Question Somebody mentioned that the Prophet (SAW) used to offer 2 sunnats and 1 witr. And if we offer 3 witr, we shouldn’t sit down after the 2nd Rak`ah to say Atta Heeyat. Please tell me what is the correct process. Answer The word “witr“, in the Arabic language means “odd” (as in “odd number”, […]
Archives for October 1998
Regarding Congregational Prayers
Question The Sunnah of the Prophet says to pray together all five times? I read a hadith where the Prophet indicated that saying prayer individually was not bad. Is this true? I feel as though if prayer becomes a recorded thing, then the essence behind the actual sala’h is lost. It becomes a ritual rather than a […]
Can a Man Serve in the US Army?
Question Can Muslims offer themselves for recruitment in the Army of the United States or any other non-Muslim state? Do keep in mind that such recruitment may later result in fighting against and killing Muslims. Answer The Muslims have been directed by the Qur’an to be just and equitable in their actions. Regarding their personal […]
The Punishment For Zina (Fornication)
Question Recently it was discussed whether stoning was a part of Islam and the Qur’an. To my knowledge, stoning is no where in the Qur’an and the injunction is for lashes instead. However, the result of 100 lashes seems to be death. Is this what the punishment for zina is in a more subtle manner? […]
Should We Call Ahmadis ‘Muslims’?
Question Should we call Ahmadis (or Qadianis) Muslim or what? Answer In my opinion, the most important thing that must always be kept in mind regarding deciding about somebody’s being a Muslim or otherwise is that it is not a matter to be decided by any one or more individuals. In other words, it is […]
A Further Comment on ‘Can Women Hold Positions of Convicting Males’
Question I read your interesting article on this subject, and it seems to me that an article recently appeared in “El-Shaab“, Egypt (el-shaab.com, Oct. 16, 1998) organ of the Muslim Brethren’s Political Party “Wafd“, gives an interesting answer to this question: in its article under the title “Al-Mar’a al-Muslima wa welayat el-Qadha’“, it explains how […]
The Prohibition of Animals on the Slaughter of Which God’s Name Has Not Been Mentioned
Question On your webpage, I found the following: About Halaal Meat I would like to ask some questions about Haraam and Halaal meat. I am very confused about it. I am not eating meat here (US), but some people told me that I can eat this meat. I will be thankful to you if you […]
Ablution While Sick
Question If one suffers from some sort of disease (like discharge of gas etc.) and because of this recurring problem the person has difficulty in maintaining his wudhu even during the prayer, can he offer prayers or continue his prayers without a new ablution? Answer In my opinion, if someone suffers from the stated problem, […]
Taking a Lady Friend Out for Lunch
Question Is it OK to date someone? Like to take a friend out with you. In my case, can I take a girl who is actually my friend where I work for having a lunch together, as it is common in the American society? Please advise. Thanks Answer Due to the potential moral and spiritual […]
The Allowance in Washing Feet during Ablution
Question After reaching office one offers his remaining prayers till evening with ablution (but without washing feet) because he is wearing socks. Is this ok? Answer The Prophet (pbuh) has allowed the Muslims to do masah on their feet, in place of washing them, during ablution, if they are wearing socks and if they had […]