Ask the Imam Previously Posted Q&A

How do I become a Muslim                        When can I wear Islamic Jewelry

Questions about interfaith marriage         What is Islam say about pornography

How do I find a Wali                                     Traveling Without a Mahram

If you are praying, and you hear                 Can you get a tatoo?

Can a wife leave her husband                       Is Sea Food Halal?

Does a sister have to wear hijab                   Receiving Pork from Family
in her home while reading the Quran?

What are Jinn?                                                Can I have an abortion?

Baby Names                                                    Is my divorce valid?

Worrying to Much                                           What should men swim in?

Can I ask my father to move out?                 Should I Leave my husband?

Marrying more then one wife?                Will this person still go to Jennah?

Compulsive Lying                                        What about Suicide ?

Can I have a pet dog?                                  Help With Wudu

Urine on your clothing                               Can I fast if I take medication?
 

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Q.  Assalaamu alaykum.....if my ex wife and myself wants 2 remarry after we've been separated for almost 2 years but she did not remarry after our seperation.wot can we do about it as my kids are suffering and it will be of great benefit for them?

A.  As-salaamu 'alaikum,

This is a great decision for both of you to take, and I hope that it will be beneficial for everyone: for you, your wife, and your children.  If you are legally divorced in the state, you have to get permission (a marriage license from the state) in order to remarry.  Once you get it, come to the Islamic Center so that we can meet with both of you.  The marriage will be a new nikkah with a new mahr.

May Allah make it easy for both of you.

Atef Mahgoub
ICP Imam

Q. Salam Alaykim, my question is regarding fasting during Ramadan.  I take several medications daily which are necessary and prescribed by my doctor.  I can take them at suhoor, so I don't have to worry about it interfering with my fast.  However I do take medication for anxiety which is prescribed "as needed".  Is it halaal to take that medication during the fast if necessary, or is it best to try to wait until iftar to take it if it is needed?
Jazak Allah Khairan

A. Wa alaykum assalaam, Yes, it is best to wait until after Iftar because eating, drinking or swallowing anything besides your own saliva breaks your fast;
unless if it is by accident.
Imam 'AbduSemi'h
 

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Q.  aslam walakum, when you make wuzu and you are washing your arms and you forget if you washed it 2 or 3 times do you have to start making wuzu again thank you?

A. Before performing  as Salah, the Muslim’s body must be totally purified. To be in this state, one must perform the wudu’ (ablution)

1. Have the intention of purifying your heart.

2. Wash your hands, front and back, up to and beyond the wrist three times, right hand first, then left.

3. Rinse your mouth three times, scooping the water up with your right hand.

4. Wash your nose three times by sniffing water up the nostrils and blowing it out.

5. Wash your face three times.

6. Wash each arm up to and beyond the elbow three times, right arm first and then the left.

7. Pass the wet palms of both hands over your head and back. Then rub the inside and outside of the ears with the thumbs and forefingers.

8. Wash your feet up to and beyond the ankle three times, right foot first and then the left. Make sure the water gets between the toes by using your fingers.

You are in this state of ritual purity of wudu’ and if you forgot that you washed your member twice or three times you don have to start all over again , until you urinate or defecate, pass wind, sleep, or become unconscious. If you do any of these things before or during the Salah, you must repeat the wudu’.

walahualam.

Atef Mahgoub
ICP Imam

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Q.  aslam walakum, I am asking this question for someone else, they have got a very bad cough and when they cough which is a lot their drops of urine drop, does this mean they have to change clothes 5 times a day when they pray.

A. Bismelallah ,

If you pass urine or drops of urine, what you have to do is to make wudu’ and wash only the parts of the body and clothing on which the urine has fallen. If the situation you describe is a  occasional of a few drops of urine and  is beyond your control, then your case is one of the following as Al shafeyah scholars said:

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Q. I would greatly appreciate any information regarding keeping dogs as pets.  I have heard that the keeping of a dog as a pet is haraam, as the saliva of the dog is najis and it is impossible to pray in a home where dogs live do to this fact.  However I have also heard that a dog kept for the purpose of farming or protection is halaal.  Is it possible to keep a dog if it is used as a guard dog/watchdog for protection purposes?  If so, must it be kept out of the house or could it be kept in the home, as long as it was not allowed in places where we pray and we keep all of its food dishes and such clean, and make proper wudu after touching it or feeding it if we come in contact with the saliva?    JazakAllah Khiran for your answer.

A. Keeping dogs inside the house without any necessity merely as pets was forbidden by the Prophet (peace be on him). When we see how people  treat their dogs with so much kindness while despising their relatives, and how much attention they give their dogs while neglecting their neighbors, we realize the wisdom of this prohibition. Moreover, the presence of a dog makes the household unclean. The Prophet (peace be on him) said, "If a dog licks a plate (or pot), clean it seven times, of which one time should be with sand (or earth)." (Reported by al-Bukhari.)

The Prophet (peace be on him) said, Jibril came to me and said, 'I came to you yesterday but what stopped me from entering was that there was a statue at the door, a curtain with figures on it in the house, and a dog inside the house. So order that the head of the statue be broken off so that it resembles the trunk of tree, that the curtain be cut and made into two pillows to recline on, and that the dog be taken out.' (Reported by AbDaoud, al-Nisai, al-Tirmidhi, and by Ibn Hibban in his Sahih.)

