Throwing papers containing Quranic verses and the beautiful Names of God in trash cans, is it permissible?
Answer
It is necessarily known in the religion that it is impermissible to treat the names of Allah Almighty and the Prophet [pbuh] and Qur`anic verses with contempt. Whoever purposely practices such abuse is considered an apostate. But the person who does so unintentionally out of carelessness and lack of concern—tempted by the temporary life of this world and heedless of the everlasting world of the Hereafter—commits an enormity as long as he remembers the ruling but ignores it without being forgetful of it, mistaken or coerced.
It has become common to write the names of Allah Almighty and Qur'anic verses on pieces of paper, plastic bags, containers, on governmental envelopes and requests and so forth. This causes excessive difficulty for those who are legally responsible upon whom it is obligatory to observe the rulings of Allah. This is because this responsibility demands that they dispose of these objects in a manner that befits the sanctity of Allah, His Book and the Prophet but which may include excessive hardship upon them due to lack of time or resolution. They have no other alternative but to desecrate the name of Allah, His Book, and the name of the Prophet [pbuh] under the pretext that the practice is common and it is difficult to dispose of these objects in any other manner.
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http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=6307

Is it right to celebrate Sham El-Neseem's day, and if it is not right what is the reason?
Answer
The occasion of Sham al-neseem day is a national Egyptian habit and it does not include anything contradicting to the Shari'ah.
It is established in the Shari'ah that common social customs are permissible as log as they are compliant to the legal rulings. Claiming that this occasion originally contradicts the Shari'iah does not affect the matter, since it was forgotten by the passage of time. What really remain now are the forms of joy, going out and pleasing one family and the like as long as it does not contradict the Shari'ah. If these forms of celebration go beyond the limits of the Shari'ah and Islamic morals, it becomes then unlawful.
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx…

When a male doctor examines female patients, does the examination invalidate his ablution?
Answer
Scholars differ as to whether skin-to-skin contact with a person of the opposite *** invalidates ablution, or wudhu. All agree that such contact between a man and a woman whom he cannot marry, such as his mother, daughter, sister, etc. has no effect on his ablution. As for other women, including his wife, the stricter view is that any such contact renders the ablution invalid, even when the contact is unintentional. The extreme opposite view is that no casual contact with anyone invalidates ablution. In between there are different views.
The view I feel to be more accurate is that such casual contact invalidates wudhu if it is associated with feelings of ***ual nature. Casual contact, such as when giving something to a woman, does not invalidate ablution. [During Tawaf casual contact between husband and wife is essential and in fact such contacts with other women are not infrequent either. No body says that a fresh ablution becomes necessary.] But deliberate contact, particularly when extended, as in the case when a man shakes hands with a woman and continues to hold her hand longer than normal, requires a fresh ablution.
http://www.dar-alifta.org/Foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=7841

What is the difference between night vigil prayer and tahajjud prayer?
Answer
Night starts at sunset and continues until true dawn. Qiyamul-Layl (night vigil prayer is only performed after ‘Isha prayers.
Difference between Qiyamul-Layl and Tahajjud
1- - Qiyamul-Layl is spending the night, or even a brief period of it, praying or performing another act of worship. It can be performed either before or after sleeping. Qiyamul-Layl does not necessarily have to be comprised prayers or that it takes up the majority of the night. Additionally, it is not a condition to be preceded by sleep. Whoever spends the night or a brief portion of it reading the Qur`an, or listening to hadiths or glorification of Allah, or in invoking peace and blessings upon the Prophet, whether before or after he has slept for a portion of the night, is considered to have performed Qiyamul-Layl.
2-- Tahajjud is one of the forms of Qiyamul-Layl. It is performed by praying at night after sleeping. It is specific to prayers that are preceded by sleep. If Tahajjud is not preceded by sleep and does not comprise prayers, it is not considered Tahajjud but Qiyamul-Layl. Tahajjud is the optimal form of Qiyamul-Layl. This is because the Prophet (pbuh) used to perform Tahajjud. Allah the Almighty says, “And during the night, wake up and pray, as an extra offering of your own” [17:79).
The best time to perform Tahajjud is the latter part of the depths of the night. This is due to the report of Amr Ibn Absa who said, “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! During which part of the night are prayers most likely to be answered?’ he replied, ‘The middle of the latter portion of the night, so pray at that time with whatever you wish’” [recorded by Abu Dawud and Al-Tirmidhi).
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http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=6849

