Question A friend of mine in USA had given part of his Zaka’hto a mosque that is being used by black and newly converted Muslims. Another mutual friend informed him that Zaka’his not for use for construction and upkeep of mosques. Whatever knowledge I had favored the second view. Now the friend in USA has […]

Question I found your site useful and informative.  Could you elaborate more on the question of Investing in Stocks etc. Stock prices also can vary tremendously, sometimes within a few hours (both up and down). Will it be considered a form of gambling? Answer Investing in stocks cannot be termed as gambling. Gambling, or more […]

Question Is Riba the same as modern day interest? Does not Riba mean the “inordinate” exploitation of a person? Like a person lends $100 and just wants $10 each month for an unspecified period of time which when totaled may be many times the original. Also if I ‘lend’ a bag of rice to someone […]

Question I needed Quranic references that give reasons for forbidding Riba as the arguments for selfishness are little debatable if we consider it to be interest? What about renting, does it have any real difference with Riba? Answer Before I give the Qur’anic references for the reason of forbidding Riba, let us first examine the […]

Question I would appreciate being told the Islamic viewpoint on insurance – life and short-term. Answer As you would be well aware of the fact that Insurance is a comparatively new concept. There was no such thing as insurance during the times of the Prophet (pbuh). Because of this reason, obviously, nobody can say that the […]

Question I would appreciate being told the Islamic viewpoint on insurance – life and short-term. Answer As you would be well aware of the fact that insurance is a comparatively new concept. There was no such thing as insurance during the times of the Prophet (pbuh). Because of this reason, obviously, nobody can say that the […]

Question If a person enters into a Modharabah contract with another, only sharing the profits of the business, and not sharing the losses, would that be allowed in Islam, when the other party is willing to take him in as a partner in profits only? Answer Mudharabah is a form of business partnership where two […]

Question I have one plot of land and a flat. I have been told by a friend that I have to give Zaka’h on these assets also, in addition to other liquid assets. Till very recently I thought I need only give Zaka’h on cash and valuables etc. I have been told that Mr. Javaid […]

Question I have some shares that have diminished in value since I purchased them. Will I calculate Zaka’h on the original purchase price or at the current value or at the market value at the day Zaka’h is being calculated or at the average market price during the year (average price is difficult to arrive […]

Question I want to purchase a house in the UK. I cant do that unless I use mortgage money. I have been informed that it is mandatory to get the insurance for both the house and your life. The only optional thing in this regard is insurance for the contents of the house. What should […]