Know Your Deen

Islamic QA for North America

September 2, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Do woman have a ‘deficiency in Religion’

Q: What is the understanding of Sahih al-Bukhari 304? Does it not come as a putdown of women? The hadith appears strange and we may not understand what it means. Can this be an error. Are woman inferior to men in islam, less smart and have inherently less value? Clarify
A: No. This hadith is not a declaration that women are inherently inferior, less intelligent, or of lesser worth before Allah سبحانه وتعالى. It must not be read through a single phrase detached from its setting, its wording, and the Rasool’s ﷺ own explanation of what he meant — all of which are preserved in the same narration.

عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: خَرَجَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ فِي أَضْحًى أَوْ فِطْرٍ إِلَى الْمُصَلَّى، فَمَرَّ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ فَقَالَ: “يَا مَعْشَرَ النِّسَاءِ تَصَدَّقْنَ، فَإِنِّي أُرِيتُكُنَّ أَكْثَرَ أَهْلِ النَّارِ.” فَقُلْنَ: وَبِمَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ؟ قَالَ: “تُكْثِرْنَ اللَّعْنَ، وَتَكْفُرْنَ الْعَشِيرَ، وَمَا رَأَيْتُ مِنْ نَاقِصَاتِ عَقْلٍ وَدِينٍ أَذْهَبَ لِلُبِّ الرَّجُلِ الْحَازِمِ مِنْ إِحْدَاكُنَّ.” قُلْنَ: وَمَا نُقْصَانُ دِينِنَا وَعَقْلِنَا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ؟ قَالَ: “أَلَيْسَ شَهَادَةُ الْمَرْأَةِ مِثْلَ نِصْفِ شَهَادَةِ الرَّجُلِ؟” قُلْنَ: بَلَى. قَالَ: “فَذَلِكِ مِنْ نُقْصَانِ عَقْلِهَا. أَلَيْسَ إِذَا حَاضَتْ لَمْ تُصَلِّ وَلَمْ تَصُمْ؟” قُلْنَ: بَلَى. قَالَ: “فَذَلِكِ مِنْ نُقْصَانِ دِينِهَا.”
Narrated by Abu Sa’id al-Khudri رضي الله عنه: The Rasool of Allah ﷺ went out on the day of Eid al-Adha or Eid al-Fitr to the prayer ground. He passed by the women and said, O women! Give charity, for I have been shown that you form the majority of the dwellers of the Hellfire. They asked, Why is that, O Rasool of Allah? He said, You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you, and yet more able to overwhelm the resolve of a sensible man. They asked, O Rasool of Allah, what is deficient in our intelligence and religion? He said, Is the testimony of a woman not equal to half that of a man? They said, Yes. He said, That is the deficiency in her intelligence. And is it not true that when she menstruates, she neither prays nor fasts? They said, Yes. He said, That is the deficiency in her religion. Bukhari 304

Understanding the phrase: “Deficiency in Religion”
The Rasool ﷺ explained this himself, immediately when asked: it refers to the fact that a woman does not pray or fast during menstruation. This is not a sin, and it is not evidence of lesser standing before Allah, it is an exemption granted by Allah’s own legislation and mercy. It describes a reduction in the count of obligatory outward acts performed during that period, not a reduction in faith, sincerity or nearness to Allah. The Quran affirms repeatedly and in multiple places that reward before Allah is tied to belief and righteous deeds, without distinction of sex.

