Know Your Deen

Islamic QA for North America

December 7, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

northern Utah for milk and cheeses as well as Purebred Icelandic Sheep

Greetings;
My husband and I have begun raising Lacaune dairy sheep in northern Utah for milk and cheeses as well as Purebred Icelandic Sheep for fleeces. As we will be lambing in May I wanted to make avalable our lamb crop for on the hoof purchase to the Muslim community first as your needs are particularly special in young lambs. Also fleeces will be available from the sheep prior to lambing in late April and early May if you have sisters who enjoy the art of spinning and weaving. If you have any suggestions or recommendations for us we are welcome to all. I thank you for your response.
Sincerest Regards,
Susan and Stig Hansen
801-710-3833
Website: http://www.cookingdanish.com

Time: Monday November 23, 2009 at 8:49 am

Comment: thank you for visiting our site. We hope our community could benefit from your services.

We have posted your information. We wish you all the success.

#745

December 5, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Given that our Imaan has its own ebbs and flows

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Q: Given that our Imaan has its own ebbs and flows, what is a person to do when it is at an ebb?

Jazakullah Khair in advance.

A: Reflect upon yourself. Stay away from places (be it homes, businesses, etc) that allow your mind to wonder of towards haram.  Each person should be aware of her/is spirtual ups and downs. Focus on your root causes.

Ask yourself daily in a reflective manner the following questions: it is too much TV that i am watching? Am i spending too much time ‘facebooking’? Am i involved in a lot of useless conversations?  Who am i really? Am i showing one thing but in reality a deception to myself about myself? If i die now, what would my legacy be? Can i face my Allah?

Imaan can never be at a constant. It always fluctuates. This is due to our environment being in flux and our letting of the environment control our thoughts and actions. To minimize negitivity, keep the company of the pious. Avoid gossip, lies, cheating, ill thoughts of all humans, be consistent with good deeds.

Spend 15 to 20 minutes a day to reflect on yourself. Keep a journal of your errors. Reflect on your poor choices to make yourself a better person.

(student #745 as dictated by imaam)

December 3, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

name and converting to islam

Q: Regarding naming when a person converts to Islam, do they have to change their name to an Islamic name?

A: It is not one of the conditions of becoming a muslim that one must change your name.

Mufti Abdul Rehman

website note:  A name represents who we are, who we choose to identify with.   Hence, while it is not a condition of becoming or remaining a Muslim, many people choose names that are Islamically-identified. They do this once they are comfortable with all aspects of their “new” identity, and are willing and eager to be known clearly as Muslim. As such, many people keep their birth names for professional reasons, and prefer to be called by their Islamic names within the Muslim community.  All approaches are equally valid, when you keep in mind that name-changing is not a condition of being or becoming a Muslim.

December 3, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
1 Comment

what do i do when i enter the musjid

Assalamualeykum,

If i am entering a masjid between azan and iqama should i pray tahiyatul masjid or qabliya sunnah for the prayer of the time

jazakallay

Time: Monday November 23, 2009 at 6:43 am

A: ?????? ?????? ????? ???? ???????

Your question is very vague. Usually between the azan and iqamah of fajr, zohr, asr and isha, one would have time to pray the sunnah that comes before the salah. Rasulullah prayed these salah at home and we should make good on this practice. One can also pray the tahiyatul musjid, if they prayed the sunnah at home.

We must note: tahiyatul musjid is viewed as nafl. Taking priority into account, preference is to be given for the sunnah Muakadah of the time over nafl tahiyatul musjid as an appropriate first choice.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

December 1, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
1 Comment

All jokes are not funny

Q: What does Islam say about joking? I heard that even if you are joking with someone it counts as a lie..

Time: Monday November 23, 2009 at 4:08 pm

A: All jokes are not lies. Islam loves humor. Rasulullah (SAW) practiced humor. Humor has limits. It cannot be inclusive of dirty jokes, ridiculing people, etc. Our jokes must be truthful. To lie is forbidden. We cannot make jokes that are offensive. To do so is a sin which demands forgiveness.  Islam is a religion of good character. We must maintain the integrity and dignity of ourselves and our religion with the manner in which we communicate. Continue Reading →

December 1, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
2 Comments

beating, firearm, divorced, etc

Q. My husband beats me up. Does drugs. Never works. never supports the family. We have children. He issued me 3 talaqs. One in January. One is march. On on eid morning because my dress were as good as other woman. I bought the best I could afford with my money. A local imaam has said that the talaqs are not not real because he was angry.Also islam wants the best for the kids so its not a reall divorce my husband gave me. He has shot at me with a gun several times. Each time missing me but scared ( xxxxxxx)  me and the kids…. Imaam I really am ( vvvvvvvv)  up. I am depressed. I never know whats going to happen when I enter the home.  I really need your help. I called the Islamic center and got no help. Can you help me. I am xxxxxxxxxxx (background with help)

Time: Saturday November 28, 2009 at 4:11 am

A: You need to involve the authorities. The aspect of the firearm is VERY serious. You also need to contact a qualified local leader to best assist you with making the right decision. You need to go back to your parents residence, if it is safe and possible for you to do so. You cannot live with a violent person in the manner you have described.

He needs to be placed in rehab as well.

As we see, your nikah is nonexistent. Unless, you can prove that he mentioned the talaqs to you in the state of insanity. Had the original fatwa been passed based on insanity, then the matter would be different. Divorced or not, you need time out for your safety and the safety of your children. You cannot live with a man (stranger) when you are divorced. According to us, you are divorced.

Please go for immediate help. Your life, and the life of your family is to precious.

May Allah (SWT) help you, Ameen.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

November 29, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

hair, nails, etc…

Q:
AOA,
1. In the first 10 days of zilhaj it is required not to cut hairs. Does it include shaving face also. If someone does shave what is the fidya??

Time: Thursday November 26, 2009 at 5:39 am

A: It is best to emulate the hujjaj (those in hajj) as close as possible. This would include the  preference of not cutting your hair, nails, and other actions that the hujjaj take part in or are called upon to refrain from, etc.

All this would be done prior to the new moon ( of zil-hijja) coming in. It’s most preferred that all this be done after the animal has been scarified. This is part of our virtuous deeds.

Shaving of the face for men was never allowed to begin with. If it has to be done due to unbearable circumstances, then the matter would be different.

Should one not practice this sunnah, it would not require a fidya of any type.

The more we incorporate the sunnah into our lives, the better we feel about ourselves and our Islam.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

November 29, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

woman, slaughter, menses = still reaps reward

Q: After yor Jummah speech my sister cut her own sheep. She was on her period. Are woman allowed to sacrifice an animal in menses? please answer before the 3rd day is over.  (private email box)

A: Yes.

Cutting your own sheep is greatly rewarding. May Allah make all our woman folk as strong as your sister, amen.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

November 29, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

tail vs no tail for animal

Q: no tail sheep. Allowed for qurban slaughter? Or not? (text message)

A: yes, but makrooh (disliked)

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

(Sometimes the farmer has to chop of the tail due to medical reasons. Best to have tail. If not, fine but makrooh-disliked.)