May 1, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments
Q: I live in Somis. If i gave a muslim neighbor a 2 yr old sheep can they religiously use it for sacrifice for Qbani?
A: Yes, they can use it for doing the Qurbani, if such is their intention. May you be blessed for wanting to do kind things for humanity.
Allah Certainly Knows Best
April 3, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments
Q:Could you please clarify what was stated during the Friday khutba regarding Shiism and the ongoing conflict? Are Shia’s incorrect on how they view Umar and Aysha?
A: While I appreciate the request for clarification, there appears to be a misunderstanding: I did not use the term Shia coupled as an ‘ism.’ As we are aware, that connotation can sometimes be offensive to the Shia community. The small error on your side implies potential pain, and the mental anguish of how can a Sunni imam potentially attempt to stand for that which is good for people that some may view as ‘different from our total belief system. I’m not going to go into Umar (RA) etc, i’m just going to state what I have in my notes.
We have anywhere from five to a dozen Shia congregants who attend our Masjid. To ignore the current crises would be inappropriate; therefore, I stated the following:
The tragedies occurring in Gaza, Sudan, various parts of Asia-not limited to but including China and India, and upon our brothers and sisters from the former Soviet Union are heartbreaking. Without taking away from any groups suffering on, and i say this purely on humanitarian grounds, at this immediate time we pray specifically for the children, the elderly, and the innocent in Iran. We do not view this as a political matter, but as a humanitarian one. From that perspective, we must stand for the goodness and well-being of all innocent people on every side of a conflict.
Mufti Shafi made a vital point: those outside the faith do not distinguish between Sunni and Shia; they simply see us as Muslims. We must not allow ourselves to be divided further than we already are. We should keep our internal differences private and remain united against all forms of oppression.
That said, it would be disingenuous not to acknowledge that there are fundamental differences between Sunni and Shia Islam. The Quran states that ‘Allah is pleased with the Sahaba and they are pleased with Him.’ Therefore, in our belief, holding a negative view of any Sahaba or Sahabiya is incorrect and a matter of one’s faith. To omit this would be a form of deception. Yet, acknowledging this does not stop us from praying for the innocent people of Iran-especially the 170 children that were killed, the elderly as well as the innocent.
I recognize that for some, this remains a sensitive statement. Let me return to my topic at hand and conclude with a more positive topic, the story of Hanzala (RA)….
I hope the above clarifies my intentions. If you were simply seeking a written record of what was stated, I am glad to be of assistance.
Just to recap, wishing every group safety, security, prosperity, while fulfilling the criteria of justice upon humanity is should the goal of every human, most also during these critical times in our history.
Allah Certainly Knows Best.
In future, kindly pull me aside after I give the talk so that there is very little lag time between my comments and what you have heard. I am not answering the issue on Aysha (AS) and Umar (RA) for two reasons: you showed a lack of respect in addressing them, and this is not the time for such a conversation.
March 14, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments
Q: Do we need to pay sadaqatul fitr for children ? Wife?
A: A father having the nisab (minimum requirement of money to start giving zakaah) will pay it for his children that are not yet mature.
He can also deduct this amount from their savings if he is not doing very well financially. However, if he is generous, and he gives it from his side, the reward will be greater for him.
If the wife has her own money, she will be responsible for her own giving. He can also give for her, should she give him the permission to do so.
Allah Certainly Knows Best.
March 7, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
2 Comments
Toy Drive at the Musjid. Drop of your toys as soon as possible. Toys go to the less fortunate. Details on Musjid monitor.
Jazakallah khair!
March 7, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments
Question: An individual possesses $100,000 in liquid assets (cash) and has a mortgage with annual installments totaling $60,000, for ones calculation, does one deduct the annual debt obligation from the zakatable base? We seeing mixed opinions online. You have implied on parts of your QnA (on this site) that no deductions are to be made, is this correct? Are their multiple options and opinions, how to remove the confusion? It is not that i do not want to pay, just seeking clarity.
Answer: Within the Fiqh there are multiple opinions regarding how long-term and deferred debts affect liquid (cash on hand) wealth when calculating Zakat. These differences exist across the various schools of thought, and even within the Hanafi school itself ther e are multiple views. For many years, the stricter opinion has often been followed. Due to economic complexities and financial situations, some ‘contemporary scholars’ have presented a more lenient approach that may be used depending on one’s financial situation. This too is deduced from the sharia.
First position:
This position is from some of the ‘contemporary’ Hanafi scholars. It is based on the principle that Zakat is only due on wealth that is beyond one’s essential needs. Since mortgage installments for the upcoming year are obligations that must be paid within the current Islamic year cycle, this portion of wealth is not considered truly surplus. Therefore, a person may deduct the next 12 months of mortgage payments from their liquid assets before calculating Zakat.
