Know Your Deen

Islamic QA for North America

January 13, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

wake up and shower or straight for salaah… (bed side charts)

Q. do I make ghusal upon seeing an adult dream? (wet dream)

Answer: Note the following examples: Upon your evaluation of them, you should have no problems in knowing whether a bath is sunnah, wajib or fard?

If upon awakening an individual notices wetness on the body or clothing. The possibilities of having a ghusl or not would fall upon either one of the following conditions:

Ghusal is necessary when:

  • A person is able to confirm semen. The person also remembers the dream that sparked the wetness
  • A person notices the semen, even though the dream was forgotten
  • Conviction exists that it is precoital fluid and also remembers the dream
  • No surety exists if its semen or pre coital fluid but remembers the dream
  • Person lacks conviction if its semen or that which is known as wadi (that fluid which is released prior to urine, yellowish at times, and somewhat slimy)
  • Conviction is lacked whether its pre-coital fluid or wadi but recalls a wet dream
  • Persons cannot recall if its pre-coital fluid, semen or wadi. All they recall is that they had a wet dream
  • Person does not know if it was pre-coital fluid or semen and cannot even recall a wet dream

    • Continue Reading →

January 13, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

can’t we just hang out?

Q. aslamalikum i have a non muslim friend who is really interested in islam and she has a gay friend. we have tried to explain to her how we cant hang out with boys but she doesnt understand why we cant hang out with gay guy? she says he isnt like other boys hes gay why cant we hang out with him? Can u please help me explain why we cant hang out with her gay guy friend? thank you

Answer: Walikum-us-salam.  Alhamdulillah, it is the first positive step that your friend has embarked upon with the mere realization that persons of the opposite gender cannot freely socialize as per Ayah:

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

And go not go near to fornication (free mixing, intermingling, etc); surely it is an (act which leads towards) indecency and an evil way. 17:32

(Thus we are to focus briefly on the second part of your question.)

Our biology is made-up to allow for desires! So don’t displace it! Continue Reading →

January 12, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
20 Comments

Can I Marry a Person Like Me?

Q: Can a person who committed adultery for years (zina-premarital adult relations) marry a person who have never committed zina? How about i did not know if it was haram Imaam

A. Permissibility does exist for a repented adulterer/adulteress to marry a chaste individual. Due to the disadvantage of experience and other possible promiscuities that unchaste people take part in, it would be better for an adulterer/adulteress to marry a person similar to ‘their type.’ A person should marry an individual who has committed similar acts of transgressions. The added condition should be that they both be compatible in that they want to change their lives for the better.
For a Man or woman who is zina-oriented to marry chaste (non-zina) and honorable person intentionally would contribute bringing to the forefront that sexuality can be toyed with as humanity views fit. This is far from the Islamic teachings of morality. It is most ironic that at the time of marriage people seek chaste partners, partners whose life they can have an adverse affect upon, primarily as a result of premarital promiscuity.

Shari’a does allow one to marry a woman of honor, and vice versa; when seeking compatibility, however, we think it is best you marry a ‘type’ similar to yours.

Indeed Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) is most forgiving, forgiveness does not mean forgotten, nor does it mean that you are free from the residue of taint. So we hold, marry a person similar to your interests, while both of you continue seeking forgiveness and a better spiritual life.

Allah certainly knows best.

January 12, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

hat, cap or bare

Questions: Salaam ul aikum,
Q. Could you elaborate on the Sunnah and benefits of covering one’s head with a hat, topi, etc. for a man?
Jazakullah khair.
Q. Is there proof that hat wearing is not a cultural tradition and is part of religion?

Q. Why do some people remove topi (hat) when going to the restroom?
A. The greatest benefit for Muslims to wear the hat is that it is part of the blessed sunnah. Doing things linked to the sunnah makes Allah happy. Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) being happy brings tranquility into our lives. Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) states:

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

Say, (O Muhammad sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) to humankind: If you love Allah, follow me (meaning the sunnah); Allah (in turn) will love you and forgive you all, (forgive) your sins. Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. (3:31)

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

Say: Obey Allah and the messenger. But if they (the people) turn away, then verily Allah does not love the disbelievers (3:32)

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

Whosoever obeys the Messenger (by following his lifestyle), has indeed obeyed Allah (4:80)

The Islamic type of hat or head covering (like that of a scarf for woman) also helps distinguish a Muslim from their counterparts. Contributes to making a person more proud of their religion, behaviorally makes a person more aware of responsibilities and less inclined to sin. An Islamic head cover would also add for a person to be more responsible in their interactions with fellow humans and create a higher level of accountability.

The uluma have been unanimous in that a person should wear a head covering prior to removing waste products from their bodies, and whilst performing salaah. Sadly, people tend to do the opposite; they think that because a hat is part of sunnah, it should not be worn in the bathroom. This is wrongful thinking.

As far as salaah, many feel pressured to do like those around them. Because they see others not wearing a hat, many choose to not wear it, or feel a stigma associated with wearing the hat. ‘Others’ negating a sunnah should not cause for us to do likewise. This is poor justification.

Pious men through the centuries have worn it. People attempting to emulate the pious have also continually worn it and continue up to wear the hat up to this day.
A2) Wearing a hat is not limited to ‘culture.’ Wearing a hat is a religious function. The type of hat can differ, so long as it does not emulate another religion, culture, fad or fashion. Continue Reading →

January 12, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Wanting to give zakaah

Q. Our neighbor is very poor. Their house is on foreclosure. Can I give them my zakat. They have little kids too?

A.If your neighbor is Muslim and eligible for zakaat, then by all means you can give them your zakaat.

As you are aware, zakaat can only be given to Muslims.

If they are non-Muslims, then you can give them sadaqah, the extra charity one gives out to all, be they Muslim or non-Muslim. You can send food to them, blankets in winter, etc, so long as it is not your zakaat you are giving to them. Helping out is part of Islam, and we all should try and help out whomsoever we can..

Non-Muslims are not eligible for Zakaat.They are eligible for sadaqah.

May Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) make matters easy for all.

Allah certainly knows best.

January 11, 2009
by admin KyD
1 Comment

Are you a Morale-Booster or a Morale-Buster?

by the admin of islaminaction.wordpress.com

Muslims in every corner of the globe are faced with trying times. The recent onslaught upon the civilian population in Ghazza is having ripple effects in our communities here at home, in ways that are both unexpected and outdated. Some Muslims have been heard to say, “Why should we be worrying so much about what goes on in Sudan, Kashmir, and Palestine, Thailand, Philippines, and Afghanistan when there are so many Muslims suffering here?” Some of us feel that being too strongly critical of Israel’s action, which even the United Nations objects to, may make us appear anti-Semitic and worse. Our fears, I am sure we all can realize, pale besides the fear of those dying and being maimed today, and crossing a myriad of checkpoints just to get to the hospital. While we are at pains to convince the non-Muslim world of the compassion embodied in Islam, we fail to extend this compassion to our very own Muslim brethren. When we fail at compassion for our own, why would any non-Muslim believe that we really and truly feel compassion for those beyond the reach of the so-called magnificent Ummah?

Continue Reading →

January 10, 2009
by admin KyD
1 Comment

interest not so interesting

Q. Can I give a person 3 dollars for a 2 dollar item that I told him to buy for me? Some say it can be done, some say it cannot be done. I need just a little detail. Why Yes? why no?

Answer: Take note of the two cases below. If you understand them, Insha-Allah your uncertainty regarding your matter would be resolved. Those that have said no, said so due to possibly not understanding the minor intricacies that are linked to aspects of usury versus that of profit.

Case 1: Zaid was asked to buy some beads for his beloved sister Hinda. If Zaid gave his sister the set of beads with a bill of 3 dollars, and Hinda out of her generosity chose to pay him 5 dollars in exchange of the beads, and Zaid accepted this extra sum of cash,  such a transaction would be valid.  Why? Read on.

Case 2: One the other hand, if Bob owes Bobsy 3 dollars, and Bobsy demands 5 dollars, then such a transaction would be forbidden. Why the difference in response between case one and two? (good question) Read on.

Why a different response to the above cases. After all, they both claim  or took more then the originally stipulated amount. Continue Reading →

January 8, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

peace in exchange of pieces

Muslims of Salt Lake Condemn all Violence

Salt Lake City, 2009-07-01

After a week of senseless slaughter, it shames humanity to see the reluctance by so many in uniting for the perseverance of human dignity and life, even by sacrificing something as simple as a mere positive thought or prayer. America, as the leader of peace, must not let nations resort to anarchy and disorder. As the super-power of the world, we must never allow any people to hold international laws hostage in exchange for self-gain and pity in order to trespass the boundaries of justice. As a bearer of peace, and as a nation of honor, the United States cannot let anyone exhort to carnage and massacre when it matters most; such does not befit a leader, repudiating the laws of international justice and fairness. Humans, regardless of country or status remain too precious to undergo subjugation and humiliation by fellow counterparts’ as humanity looks on. Every nation lives to protect its boundaries. Doesn’t being silent or inactive in facilitating greater levels of human security perpetuate violence? By being onlookers, we only harvest greater loss of human sanctity.

Muslims, like the rest of humanity, challenge and urge our current administration and President-elect Obama to pursue a fair-minded commitment to being a stabilizing force. It would behoove people who aspire to being great leaders to facilitate a global attitude of prohibiting continuous violence, and to give genuine confidence to vigorous policy-making that would reduce violence while upholding policies of continual peace and justice for all nations.

Muslims do realize that the United States does not deny the ideas of peace and freedom, Muslims also do not denounce the use of fair and justifiable force for all nations. America as a global leader should never sanction excessive force for the short-term benefit of any nation, and we should continue taking a proactive stance in denouncing violence upon the innocent, regardless of one’s religious affiliation.

As a final thought, the Muslim community urges people of conscience, who abhor senseless carnage, to keep the civilians of this tragedy that is unfolding before our eyes in their prayers. Let’s not be bystanders to injustice. There is every reason to believe that we, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, can change the world for the better through prayer and positive action. To quote a man who recently made history, “yes, we can!”

Muhammed S. Mehtar (Imaam)

Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake

January 7, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
1 Comment

gay as in gay? or gay as in happy?

Q. why cant Muslims have girlfriends and boyfriends? Can a Muslim person hang out with a gay man? sorry my questions are a little weird!!

A. Your questions are not ‘weird.’ Your questions are product of our current environment. If you feel your environment is ‘weird,’ then you must change your social setting, so as to create thoughts that would promote greater awareness.

A1) Muslims cannot have boyfriends and girlfriends because Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) forbids such relations. The Nobel Quran states:

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

And go not go near to fornication; surely it is an indecency and an evil way. 17:32

As you can note, the Quran does not say, do not merely refrain from adultery. It states, do not ever get close to it. This means not having friends of the opposite gender, also we are to refrain from friends of the same gender that would entice you towards adultery, as well as anything that takes you towards any type of corruption. All things that take you to evil are forbidden in Islam. Islam wants us to have a healthy lifestyle. Having a carefree lifestyle, inclusive of girlfriend/boyfriend makes us prone to an illicit lifestyle, prone to affairs, diseases, disrespect of ourselves and future spouses, and contributes to living a life of disrespect.

Living a chaste life brings value to self. For students, a chaste life helps to focus on studies, helps one get ahead with things that are necessary ourselves. Boyfriends/girlfriends distract us from successful worldly and religious activities.

The Quran prohibits it, and as faithful Muslims, we should take our religion seriously enough to listen to the advice it commands upon us. Continue Reading →

January 7, 2009
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

So what you watching?

Q.  Salaam ul aikum, I would like to know the Islamic viewpoint upon watching movies for entertainment. For the sake of argument, what if there is nothing wrong (no bad scenes, no drinking, etc) within the movie? Would it be permissible to watch? Or should we find other halaal forms of entertainment? In my heart I feel hesitant to watch. Please advise and thank you in advance. May Allah reward you. (Ameen)

Q. I read your q and a on television. You seem to be implying that there is a halal way of watching television, I guess movies, internet … can you’ll please explain how you have done this?

Answer: For those needing to watch media related materials for class/school projects, work related concerns, none-passive viewing, etc., we share the following the cordial advice:

General facts as to why the average person watches television: People in the modern era have more time compared to their predecessors, (lack of the need for foraging,) weekends off, extended holidays, etc. Although our youth go to school, college, have part time employment; the average youth lacks the stringency for survival skills as did people of the past.  As a result of excess time coupled with the fact that parents and youth give priority towards entertainment above religiosity.  Entertainment and excitement have come to captivate our lives.

Pressures of the world do not help either and tends to push the fickle minded individual into greater isolation by subliminally providing fantasy as a tool of vicarious reality. Overtime, matters become blurred due to the extensive emotional investment into media as an ‘illusory necessity.’ It becomes indiscriminately part of our integral life, and for some, media has come to play a great part of their core existence. It has come to function as social support and a major contributor of wanted as well an unwanted ideas, etc. For better or worse, passivity gradually changes our thinking for the worst. Only the intellectually prudent as well as the one who is a superior self monitor notices the subtle changes in their settings as a result. Continue Reading →