Question What is the status of saying Duas1 e.g., asking God for personal needs etc.), asking God (SWT)’s forgiveness and refuge from Shaytan,2 praising God (other than the prescribed Kalimaat3) during Sala’h – both Fardh and Sunnah and Nawafil. Please answer in the light of Qur’an, Sunnah and Ahadeeth. Answer Asking God for our worldly […]
Is it Obligatory for Women to Cover Their Heads?
Question Is there a direct order in the Qur’an  for covering heads for women or is it derived from authentic hadiths or just from “ulema“? Answer The Qur’an has suggested a dress code for women in two kinds of situations: 1) when people visit their homes; and 2) when they have to go out of […]
Residing in a Non-Muslim Country
Question I read some time ago that it is desirable to leave a Non-Muslim country as soon as the purpose for being there have been achieved. Is there a Hadith like this? I strongly believe in it as I have the experience and I feel it is almost mandatory, not only desirable. I have been […]
Sneezing & Yawning … Good & Evil?
Question The following hadith was sent to me over email and seems a little confusing to me. It implies that yawning is an unnatural thing, which Allah does not like. I was wondering on the authenticity or background of this hadith so that I may be clearer on it: Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhiallahoanho) : […]
Wishing Christians “Merry Christmas”
Question How about wishing Happy Christmas to non-Muslims? It is strongly forbidden here in Saudi Arabia. What about the Muslims living in Non-Muslim countries? Should they also refrain from wishing their Christian neighbors and friends a happy Christmas? At Christmas time, it is almost as much of a routine gesture as saying “Hello”, when people […]
When Should Eid Be Celebrated If One Changes Place During Ramadhan
Question If one begins Ramadhan in Pakistan and then finishes Ramadhan in America but the starting of the two respective countries was different then which day shall we celebrate EID? Washington DC started a day earlier than here in Atlanta and so there are some brothers who are confused whether they should celebrate Eid the […]
Changing a Person’s Name After His Conversion to Islam
Question My roommate has been seeking to change his last name to one that is Islamic in nature. I was wondering if you had any suggestions? He wants something really different and uncommon and to flow with his first and middle name: “XYZ” Answer As far as changing the name of a convert Muslim is […]
Will Only Muslims Go To Paradise?
Question We believe that those people who believe in the oneness of God and in the last prophet only they will eventually be forgiven by God. But most of us are Muslims only because we were born in Muslim families i.e. by chance not by choice. I am quite sure that had we been born […]
Celibacy
Question I have a question about living in celibacy. Is it allowed in Shari`ah to live in this state even if one can afford to get married? I have read a saying of the holy Prophet that if a person can afford to pay the dower money, he should get married otherwise he should keep […]