Example:$100,000 (Total Cash/Liquid Assets) − $60,000 (Mortgage Payments for the Next 12 Months) = $40,000 (Net Zakatable Assets). Thus, Zakat Liability: $1,000 (2.5%)
Second Position: The more traditional view (that we have used):
This is the stricter classical opinion, historically supported by many scholars, including positions found among Maliki and Shafi jurists. According to this view, a mortgage is Dayn Muajjal (deferred debt). Since the full amount is not immediately due, it is not deducted from the zakatable amount. As long as the wealth remains in the owner’s possession, Zakat is due on the full amount.
Example: $100,000 (Total Cash/Liquid Assets) − $0 (No Deduction) = $100,000 (Net Zakatable Assets). Thus, Zakat Liability: $2,500 (2.5%)
So what should one do?
One should look at their specific situation: one can use Position I if things are financially tight, then gradually move toward Position II for greater religious precaution as their financial circumstances improve. Both are correct opinions. Look at your position and act accordingly.
Allah Certainly Knows Best.
March 7, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments
Question:
If my spouse held a 401(k) for only six months, how does the Hanafi Zakat anniversary affect its calculation?
Answer: In the Hanafi* school, Zakat is calculated based on your total wealth on your established Zakat date (e.g., the 10th of Ramadan). The fact that the 401(k) was opened recently does not change your Zakat anniversary. What matters is whether your total zakatable wealth meets or exceeds the Nisab on your anniversary. Even if your overall wealth dipped below the Nisab during the year, you still pay Zakat on your anniversary as long as the total wealth—including the 401(k) balance that is accessible—meets the Nisab on that date. (If you never paid Zakah ever, then you still have 6 months more to go before you pay, because your cycle of giving has not started.)
If you eligible to give Zakaah — since retirement funds are not fully accessible, Zakat is paid only on the cashable portion. So after accounting for early withdrawal penalties and estimated taxes and other fees associated with this account, whatever is left, you would pay only on that amount. Example: If the 401(k) balance is $200,000, but if penalties and taxes reduce the accessible amount to $98,000, you would pay 2.5% of $98,000, which equals $2,450, on your established Zakat date, even though the account has only been open for six months.
Allah Certainly Knows Best.
*We use the phrase Hanafi, because you will see differing opinions on this as it relates to Zakah amount to be given
March 7, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments
Q: If I loaned someone $20,000, who pays the Zakat on it?
A: If one loaned someone $20,000, the responsibility for Zakat remains with the lender (the one that gave the loan), since the money still belongs to them even though it is temporarily with the borrower. However, how Zakat is treated depends on the likelihood of repayment.
1: If the borrower acknowledges the debt and is reasonably expected to repay it and confirms the debt (or even makes payments, etc), this type of loan is considered a ‘Strong Debt (Dayn ul Qawī).’ Thus, the lender should include the $20,000 in their zakatable assets each year and pay 2.5% ($500) annually. The lender may either pay this Zakat each year or keep track of it and pay the accumulated amount once the loan is repaid.
2: If the debt becomes doubtful or weak (Maal al-Ḍimaar), meaning there is no reasonable expectation of repayment—such as when the borrower is bankrupt, denies the debt, cannot be located, or the lender has effectively lost hope of recovery—then Zakat is not required annually while the debt remains unrecoverable. If the money is eventually recovered in the future, Hanafi scholars state that Zakat is only paid for the year in which the money is recovered, rather than for all previous years.
Allah Certainly Knows Best.
March 7, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments
Q: Islamic Society in T.O. has not condemned the bom*ing in iran. I am very disappointed. What is you position. We are Muslims. Stop with this Shia and Sunni divide. Shukran.
A: The in house Friday Khatib has consistently upheld a fundamental Islamic principle: the absolute sanctity of innocent life. He has maintained from day one of this brutality (and other ones) that he condemns any targeting of children, women, the elderly, and non-combatants—regardless of the conflict or the country involved. This is not a political stance; it is a religious obligation.
If you attended our services, you would have experienced this commitment firsthand. Your comments appear intended to provoke rather than to engage in sincere dialogue. We are a diverse community; in fact, brothers and sisters from Iran attend our prayers and have expressed deep appreciation for the Khatibs message of compassion and justice for all of humanity.
We pray for justice and peace for all oppressed people. Wishing you the best!
March 7, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments
Q: Does child need to pay zakah on investments made by his parents for him. He has about 345 000. He is 9. We see some say yes, some say no. Clarify.
A: If you follow the Hanafi school, no Zakah on this 9 year old till he is Baligh (Islamically matured).
Allah Certainly Knows Best.
P.s. If you follow another school of though, kindly go to person of that school of thought. If you want us to answer as per Maliki, please specify and we would assist.
March 1, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments
Q: can a person have multiple niyah when giving sadaqah, fidya and sadaqatul fitr?
A: Here is the simple rule for combining intentions:
Allah Certainly Knows Best.