Is it permissible for me to wear silk ties?
Answer
In the Shari'ah, it is permissible for men to either manufacture or wear silk neckties.
This is based on the opinion of the majority of scholars who maintained that the prohibition concerns wearing pure natural silk items or garments made from fabrics that contain a higher percentage of silk.
Nevertheless, it is permissible to wear garments accessorized with silk either due to a need or for adornment. This is because it is not considered wearing silk. This permissibility includes wearing silk neckties because they are not regarded as garments but as accessories used for adornment. As such, they are included under the silk that is deemed permissible for men.
Ruling
It is permissible in the Shari'ah to wear silk neckties since they are accessories and not essential garments.
http://www.dar-alifta.org/Foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=7035

At what age does prayer become obligatory?
Answer
It becomes obligatory for a Muslim to observe prayers upon reaching the age of puberty. Puberty is defined by natural manifest signs, some of which are common to both genders, and others are exclusive to just one gender.
Common puberty signs:
- The discharge of the ***ual fluid (semen) either in a state of sleep or in an awake state when ***ually aroused.
- The appearance of pubic hair, which is removed by shaving, unlike the fuzz that appears prior to attaining puberty.
Two more signs specifically distinguish females:
- Menstruation: it is the sign for female puberty based on the hadith narrated by the Mother of the Believers, lady ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) who narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said, “Allah does not accept the prayer of a woman who experiences menstruation (i.e. who has reached puberty) except if she prays with her head covered (with a khimar)”[recorded by Abu Dawud in his Sunan).
- Pregnancy: God the Almighty creates the fetus from the ***ual fluid of both man and woman.
The above-mentioned signs are an indication of puberty; otherwise, puberty is considered by age. Shafi’i and Hanbali scholars as well as Abu Yusuf and Muhammad Ibn al-Hassan from the Hanafis have maintained that, for females and males, the age of puberty is by completing 15 lunar years.
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=7869

Is it permissible to combine and shorten prayers at home before traveling?
Answer
It is impermissible to combine and shorten prayers at home before traveling because one is called a traveler once one departs the borders of one’s country. Combining and shortening prayers was originally intended to exempt a traveler.
And God the Almighty knows best.
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=7949

What is the ruling of Muslims who do not perform the daily prayers, are they become non-Muslims?
Answer
According to the opinion of the majority of scholars, a person who neglects to perform prayers is not deemed a disbeliever (kafir) provided he does not deny its obligation. The word “Kufr” mentioned in the hadith means that this person commits an aspect of an act of disbelief and manifested an act of disbelievers since prayer is the act of worship that differentiates between a Muslim and a non-Muslim.
Scholars have unanimously agreed that a person who neglects to pray must be commanded to observe it. However, an apostate is not commanded to observe prayer; rather he must revert first and then be commanded to pray. In his book Al-Majmou’, Imam al-Nawawi said, “Muslims are still allowed to inherit those who neglect to pray and vice-versa. If deemed a disbeliever, a person who neglects to pray will never be forgiven and it would be prohibited to inherit from him or vice-versa.”
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=7873

I conducted my marriage contract without consummating it. Now the bride requests a divorce. What are her rights in Islamic law?
Answer
Divorce before consummation of marriage is final.
A wife's unilateral request for divorce
A woman is entitled to those rights that she and her spouse agree upon if she requests divorce. In such a case, she attends the divorce sitting and absolves her husband of all or some of her rights that are prescribed by Islamic law.
Divorce through khul'
A wife whose husband does not wish to divorce her and who is granted a divorce through khul' [divorce initiated by the wife in return for remuneration to the husband] is to return to him both the advanced portion of her mahr [dowry] which includes the shabka [the gift that the groom traditionally gives his fiancée, usually jewelry] and the items included in the registry of furniture and absolve him of the deferred portion of the dowry.
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http://www.dar-alifta.org/Foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=8239

Do science and faith collide in Islam?
Answer
Islam is the last word of God to all the worlds and it is the final testament which was conveyed to us through Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Islam has the unique feature of being adequate to become the reference point of all paradigms of knowledge and in total harmony with all the scientific facts. Muslims believe that the divine revelation is God’s written book and that the whole universe is God’s seen book and both of them come from God. The divine revelation comes from the world of command and the universe comes from the world of creation and whatever comes from God does not contradict each other. Therefore God says in the Quran, “Unquestionably, to Him belongs both creation and command; blessed is Allah , Lord of the worlds.7:45
For this reason knowledge in Islam has two sources: divine revelation and universe. Islam admits that science does not know the final word as God says, “but over every possessor of knowledge is one [more] knowing.” 12:76
And Islam also admits that a true believer should be in a continuous search for facts and whenever he finds it, he should be the most rightful to adhere to it. The Prophet says, “Wisdom is the lost property of the believer, so wherever he finds it then he has a right to it.”
read more...
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=4809

