Recent Fatawa's

Saying Ta’ala or any other attribute Is it waajib to say Ta’ala or any other attribute upon hearing the name of Allah in any gathering (majlis) ? Mufti Sahib Says: Yes, it is waajib to say Subhanahu wa Ta’ala or Rabbul ‘Izzat or Jalla Jalaalohu or any other attribute upon hearing the name of Allah, atlease once in any gathering.

Recite Salaawat -o- Salaam in front of or near the grave of Rasulullah Is it OK to recite Salawaat -o- Salaam standing in front of or near the grave of Rasulullah ? Mufti Sahib Says: It is definitely OK to do so. Also, one can stand anywhere within the limits of Masjid Nabawi and send salutations upon Rasulullah. And it is also OK, if someone is sitting and sends salutations (Salaawat -o- Salaam) upon Rasulullah (??? ?? ???? ????) from anywhere within the limits of Masjid Nabawi. If a person goes reasonably in front of or towards the feet or any side of the grave of Rasulullah then it is more fitting with respect to etiquettes that a person should stand and send salutations.

Permissible for an immature (na-baaligh) child to give Azaan Is it permissible for an immature (na-baaligh) child to give Azaan? Mufti Sahib Says: It is valid for an immature child (one who has not reached puberty) who can correctly pronounce Azaan. There are many things which should be taken under consideration, for example, he is not completely dull (na-samajh), his pronunciation is correct, he gives Azaan in its proper time. If such a child gives Azaan then it would be valid. Although, according to some Fuqaha it is not preferable to do so.

Reciting Quraan OR listening to Azaan If one is reciting Quraan and the Azaan starts, should one stop reciting Quraan and listen to the Azaan or should he keep on reciting? Mufti Sahib Says: It is preferable to stop reciting Quraan and pay attention to Azaan and should give reply to Azaan. Shaami (mercy be upon him) has concluded and explained this proposition (masla) in great detail.

Conveying Isaal -e- sawaab upon deceased by reciting Quraan Majeed Can we convey reward of virtue (isaal -e- sawaab) upon our deceased by reciting any Suraah of Quraan? and if so, then when should we make intention for isaal -e- sawaab ? Mufti Sahib Says: Ahle Sunnat wal Jam’ah are of this view that reward of virtue can be conveyed upon deceased. And according to Hanafi fuqaha, it is allowed to convey reward of virtue by reciting Quraan Majeed or by saying nawaafil prayers. And several Shafi’i Fuqaha say that isaal -e- sawaab cannot be conveyed by reciting Quraan Majeed. One can make intention before reciting Quraan or after reciting Quraan that so and so gets this reward.

Use of the term: Rabb-ul-Arbaab What does ‘Rabb-ul-Arbaab’ mean? Can it be used while praying (in supplication/‘dua’)? Mufti Sahib Says: ‘Rabb-ul-Arbab’ means ‘Rabb’ of all ‘rabbs’ (‘tumaam rabb ka rabb’). Although some jurists(fuqaha) have allowed its use while supplicating, it is better not to use it.

Studying for exams during Itikaaf Can one study for exams while in ‘Itikaaf’ during the last ten days of ‘Ramadan’? Mufti Sahib Says: Yes, one can do so.

Verdict regarding plucking grey hair I am experiencing early greying of hair. Is it allowed to pluck such hair? Mufti Sahib Says: If the hair and beard of a person start turning grey in his youth, then it is apparently due to some deficiency or ailment. Plucking of such hair in this case is permissible as it is due to the deficiency or ailment and not a natural ageing factor.

Travel of women without a ‘mehram’ Can a woman travel alone overseas to see her ill parents, as her husband cannot afford the cost of their travelling together or sending any other ‘mehram’ with her? Mufti Sahib Says: She can travel alone. The condition of a ‘mehram’ accompanying her in a journey no longer applies for the types of travel nowadays.

Pious thoughts and virtuous contemplation How can one think and act piously? Mufti Sahib Says: By spending time in the company of pious and virtuous persons and remaining associated and maintaining a binding relation with them.

Preventing evil thoughts How can one avert evil and immoral thoughts? Mufti Sahib Says: By keeping oneself busy in good deeds.

Meaning of 'ihsaan' and significance of 'bayat' What is 'ihsaan' (absolute perfection/graciousness/benevolence)? With whom one should seek 'bayat'? Mufti Sahib Says: Rasul-Allah (peace be upon Him) said "Ihsaan is to worship Allah Ta'ala as if you see Him and while you see Him not yet truly He sees you". In simple words, Ihsaan is to live in such a way that each and every action is performed just to seek pleasure of Allah Ta'ala and to refrain from bad deeds (sin) only for the fear and retribution of Allah Ta'ala. In order to acquire the state of 'ihsaan', one needs to search for and reach out a pious person to seek 'bayat' with him. A pious person ('shaikh') must have correct 'aqeedah' (beliefs/faith) and someone who strictly practises the 'sunnah' of Rasul-Allah (peace be upon Him). One must at least ensure that a 'shaikh' does not tell lies or backbite; otherwise he himself needs to strive for spiritual purification and wean his own self from these ills. How can someone who is himself spiritually ill lead others to spiritual sublimity?

Remedy for a 'ghusl' (full ablution/ritual bath) without rinsing mouth and nose I forgot to rinse my mouth and nose during 'ghusl' (ritual bath) and realized this lapse after dressing up. Do I have to perform the whole 'ghusl' all over again? Mufti Sahib Says: No, one can rinse one's mouth and nose as soon as one realises that one forgot to do so.

Verdict regarding 'masah' (wiping over) on socks by SealSkinz® A new type of 'water-proof, breathable, close-fitting' socks is now available in market under the brand name SealSkinz®. These are made of two layers of fabric which sandwich a water proof film (middle layer). Is it permissible to perform 'masah' (wipe over) on such socks while making 'wudhu' (ablution)? Mufti Sahib Says: 'Masah' can be performed on any type of socks that fulfil the following three conditions: 1. Are thick enough so that if water drops fall on the socks, the moisture cannot penetrate & reach inside. 2. Withstand a continuous walk of 1 or 2 miles without becoming torn; and 3. Are able to stay upright above ankle on their own without being tied on or using elastic band etc. Unless one knows for sure that any socks fulfil all the three conditions mentioned above, one must not perform 'masah' on them.

Removing impurities by pouring water thoroughly Will fabric be purified if water is thoroughly poured on the impurity? Mufti Sahib Says: If it is absolutely certain that the actual impurity ('haqeeqi najasat') has completely washed away, then the fabric has regained purity (become 'paak'), even if the stain has not completely vanished or the smell of impurity still exists. The underlying reason for this opinion is that when the substance on which ruling of impurity was applied is washed away; there is no reason to consider the cloth/fabric as impure. Hence the cloth/fabric is rendered pure.

Preferred posture for performing 'ghusl' (ritual bath) What is the preferred posture for performing 'ghusl' (ritual bath)? Mufti Sahib Says: Rasul-Allah (peace be upon Him) used to perform 'ghusl' while sitting, as it is closer to modesty (more concealing for the 'awrah'). However, it can be performed while standing.

Verdict regarding purity of drool Is the small amount of saliva that runs down from mouth while sleeping pure? Mufti Sahib Says: Yes, it is pure and so is the bedding on which it is dribbled; even if, as according to some doctors, it comes from the stomach. This is the ruling of Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Muhammad (rahmatullaahi alaihuma) in 'Fataawa-i-Alamgeeri'.

Ablution on wounds What is the right way of performing ablution ('wudhu') on wounded hands or feet? Mufti Sahib Says: 'Shariat' considers one's health more important and allows 'masah' (wipe over) in such a condition. If even 'masah' is harmful, one is excused from that as well.

Contributing in a Christmas gift Everyone in my office is contributing money to buy a Christmas gift for our manager? Is it permissible to contribute for this gift? Mufti Sahib Says: There is no harm in such a contribution because in North America such occasions are now a mere traditional social activity and the people have either forgotten or are ignorant of the religious spirit of these occasions.

Attending a company Christmas gathering in a bar Our department's manager has arranged a Christmas party for all employees in a bar/club. Is it permissible to attend such an event? Mufti Sahib Says: Normally it would not be a problem to attend a Christmas party, since such events are now devoid of religious sentiment. However since it is being held in a bar, it is better to avoid it in view of other ills viz. service of alcohol and the presence of women.

Supplication ('dua') for non-muslims Is it allowed to supplicate (make 'dua') for non-muslims? Is it permissible to wish them by saying take care, hope you get better, have a good day or good luck? Mufti Sahib Says: It is alright to wish non-muslims through such phrases. It is also alright to supplicate for them, such as saying "May Allah bless you with good health".

Giving a Tafseer-ul-Quran to a non-muslim Is it permissible to present a copy of 'Tafseer-ul-Quran' to a non-muslim? Which one would you recommend if one can do so? Mufti Sahib Says: One can present a copy of 'Tafseer-ul-Quran' to a non-Muslim when one is sure that he will treat it with the requisite regard and reverence. 'Tafseer-ul-Quran' by Hazrat Maulana Daryabaadi (rahmatullaahi alaih) (which was first written in English and later translated to Urdu) can be presented.

Opinion regarding occurrence of an absolute 'talaaq' (divorce) During a minor domestic quarrel, the husband said to his wife, "mein tumhay talaaq deta hoon, chali jao magar ab bhi gunjaish hai (I divorce you, go away however there is still room for reconciliation)". The wife said, "ab mein yahan nahi rahoon gi (I will not stay here anymore)". The husband then pronounced divorce twice, by repeating the word divorce two times in one go, but while doing so he did not take his wife's or her father's name. Thus he pronounced divorce to her thrice at the same time and after a month sent her divorce papers declaring divorce thrice in writing. It has been five months since this happened and the husband now wants to reconcile with her. How many times the divorce has occurred in this case? Mufti Sahib Says: Whenever a man pronounces 'talaaq' (divorce), he apparently does so for his wife. So there is definitely no requirement to take his wife's or her father's name. In this case, the divorce has been pronounced thrice in one sitting as well as in writing and an irrevocable divorce ('talaaq al-bain') has occurred. There is no room for mutual reconciliation now. Besides this, the person who has done so must repent and seek forgiveness ('tauba') from Allah Ta'ala, since pronouncing divorce in this manner is a sin against precepts of the 'shariah' (Islamic law & jurisprudence), irrevocable divorce occurs though.

Using water from painted water tank We painted inside of a big water tank (by an initial primer coating followed by paint) and for few days it reeked of paint. When it was filled with water, the water also picked the same smell and taste but its colour did not change. Its condition has not improved over time. Can we use this water for performing ablution ('wudhu')? Mufti Sahib Says: It is of primary importance to examine the type of brush used for painting the tank. If the brush used to paint the tank was not made of pig's bristles, then the water is pure. The smell and taste in water in this case is only due to the essence of paint and in any case the colour of water has remained unchanged. It therefore, is pure and perfectly suitable for ablution, 'ghusl' (ritual bath) and even for cooking.

Anxiety in 'Jannah' Will one feel anxiety in 'jannah', like the restlessness and eagerness one feels while waiting for something good to happen in this world? Mufti Sahib Says: There will be no anxiety, restlessness, eagerness or wait in 'jannah'. A man has so many wishes and desires in this world but the means to fulfil them are so scarce; many a times those desires are not fulfilled despite having the means because of Allah's will to the contrary. Hence he feels eagerness as well as anxiety. Whereas 'jannah' is the reward where the beneficiary would be granted his wishes forthwith innumerable times without any limits.

Saying prayer behind a musaafir Imaam How does a 'muqeem' (resident) 'muqtadi' (follower in a congregational prayer) offer the third and fourth 'rakaat' (unit of Islamic prayer) of 'salaat-e-isha' (night-time prayer) while praying behind a 'musafir' (traveller) 'Imaam' (prayer leader)? Mufti Sahib Says: When the 'musafir imaam' completes his 'salaat' (comprising two 'rakaats' only), the 'muqeem muqtadi' should stand up and perform his 'qiyam' (standing quietly). 'Muqeem muqtadi' doesn't have to recite 'surah Al-Fatiha', just keep silently standing for as long as it takes to recite 'surah Al-Fatiha' or at least as long as it takes to recite 'subhaana rabbiyal A'laa' thrice and then perform 'ruku' (bowing low with hands on knees). Similarly offer the fourth 'rakaat'.

Missing 2nd/second Sajda in salaat and later performing it I forgot to make 2nd 'sajda' (the prostration) in the first 'rakaat' (unit of Islamic prayer) of 'salaat-ul-isha' (night-time prayer) and stood up for the 2nd 'rakaat'. Before making 'ruku' (bowing low with hands on knees) I realized my mistake and performed the missed 'sajda'. Subsequently, I made 'sajda-i-sahw' (forgetfulness prostration) as well. Is my 'salaat' valid? Mufti Sahib Says: It is alright. 'Sajda-i-sahw' becomes obligatory when a 'fardh' (compulsory act) is delayed.

Zuhr Salaat in villages instead of Jum'ah (Friday) Salaat It is mentioned in one of your 'bayaans' (lectures) that according to 'Hanafi' jurists ('fuqaha'), Friday 'salaat' (prayer) cannot be offered in villages. Instead, normal 'Dhuhr' (mid-day) 'salaat' should be offered. Should the 'Dhuhr salaat' in such places be prayed in 'jamaá' (congregation) i.e. with 'adhaan' (call for prayer) and 'aqaamah' (announcement for start of congregation) in the mosque or as 'furada' (individually)? If there is only one person, should he pronounce 'adhaan' and 'aqaamah' before offering his 'Dhuhr salaat'? Mufti Sahib Says: Indeed, according to 'Hanafi' jurists, Friday prayer cannot be performed in villages. In such a village, people should make 'adhaan' for 'Dhuhr salaat' and offer the prayer with 'aqaamah'. If everyone prays 'furada', their 'salaat' will be valid but they won't get the reward ('ajr') reserved for offering a prayer in congregation. If there is a 'masjid' (mosque) in the village and there is no apprehension of creating dissent ('fitna') i.e. everybody agrees to perform 'Dhuhr salaat' in congregation instead of the Friday 'salaat' then the 'Dhuhr salaat' should be offered in the 'masjid' itself. Otherwise 'Dhuhr salaat' can be performed in congregation somewhere else. If there is only one person, then he should say 'Dhuhr salaat' by himself. It is 'sunnah' (way of Rasul-Allah (peace be upon Him)) to pronounce 'adhaan'; however there is no 'aqaamah' before an individual person's prayer.

'Adhaan' (call for prayer) and 'aqaamah' (announcement for start of congregation) by a person who doesn't sport beard in accordance with 'shari'ah' (Islamic law & jurisprudence) Is it 'makrooh' (detested by Islam) to make 'adhaan' and 'aqaamah' by a person who does not sport beard in accordance with 'shari'ah'? Mufti Sahib Says: Responsibility of making 'adhaan' and 'aqaamah' should not be conferred on a person who does not sport beard in accordance with 'shari'ah'. However, one should remain quite if there is apprehension of creating dissent but if one considers appropriate to extend advice, such proposition should be explained calmly and with wisdom. Under the prevalent social degradation if almost everyone deserts certain 'sunnahs', even then one must not leave attending a congregational prayer. Offering a prayer in congregation is far better and more virtuous than offering it alone.

When and why did people start offering Friday prayers in villages? When and why did the people start offering Friday prayers in villages despite the fact that it is not permissible to do so? How do they justify this violation? Mufti Sahib Says: There was a time in the Subcontinent when it was governed by people who were not only knowledgeable in 'deen' (Islam) and injunctions of 'shari'ah' (Islamic law & jurisprudence) but also held them in high esteem. They practised religion in every aspect of life in letter and spirit, used to themselves lead Friday prayers in cities, and the people in villages just offered the routine 'Dhuhr' (mid-day) prayers on Fridays. Those values gradually declined and the masses as well as their rulers drifted towards secularism. People started perceiving many ill-practices, innovations and distortions as 'deen' because of lack of real knowledge and submission to personal whims. Consequently, it was around that time that the wrong practice of offering Friday prayers in villages got started. As far as justification for this violation is concerned, one can only say that there are so many other ills and practices in which people violate the real injunctions of 'shari'ah'. Whatever justification, though devoid of any true religious foundation, people think or cite for those violations can also be considered for this wrong practice as well.