Understanding the phrase: “Deficiency in Intelligence”
The Rasool ﷺ tied this specifically to the testimony arrangement described in the Qur’an:
وَاسْتَشْهِدُوا شَهِيدَيْنِ مِن رِّجَالِكُمْ ۖ فَإِن لَّمْ يَكُونَا رَجُلَيْنِ فَرَجُلٌ وَامْرَأَتَانِ مِمَّن تَرْضَوْنَ مِنَ الشُّهَدَاءِ أَن تَضِلَّ إِحْدَاهُمَا فَتُذَكِّرَ إِحْدَاهُمَا الْأُخْرَىٰ
And bring to witness two witnesses from among your men. And if there are not two men, then a man and two women from those whom you accept as witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her. Quran 2:282
The verse states its own reason plainly: so that if one witness forgets or loses track of the details, the other may remind her. This is a ruling focusing to specific legal and financial context — recorded debt transactions — in a setting where women were, as a general social matter of that time and place, less routinely engaged in commercial dealings than men. It is not a claim that women are generally less rational than men, that every man is more intelligent than every woman, or that women are incapable of scholarship, sound judgment, teaching, leadership or independent reasoning. Classical commentators, including Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani in Fath al-Bari, discuss this narration at length within precisely this scope.

The Setting Matters
The Rasool ﷺ was addressing women directly on the day of Eid, encouraging them toward charity — not delivering an abstract theological verdict on womanhood. In the same breath describing this “deficiency,” he stated that he had not seen anyone more able to overwhelm the resolve of even a sensible, determined man than a woman. The women present did not remain silent or confused by his words — they asked him directly what he meant, and he answered them specifically and without evasion. This exchange, preserved in full within the same hadith, should not be separated from the phrase that critics often quote in isolation.

The Meaning of Nuqsan
The Arabic term nuqsan used in this hadith denotes a reduction or incompleteness in a specific, defined respect, not a verdict on a person’s inherent value or honor. Its usage here is scoped precisely to the two matters the Rasool ﷺ himself named and explained, and should not be generalized beyond what he specified.

The True Measure of Honor
Islam states plainly and without ambiguity what determines a person’s honor before Allah:
إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ
Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Quran 49:13
Honor before Allah rests upon taqwa, God-consciousness and righteousness — not upon gender, lineage, wealth or social standing.

Your question is appreciated. Glad we could clarify.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

September 2, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Past does not impact present Musjid designation

Q: If a musjid was not a musjid and become a musjid, i as a woman was informed that a woman can go into it during her menses.
A: If a building was formerly used for another purpose but was later designated as a masjid, its previous use does not change its current status. According to the majority of scholars, a menstruating woman may not remain inside the masjid. Scholars permit her to pass through or enter briefly when there is a genuine need.
This ruling applies only to the area formally designated as the masjid. A menstruating woman may enter areas that are not part of the masjid, such as a classroom, office, hallway, lobby, courtyard or multipurpose room. She may also enter a musalla or prayer room that has not been formally designated as a masjid.
The determining factor is not whether the building was originally a masjid, but whether the specific area is currently designated as a masjid. Your local Musjid administration should be consulted regarding the building’s official designation areas.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

August 18, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Can one send saluations upon the Rasool ﷺ with a daff (musical like instrument)

Q: What is your opinion on sending ṣalawāt upon the Prophet ﷺ with a daff as is sometimes done at mawlid events?

A: Sending ṣalawat upon Rasool ﷺ is among the greatest forms of dhikr. Due to it being an act of worship,  it is best kept in the manner taught by Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. One must do it in a sincere manner and its recitation with love, reverence and full attention, not accompanied by a daff or any other instrument that can also function as a distraction. Allah says: Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe, send blessings and peace upon him. (Qur’an 33:56) So by sending salutations, you are doing what Allah (SWT) loves to do, and also what the angels are appointed to do. So do it as close to what resembles them.

The Rasool ﷺ also taught the words of ṣalawat, including on how to send it upon Ibrāhīm عليه السلام in the Ṣalah/Durood Ibrahimiyyah. We have no Sunnah showing that He ﷺ sent these blessings with instruments or taught the companions to do so with any instrument. There are also narrations that the Rasool ﷺ returns the salam of the one who sends salam upon Him (SAW). If we are offering salam to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and it reaches him by Allah’s permission, that moment deserves focus, dignity and presence of heart. A daff may be intended as a joyful expression, but it can shift attention away from the words and their meaning.

This is not a judgment of anyone’s love or intention. Love for the Rasool ﷺ is part of our Iman. Sending ṣalawat abundantly with attention and reverence in the manner taught by the Rasool ﷺ would be most beneficial and remains closest to the Sunnah way of sending Salutations.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

P.s. Please be aware, the above is not responding to an opinion on Mawlid, that is a separate issue.

August 6, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Working class man needs to pray!

Question: A congregation includes many working members with a fixed lunch break (e.g., 1:00–1:30 PM). The mosque is only minutes away, prays Zuhr at 1:10 PM. In winter it gets earlier earlier, while the lunch break remains fixed. Is it permissible for the mosque to keep the Zuhr time fixed at 1:10 PM year-round and what should a working congregant do if this is not accommodated by our musjid? We had an imam that would do the Friday khutba sometimes before the time. So can this be done for working people regularly for Zuhr?

Answer:
The time for Zuhr begins once the sun passes its zenith and lasts until the time for Asr enters. Rasool ﷺ said: The time of the Zuhr prayer is when the sun passes the meridian… It lasts until the time of the ‘Asr prayer. (Sahih Muslim)
This hadith establishes the outer boundaries of Zuhr’s valid time — from zenith until Asr — and does not require praying at the earliest possible moment within that window. Delaying Zuhr somewhat within its valid time for the legitimate benefit to the congregation does not conflict with this religion. As a matter of fact, it is sunnah — as per hadith to delay the Zuhr, more so in hot seasons. Generally this is not done, so as to not disturb the schedule of thouse working.
Having a fixed congregational time particularly for Zuhr is best, moreso for a working crowd. So long as the time remains within the boundaries outlined above — such as 1:10 PM —  provided that this time reliably falls after true zenith on every day of the year, including the shortest days of winter, when zenith occurs earliest. Since a fixed time serves a real and recognized benefit (enabling working congregants to attend consistently, rather than needing with the time) and does not violate the boundaries,  this should be given preference.).
If the congregation requests a seasonal adjustment and it is not granted, a working congregant bound by a fixed schedule has two valid options:
Pray individually at the mosque or elsewhere, more so if attending the congregational prayer is not possible due to a genuine ongoing constraint (such as a fixed work schedule). A person prevented from congregational prayer by a legitimate excuse is not deprived of full reward for their sincere effort to fulfill the obligation on time.
Form an informal congregation with others facing the same constraint, provided this takes place away from the main prayer hall, does not conflict with the Masjids operational policies and does not create disturbance or disorder within the institution. This Zuhr prayer must be done outside the hours of the main prayer session. Congregational prayer performed under such circumstances remains valid and rewarded as such.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

July 22, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Lets not run with just one point, lets look at it as a whole

Question:
The Rasool ﷺ said: Do not turn your houses into graves and it is established that voluntary prayers are better performed at home. I try to pray nafl at home. I pray the sunnah in the musjid. The (potentially ignorant) ‘imam’ wants to ‘make it easier’ for people to attend. If I pray my voluntary rakahs at home before coming to the Musjid, I miss part of the congregation. Is it not rewarding to pray at home then come to the musjid. What is the ruling and should the imam adjust the time? Furnish evidence not ideas.
Answer:
Assalamualaikum Respect Br:
First and foremost, your question is appreciated. This answer is directed to the specific situation you described and should not be generalized to every community or circumstance. The matter should be approached as a whole, with attention to the intent of the Shariah and the full guidance of the Sunnah before us. The Rasool ﷺ encouraged believers to pray voluntary prayers in their homes and said, “The best prayer of a person is in his house except the obligatory prayer.” This includes nafl and Sunnah! Sure, we make exceptions to this rule due to our modern situations of distance, timings, etc. These exceptions are not rules. Rasool ﷺ also said, “Do not turn your houses into graves,” which the scholars explain as encouragement to keep the home alive with worship and prayer.
At the same time, congregational prayer is not a matter to be treated lightly. Rasool ﷺ gave a severe warning regarding neglect of the jamaah, which shows the great importance of attending prayer in congregation. These narrations make it clear that the Shariah places great weight on answering the call and preserving the congregation, and they should not be set against each other.
Accordingly, a worshipper should not deliberately miss the beginning of the jamaah in order to perform a voluntary act, especially when that act is not among the emphasized rawatib. The two rakahs before Isha, or according to some four rakahs, are recommended and virtuous, but they are not so emphasized that one should sacrifice the opening of the congregational prayer for them. The phrase “for whoever wishes” shows that this prayer is meritorious, not obligatory.
To establish the virtue of this prayer, there are reports from the early scholars indicating its desirability. Imam al-Mawsili mentions a narration from Aishah رضي الله عنها that the Rasool ﷺ prayed four rakahs before Isha and four after it, then rested. Imam Muhammad ibn Nasr al-Marwazi also reports from Said ibn Jubayr that they regarded four rakahs before Isha as praiseworthy. These narrations confirm the value of the practice, but they do not require it to be performed at home in every case, nor do they justify placing it ahead of the congregational prayer when time is limited.
Accordingly, if praying at home would cause one to miss the beginning of the congregational prayer, then preserving the jamaah takes precedence. One may come early to the masjid and pray the four rakahs after the adhan, and the reward for doing so remains great. This is especially fitting when one is careful to protect the prayer’s time and the unity of the congregation. The sounder course is to arrive early, pray the Sunnah, attend the congregation from the start, and if one wishes, to pray voluntary prayers at home at another time.
The imam should also consider the welfare of the congregation. If a slight delay brings clear benefit and no hardship for most people, it is permissible. In some places and seasons, this may be more suitable. In other cases, especially when the prayer time is already late, the imam should weigh the matter carefully and choose what best serves the congregation. In public worship, the needs of the congregation should come before personal preference. 

Allah Certainly Knows Best.
P.s. Kindly have a Mufti break the above points down and correct our thinking, should you feel it is incorrect. We would love their full explanation in writing. Please also note, we are living in a country wherin people have to go to work, their schedules matter, etc. A good response takes all this into consideration.

July 4, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Loss of job! Navigating as community

Q: A brother has recently lost his job. He has a mortgage, insurances, dependents and ongoing living expenses. His financial circumstances suggest that he may be unable to meet his family’s essential needs. For example, if a person’s monthly income were approximately $3,200 while his necessary monthly expenses totaled approximately $6,400, would this fact alone make him eligible to receive Zakah or would additional information be required to determine his eligibility?
Also, if an organization (name withheld) is administering the Zakah fund and the amount of assistance requested may be substantial, (as can be noted from the potential figures)  what process should it follow before approving and distributing the Zakah? What level of financial inquiry, documentation, and oversight is appropriate to ensure that the funds are distributed in accordance with the Quranic Ayah on Zakah while fulfilling the organization’s fiduciary responsibilities for the community?

A: If a person’s income is insufficient to cover their essential living expenses and available assets do not suffice for his basic needs, then the person may be regarded as among the fuqarāʾ and masākīn who are eligible to receive Zakah. The criterion is not mere possession of some income or cash, but the existence of surplus wealth beyond one’s indispensable necessities. However, taḥqiq (research) and due diligence remain necessary. If the individual has surplus assets, retirement savings or other significant resources, then a respectful and confidential conversation should be held before Zakah is distributed, especially when public Zakah funds are being administered.

Since the situation includes mortgage-related obligations, potential dependents, insurances and an inability to meet essential expenses, this may further support his eligibility. In such a case, it is permissible to assist him from Zakah funds, provided the assistance is directed toward ḥajah ḍaruriyyah (extreme necessities), not toward luxury or non-essential expenditure. Thus, from the standpoint of amanah (trust) and governance, Zakah should not be dispensed without reasonable verification. The committee: 1) Should assess the recipient’s actual condition, 2) The extent of his need, 3) The proper category under which he falls. This preserves both the dignity of the recipient and the integrity of the fund.

Accordingly, if the initial conversation shows that he has a surplus and does not yet fall below the nisab threshold, or that his expenses should first be reduced, he may be advised as follows: once your wealth falls below the nisab level, the organization will be able to assist in measured amounts and such assistance may continue so long as the need remains and eligibility continues. It may also be helpful to explain the approximate limit of assistance that can reasonably be provided over a given specified period, so that he may plan ahead and work toward greater stability. At the same time, he should be encouraged to review his expenditures, reduce obligations where possible and adjust his affairs in light of his hardship. The loss of employment often brings real strain and the community should assist with mercy, but responsibility remains a two-way matter: support from the giver and effort from the recipient.

May Allah (SWT) make it easy for all, InshaAllah, ameen!

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

P.s. Kindly focus on bold or italics to gain the finer points of the deen upon which this response comes into view.

May 26, 2026
by admin KyD
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Eid al Adha Takbeerat Information

Assalaamu alaikum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakatuh,

Quick Reminder: The Eid Takbeerat begins Tuesday, May 26 at Fajr and ends this Saturday at Asr. Let’s fill these days with remembrance!

🎧 Listen to the Takbeerat on YouTube

📝 The Wording of Takbeerat

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil-hamd. (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.)

⚙️ Quick Rules & Etiquette

  • When to Recite:
    • After Prayers: Highly recommended immediately following every obligatory (Fardh) congregational prayer.
    • Anytime: Encouraged freely throughout the day and night (while driving, cooking, or relaxing).
  • Volume: Men should recite aloud in public spaces to spread joy, while women should recite softly.
  • How: You can recite individually, with family, or play them in the background at home to keep the Eid spirit alive.

Wassalaam,

Admin @ FeedTheUmmah.com

May 18, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Cowardice of Hatred, the Strength of Dhul Hijjah

The devastating attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego cuts deep. Losing members of the Ummah — anywhere in the world, more so here in the USA is a profound tragedy.

As people of faith, we believe that targeting children, educators and the vulnerable is never a display of power. It is the ultimate sign of weakness and cowardice. True strength protects; cowardice assaults. In the wake of such hatred, people in responsible positions must unequivocally condemn such violence — regardless of where it takes place, and regardless upon whom it occurs. A wrong is a wrong and it must always be condemned! Period! We must hold those in leadership accountable to speak out against any and all such violence. Silence is not an option. We must stand strong in the face of these cowards.

As we navigate this pain during these sacred days of Dhul Hijjah, we must continue to stay disciplined — as we always do, continue to be responsible and focused on what God Almighty expects of us. This is a time for deep devotion, unity and looking out for one another and also keep our neighbors safe. This is what Allah (SWT) expects of us. And yes, as Muslims we always have done this and will continue to do this!

Our doors and our hearts remain open. Pain is not going to make us lose our dignity and gratitude. We honor the victims not by retreating, but by doubling down on our faith, our community and our unwavering resolve.

Do not lose heart, nor grieve, for you will surely carry the upper hand if you are true believers. — Quran

Muhammed Shoayb

May 7, 2026
by admin KyD
0 comments

Qurbani 2026! Visit the site linked below!

Assalaamu alaikum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakatuhu!

Are you looking for a place to submit your orders for qurbani this year? You can do so very affordably and reliably at FeedtheUmmah.com!

Qurbani will only be done after Eid Salaah takes place here in California, and we will email you once your qurbani has been completed.

JazakAllah khair for your continued support and may Allah (SWT) reward you abundantly, Ameen.

Wassalaam,
Admin

May 1, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

No zakah for you!

Q: I inherited furniture from my mothers death. It is valued over 25 000. Some old pieces. But i myself do not have much money. So how would i pay zakah on it?

A: May your mother rest in peace, inshaAllah.

One does not pay zakah for personal furniture they own.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.