What is the ruling on shabka (the gift that the groom traditionally gives his fiancée) in the event of khul'?
Answer
It is established in Islamic law that a woman is entitled to receive half of the dowry by virtue of the marriage contract and the full dowry after the consummation of marriage. According to customs, the shabka (what a man traditionally gives his fiancée upon the marriage agreement, usually gold jewelry) is considered part of the dowry because people agree on it before the marriage takes place. It is not a gift. Islamic legislation takes into account customs due to the words of Allah Almighty Who says:
Hold to forgiveness; command what is right. [Al-A'raf: 199]
Ibn-Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) reported in a non-prophetic narration, "What Muslims deem to be good, is good according to Allah and what Muslims deem to be evil, is evil according to Allah" [Recorded by Ahmed his Musnad and by Al-Taylalsy in his Musnad]. Therefore, the shabka is part of the dowry.
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http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=3833

Can insurance be Islamic?
Answer
Since insurance in its various forms is a novel transaction which the Shari‘a [Islamic law] has not provided specific evidence concerning their legality or lack thereof – in this respect it is like bank transactions – engaging in it falls under the judgment of scholars and their research deduced from the general meaning of textual evidence, such as God Most High saying,
“Assist one another in piety and being mindful of God, but do not assist one another in sin and enmity. Be mindful of God; indeed, God punishes severely” [5:2].
The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The example of believers in their love, sympathy, and compassion for one another is similar to the example of a single body: when a single part complains it calls upon the others vigilance and for defense”. And there are numerous other texts on this topic. Scholars have two opinions on the permissibility of Insurance:
- One group of scholars considers it an unlawful transaction because of its inherent risk, gambling, betting, and unlawful increase [riba].
read more...
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=5851

Can we have mixed gatherings in the community center next to the mosque?
Answer
Yes, this is permissible so long as it does not lead to anything deemed prohibited by Islamic law.
According to the practice of generations of Muslims from among the predecessors and successors, the mere presence of males and females in the same place is not prohibited in itself. Rather, the prohibition concerns the manner of their gathering and whether it contradicts the rulings of Islamic law. This includes, for example, women uncovering the parts of their bodies which they have been commanded by Islamic law to cover, gathering to commit abominable acts or unlawful private meetings with a member of the opposite ***. Prohibited gender mixing involves physical contact and not merely being present in the same place.
The ruling
It is permissible to attend such gatherings and no one is blameworthy except those who exceed the limits of Islamic law. However, it is impermissible to attend if one fears temptation.
And God the Almighty knows best.
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=9384

What is the permissible rate of profit in cash and installment sales?
Answer
Allah the Most High says:
But God has allowed trade and forbidden usury. [Qur`an 2:275]
Islamic law does not specify a maximum or minimum rate of profit in cash and installment sales. However, we advise the inquirer to be merciful with those he deals with and not to overcharge others. The Prophet [pbuh] said, "May Allah have mercy on the man who is generous when he buys, sells, and demands (his due)" [Bukhari].
The above answers the question and Allah Almighty knows best.
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=283

Why did prophet Muhammed order us that we must differ from Christian and Jews?
Answer
This means to be different from them concerning the things which are part and parcel of their beliefs and are at odd with Islamic law. This does not include contradicting them in everything. Ibn 'Abass (may God be pleased with them) narrated, "The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) used to let his hair loose, while the disbelievers used to part their hair.
The people of the Book [Ahl al-Kitab] used to let their hair loose and the Messenger loved to be in compliance with them as per the matters which are left open in Islamic law. Then the Messenger of God used to part his hair".
(Bukhari)
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=5994

Is being acquainted with religious knowledge qualify one to give fatwas on simple matters?
Answer
Issuing fatawa is an honorable and high ranking position, since the mufti fulfills some of the responsibilities of the Prophet in the community and acts on his behalf in delivering rulings. Imam Al-Nawawi said in al-Magmu‘:
Take note that formulating legal opinions is the greatest of dangers, a grand position, and is full of merits. This is because a mufti is heir to the prophets, peace and blessings of Allah be upon them, and fulfills the communal obligation. However, he is subject to errors. Because of this, it is said that a mufti is the legal representative of Allah. (1:40)
There is a huge difference between knowing one or several legal rulings by being well read on Islam and reporting it to others – this reporting to others is not called issuing a fatwa – and being a mufti who conveys the teachings of religion from Allah and instructs the masses on His intent, and knowing how the ruling of Allah applies appropriately to a situation in a manner which accomplishes the overall objectives of the Shari‘ah and which is consistent with the general interests of the people.
Allah the Almighty knows best.
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=5938

