Know Your Deen

March 22, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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‘I am addicted to pornography’

Question: Salams Shaykh i come to friday and like your khutba and I feel you can best help me. I am addicted to pornography, some have said that marriage can change it, It is ramadaan and its so hard and this guilt of my dong this is killing me, please help me, jazakallah

Answer: Addiction, especially one that affects the mind, heart, and soul cannot be resolved with a mere Band-Aid solution. Please read each point carefully: 1) Every addiction must be treated as a serious matter that impacts one’s faith, mental well-being and relationships. 2) Islam encourages self-discipline, modesty, and seeking lawful means to fulfill desires while also acknowledging human struggles. 3) The deen provides practical, faith-based solutions rooted in self-control and seeking Allah’s help and you must be willing to accept this. If you disagree with these 3 starting points, move on, the rest may waste your time. If you can internalize these key truths—this is a serious problem, it affects faith, modesty, and has the potential to harm future relationships—you are ready to move forward. Otherwise, this discussion becomes nothing more than an intellectual/entertainment exercise without real benefit.

Now, let us break down your inquiry and its implications step by step:

1. Marriage Is Not a Guaranteed Solution: Marriage comes with its own set of responsibilities—financial stability, emotional energy, social commitment, compatibility and attraction. The easy accessibility of pornography has in many cases contributed to the delay of marriage, while also draining human energy through instant gratification. However, this short-term pleasure leads to long-term mental, physical and economic crises. It is an exchange that is simply not worth it. The Rasool ﷺ said: O young men! Whoever among you can afford it, let him get married, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and guarding chastity. (Mishkaat) If you are relying on marriage as a way out without addressing the addiction first, it will likely carry over into your marriage, potentially harming your spouse and future family life.

2. Address the Root Cause: Ask yourself: Why am I engaging in this behavior?
Is it due to a lack of halal love and intimacy, frustration, loneliness—or all of the above? If so, these are the real issues that need to be resolved. Trying to suppress the symptom without fixing the root cause will never (or very seldom) lead to lasting change.

If your addiction stems from loneliness, frustration, or a lack of halal intimacy, then yes, marriage can help—but only if you have already begun the process of self-discipline. The reality is that you will have to work VERY hard to accomplish this. And yes, people have done and so can you!

3. Your Effort to Change Is a Sign of Hope: The fact that you are asking this question—especially during Ramadan—means that you want to change. That is the first victory. Now, take the following steps:

Fast regularly after Ramadan—Rasool ﷺ recommended fasting as a means of controlling desires. If you are physically able, make fasting a consistent part of your life.

Create accountability—Set firm penalties for yourself if you slip, and establish rules that you do not break. You must be honest with yourself in this process.

Make consistent dua after each salah—Ask Allah (SWT) sincerely for His pleasure and protection from His displeasure. Recognize that this is not just about breaking a habit—it is about seeking Allah (SWT’s) help in transforming your soul.

4. Practical Steps to Eliminate Temptation: Get a phone without internet access—There are now phones available that remove access to harmful content. Consider switching to one.

Use the internet only in public spaces—Never isolate yourself with access to the internet. Keep yourself in open environments where others are present.

Install strong blockers—Use filters and accountability software to block explicit content. This is not about willpower alone—it’s about removing temptation from your environment.

May Allah (SWT) make it easy for you, inshaAllah, ameen.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

March 14, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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Nisab calculations

As of March 14, 2025:
Zakaat Nisaab: $659.52
Mahr Fatimi: $1,645.79
Minimum Mahr: $33.89
24 Carat Gold: $96.45 per gram
22 Carat Gold: $88.48 per gram
18 Carat Gold: $72.51 per gram
9 Carat Gold: $36.76 per gram
Krugerrand: $3,085.26
Silver: $1.09 per gram

Please note: On the day you give your Zakah, these values fluctuate on a daily bases. Additionally, different types of gold have varying Zakah rates, so review them carefully. Islam is just and does not seek to burden or deceive you. For guidance purposes only

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

March 13, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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Give me my Eid money Back-Mommy/Daddy

Q: Asa: Can a child transact as in buy and sell things and does a child have to give away his or her eid money to a parent that asks for it and uses it up and the child is left with nothing. Child here is below maturity.

A. In principle, maturity (reaching the age of buloogh) is not a condition for a transaction to be valid. The essential condition is having an understanding of what the transaction entails in order for it to be valid. Therefore, if a child understands what they are dealing with and is aware that their mother or father has a need for the money, then a child giving it is not a problem.