Dogs which are kept for a purpose, such as hunting, guarding cattle or crops and the like are exempted from what I said above, so if you want to keep a dog as a guard, it has to live outside the house, not inside.  Also, if you are looking to protect your house, you can get protection from different ways that don't involve having a dog.However, the prohibition of keeping dogs in the house does not mean that dogs may be treated badly. Allah says, There is not an animal on the earth, nor a bird flying upon two wings, but comprise nations like yourselves. (6:38) 

Wallahu 'alam
Atef Mahgoub
ICP Imam

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Q. What is Islam's view on suicide?  Will it keep you from Jennah?

A. Bismillah, Assalamu 'alaykum, Committing suicide is a major sin in Islam. Any Muslim who commits suicide is faced with a warning of eternity in the Fire of Hell, where Allah will punish him with the means that he used to commit suicide. It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever throws himself down from a mountain and kills himself will be throwing himself down in the Fire of Hell for ever and ever. Whoever drinks poison and kills himself will be sipping it in the Fire of Hell for ever and ever. Whoever kills himself with a piece of iron will have that iron in his hand, thrusting it into his belly in the Fire of Hell for ever and ever.” Narrated by al-Bukhari (5442) and Muslim (109), 

It was narrated from Thaabit ibn Dahhaak (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever kills himself with something will be punished with it on the Day of Resurrection.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5700) and Muslim (110).

It was narrated that Jundub ibn ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “A man among those who came before you was wounded. He panicked and took a knife and cut his hand, and the bleeding did not stop until he died. Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, said: ‘My slave hastened his death; I have forbidden Paradise to him.” Narrated by al-Bukhari (3276) and Muslim (113).

Imam Abdusemih

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Q. If a person never misses single prayer, but treats others rudely, with disregard, and constantly criticizes and insults, does that person still go to Jannah as long as he keeps the five prayers?  How should someone handle another who acts religious by always praying but then treats people so badly?

A. Bismillah, Many Muslims have erroneous understanding of Islam. And the question posted here is of such ignorance that the person who posted the question is concerned about. In many ayahs in the Qur'an Allah juxtaposes firm believe in Him with good and righteous deed.

Sûrat Al-‘Asr
(Chapter of The Time) CIII

In the Name of Allâh,
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. By Al-‘Asr (the time).

 2. Verily, man is in loss,

3. Except those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma‘ruf) which Allâh has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al-Munkar which Allâh has forbidden], and recommend one another to be patient (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allâh’s cause during preaching His religion of Islâmic Monotheism or struggle).

Sûrat Al-Humazah
(Chapter of The Slanderer) CIV  

In the Name of Allâh,
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful 

1. Woe to every slanderer and backbiter.

2. Who has gathered wealth and counted it.

3.  He thinks that his wealth will make him last forever!

4. No! Verily, he will be thrown into the crushing Fire.

5. And what will make you know what the crushing Fire is?

6. The fire of Allâh kindled,

7. Which leaps up over the hearts,

8. Verily, it shall be closed upon them,

9. In pillars stretched forth (i.e. they will be punished in the Fire with pillars).

Thus, good Muslim may not be known only by how good his salah (prayer) or Zakah excetra is, but rather by his good character. Imam Muslim narrated via the way of Abu Hurayra “that the Messenger of Allah sala Allahu alayhe wasalam asked (his companions): ‘Do you know who the muflis (bankrupt or looser) is?’ They said: ‘The muflis (bankrupt) among us is the one without a dirham or effects.’ He said: ‘The muflis in my Ummah is the one who comes on the Day of Judgement with prayer, fasting and sachet. He comes and has insulted this one, falsely accused this one, eaten this one’s wealth, spilt this one’s blood and struck this one. This one is given from his good deeds and this one from his good deeds. If his good deeds finish before that which is upon him is not paid off, it is taken from their sins and they are thrown upon him. Then he is thrown in the Fire.

Therefore, any Muslim who mistreats other people will not be saved from harvesting what he or she has sowed in this world. And the evidences are in the aforementioned Surahs (chapters) and Hadith of our beloved Prophet Muhammad, sala Allahu alayhe wasalam. Wa Allahu a'lam."

Imam Abdusemih

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Q. Salam wa Rahmatou Allah Wa barakatouh, I want know how can a Muslim man do to get marry again (second wife) if his first wife accepts that but he lives in Pittsburg where bigamy is considered as a criminal act; please inform me if there is anything to do to make that possible without any problems, and what if he marry again in another country but not in US and bring the second wife to live with him in US?

A. Bismelah, 

Islam is a way of life consonant with nature, providing human solutions to complex situations and avoiding extremes. This characteristic of Islam can be observed most clearly in its stand concerning the taking of more than one wife. Islam permits the Muslim to marry more than one woman in order to resolve some very pressing human problems, individual as well as social.

Many peoples and religions prior to Islam permitted marriage to a host of women, whose number reached tens and sometimes hundreds, without any condition or restriction. Islam, on the other hand, laid down definite restrictions and conditions for polygamy  such as justice between them , and some other conditions.

With regard to the restriction, it limited to four the maximum number of wives a man might have. When Ghailan al-Thaqafi accepted Islam, he had ten wives. "Choose four of them and divorce the rest,'' the Prophet (peace be on him) told him. Similarly, some men who had eight  or five  wives at the time of embracing Islam were told by the Prophet (peace be on him) to retain only four.