Do angels refrain from entering a place where a dog exists?
Answer
some people read in the Sunnah that angels do not enter a house where there is a dog or a statue. The hadith is authentic as the angels refuse to enter a place where there is a dog. This hadith is based on a narration that Jibril was once late in visiting the Messenger of God [peace and blessings be upon him] although he had promised him that he would visit him. The Messenger went out of his house to meet him and inquired about the reason for his delay.
Jibril said, “You have a puppy.” which is a small dog that was under the bed of the Messenger of God [peace and blessings be upon him].
The point is that the angels’ refusal to enter a place where there is a dog does not evidence the impurity of dogs but it rather evidences that the angels, who are among the matters of the unseen, do not like to enter such a place where a dog is present.
read more...
http://www.dar-alifta.org/Foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=8376

Is there a prayer called the repentance prayer?
Answer
Abu Bakr (may God be pleased with him) said: “I heard the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) say: “Anyone who commits a sin then purifies himself well and prays two rak’as [cycles of prayer] wherein he asks God for forgiveness, God will forgive him.” He then recited the Quranic verse: “And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins” [3: 135].”
This hadith demonstrates the permissibility of the repentance prayer which is recommended according to the consensus of the four schools of jurisprudence. In addition to the instructions contained in the hadith, it is recommended for a Muslim who commits a sin to perform ablution properly, offer a two rak’a prayer with humility and piety seeking God’s forgiveness, and God the Almighty will forgive him. Furthermore, he must fulfill the conditions of repentance which include regretting having committed the sin and resolving never to commit it again. If the sin is connected with the rights of another person, repentance entails restoring these rights.
And God the Almighty knows best.
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=7907

Which hour coincides with the last third of the night so as to perform the night vigil prayer?
Answer
This hour could be figured out by calculating the number of night hours which start at sunset and end at the break of dawn. The resulting number of hours is then divided by three.
And God the Almighty knows best.
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=7920

Why should we procreate in a world where poverty is spread everywhere?
Answer
I do not think that you should address some question about the number of children a family may have to a person like myself. You should address it to every married couple and let them tell you why they have eight or ten or even more children. It is for a married couple who can take measures to determine the number of children they may have. If they have proper information, a married couple may realize that too frequent pregnancies and childbirth may have adverse effects on the health of the mother and child as well as the upbringing of the children. It certainly has its advantages, because the children can grow up with a keen sense of cooperation and mutual care and love. On the other hand, the means of the family may not be sufficient to give them a sound education.
The parents may, as a result, be too keen to get their sons to start work before they have completed their education and to get their daughters married at an early age, in order to reduce the family burden. The disadvantages are numerous indeed. But this is an individual choice, particularly in this day and age when safe methods of birth control are available to all and sundry.
I am intrigued by the emphasis you place on producing daughters, rather than sons. If all families stop producing daughters, [as though they can choose the *** they want] human life will some day come to a halt. The balance between girls and boys in society is controlled by God at a particular level, which ensures the continuity of human life and a proper balance between males and females. However, your emphasis seems to have a rather social slant.
You speak of the domination and subjugation of women by their men folk. While this is sadly true in many societies, it is not always the case. Islam provides for the equal treatment of boys and girls, men and women. It is true that in practice this may not be properly maintained, but this is the fault of people, rather than the fault of the system God has devised for human life. We often assume that men are superior to women, but Islam says otherwise.
read more...
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=8012

I feel that the Qur`an is meant for practicing its teachings and not for learning it by heart. Am I correct?
Answer
It is true that the Qur`an is primarily meant for implementing its teachings. However, this can only come about as a result of learning and understanding it. How is it possible for someone who has not read the Qur`an or learnt any part of it to implement it?
While the reader’s desire to act upon the teachings of the Qur`an and apply them in real life is highly commendable, he cannot do so without reading the Qur`an regularly and learning the meaning of its verses. The two go hand in hand.
Moreover, reading the Qur`an is an act of worship. God rewards us for reading it and recompenses us with ten rewards for each letter of every word. God says in the Qur`an, “Keep up prayers when the sun is on its decline, in the darkness of the night, and recite the Qur`an at dawn, for the recitation of the Qur`an at dawn is indeed witnessed. At night, rise from your sleep to recite it in prayer, as an additional offering from you. Your Lord may thus raise you to an honorable station” [Children of Israel — “Bani Israel”: 78-79]
read more...
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=7801

My relatives and my boss don't like my hijab...what to do?
Answer
Hijab is a religious requirement for every Muslim woman who reached puberty and it necessitates covering the whole body except for the face and the hands. Hijab in Islam is a sign of modesty. Modesty is a grace which is required by both men and women in terms of lowering their gaze and guarding their chastity. When it comes to the first part of your question about your relatives, it would be important to understand that personal convictions differ from one person to another. These convictions stem from personal traits, religious bases, cultural backgrounds and social milieu.
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http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=6147