However, if the child cannot negotiate or does not understand what is happening with their money, the parent cannot take such money. Nonetheless, if the child’s money is needed for the child necessary living due to parents undergoing poverty, this would be allowed.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

P.s. Best to invest a child’s money, not spend it, unless it is to benefit the child.

March 13, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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‘Saying no to zakah business’

Q: My families yearly zakah is about $200 000, I lose about 20-40% in transaction costs when giving through organizations. We do not wish to pay for zakah ‘collectors’ hotel stays, rental car fees, them sending 3 paid employees to pick up the check because they have internal trust issues and give us free lunches and gifts from them for the zakah and sadaqah money we give them. My son and daughter want to know, does one have to pay zakah asap when due? Can our family form an NGO like situation and donate to it, take tax benefits and distribute it towards the poor and give the poor their full due? Sayingnotozakahbussines

A: One can pay their zakah over a period of time, more so if one cannot find a poor person immediately. To delay unnecessarily is to deprive the poor of their rights.

Yes, one can take tax benefits for their contributions. The tax benefit is not related to zakah, these two are separate transactions.

One can form an organization and give their personal zakah to the newly created organization to distribute to the poor as per rules of religion while also following the law of the land. If this what you choose to do, you can keep your zakah money aside, form your organization, deposit the money into the organization and then distribute it as soon as possible.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

March 12, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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501(c) does not always mean zakah eligible

Q: Can Zakah money be used to build wells? THe organization is 501(c) (name withheld)

A: Walaikumsalam,

I am very happy to hear from you. May Allah (SWT) make more people want to do good things like this, InshaAllah.

Zakah must be given to an eligible individual who takes full ownership of it. Therefore, it cannot be directly used for building mosques, boreholes, or similar projects.
However, if a person qualifies for zakah, they may receive the funds and choose to spend them on a borehole project if they wish. It is essential that no conditions are placed on the recipient regarding how they use the funds. Some zakah organizations follow this approach by first distributing the money to a needy person, who then voluntarily decides to contribute to a borehole. This method ensures the zakah remains valid while still supporting such initiatives.
Ultimately, the recipient must have full discretion and no pressure placed over how they use their zakah. They must be in no obligation to spend it on a particular cause.

If Allah (SWT) has blessed you with extra money, build the well as a Sadaqah Jariya. This would be greatly rewarding as well.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

March 11, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Don’t be seeing flying monkeys!

Question: Asalamualikum, Is there anything objectionable about the following carpet depiction. Jazakallah Khair.

Answer: Walaikumsalam,

The image of the masjid carpet that has been shared is not objectionable.

For knowledge purposes, it is beneficial to elaborate further. This topic frequently arises, especially as more masjids are being established – making it important to clarify misunderstandings and provide balanced response.

The issue surrounding carpets with designs in a masjid setting encompasses multiple layers of concern and often leads to confusion. Much of this confusion stems from cultural spheres. This is particularly evident when distinguishing between two scenarios. First, there is the concern of praying towards an animate object or a fixed image, which is explicitly discouraged and in certain exceptional cases could render the prayer invalid. Second, there is the issue of praying on a carpet with abstract or ambiguous designs which is often confused with the former. However, the matter of abstract designs on carpets is more nuanced.

This is where it may all start for some: In the case of a carpet with designs that are not clearly defined or fixed, the ambiguity of these patterns sometimes evoke the appearance of recognizable objects to the observer. This phenomenon is often influenced by internal biases, where the mind subconsciously creates associations, even when no explicit image is present. While such designs do not inherently depict idols or animate objects, the mind’s interpretation of abstract patterns may cause distraction, potentially shifting focus away from worship. However, this does not mean that designs on carpets are inherently forbidden. However, it has lead scholars to the following:

As a recommendation, it has been mentioned that ‘busy’ designs should be avoided due to their potential to create distractions for the worshipper. However, just because something may momentarily divert attention does not mean it must be prohibited. Worshippers should strive to strengthen their concentration and develop a greater sense of focus in prayer. The reality is that most masjids already have carpets with some form of design. It would be impractical to mandate the removal of all such carpets. A more balanced recommendation would be that when current carpets wear out, they can be replaced with simpler designs if the masjid has a ‘busy design’ that continues to maintain beauty for visitors while minimizing potential distractions. After all, masjids should be made appealing, as their aesthetics can serve as a form of dawah, drawing people into a welcoming and inspiring environment.

