Know Your Deen

Islamic QA for North America

April 13, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

who pays for the ticket?

Q. I loaned my car to Qadhi saeb. He promised to pay me 50 dollars for each day for the rental of my car. When I got my car back, he paid me my money. He refuses to pay for the ticket he incurred upon the car. He states that there was no agreement regarding the ticket.

The car was given back to me before the expiry time, and I (the owner) got a ticket, who pays for this ticket. I did not ask for the car before the agreed time.

A. 1. Qadhi Saeb is responsible for all damages he had incurred to you whilst using your car. If he has accrued tickets, he must pay for them in full.
2. If you took the car away or the car was handed back to you before the due time and you had gotten the ticket whilst the car was back in your possession, then you are responsible for the ticket.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

April 11, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Runaway bride (or is it groom?)

Question:

Asslam-o-Alikum,

I hope you are doing good. I am XYYY From XYZ. (we try and omit names of people and places as best as we can)

In my family girls are not allowed to get married out of the Cast and everybody in my family respects my father so much and they take his advice in every matter of their life. In fact my father is more against marrying
daughters out of the casts then the others.
Although the problem is that i was involved with a boy, unfortunately he didn’t belonged to my cast, I am ***** (tribe, cast, back ground) but he is **** (Tribe, cast country names).  So it was seems to be impossible to get married then we decide to do court marriage and we will tell our parents latter or if situations gets worse then we will run away.
After court marriage he went back to Saudi Arabia (he is settled there with his family). When he went back he told his father his father didn’t like the idea of running away but he agreed to talk to my father but then I stopped him not to talk to my father. It was because I was scared from his anger. We were in touch by calls and msgs and also through internet.
In august 2008 his mother call my father and complained about me but didt told about nikah my father got angered on me… but latter we solved the matter he asked me about the boy but I rejected to admit.
Then i realized its not good to run we must talk to our parents first .. then he returned to Pakistan in December 2008.. on his retun his mother rang my father again….
This time his father talked to my father to and told him about nikah said that I have no objection we can talk and we can find out a solution together but my father refused and threaten them. Now my father looking for a guy for me.
We never had physical relations. We dnt want to take any further step we have realized without the consent of parent its wrong but what shall we do now? I personally don’t want to leave him not because I love him it is because his nature is good and he respects
me a great deal.
I have tried to clear all the situation I want to ask few things that without absent of father or guardian is nikah valid?
What shall I do to make my father agree?

Answer:

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For Muslims, the word court marriage and nikah have separate meanings. Based on your lack of clarity, we are to place extra effort in helping you gain insight to your options.

Scenario 1: At first you mention that you are court married. Then you state the word nikah. In the United States, one needs to get court married so as to fulfill the requirements of the state; Muslims are also called upon take part in a nikah ceremony so as to make this wedded motion a religious act which fulfills the Islamic criteria of making both of you halal for each another.

Scenario 2: If you went to a court that does both — a court marriage which is inclusive of a nikah, then we suggest you take this case to them for farther evaluation, or invalidation (known as fasak).

Scenario 3: Had you done a court marriage and not a nikah, then Islamically you remain unmarried to him. According to western courts the matter would be different. This would mean that you can get a court annulment without the consent of your male counterpart. This would be allowed for a muslimah, since you are not Islamically married to him. You can thereafter marry whom your parents and you desire.

Scenario 4: Should this be a nikah which took place, inclusive of a court marriage, then two realities remain: If you are Hanafee, then the marriage goes through, but viewed as a wretched and repulsive action, depriving you of many spiritual rewards. If the marriage as you claim remains to be non-consummated and your father does have a better person for you — a male more compatible to your needs, then you should listen to him. Should this occur, merely go and have your nikah voided by a religious body. After all, no adult activities took place between you and him. Should your father have an evil person in mind for you, and you remain in need of ‘adult companionship,’ then you can decline parental choice in favor of your current counterpart. If informing your father would prove violent, then it should be done with discretion, and not in a manner that would jeopardize your life, or the life of other humans.

Scenario 5: If you are shafee, had you done a nikah based on the above data you have furnished, your nikah remains invalid.

Scenario 6: Had the marriage been consummated, then it is best you tell your parents as to the truthful nature of your current situation. You need not share with them the level of intimacy that has occurred. If violence is suspected, then it should be done with discretion, and not in a manner that would jeopardize your life, or the life of other humans.

Scenario 7: Not wanting to leave him because ‘his nature is good’ is an unsuccessful scathing as well as failing excuse. No good ‘religious’ man (or woman) goes and gets court married without parental consent in Islam. And no decent set of parents would encourage such deviant behavior. Do not hoodwink yourself. Attain some personal dignity and class.