Am I obliged to follow only one of the four Sunni legal schools of jurisprudence?
Answer
Regarding this issue, there is a difference between learning and applying. When it comes to applying, abiding by a certain legal school of jurisprudence for lay people is not obligatory in every matter as they are eligible to adopt the legal opinion of other juristic scholars and mujtahids. Therefore, lay people have no certain legal school of jurisprudence because they follow the juristic opinion of the scholar they ask.
This is the established opinion for the Hanafis. The renowned Hanafi scholar Ibn ‘Abdeen stated in his commentary in reference to Imam al Sharnibali that he said, “one does not have to abide by a certain legal school and he is permitted to follow an opinion which opposes the opinion of the juristic legal school which he follows. He is allowed to adopt two opposite opinions in two separate incidents that are not related to each other. He is not permitted to nullify an action he did by the virtue of following the juristic opinion of another scholar because engaging in an action is similar to passing a verdict by a judge with no appeal.
This opinion is supported with God as He asserted the obligation of following scholars in general with no specification or dedication to one scholar over the other. God says in the Quran, “So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know” 16:43. Also when people posed their questions at the time of the Prophet’s companions and the scholars of the next generation, they did not abide by a certain school but they rather asked eligible scholars without limiting themselves with the opinion of someone while denying the opinion of the other.
read more...
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=5916

Using illegal means to claim rights , is it permissible?
Answer
Such procedures for claiming and gaining rights are prohibited in Islamic law; rather, they are considered major sins. Punishing people for crimes committed by others is corruption on earth and considered judgments based on capriciousness and injustice. It is established in the principles of Islamic law that a person is not to be punished for another's crime and that it is impermissible to blame a person for a sin he did not commit. Allah the Almighty says,
Nor can a bearer of burdens bear another's burdens if one heavily laden should call another to (bear) his load. Not the least portion of it can be carried (by the other). Even though he be nearly related. [Fatir: 18]
and,
And if any one earns sin. He earns it against His own soul: for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom. But if any one earns a fault or a sin and throws it on to one that is innocent, He carries (on himself) (Both) a falsehood and a flagrant sin. [An-Nisaa`: 111-112]
Islamic law forbids banishing people from their homes unjustly and regarded this act an aggression deserving of punishment. Allah Almighty says,
After this it is ye, the same people, who slay among yourselves, and banish a party of you from their homes; assist (Their enemies) against them, in guilt and rancor. [Al-Baqarah: 85]
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http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx…

We deeply appreciate your

جزاك الله خيرا

We deeply appreciate your efforts
Thankful
Regards

My husband wants me to take off my hijab. What should I do?
Answer
It is not allowed for a husband to force his wife to take off her hijab; it is impermissible to obey anyone with respect to disobeying Allah. You should be patient towards your husband's conduct, treat him kindly and do not renounce wearing hijab except for a necessity. Such as if things between you both reach the degree of divorce, thus taking off your hijab in this case would be form among taking the lesser of two harms.
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=6839

I am a teenager girl and I wonder if chatting with boys on social media is considered a sin?
Answer
The matter is not restricted to this extent. The male-female relationship is based on chastity.
Communication between both ***es is allowed if the manners prescribed by shari'ah (Islamic law) are observed and it was for a purpose deemed valid by shari'ah, such as work, study and so forth. If a relationship exceeds these restrictions it becomes prohibited. In shari'ah, a woman is commanded to avoid anything that might make her an object of desire for men or an object for forbidden feelings.
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=7036

Men getting tattoos, is it permissible?
Answer
Women love of adornment is something innate
God Almighty created women and endeared adornment to them. God described women in the Quran as a creature who is naturally brought up on adornment. He Almighty says:
“A creature who is brought up in adornments (wearing silk and gold ornaments, i.e. women)…” [Qur'an 43: 18].
For this reason, the primary texts on tattoos are mainly addressed to women based on their innate love to adornment.
However, generally speaking, tattooing in which the skin is pricked by a needle until blood oozes and different kinds of dyes are placed in these opening wounds to penetrate the skin and remain there with no removal is prohibited according to the opinion of the majority of scholars such as Shafi'i jurists and others. This is because it causes unnecessary pain and harm and it is considered impure.
This is based on the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), "Allah cursed the woman who makes the tattoos and the one being tattooed." God Almighty says, "[Satan said] I will order them to deface the (fair) nature created by Allah." [An-Nisa':119].
read more....
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=10762

