tayammum can be performed for Ghusal and for Wudu. There is no need to make individual Tayammum for each). Then he must make Ghusl-Wudu and repeat the Salaah.

Question: What is the importance of the second Azaan of Jummah Salaah in the Islamic Shariah and what happens if any person unintentionally or intentionally leaves out the second Azaan of Jummah?

Answer: From the Ahd-e-Risaalah (Time of the Prophet sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) right till the Ahd-e-Khilaafah of Sayyiduna Uthman-e-Ghani (radi Allahu anhu) only one Azaan, the Azaan-e-Khutba, meaning the Azaan before the Khutba used to be called out.

During the rule of Sayyiduna Uthman-e-Ghani (radi Allahu anhu) he announced the commencement of the Azaan when the time starts for Jummah Salaah, which is today known as the first Azaan, but he left the second Azaan of the Azaan-e-Khutba as it was. Even till this very day this practice is being upheld in all Muslim states.

If any Imam of the Musjid leaves out the second Azaan, or opposes the giving of the second Azaan, then he is the cause of a new fitna (disruption) in the Ummah. Allah Forbid! The Azaan-e-Thaani (second Azaan) is Sunnat-e-Mutawatira Mubaaraka (A continuous blessed Sunnah) which has been consistent from the time of the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) till this day without any dispute. To follow and continue this Sunnah is a means of great Sawaab and blessing. However, if somebody unintentionally leaves out or forgets the second Azaan, then the Salaah will not become void.

Question: How should the body of a female be positioned when she is in Sajdah?

Answer: The stomach and the armpits should be close to the body. The elbows should lie flat to the ground. The thigh should not be raised, but as flat as a position as possible. The hips should not be raised and should be as close to the ground as possible.

Question: The Jamaat seeks clarification and wishes to enquire whether Zakaat money could be utilised for the payment of the Madressa Appas salaries. It may be mentioned that the majority of the Madressa children come from poor families and are unable to meet the Madressa fees of R20 per term or R80 per year. At present the madressa has a roll of about 200 children.

Answer: The Madressa should firstly try its utmost to gain funds to run the affairs of the Madressa. However, if this is still in vain, then Zakaat can be accepted. The Zakaat must be utilized after performing Hela-e-Shar'i. The method of Hela-e-Shar'i is that the Zakaat should be given to a Faqeer (poor person) by making him the owner of the money, then in his own way, the Faqeer should give this money to the madressa for its use. In this way, the obligation of Zakaat will be accomplished, and the Faqeer will become worthy of Sawaab. Only after this is done, should the money be utilised to run the affairs of the Madressa.

Question: Is it permissible for only one Hafiz to perform Taraweeh Salaah reciting the Holy Quran?

Answer: Yes, it is permissible for only one Hafiz to perform the Taraweeh Salaah, reciting the entire Holy Quran. It has been stated in the authentic kitaabs of Fiqh that it is more excellent to perform Taraweeh behind only one Haafiz, and if one wishes, then there can be two Huffaz.

Question: Is a husband allowed to touch the Janazah of his deceased wife?

Answer: Yes. The Janazah of the female can be carried and touched by the husband. It can also be lowered into the grave by the husband. The husband is only not allowed to touch the body directly (contact with flesh), but can do so if necessary with a covered hand. "Bahre Shariat" and "Qanun-e-Shariat" have a detailed explanation.

Question: Must one remain seated or standing while the Iqaamat is being called out?

Answer: It is not proper to remain standing throughout the Iqaamat. However it is Sunnah to sit and listen to the Iqaamat. Proof of this is present both in the Hadith of Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. Hazrat Abu Qatadah (radi Allahu anhu) reports that the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said, "When the Iqaamat for Salaah is being given, then do not stand until you do not see me come out of my Hujrah (room)." In reference to this Hadith, the Muhaditheen have clearly explained that the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) used to come out of his room at the time when the Mu'azzin would say "Haya alas Salaah - Haya Alal Falaah." It has been stated in "Bahare Shariah" with the reference of "Fatawa Alamgiri" as follows: "Those present in the Musjid should remain seated at the time of the Iqaamat and should only stand when the Mukabbir (Mu'azzin) says 'Haya Alal Falaah'. To act against this is Khilaaf-e-Sunnah (in contradiction of the Sunnah)."

Question: What is the proper Islamic method of drawing up an Islamic Will and how should the wealth of the deceased be distributed?

Answer: According to the Shariah, a Muslim has the right to make a Wasiyyah of only one-third of his wealth or his Estate. If one makes a Wasiyyah of more than one-third, then the Will becomes null and void according to the Shariah. If such a situation arises then such an incorrect Wasiyyah should never be carried out.

The proper Islamic method of distributing the wealth of the deceased is to firstly pay off all expenses (viz. kaffan, burial, etc.) from his wealth. Thereafter, the deceased debts should be paid. From the remainder, one-third can be used to carry out any of the Wasiyyat, if any, left by the deceased. Finally, the remainder of the belongings is to be distributed amongst the heirs according to the Laws of Inheritance as laid down by the Shariah. (Fatawa Alamgeeri, Hidayah, Fatawa Radawiyyah, etc.)

Question: What are the basic Islamic responsibilities of the husband towards his wife?

Answer: It is Waajib (compulsory) upon the husband to provide the necessities, such as, a roof to live under, and food and clothing for his wife. The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has stated: "I am asking you to be generous with your women. You should accept this advice of mine. They have been created from the rib and ribs are curved (not straight) and from amongst the ribs, the one most bent is the one on the top. If your try to straighten it, then it will break and if you let it be, then it will remain bent (curved)" (Bukhari & Muslim)Question: Is the father allowed to give the Zakaat to his daughter?

Question: Can a woman make Tawaaf in the state of Janaabat?

Answer: No. Tahaarat is a condition for Tawaaf, but Sa'ee can be performed while she is in the state of Janaabat. Tahaarat for Sa'ee is Mustahab.

Question: When and how should the nails be trimmed?

Answer: The nails should be trimmed every Friday. After trimming the nails, they should be buried and not thrown in a dirt bin because they are part of a Muslim's body and should be respected. The approved manner of trimming the nails is to start with the Shahaadah finger of the right hand then the remaining fingers excluding the right thumb. Thereafter, one should start with the small finger of the left hand till the Shahaadah finger and lastly trim the nail of the left thumb and then the right thumb.

Question: Recently, there has appeared a number of articles in the media about the circumcision of Muslim women in some African countries and the harm that it is causing. What is the Islamic ruling concerning the circumcision of women?

Answer: The circumcision of women in not Sunnah and neither has it been an emphasized command in Shariat. It is a tradition in certain of the Arab countries. It is stated in the Hadith Shareef, "Circumcision is Sunnah for men, and for women it is only better." It is also stated in "Dur're Mukhtar" that: "The circumcision of women is not Sunnah, but for the sake of the men, it is something which is better, and this statement that it is Sunnah, is Da'if (weak)." Where the tradition of circumcision for women is not present, it should not be started since this will cause people to laugh at and make a mockery of Shariat. (Fatawa Afriqa)

Question: Can a person read Namaaz without a hat?

Answer: If a person reads Namaaz without a hat thinking that Namaaz is just a physical activity, then this is Kufr. If a person reads Namaaz without a hat due to the heat or forgetfulness, then this is Makrooh-e-Tanzeeh.

Question: After slaughtering an animal it was discovered that a foetus was in the belly of the animal. Is the Qurbani still accepted or not?

Answer: The Qurbani will be accepted. If after slaughtering an animal it is discovered that the animal was pregnant and a live foetus appears in the belly, then it is necessary to slaughter that foetus.

Question: Can Zakaah be given to a person who owns a television set, but at the same time he does not have the financial means of supporting his family and paying his expenses?

Answer: It is mentioned in "Durr-e-Mukhtar" that to pay Zakaat to a person who is misguided is not permissable. For one to own a television set and watch it is considered as Haraam and a sin, but this does not necessitate that Zakaat should be withheld from him as he is still considered as a needy Muslim. One should try and stop him from sinning and by displaying good actions by means of a favour towards that person will make it easier for him to refrain from any more sins.

Question: Is the wife allowed to give Talaaq to her husband?

Answer: The Islamic Shariah has allocated the right of Talaaq to the husband and has not placed it in the hands of the wife as Ayah 237 of Surah Baqarah states: " ...in whose hands is the marriage tie." But if the wife desires, she can ask her husband to divorce her by offering him something. Talaaq is a very serious matter and disliked by Almighty Allah. The Hadith states that the Arsh of Almighty shakes when a Talaaq is given. Without any solid reason based upon the Shariah, to give and ask for Talaaq is a great sin.

Question: Must Ghusl be performed for a still-born child?

Answer: The actual Ghusl will not be given. The body must only be washed, wrapped in a clean cloth and buried. There is also no Janazah Salaah for a still-born child. (Durr-al-Mukhtar)

Question: Is it necessary for a woman, whose husband has passed away, to go to someone elses house after the Iddat period?

Answer: No. It is not necessary for a woman to go visiting immediately after the Iddat period. It is said that this must be done to show others that her Iddat period is now complete. This is not necessary and carried out due to ignorance. Such a practice has no ties with the Shariah.

Question: What is "Taqiyyah?"

Answer: "Taqiyyah", in Shia'ite doctrine, is the concealing of the truth for the purposes of misleading the innocent believers in the name of religion. This, in Shia'ite belief, is regarded as a great form of Ibaadah carrying a very great reward. In essence, Taqiyyah involves lying and deceitfully misleading innocent Muslims into the Shia'ite fold.

Question: If a person is very sick and cannot stand and perform the Salaah, how should the Salaah be performed?

Answer: If a person is sick and cannot stand and read the Salaah, he or she may sit and read the Salaah. The head should be bent a little for Ruku and a little more for Sajdah. If the person is very sick and cannot even sit up, then he or she may perform Salaah while lying on his or her back. The head should be placed on a high position and the knees bent so that he or she will be able to bend the head a little for Ruku and a little more for Sajdah. If his or her knees cannot bend, then the legs should be facing straight towards the Qiblah.

Question: What is "Tahiyatul Masjid Salaah"?

Answer: This special Salaah consist of 2 Rakaah Sunnah which is read by a person on entering a Masjid. It should be read before one sits in the Masjid.