There is nothing objectionable about carpets featuring non-animate designs, such as geometric patterns, calligraphy, or representations of sacred places like the Kabah, etc. However, many individuals frown upon any form of imagery within a masjid setting. This often stems from strict environments they have been part of or from genuine misinformation. Thus, it is important to clarify the distinction between prohibited images and permissible non-distracting decorative elements.

The place where misunderstanding originated for lay people: The following Hadith can bring things into better perspective. Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim narrate from Aishah (RA) that Rasool (SAW) performed salah in a black cloak with markings which caught His (SAW) attention during prayer. After finishing, he said: Take this cloak to Abu-Jahm ibn Hudhayfah and bring me his plain garment, for they (this cloak) distracted me when I was praying. This narration highlights that distraction is the central concern rather than an inherent prohibition of designs themselves. For clarity, Rasool (SAW) was not objecting to the presence of markings on the cloak, rather its potential impact on the concentration aspect during prayer.

Worshippers should focus on cultivating khushu (spiritually based concentration) in their prayers rather than seeking to eliminate every possible external distraction. While it is wise to gradually transition towards simpler carpets in masjids, this should be done thoughtfully, ensuring that the environment remains welcoming and aesthetically pleasing.

Regarding the picture you have sent, we do not see anything objectionable about it.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

March 11, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

zakat on shipment

Question: I have a shipment coming from china, is zakah due on it? It’s not in my possession, it’s still in the waters.
Answer: Possession for Zakah on business inventory is not just about physical possession, but also ownership and control over the asset.
-If you have paid for the goods and the seller has released it, then who does it belong to? Obviously you. Thus, even if the shipment is still in transit or at customs, you are still the rightful owner of it.
-Since ownership is legally transferred to you, it is part of your zakatable business assets.
-If the goods are on credit, Zakah is still due on the portion you own. Immediate debts can be deducted from your zakatable wealth. If ownership has not yet transferred, meaning it still belongs to the supplier, then there will be no Zakah on it as of yet. If you have not taken ownership (e.g., supplier still has full control), it is not considered your asset yet, thus no zakah.

Take note of these points:
-Zakah is due based on ownership and control of an asset, not just physical possession.
-If the shipment is delayed, in transit, or at customs, but you already own it, then it’s part of your zakatable inventory.
-If ownership has not been transferred, you do not count it as of yet.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

P.s. If ownership has transferred but customs would not release it and the wait is beyond what is normal for that given period in time, the above answer may change.

March 11, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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Quranic arabic vs Everyday style

Q: Asalamualikum, In ref to 16:103, does this mean that Mohammad (SAW) spoke a different language/dilect than the Arabic form in which the Quran was revealed?
A: Walaikumsalam,
Rasoolﷺ and the Quraysh both spoke Arabic and the Quran was revealed in Arabic as well. However, Quranic Arabic was revealed in Fusha (Classical Arabic)—a refined, eloquent and inimitable linguistic form that was was not part of everyday dialects spoken by the Arabs, including the Quraysh.
While the dialect of the Quran may appear to be Qurayshi, its dialectical perfection, grammatical structure, literary style and depth of expression were far superior to that of common speech. This is why the Quran and Hadith often sound different. Hadith reflects the Prophet ﷺ’s spoken language, whereas the Quran is Divine speech. Some Hadith, like Hadith Qudsi also contain revealed words from Allah (SWT) but are distinct from the Quran in authority and style.
A useful comparison would be Queen’s English versus conversational English—both belong to the same language but differ in formality, precision and literary quality. The key difference, however, is that the Quran’s distinction is not human-made; it is Divinely inspired, making the gap between it and ordinary speech far greater than human linguistic comparison.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

March 10, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Loan and equity are not the same

Q: I lost everything due to fires, a friend offered me funding to restart my business, in exchange he wants a 20% equity stake. Can I accept this deal under Islamic principles? Is it halal? He said its better I take the loan from him than the bank. Waiting for your response.
A: May (SWT_ make it easy for you and your family, Ameen.

If your friend is investing as a partner (aka: Musharakah) sharing in both profits and losses, it is halal. If it’s a loan with a fixed 20% return, it is haram due to Riba.
Who is it that will lend to Allah a goodly loan so that He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned. (Quran)
Allah Certainly Knows Best.