What are woman's rights after divorce?
Answer
A woman is entitled to kind treatment from her husband during their marriage. Allah the Almighty says, O ye who believe! Ye are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should ye treat them with harshness, that ye may take away part of the dower—Ye have given them—except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equityif ye take a dislike to them it may be that ye dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good. [An-Nisaa`: 19]
She is also entitled to expenses for food and drink and clothing, as well as expenses for her needs depending on her husband's financial status in accordance to the words of Allah Who says,Let the man of means spend according to his means: and the man whose resources are restricted, let him spend according to what Allah has given him. Allah puts no burden on any person beyond what He has given him. After a difficulty, Allah will soon grant relief. [At-Talaq: 7]
A woman's rights after divorce
In the case of a revocable divorce, a wife is entitled to receive the deferred dowry
included in the marriage contract after her waiting period ends. She is likewise entitled to receive financial support during the waiting period which expires after any of the following:
Three menstrual cycles (if she experiences menstruation).
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http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=6008

رائع جدا أستاذنا الفاضل أبو مختار

جزاك الله خيرا و بارك الله فيك

Is it permissible to congratulate the parents of a child who was born out of wedlock?
Answer
Congratulating the parents for having a child is permissible in all cases as a sign of kindness and gentleness for the joy they feel with the advent of their baby.
It is rather a popular phenomenon in the West for the woman to have a child out of wedlock and the father of the child might marry her after a while or she might remain a single mother. This issue is known in the Islamic jurisprudence as taking the child that was born out of adultery as the legal child of the adulterer. This issue has two forms, the first form has to do with the woman if she was married and the second form has to do with the case if she wasn’t married.
The majority of scholars deemed it impermissible for the adulterer man to have legal parenthood of the child that was born out of adultery. A handful of scholars on the contrary allowed the legal parenthood of the adulterer man to the child only in the case if the woman was not married.
The major proof on which the scholarly opinion on this issue is based is the prophetic tradition in which the Prophet said “the child to bed and the adulterer to the stone”. The phrase of the child to bed means that if the woman is married and got pregnant, then her born child belongs to her husband and the child enjoys all legal rights such as inheritance as long as at least six months have passed since their last intercourse. As for the phrase “and the adulterer to the stone”, the Arabs used to refer to disappointment and deprivation with dust or stone. So in other words the adulterer has no legal right in this child.
read more...
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=4848

What are the mutual responsibilities of both the wife and the husband in Islam?
Answer
The family is a single joint entity hence both spouses share the responsibility of caring for it. Among these are:
Cooperative parenting
It is not an easy task to parent and educate children to prepare them for their future responsibilities. This calls for the joint efforts of both parents who must teach their children to depend on themselves and use their competencies and abilities to the best of their ability. Children are the fruit of marriage and the ornament of this life. God the Almighty says: “Wealth and children are an ornament of the life of this world…” [18: 46].
Consequently, parents have duties toward their children, most important of which are:
• Parents are required to give an honorable and dignified life to their children starting from pregnancy until adulthood. Abortion is prohibited after ensoulment except in the existence of an overwhelming necessity such as to save the mother’s life, if the fetus is dead or cannot live after birth (if this is established by a trustworthy Muslim doctor). A mother cannot be coerced to terminate a pregnancy.
• A father must choose a wife with desirable characteristics. She must be religious, of good character and come from a good family.
• A couple must seek refuge in God the Almighty from the cursed Satan before engaging in intercourse. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “If any of you wants to have intercourse with his wife, he should first say, ‘In the name of God, O Allah! Protect us from Satan and protect what you bestow on us [children] from him.’ If the couple is destined to have a child, Satan will never be able to harm him or her” [recorded by Al-Bukhari].
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http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=8339

How would Muslims in Ramadan fast more than 18 hours a day?
Answer
Muslims in countries where the fasting hours are 18 hours or more are to estimate the time for starting and breaking their fast. The principle of estimating fasting hours that extend beyond the normal hours is derived from actual circumstances. It is difficult for a person to fast continuously for 18 hours or more and experts have determined the inability of the human body to tolerate such extended periods of fasting which definitely poses harm. If this is so, it cannot be maintained that harm is the objective of Islamic law.
According to the opinion implemented for fatwa, Muslims in such countries should fast according to the timing of Mecca because it is the mother of cities (Umm al-Qura). This means that Muslims in countries where the fasting hours are 18 or more are to start fasting according to the time of fajr [dawn] in their countries, count the number of hours that people in Mecca fast and break their fast when the people of Mecca end theirs. This is to be observed daily; Mecca [prayer] times are available online. For example, if fajr in such countries is at 3 am and people in Mecca fast for 15 hours, the time for people in these countries to break their fast is at 6 pm according to their local time.
Allah the Almighty knows best.
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=3740