The case of the Prophet (peace be on him), who himself had nine wives, was exempted from this by Allah for the sake of da'wah (the propagation of the message of Islam) during his lifetime and because of the need of the Muslim ummah after his death, However in my opinon  your case is different which it means it will be UNISLAMIC to marry another wife in suck a country dosnt allow a man to marry more than a wife , imagin if have two wives here in the US and if you die ,who is going to inherited you ??  the first wife or the second ??it will be your first wife not the second becouse they only considered one wife ,the inheritance

This is only one aspect ,  so now you didnt fulfill the point of having more than one wife which is Justice,  Allah said in the Quran '

Atef Mahgoub

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Q. I found myself becoming a chronic liar. At first I though I lied for a good reason but then it just went on and I could not stop. I am trying to repent but I don't know how, I know that in Koran it says that one should ask Allah's only forgiveness and in case if it had done damage to another person ask them for forgiviness as well. I did do so but these people do not seem to forgive me... even though they did even more harm to me than I did to them. What should I do? How do I repent to Allah if people that I had asked for forgiveness twice did not forgive me... I am afraid to repent to them because I can't predict their reaction and I cant move away from Pgh. Thank you.

A. Bismelah , Lying is a disease which  is acquired but not inherited . A person may acquire this disease because of many reason , for examples :
1- Weakness of personality .
2-The interest of attract people's attention.
3-The wish to make Jokes and entertain others.
4-the presence of a bad environment and having friends around who might influence him wrongly.
It seems that a person who lies dose not recognize that Allah sees and hears , it also seems to the same person as if people are naive and simple-minded , many times a liar tries to cover his lies with other lies .
As a Muslim , you are NOT supposed to lie at all ,  the Prophet ( SAAW) was asked about the possibility of a Muslim lying , He negated it completely he was asked " Would a believer be a coward ? He said Yes , He was asked would a believer be a miser  He sad Yes , He was asked would a believer be a lier ? HE said NO "  ( Malik )
The Prophet aslo said  " Saying the truth leads  a person to rightiousness a rightiousnss leads to heaven , A person keeps saying the truth till he is written in Allah 's book as a trustworthly person , on the other hand lying leads to wickedness , an the latter leads to hell , a person keeps telling lies till he is written as a liar "  ( Agreed )
The first thing to do is to repent to Allah and seek his forgivness , He called himself The Forgiver for you . regret what you have done  , promise that you will not lie anymore, and you mentioned that you already  apologized to the people you harmed , so if you are sincere about your repentance , Allah will take care of the rest for you . Allah said " He is the One that accepts repentance from His servent and forgives sin , an knows all that ye do " ( 42:25 ) 
 Walahualam
Atef Mahgoub
ICP Imam
Ibnolislam.

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Q. I would like to know what is the proper Muslim man's swimming attire when swimming. A pool has recently opened near my area, and I love to swim. Some of my friends swim with shorts and a t-shirt, while others swim with shorts but without a t-shirt. I know that the Islamic dress code for a man is from the navel the knee at least. The pool allows you to swim with a t-shirt if you would like to. I would like to know if you can swim without a t-shirt, or if you are supposed to swim with a t-shirt, or if one is better than another. Jazakullah.

A. Bismillah, The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to warn Muslim men against going to the public baths without a lower garment that covered from the navel to the knee.  Jabir narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day must not enter the public bath without a lower garment (to cover his private parts), and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day must not let his wife go to the public bath.”  (Al-Mondhari in Al-Targheeb says that this was reported by al-Nisai and by al-Tirmidhi, who classified it as "good.", Al-Hakim reported it and called it "sound.")  And ‘Aishah narrated, “At first the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) prohibited people from going to public baths, but later allowed men to enter them wearing a lower garment.”  (The wording is from the report of Abu Daoud; also reported by al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah.)

So in light of this I would say that it’s better to wear a t-shirt with your swimsuit because it may not cover from the navel to the knee and more importantly, because this is part of the moral manners of a Muslim.  A Muslim should be chaste, dignified, self-respecting, and modest.  By wearing a t-shirt, you will be protecting yourself from creating any kind of attractions by exposing attractive parts of the body. 

Wallahu ‘alam.

Atef Mahgoub
Ibnolislam.
Icp Imam

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Q. I have been married to a good man for 20 years now and we have 2 small children. I know that no one is perfect but 3 times in these 20 years I have caught him with other women. I remind him that adultry is punishable by stoneing to death in the public square, but he will not admit to anything. So now it has affected me mentally now I am always suspicious, worried about where he is, severly depressed and suicidal. I have tried twice to leave him but I can not bring myself to do it. I interigate him, look at his phone and sometimes go out looking for him.  It is literally making me sick. I have been wanting to speak to an Imam for quite sometime but we do not have a full time one here where I live. If you could give me any advice. I would greatly appreciate it. Because I don't see a purpose for me to be here. Thanks. Jazakala kher and may Allah guide you in your endeavers.?

A. Bismillah, It is not surprising that all the revealed religions have prohibited fornication and adultery (zina) and have fought against these crimes against society. Islam, the last of the divinely revealed religions, is very strict in prohibiting zina, for it leads to confusion of lineage, child abuse, the breaking-up of families, bitterness in relationships and a general laxity in morals, moreover, it opens the door to a flood of lusts and self-gratifications. Assuredly, the command of Allah  And do not come near zina; indeed, it is an abomination and an evil way, (17:32), is just and true.