Scenario 8: The only thing you can do to make your father agree with your deviant behavior is to show him all that you have mentioned to us. Merely show him your question to us, and our response to you!

If you have not performed a nikah, nor consummation of the marriage has taken place, it remains factual that no person can make an accusation upon your relational ties with this male which would tarnish your reputation, then in such a situation merely have this court marriage annulled, and move on with your life in a respectful manner. Should people know of this nikah, your name is already tainted within your community and getting married to a respectful person would become difficult, then under such circumstances you will need to ask your parents for forgiveness. Ask them for their blessings, and accept the consequences of your choice to be with this man.

Reality: How do you ever expect your parents, your husband as well as your in-laws to ever trust you when you deceive, cheat, take part in sneaky behaviors. Such actions remain unbecoming for a believer.

We suggest you take this case to your local qualified scholar, preferably with your parents, uncle, brother in hand. In all honesty, what you have presented to us remains thus far a loss-loss situation. May Allah change your matters for the better, give respect to you, and turn the tide of negativity into that which is beneficial to all. Ameen.

Allah Certainly Knows Best

p.s. You may have neglected yourself the opportunity of reading http://islaminaction.wordpress.com/?s=parental+consent

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April 11, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

want pretty eyes

Q. Is there a sunnah method of placing (kajal, kojal, kohl,) surmah in the eyes?

A. It should be placed three times in the rights eye, two times in the left eye. Best placed upon the eyes before going to bed.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

April 9, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Obscene language

Q. Can a person use profanity in Islamic speeches to prove a point? To gain ratings? to be viewed as liberal? To gain greater closeness to  youth? Can one use profanity in front of children?

A. It is not befitting for a Muslim to use foul language,  be it in private or public, be it in front of children or adults. We lead by example of good deeds.

Allah Certainly Knows best.

April 9, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
10 Comments

Music

Question:

Assalaamu’Alaikum wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakatuhu.

I really need to know if listening to songs is haram or not?
Please try answering back fast.. Thank You so much….

Are there Hadith regarding music?

Answer:

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?????? ???????? ??? ????????? ?????? ?????????? ????????? ??? ??????? ??????? ???????? ?????? ?????????????? ??????? ????????? ?????? ??????? ????????
There are some people who purchases idle talk (Lahwul-Hadeeth) to deviate (people) from the path of Allah without knowledge, and takes it by way of mockery. For such there will be a humiliating torment. (31:6)

?????? ?? ???? ????? ??????? ???? ??????? ?????? ???????? ??????? ????? ??? ??? ??? ???? ???? ?????? ??? ?????? ???? ?????? ????? ??????? ???? ????? ??? ??????? ???? ???? ????? ????? ????? ???? ??????? ??? ??? ???????
There will be from my Nation a people who will deem fornication, silk (for men), alcohol, and music to be permissible; and there will be a people who will camp beside a high mountain, when a poor man passes by them and asks for a need, they will say to him, ‘Return to us tomorrow.’ In the morning Allah will make the mountain fall upon them and the others (who are saved) are transformed (meaning their hearts and thoughts would be turned) into apes and pigs, until the Day of Judgment. (Bukhari # 5990)

Imaam Bayhaqi reports that Jabir (RA), reported that that the Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said,


?????? ???? ?????? ?? ????? ??? ???? ????? ?????

Singing makes hypocrisy to grow in the heart like water makes plants grow. (Shu’Bul-Eman # 5100)

Listening to songs that fall into the category of nasheed is permissible. Its words must positively inspire a person to do noble deeds. Nasheeds must be listened to in moderation.

If by songs you mean music. Rest assured music is prohibited in Islam.

The Hadith regarding music are multiple. All the Hadith placed together create strength in the ruling constituting its prohibition. All major fuqaha accept that music is to be stayed away from – that it is haraam. The Quran and Hadith also makes this very clear.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

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April 9, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

optional fast

Q. I was keeping a nafl (optional) fast and broke it, do I have to do a make up for it?

A. Hanafee yes. Shafee no.

If you are confused, best to do a makeup.

Allah certainly Knows Best.

April 9, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Audio: Eid and Moon sightability

Q. When would Eid-ul-fitr take place for the year 2009? We ask due to hall reservations for our event.

Answer: ‘The Astronomical New Moon is on September 18, 2009 (Friday) at 18:44 UT. This moon is not visible anywhere on September 18. On September 19, it will still not be visible in Asia, Europe and Canada. With difficulty, it is possible to be seen in Australia, South Africa, Central and North America. (in other words, only miracle eyes would be able to see it on the 19th!) It can be easily seen in South America.’ Data from moonsighting.com

Based on the above scientific data pertaining to observation and sightabilty of the moon, it is most likely that Eid–ul-Fitr would be on the 21th or 22nd of September. Thus, halls that need booking can be done for the 21st and 22nd of September.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

April 7, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Who pays the rent?