Is it permissible to elect a non believer who issues laws against the Islamic Shari’ah in a non Muslim country?
Answer
It is widely known in Islamic Shari’ah that providing benefits and interests and preventing what causes calamities and mischief is part and parcel of the major objectives of the Islamic Shari’ah. Imam al Ghazali in his book (al Mustasfa) defined interest in its original state as bringing goodness and preventing harm which is related to creation and people’s objectives in seeking their best interest. As in Islam, interest is tailored to preserve the five major objectives of Shari’ah which are designed to cater for people’s needs. The five major objectives of Shari’ah to serve creation are meant to preserve their lives, religion, mind, dignity and possessions. Therefore whatever entails preserving these five major objectives is considered an interest and whatever prevents the accomplishment of these five objectives is a harm that should be removed.
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My father suffers from narcissistic personality disorder. I can’t take his aggressive behavior anymore. What should I do?
Answer
Honorable sister,
Never give heed to your father's conduct toward you so long as to treat him kindly even by praying for him and you do not abuse him verbally or by action. Therefore, you should be content because Allah the Almighty knows everything and never support an oppressor. The utmost thing we seek is to please Allah and not merely the parents.
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=6832

Can I travel alone with no mahram?
Answer
It is permissible for a woman to travel without a mahram1 provided the way, destination and return journey are safe and provided she does not meet with any harassment jeopardizing both her safety and religion. It has been narrated through 'Adiy Ibn Hatem (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet told him, "And if you live a long life, you will surely see women traveling from Hira till they circumambulate the Ka'ba, fearing no one except Allah" [Bukhari and others]. Imam Ahmed's report of the hadith includes: "By He in whose hands is my soul, verily Allah will bring this matter [Islam] into completion till women travel from Hira and circumambulate the Ka'ba without being accompanied by anyone."
From this hadith with its different chains of narration, some scholars have derived the permissibility of a woman traveling alone if her safety is guaranteed. Moreover, they have used this hadith to restrict other prohibiting hadiths which, according to them, referred to the lack of security associated with travel in the distant past.
The majority of scholars have permitted a woman to travel for obligatory hajj without a mahram if accompanied by trustworthy females or company. They based their opinion on the precedence of the Mothers of Believers (may Allah be pleased with them) who went on hajj after the Prophet's death and during the caliphate of 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) accompanied by 'Uthman ibn 'Affan (may Allah be pleased with him).
Imam Abu al-Hasan Ibn Batal mentioned in Sharh Bukhari (vol. 4, p. 532), "[Imams] Malik, al-Awza'i and al-Shafi'i said, 'A woman who does not have a mahram, may travel for her obligatory hajj with other women in trustworthy company; the majority of scholars permit this. Ibn 'Umar accompanied women from among his neighbors for hajj. This was the opinion of 'Ata`, Sa'id Ibn Jubair, Ibn Sirin and al-Hasan al-Basri who said that a Muslim man other than her mahram may even be more protective."
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Am I allowed to perform acts of worship during my non-menstrual bleeding?
Answer
A woman may be in a state of:
1. Purity (not menstruating).
2. Menstruation (experiencing menstruation during its regular time and conditions).
3. Istihada (bleeding that exceeds the normal duration of a woman's menstrual cycle and whose characteristics are different from menstrual bleeding).
4. Dysfunctional bleeding such as premenarchal bleeding.
The distinguishing factor between menstrual blood and the blood of istihada is the time of its occurrence and its characteristic features.
Evidence from the sunnah
- Describing menstrual blood, the Prophetsaid, "Menstrual blood is black and odorous.
If it is this [kind of] blood, do not pray and if it is another, perform ablution and pray" [Narrated by Fatima Bint Hubaysh through 'A`isha].
- The Prophetsaid, "Menstrual blood is thick and reddish-black while the blood of istihada is yellow and thin" [Recorded by Al-Darqatni, al-Baihaqi and al-Tabarani from a raised chain hadith narrated by Abu Umama].
- In another version of the hadith, hesaid, "Menstrual blood is always thick and reddish and non-menstrual blood is always thin and yellowish."
- "If it is menstrual blood, it is recognized from its dark color and you must refrain from praying. If it is another, perform ablution as it is venous bleeding" [Recorded by Al-Nisa`i and Abu Dawud from a raised chain hadith narrated by 'A`isha].
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http://www.dar-alifta.gov.eg/Foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx…