As we know, when Islam prohibits something, it closes all the avenues of approach to it. This is achieved by prohibiting every step and every means leading to the haram. Accordingly, whatever excites passions, opens ways for illicit sexual relations between a man and a woman, and promotes indecency and obscenity, is haram in your case i would  advise you to stay with him , and remind him by the forgiveness's of Allah, remind him by our Islamic teaching , and don't help him for breaking-up of your family by leaving him , Ramada is coming soon and that is when people get closer to Allah , so it might be a good time for him to repent to Allah and ask his forgiveness , make Duw'a for him and we will do the same for him too , and be patient and always remember the reward of those who were patient  from the Prophets and righteous people .

walahu Alam.

Atef Mahgoub
Ibnolislam.
ICP Imam

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Q. Assalamu Alaikum. I have my father live with me,  but how do I tell him, I now need my space, without hurting his feelings?  I am ready to start a new life with a female, and there is not a enough room in my house, plus he is doing things that are against my religion beliefs.?

A. Bismillah, It is the right of parents that their children should treat them with kindness, obedience, and honor. Devotion to parents is a natural instinct which must be strengthened by deliberate actions. the prophet Mohamed ( peace be upon him ) said  "Three persons shall not enter the Gannah : the one who is disobedient to his parents, the pimp, and the woman who imitates men.'' (Reported by al-Nisai,)

Moreover, Islam emphasizes treating parents kindly, especially when they grow old. Allah says : Thy Lord hath decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be kind to parents. If one or both of them attain old age with thee, do not say a word of annoyance to them nor repulse them, but speak to them in gracious words and in mercy lower to them the wing of humility and say, My Lord, bestow Thy mercy othem, as they cherished me when I was little..(17:23-24)

I dont know if your father is a Muslim or not , you said he is doing things against Islam even if your father is not a Muslim ,It is one of the beauties of Islam that, with respect to the treatment of parents, it forbids the Muslim to be disrespectful to them even if they should be non-Muslims who are fanatical to the point of arguing with him and putting pressure on him to renounce Islam. Says Allah Ta'ala: ...Be grateful to Me and to thy parents; to Me is (the final) goal. But if they strive to compel thee to associate with Me that of which thou hast no knowledge, do not obey them; but keep company with them in this life in a kind manner and follow the way of those who turn to Me. Then to Me will be your return and I will inform you (of the meaning of) all that you did. (31:14-15)

In these two verses the Muslim is commanded not to obey his parents in what they try to tell him to do in this regard, since there cannot be obedience to a creature in sin against the Creator—and what sin could be greater than associating partners with Allah? At the same time, he is commanded to treat them honorably in this world, unaffected by their stand against his faith, and to follow the path of those righteous Believers who turn to Allah and to leave the judgment between himself and his parents to the Most Just of Judges, on a Day when the parents will not be able to benefit the child nor the child the parent. Indeed, such tolerant and beneficent teachings are not to be found in any other religion. the best thing to do is to find a place for your father , you CANT just throw him out ,may Allah reward you for that in shaAllah .

Wallahu ‘alam.

Atef Mahgoub
Ibnolislam.
Icp Imam

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Q. I worry a lot, about everything. I try to trust in God though my worry still overtakes me at times, what can I do?

A. Bismillah, Worry is one of the diseases that have become more and more prominent nowadays, like fear.  These two things can also be curses from Allah SWT.  If a person has been given a disease like fear or worry, this person will be troubled mentally, morally, spiritually, and physically, and he will be unable to lead a quiet, happy life.  There are a lot of things that can cause worry or fear.  One of these is lack of trust in God and in one's self.  Other causes could be weakness in one's personality, or commiting a lot of sins.  As Sheikh Mohammed al-Ghazali writes, "Wrong conceptions about things indicate that a person will move from an error to a greater error, an he will be misbehaving with respect to any duty he is given or any problem he is facing." 

Often, our worries are born out of our problems.  Dale Carnegie offers some sound advice on problem-solving when he writes, "We have to learn the three steps that must be taken in order to solve a problem or eliminate it.  First, collect all the information about the problem.  Second, analyze all sides of the problem.  And third, make up your mind on how to solve the problem, and work to solve it accordingly."

Tranquility has been mentioned in many different places in the Qur'an.  Whenever we find this word, it acts as a lesson for what iman will bring to our souls, peace and satisfaction.  All of this comes from Allah SWT, obedience to His commandments and mindfulness of Him. 

So I would advise you to have a sincere repentance to Allah SWT.  Allah SWT says in Surah 66, "Oh you who believe, turn to Allah with sincere repentance, in the hope that your Lord will remove from you your sorrows."  I would also advise you to increase your trust in Allah SWT and to be sure that nothing can happen to you, bad or good, unless Allah SWT wills it to happen.  Allah SWT says in Surah 9, Ayah 51, "Nothing will happen to us except what Allah SWT has decreed for us.  And in Allah put their trust as Believers."  A third thing you can do would be to increase your iman with things like reading Qur'an, thikr (remembrance of Allah), having a better knowledge about Allah SWT and his names.  All of these things will increase your trust in Allah SWT and act as a remedy for your worries inshallah.  Wallahu 'alam.

Atef Mahgoub
Ibnolislam.

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Q. Dear Respected Sheihk, I have a question and I am in need of an answer.  If my husband divorced me during my menstrual cycle or during a cycle in which we had intercourse (talaq bidi) does it count?  I have read that this type of divorce is not valid and I want to be certain.  If it does count, how long is the iddah if this is the third divorce?  Please note that I love my husband and I do not want to be divorced.  The divorce occurred during an argument. Jazak Allahu Khair for your knowledge and advice.?

A. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions. There are two kinds of divorce as far as the time and the means are concerned: Bidah Talaq (innovated divorce) and Sunnah Talaq (Sunni divorce). The Bidah Talaq is any divorce inflicted on the wife while menstruating or during a period of cleanliness (no menstruation) where the husband has had sexual intercourse with her or the husband pronouncing three divorces at once. The Sunni divorce is any divorce done otherwise.

The majority of the Muslim scholars believe that the innovated divorce is a valid divorce, i.e. it causes the separation between the two spouses. This is the opinion of the four Imams. But other scholars, namely the great scholar Ibn Taymiyah believes that the innovated Talaq is not valid and does not cause the separation between spouses.

As for divorcing the woman while she is pregnant, this is a Sunni divorce. The difference between Sunni and innovated divorce is as follows. If the husband divorces his wife by an innovated divorce knowingly, he commits a sin but if he divorces her by a Sunni divorce he does not commit a sin.
 
Finally, we remind you that this kind of issue should be dealt with Islamic courts or trustworthy scholars of Islam. If the husband wants to divorce his wife according to the Sunnah, he should divorce her in a period of cleanliness in which he has not had sexual intercourse with her.

So, if the man divorces his wife while she is menstruating or in a period of cleanliness where he has had sex with her, he commits a sin but the divorce is valid according to the majority of the Muslim scholars. (See Fatwas 4201 and 6677). So, the first divorce that your husband did while you were menstruating is a valid divorce and he should have revoked it.

(Important Note: But in your case, he cannot, because this was his third and final chance, wala haola wala quwata ila billah).

His second divorce is also valid if you were still during your Iddah (waiting period for a divorced woman before she could get married to another man) because in that period all the rules of a married woman apply on you. His not having sex with you in that period does not influence the rule.
As for the Iddah (waiting period for a divorce woman before she could marry another man) it differs according to the state of the divorced woman.

If the woman is pregnant her Iddah expires as soon as she delivers. Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {And for those who are pregnant (whether they are divorced or their husbands are dead), their 'Iddah (prescribed period) is until they deliver (their burdens),}[65:4]
If she is not pregnant and menstruates her Iddah is the passing of three menstruation periods after the divorce. Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {And divorced women shall wait (as regards their marriage) for three menstrual periods..}[2:228].
If the woman is too young or too old to menstruate, her Iddah is the passing of three months after the divorce. Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {And those of your women as have passed the age of monthly courses, for them the 'Iddah (prescribed period), if you have doubts (about their periods), is three months, and for those who have no courses [(i.e. they are still immature) their 'Iddah (prescribed period) is three months likewise, except in case of death].}[65:4].

But if the man has just married a woman and he has not had any sexual intercourse with her and if he divorces her then she does not have to wait for any Iddah. Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {O you who believe! When you marry believing women, and then divorce them before you have sexual intercourse with them, no 'Iddah have you to count in respect of them.} [33:49].

Allah knows best. We sincerely wish you and your children well. Take a look at the kind of unrelenting danger sisters face from men who threaten
with divorce. Click the send link bellow.
Fi amanillah,
Imam 'Abdusemih

Ref:
http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/Fatwa/ShowFatwa.php?lang=E&Id=82929&Option=FatwaId

http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/Fatwa/ShowFatwa.php?lang=E&Id=85745&Option=FatwaId

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Q. Can you tell me if it is ok to name a baby girl 'Inaaya' - it means gift of Allah.

A. Assalaamu ' alaykum, Yes. You can name a girl Inaaya, however it does not mean gift of Allah. It mean, care or care giving or care taking. However, meaning depends upon the usage.

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Q. A sister thinks she's expecting, its only a few days in to it, but she doesn't want the baby....what is the ruling on termination of the fetus at this stage in pregnancy?!

A. Bismellah, While Islam permits preventing pregnancy for valid reasons, it does not allow doing violence to it once it occurs. ( Imam Al Qaradawy )

Muslim scholars  have agreed that after the fetus is completely formed and has been given a soul, abortion is haram. It is also a crime.
However ( Imam Shaltoot)  said in his book ( al Fatawah)  there is one exceptional situation, after the baby is completely formed, it is reliably shown that the continuation of the pregnancy would necessarily result in the death of the mother, then, in accordance with the general principle of the Shari`ah, that of choosing the lesser of two evils, abortion must be performed. The reason for this is that the mother is the origin of the fetus; moreover, her life is well-established, with duties and responsibilities, and she is also a pillar of the family. It would not be possible to sacrifice her life for the life of a fetus which has not yet acquired a personality and which has no responsibilities or obligations to fulfill.

Imam al-Ghazzali makes a clear distinction between contraception and abortion, saying that contraception is not like abortion. Abortion is a crime against an existing being. It follows from this that there are stages of existence. The first stages of existence are the settling of the semen in the womb and its mixing with the secretions of the woman. Then comes the next stage. Disturbing the pregnancy at this stage is a crime. When it develops further and becomes a lump, aborting it is a greater crime. When it acquires a soul and its creation is completed, the crime becomes more grievous. The crime reaches a maximum seriousness when it is committed after it (the fetus) is separated (from the mother) alive.
Walahualam.

Atef Mahgoub
Ibnolislam.
ICP Imam

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Q. Salaam Alaykum.  What are the jinn?  I keep reading that they were created from smokeless fire, and that they have free will.  Would they be like the "ghosts" and "spirits" that we read about and see in movies?  Please help direct me to a good resource to explain what I've read in the Qur'an.?

A. Bismillah This is a good book to read.
On The Jinn (Demons) : 2nd Edition (Dr, Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips)

Provides a very clear, concise and authentic view of this intriguing subject based on the Qur'an, the Sunnah, the interpretation and experience of the sahaabah (companions of the Prophet (pbuh) and the early scholars of Islam.

List price: $6.95
  

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Q. Assalam Alaikom wa rahmattullahi wa barakatuh, I recently received some food from my mother for my children. She understands I do not eat pork, however, she was thinking that I would allow my children to continue to eat pork. I did tell her I don't want them to eat pork, I am trying to be patient with her. At this moment in time it was easier to take the food and say thank you, but next time I would prefer pork free items for them because they are unhealthy. My question is this. In Islam it is not good to waste food. Do I give this food to Christian friends that eat pork to help them. Or because pork is forbidden and I know it scientifically to be unsafe discard it rather then pass something harmful to my friends. Just because they don't believe it is harmful does not make it right, since I do know the truth. Any suggestions on what to do with the unwanted food?

Jazzaka Allahu Kheiran for your reply?

A. Bismillah First, it is important for your mother to understand that your decision not to eat pork extends to your children, and if you want to raise your children as Muslims and you want them to maintain a relationship with their grandmother, you must educate your mother about your religion.  But since the issue has presented itself, Allah SWT says in the Qur'an, "(Forbidden to you (for food) are: Al-Maytah (the dead animals), blood, the flesh of swine" (Surat Al-Maidah, Ayah 3).  So there is no way whatsoever that a Muslim can eat pork.  When it comes to handling pork, the rules are similar to the rules for handling alcohol.  Drinking alcohol, handling it, giving it to others and selling it are all haram.  The same applies to pork, so even if you and your children will not eat the food, it is not permissible for you to give it to a non-Muslim friend or neighbor.   والله اعلم Atef Mahgoub Ibnolislam. .  

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Q. Does a sister have to wear hijab in her home while reading the Quran?

A. Alhamdolillah, a woman does not have to wear hijab when she is at home reading Qur'an, provided that no one who she would ordinarily wear hijab around is present.  Even the sajdataltelawah (someone making sujood in response to certain passages of the Qur'an) is not required to cover her head when she makes sujood because this sajdah is not related to prayer. Dr. Al Musiar (a professor from Al Azhar University) said that a woman is no required to wear hijab when she is at home reading Qur'an, but added that since we read Qur'an seeking reward from Allah SWT, it is best to  face the Qiblah, to be in a state of wudu, and to feel tranquility and submission in one's heart.  This is part of the 'Adab', or proper etiquette, of reading the Qur'an, and by following this etiquette, we increase our reward from Allah SWT.  Wallahu 'alam. Atef Mahgoub Ibnolislam.

Atef Mahgoub
Ibnolislam.
ICP Imam.  

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Q. Salam alaykum, Can Muslims eat all kinds of sea food? I thought we could, but a friend of mine just told me that we shouldn't eat crap, she said this is according to Hanafi Math-hab Thanks a lot for this service Jazakum Allah khair

A. Bismillah, Animals are divided into two categories according to their habitats: sea animals and land animals.  When an animal is classified as a sea animal, this means that it not only lives in the sea but cannot survive outside the water.  All of the animals that fall into this category are halal to consume.  It does not matter if the animal or fish was found alive or dead, and it does not matter if the fisherman was Muslim or non-Muslim. 

Allah SWT has made sea animals permissible to us without exceptions.  As stated in the Qur'an, "It is He that has made the sea subject, that you may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and tender, and that you may extract therefrom ornaments to wear; and you see the ships therein that plough the waves, that you may seek (thus) of the bounty of Allah and that you may be grateful" (Surat An-Nahl, Ayah 14).

We find another evidence in Surat Al-Maida: "Lawful to you is the pursuit of water-game and and its use for food, - for the benefit of yourselves and those who travel;" (Surat Al-Maida, Ayah 96). 

When Rasulallah SAAS was asked about this matter, he said that the water of the sea was pure, and that it purified the dead sea creatures, making them permissible to eat (Imam Ahmad and Ashab al-Sunnan). 

Additionally, in the Sahihayn, a narration by Jaabir states that the Prophet Muhammad SAAS sent a group of his companions on a trip, and they found a big whale that was already dead.  They ate from it for over twenty days until they returned to Madinah, when they asked Rasulallah SAAS if it was permissible to eat it.  He said, "Eat. It is a substance from Allah SWT to you, and feed us if you have some."  Then one of the companions gave some of the whale to the Prophet SAAS, and he ate from it (Imam al-Bukhari).

Therefore, all sea animals are halal to consume without exceptions.  "O you who believe!  Make not unlawful the good things which Allah hath made lawful for you" (Surat Al-Maida, Ayah 87).

Atef Mahgoub
Ibnolislam.
ICP Imam.  

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Q. If a wife cant stay with her husband anymore , is there anything she can do to end the relationship ?.

A. Bismillah, If a woman no longer wants to be with her husband, she is not obligated to stay with him, even though in most cases it is the man who has the authority to divorce in Islam. 
Our wise Shar'a has given the woman some options in this kind of tough situation.

1) From the very beginning of the marriage, when the marriage contract is drafted, the woman can list as a marriage condition that she will be the one to have the authority to divorce, and not the other way around.  That is jaiz, which means permissible, by Imam Abu Hanifa  and also Imam Ahmad . 

2)  Khula:  A woman who wishes to leave her husband because she feels that she cannot live with him anymore can choose to return to him whatever he gave her as dowry and leave him.  It would not be fair to the man for her to end the relationship and take everything with her.  Allah SWT said, "A divorce is only permissible twice; after that, the parties should either hold together on equitable terms, or separate with kindness.  It is not lawful for you, (men), to take back any of your gifts (from your wives), except when both parties fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah" (Surat Al-Baqarah, Ayah 229).
Another example comes from the Sunnah: the wife of Thabit ibn Qais came to the Prophet Muhammad SAWS complaining that she could no longer live with him because she was starting to hate him.  The Prophet SAWS asked her, "Would you give him back the garden he gave you?"  (The garden was her dowry).  She replied, "Yes."  So Rasullah SAWS told Thabit, her husband, to take back the garden and nothing more.

3) In another ayah, Allah SWT said, "If you fear a breach between them twain, appoint (two) arbiters, one from his family, and the other from hers; if they seek to set things aright, Allah will cause their reconciliation" (Surat an-Nisaa, Ayah 35).  If these two arbiters come together and decide that the couple can no longer be together, then they can separate.

4)  Separation because of sexual deficiency:  If the man has a problem which makes him unable to have sex, the woman can go to court and get a divorce. This is permissible for her because she has the right to be satisfied in the relationship.  (La dharara wa la diraar)

5)  Divorce due to abuse or absence of financial support:  Under these conditions, she has the right to go to court and seek divorce.  Allah SWT said, "But do not take them back to injure them, (or) to take undue advantage; if anyone does that, he wrongs his own soul" (Surat al-Baqarah, Ayah 231). 

Therefore, Islam has opened up many possibilities for dissatisfied or mistreated women to be free from their husbands.  Unfortunately, some husbands give themselves the right to do as they please and forget the rights that Allah SWT has given to women.  As the Prophet Muhammad SAWS said in his last khutbah, "O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. If they abide by your right, then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and comitted helpers."
Wallahu 'alam


Atef Mahgoub
Ibnolislam.
ICP Imam.  

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Q. I have a friend who wants a tatoo. Can you give me substantiation for tatoos, are they permissible or not?
Thank you.

A. Bismillah ar-rahman ar-rahim, Allah SWT said in the Qur'an, "I will mislead them, and I will create in them false desires.  I will order them to slit the ears of cattle, and TO DEFACE THE NATURE CREATED BY ALLAH" (Ayah 119, Surat An-Nisaa).  This is the promise of Shaytan to Allah SWT with respect to his followers.  Rasulallah SAWS has forbidden tatoos in saying that Allah SWT has cursed those who have paintings (tatoos) on their bodies (Imam Muslim).  There are three reasons why tatoos are haram in Islam:

1) Tatoos change the way that Allah SWT has created you with all of their designs and colors, which look ugly.

2)  People from other religions used to use tatoos to draw pictures of their idols on their bodies.

3) I would also add: Why would a man or woman want to go through the pain involved in getting a tatoo?

Therefore, tatoos are haram in Islam.  Wallahu 'alam.

Atef Mahgoub
Ibnolislam. 

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Q. I apologize ahead of time if this makes little sense/has no direction but I have to ask. I've wanted to convert to Islam for some time. If people ask my religion I even say I'm a Muslim (I don't know if that's wrong or not). I was wondering where I should start? I have a copy of the Qur'an that I read as much as possible, I've picked a Muslim name for myself, and I'm beginning study of Arabic.

Any help would be appreciated and I hope to meet you soon.
Looking forward to the email response. Thank you..

A. Bismillah, You don't have to apologize at all.  It's always nice to see someone who is searching for the truth, and here at the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh, we will do our best to help you and clear up any questions or concerns you may have.  Qur'an is a great start, but please stop by the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh sometime if you have questions or are looking for books about Islam.  We look forward to seeing you.

Atef Mahgoub
Ibnolislam.

Q.I am emailing about traveling without a mahram for the purposes of research. I am enrolled in a research course with my university that culminates in me going to Brazil from May- June for 6 weeks. I was speaking with a Muslim sister and she conveyed to me the hadith on traveling without a mahram. I now understand that it would not be permissible for me to go to Brazil even for the purposes of research. Or to Mozambique inshallah. Do you have further evidence on this topic?

A. Bismillah, What she said is absolutely correct. But due to the fact that you are travelling there; for research and or work, the travelling may rise to the level of dhoroorah or exigency, which means, if you do not go, it may bring all kinds of unpredictable results to your progress in the future. Therefore, the scholars have said that: "Adhorooraat tubeehul mahdhooraat" meaning, emergencies make forbidden things acceptable.
However, the same scholar also said: "Adhorooraat tuqadar biqadariha" meaning, emergencies must be measured by their degrees. Therefore, you may travel to any of these places, but you cannot stay their any additional day without a valid reason. And likewise, you cannot do any other unecessary things while you are there. It is also important to remember that even your presence by yourself here in Pittsburgh, without any mahram, while all your relatives are in another states, nevertheless holds the same ruling, because you are here without a mahram. Can we imagine someone say that Muslim women should not get education without a mahram. But it would be better, if your father, brother or sister or any mahram accompany you, during your travelling there, and from there. And Allah knows best.

In conclusion, you are the one to make the final decision whether this is a lifetime opportunity for you or not. The issue is a matter of possible permissibility and not haram or halal. It is clearly haram, but the Shariah sometimes make exceptions in cases of exigency.

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Q. Salaam Alaykum, In terms of "Islamic" jewelry, what is permitted to wear all the time and what is not?  For example, Qur'an isn't allowed in bathrooms, so therefore I couldn't wear a necklace with Qur'an on it all the time, correct?  What about Allah, or any other words in Arabic calligraphy?  Thank you.

A. Bismillah, Jewelry and other ornaments are from "zina."  Zina is anything that a person uses to decorate himself or herself. 

    It is Haram for a man to wear gold, even a little of it.  The prophet Mohamed SAAS saw a man wearing a gold ring once.  He took it off, threw it away and said that if a man was wearing a gold ring in this dunya, it was like wearing a piece of hell fire around his finger.  The people watching suggested that the man pick up the ring and sell it or do something good with it, but the man replied that he didn't even want to touch it after what Rasullah SAAS had said.  

      For women, though, it is permissible to wear gold because women like to decorate themselves.  However, if the purpose of the decoration is to seduce or tempt men, it becomes haram. 

    As for jewelry which has Qur'an or one of Alllah SWT's names on it, you cannot go inside the bathroom wearing it.  However, if you are in a public place and are afraid of losing your jewelry by leaving them outside the bathroom, then you can have it inside with you (al daurat tubih al mahzorat)
Walahualum

Atef Mahgoub
Ibnolislam.

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Q. aassalamou alaykoum: I am planning to get married in the summer time inshallah. My wife to be is a catholic and after talking to her priest he advised us that we can only have one ceremony. I hope that the mosque has experience with such event. Here are the options we have:

1. we can get married at the mosque with the priest present, he also asked if he could say a prayer or such for her family at the end and if that was permitted.

2. second option is to get married at an independent location where the priest could lead the ceremony and the Imam will be in the background or the Imam leading and the priest being the background and to give a prayer at the end. Could you please provide me with some ideas?
   
   Jazakoum allah khayren.

A. Bismillah, These are mainly procedural questions. We at the ICP have a Marriage policy, If you are planning to get married at the ICP, you must obtain a copy o the marriage policy, as soon as possible, becasue we abide by the policy requirements strictly.

First Question, Yes, we could solemnize you both in marriage according to the Islamic law. However, if the priests want to be present, he may, but since the marriage is going to be conducted based on the Qur'an and Sunnah, there may be no room for another solemnizing of the said marriage based on another faith.

Second Question, We do not solemnize Interfaith Marriage.
Imam Abdusemih

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Q.I am married to a Muslim man and would like to know the Islamic stance on pornography & masturbation particularly if a Muslim man is married? Is it haraam or is it permissable under certain circumstances? Any advice is appreciated as it has become a problem.

A.Bismillah,
All forms of pornography and masturbation are haram, for both Muslim men and Muslim women.  All Muslims are supposed to lower their gaze and exercise self-control with respect to their sexual desires.  Ibn Abbas was asked about masturbation, and he said that it was forbidden by Rasullah SAAS.  The Prophet PBUH also said to the Muslims that whoever was not able to marry should fast, since fasting reduces sexual desires.  As for those who are married, in my opinion they are committing a big sin and there are no circumstances under which masturbation and pornography would be permissible.  (Wallahu 'alam)

Atef Mahgoub
Ibnolislam.

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Q.If somebody is praying jamaa and an emergency happened such as a mother her baby fell, or craying hard, or cell phone keeps ringing, can she go out of Jamaa and complete her prayer alone, or should she stop and repeat her prayer in a later time.

A.Bismillah, When you go to pray, you are supposed to be focusing on your prayer and avoiding distractions (such as cell phones, etc)  because you are between Allah SWT's hands, and Allah SWT is looking into your face.  So you have to feel the glory during your prayers.  But the Prophet Muhammad SAAS, when he heard a child crying, would make his prayer faster.  But you cannot leave the prayer unless by doing so you are preventing an accident from happening or saving someone from harm.

Atef Mahgoub
Ibnolislam.

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Q. As Salaamu Alaikum, the question I have is seeking a Wali/Wakil. I am looking to remarry my ex-husband insha allah, and I do not have a Wali. I asked the Imam at my community but I never get a response or when I asked can he appoint someone because I have no Muslim relatives. I remarried in November to a brother in Philly via the Phone my Wali was a brother name Ali down in Philly because I couldn't get a Wali in Pittsburgh. Well that ended in divorce he pronounce divorce and then I asked to be release with a Khul, Now, my ex-husband cares for our 6month old son during the day while I work and he said that he wanted to remarry me. After making Istikarah I would like to remarry him because it's a benefit for my family. What should I do in this situation?

A. First of all, I don't know how you could have been married on the phone. That is not an acceptable form of marriage, at all. He also divorced you and then you asked to be released by using Khul, I'm sorry but  it just doesn't make any sense, because you said he already announced the divorce, so there was no need for(  Khul ) .

Anyhow since you are divorced and your ( Edah ) is over, then  you can remarry whoever you want, but you need a Wali. I don't know if you live in Pittsburgh or near Pittsburgh but  you can contact us. The Islamic Center of Pittsburgh can perform the marriage service with a Wali from the ICP and under the ICP policy  in sha Allah .

Atef Mahgoub
Ibnolislam.

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Q. CAN WE EAT MEATS FROM SUPERMARKETS BECAUSE THEY ARE EHL=I KITAB ? THANK YOU

A. Bismellah . First of all if you have a halal food around so, its  recommended to get halal food as long as there are places that provide halal food. If you can not get the Halal for any reasons, then you can eat the meat of Ahl-elkeetab, from the supermarkets

Atef Mahgoub
Ibnolislam.

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