Q. I rented my business property for $3000 per month. The person renting it did not occupy the warehouse. His rent is always on time. Someone else seems to be occupying it. Is this permissible? Who do I go for to ask for my rent if the original person fails to pay me or for damages upon my property?

A. Should rent be delayed, you should go to the person that signed the contract.

If the agreement stated that the lessee cannot hire out the property, then the lessee must be informed of his violation. If there was no such stipulation, then the lessee subletting it out would be allowed.

The one that signed the contract is responsible for all violations.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

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April 7, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
9 Comments

Eating dates and dating are seperate matters!

Question:

Dearest Imaam, assalamualikum,

I am very heart broken by our Imams indisputable acceptance of immodest attributes as to how men and woman must seek out partners. The Imaam as we are aware was at the MSA conference. I can understand the MSA members ignoring matters of religion. For majority of my friends and me, MSA has worked well as a place for socializing wants to become actualized. So one cannot expect much from still developing minds.

Please do not be offended Imam. To be fair to you, you spoke greatly and my friends looked up to you after the conference. It was our first time to hear the Imam and you make the youth feel proud. Being a feminist myself, I am more proud of how your mother raised you, then I am of you. Allah knows my intentions.

That said, however, although you seem to give the impression that woman and men cannot mingle like disbelieving woman and men, why is it that when Janaan Hashim said ‘we have some wonderful men and woman in our audience (looking directly at the men as she said it, is she also in need of a husband?) and encouraged girls and boyz to interact, did you nor the presidents of the MSA oppose her? Is it not part of religion to oppose a person when they disrespect Islamic concepts in an ‘Islamic environment?’ Is MSA still Islamic after seeing some of the words the sister placed during her presentation? How could it be allowed in the presence of children? If I want my sisters, cousins to date, or pick up girls/boys or view foul language on power point, I would never want a religious scholar (even be her female) at an Islamic conference motioning such behavior as appropriate. But then again maybe I am ignorant ardent feminist Muslima trying to live as an American Muslim woman with traditional values in modern times that insists on shaping American ideals with pure Islamic values.

Also, sadly, the Imaam walked out of her presentation as she was giving her keynote address (if we can call it that). Walking out should have been a hint for me and my family that she was liberalizing and already liberal religion. That got the Imam off the hook to answer questions we woman wanted to present to him regarding Sister Janaans keynote address, which was not very keynote…

Mind you Imaam, I am a modern feminist woman, more modern then Janaan Hashim, the Imaam Muhammed Shoaib (Shoayb), Shiek Qaadri and others int he audiance. Let’s keep religion pure. Or let’s just go to a church and hear the same thing then suffer embarrassment of hearing it from a Muslim! We should never have attended her portion nor your Q and A.

For you to accept such poor neglected behavior against religion is a taint to your honor.

KeepModernityModernAndReligionReligious

Answer:

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We cannot thank you enough for allowing us to bring clarity to the above situation. You have muddled up many matters. We would not address all you have sent forth.

The Imaam was a guest.  It would be inappropriate for any guest to be hostile to other honorable guests of the Muslim Student Association. Such behavior would be counterproductive to Islam. It is for the MSA to make sure that questions are answered in accordance to the most qualified person within a given subject area. For example, a criminal lawyer should answer questions pertaining to crime within the secular domain. A religious scholar should answer questions regarding the sharia opinion of crime from a purely religious base. A secular scholar can give an opinion; the audience must be intelligent enough to know the difference between a sharia based response and a secular response. We cannot blame the Imam due to the gullibility of particular members, be they male of female.

The answer of the Imaam was clear. Based on emails received, and upon us viewing the recording of the Imam’s response, it is our contention that much of the audience missed his response. The honorable guest did not help the situation either as a result of her elaborating on the Imams sharia based response — despite her noble intentions in doing so. The imam’s words:

‘(Boys and girls,) men and woman must make our Imaan (faith) strong. We must not think persons aboard are the only ones limited to piety. We must become pious and seek piety and pious people from our locality indiscriminately. Make our environments like that of our predecessors. Insha-Allah, by securing our faith, strengthening our belief in Allah, seeking the assistance of our parents and other good people, we would find the right person we are looking for…’

As you can tell, the Imam is not in favor of turning religious events into a date/flirt fest. Nor is he into men and woman intermingling or using religious events as a ‘hook up place.’ Please read the following response given for farther clarification on the imams thinking as to the issue at hand.

http://islaminaction.wordpress.com/2009/01/13/cant-we-just-hang-out/#more-1346

April 5, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

horse rides not free

Q. Can I hire my animals out for horse rides? The horse is doing the work but I make the money. Is this halal profit?

Answer: Yes, you can charge for horse rides.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.