My daughter is only 18 years old. Should I allow her to travel alone to study abroad in a university in Germany?
Answer
It is permissible for a woman to travel without a mahram provided the way, destination and return journey are safe and provided she does not encounter any harassment jeopardizing both her safety and religion. It has been narrated through 'Uday Ibn Hatem (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet told him, "And if you live a long life, you will surely see women traveling from Hira till they circumambulate the Ka'ba, fearing no one except Allah" [Bukhari and others]. Imam Ahmed's report of the hadith includes: "By He in whose hands is my soul, verily Allah will bring this matter [Islam] into completion till women travel from Hira and circumambulate the Ka'ba without being accompanied by anyone."
From this hadith with its different chains of narration, some scholars have derived the permissibility of a woman traveling alone if her safety is guaranteed. Moreover, they have used this hadith to restrict other prohibiting hadiths which, according to them, referred to the lack of security associated with travel in the distant past.
The majority of scholars have permitted a woman to travel for obligatory hajj without a mahram if accompanied by trustworthy females or company. They based their opinion on the precedence of the Mothers of Believers (may Allah be pleased with them) who went on hajj after the Prophet's death and during the caliphate of 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) accompanied by 'Uthman ibn 'Affan (may Allah be pleased with him).
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http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=6826

Does the intention of disbelief make someone a non- Muslim?
Answer
Honorable brother,
This is a sort of Satan's whispers (waswasa). A Muslim must be certain that certainty about the Islam of someone cannot be removed easily [by doubt]. It is impermissible for a Muslim to attribute kufr to himself easily. You must make remembrance of Allah (dhikr) and invoke peace and blessings on the Prophet (peace be upon him) in abundance.
http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx…

What does the good innovation (bid’ah) in religion means and does it exist?
Answer
Before answering, we have to clarify the meaning of bid’ah: the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “He who introduces something that is not in agreement with our matter (religion), will have it rejected” [Bukhari). The Prophet’s words illustrate that acts initiated in Islam that do not conflict with the established principles of Sacred law are accepted. This was exactly what ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) did when he introduced the second Adhan [Eng. call to prayer] before Friday Prayers. And this is how the imams and scholars of the followed schools of jurisprudence understood the concept of bid’ah.
If we do not understand this issue in this way, life will be of difficulties to people and they will have to abandon many matters concerning their livelihood, and the Sharo’a comes with ease to humankind.
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Is it acceptable to lie if your purpose is to avoid hurting someone?
Answer
There is a difference between lying—i.e. deliberately contravening the truth—and giving a misleading impression [Ar.ma'areed] which means saying something that ostensibly implies one meaning while intending another. This does not contravene the truth of the message; but the speaker intends a specific referent while the hearer understands something else.
One can resort to this manner of discourse to avert harm.
For instance, it has been narrated that when Muslims sought refuge with the Negus [king of Abyssinia] and he refused to return them to the disbelievers, he was accused by the Christians of renouncing his religion. The Negus wrote on a piece of paper, "There is no god but Allah and Mohammed is His slave and Messenger. Jesus is His slave and Messenger, born of Mary, conceived without a father." He then pinned the paper under his shirt over his heart and went to meet the Abyssinians who accused him of rejecting Christianity. "You abandoned our religion and claim that Jesus is a servant while [our religion teaches us] he is the Son of God." The Negus placed his hand over his heart (and the paper) and said, "I testify that Jesus was no more than this" meaning what he wrote on the paper. The Christians took him at his word and left him.
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http://www.dar-alifta.gov.eg/Foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx…

Is it permissible to fast based on the sighting of the new moon in a country other than the country in which one currently lives?
Answer
Residents of a given country should not begin or end their fast based on a moon sighting that differs from that of their country because this inconsistency divides the unity of Muslims and sows discord and division among them. It is established in Islamic law that the person charged with the affairs of Muslims must resolve any disagreements that occurs between them. Accordingly, if a fatwa is issued stating that the new moon of Ramadan, or of any other month for that matter, has been sighted in a particular country, it is incumbent upon the Muslims residing in that place to follow it and it is not permissible for them to disregard it. This is due to the narration of Karib who said that Um Al-Fadl Bint Al-Harith sent him to Mu’awiyah in the Levant. He said: “Ramadan started when I arrived in the Levant. I saw the new moon on the Friday. Then I arrived in Madina at the end of the month. ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas asked me, “When did you sight the new moon?” I replied, “We saw it Friday night.” He then asked me, “Did you see it?” “Yes,” I replied. “The people sighted it and fasted and Mu’awiyah fasted.” “But we saw it on Saturday night” he said. He added, “And we will continue to fast until we complete thirty days or see the new moon.” I asked him, “Are you not satisfied with the sighting and fasting of Mu’awiyah?” “No,” he said. “This is what the Messenger of God commanded us to do.” So the hadith indicates that every country should follow its own sighting and this is our position when issuing a fatwa on this matter.
And God the Almighty knows best.
http://www.dar-alifta.gov.eg/Foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx…