Yasir Qadhi has a YouTube Q&A series called ‘Ask Shaykh YQ,’ which I find fascinating to listen to given his Salafi background and approach to answering the questions. He was formally taught as a Salafi/Madkhali/Wahhabi scholar but, realised the group’s cultish nature over time. He is now a well-rounded scholar, a Hanbali, and an admirer of Ibn Taymiyyah, but he is not inclined to solely follow his or other prominent Salafi views, nor do taqlid on the Hanbali way. He regards and recognises all four imams as legitimate. He derives his opinions by synthesising all of the facts and opinions of previous scholars, particularly the Sahih, and then presenting back what he believes is appropriate for current society. Technically, he is a Salafi, but he is not bound by the ‘Salafi’ Madhab. He is also a member of a number of Fiqh councils, where he shares the opinions agreed upon, so he is not wholly rogue, but some of his responses appear to be autonomous, i.e., ijtihadi.

I have compiled a summary of his Q&A from Youtube for simple reference.

What if I Was Born in The Hanafi Madhab Without Knowing What it Really is? | Ask Shaykh YQ #1

A Madhab is a set of parameters on how to approach the text and derive rulings. You cannot do without it, if you tried, it’s a new madhab you’ve introduced as there are multiple ways/interpretations. So much easier to follow a valid and celebrated madhab, but not Wajib to follow a madhab. One may simply ask a learned teacher for an answer regardless of their madhab, as a layman you just need to know the ruling. You should not go for fatwa shopping though unless another scholar is a specialist in the subject.

When is Backbiting Allowed? | Ask Shaykh YQ #2

Backbiting should not be done and lying is worse. Imam Nawawi gave some examples of exceptions, 1. When someone has taken your right or oppressed you, then you can go to the person of authority and mention their faults. 2. Warning against a generic public evil like drug dealing but not their private sins. 3. If someone comes to you for advice on a person for a business transaction or marriage proposal, then you can give advice regarding that person. But this does not give a person the right to showcase all their faults and wrongdoings to everyone.

Is Organ Donation Halal in Islam? | Ask Shaykh YQ #3

A person can donate to another, regardless of religion, that which he can live without like a kidney. If the person dies, then they can donate their organs, but must personally give authority (in a will/pre-signed form). If he was quiet, then the heirs can decide what he would have wanted. You cannot sell the organs nor get a gift in return. Allah owns our body. We cannot donate to science either, this is a form of mutilation. Reproductive organs cannot be donated.

The fiqh council could not reach a decision on when death begins/life end, this is important because for the heart to be donated, the heart still need to be beating. If the person is still alive, then he will die. If he is dead, then the heart can no longer be used. Will come to a conclusion once more evidence of death is present.

How to Reconcile Ahadith Mentioning the Ummah Splitting & Being Strange with those Stressing Unity? | Ask Shaykh YQ #4

One of the most misunderstood hadith. All the sects are within the rights of Islam so even if they are split in opinion, they are still Muslim and deserving of the rights of a Muslim. All of the 72 groups are a minority and smaller put together than the one group rightly guided. The hand of Allah is over the majority. Generally, we Muslims all have the same basic beliefs. We should not use these hadith to increase division.

What is the ruling on using weak Hadiths? Ask Shaykh YQ #5

There are approx. 35 ways a hadith can be weak like a missing person in the chain. It means we are uncertain. Daeef can’t be used for Aqidah and halal/haram but may use it for virtuous actions. Daeef Jiddan is a hadith that is very weak, we can’t accept it as we can’t say how authentic it is, but we know it isn’t fabricated.

Many later scholars started using very weak and fabricated hadith more often so some recent scholars on the opposite hand like Albani, said we should treat them as they do not exist. He wanted to purify the sunnah from what is the authentic and weak. But his followers started saying this is the position of the Salaf. The reality is most of the Salaf used weak hadith.

What is the Ruling for Udhiyah? | Ask Shaykh YQ #6

10^th Dhull Hijja after Fajr till 13^th Dhul Hijjah before Maghrib is when one must sacrifice an animal. The Prophet ﷺ did this every year, this was the sunnah of Ibrahim. For every hair of the animal there is a good deed. You can do the Udhiyah any time you want.

Is it Sunnah or Wajib? Hanafis say it is Waajib for the one who meets Nisab. The others consider it Sunnah Muakkidah. We know the Prophet ﷺ and Sahabas did do the qurbani but some evidence some did not do it, therefore considered Sunnah. The bottom line is, it is encouraged, the difference is in whether wajib or emphasised sunnah (both hair line apart). It is mustahab to divide to three, for you, your family and the poor.

The sacrifice of Camel or a Cow suffices 7 people. Also one sacrifice per household is enough, e.g. one sheep. But Hanafis say an individual Waajib.

Don’t trim the hair or nails for the first 10 days else makruh to do so. Wisdom behind it was to feel like you are part of the Hujjaj.

What is the Islamic Ruling on Cryptocurrency? | Ask Shaykh YQ #7

Fiqh Council of North America which YQ is part of concluded Bitcoin is not haram. There is nothing haram in it to suggest haram. Everyday actions are halal unless proven haram. They looked at all the arguments people make to say it is haram and found them not be strong enough to call it haram. It is permissible to mine them, exchange, invest but rules of finance and fiat currency will apply. In future they will consider other Cryptos as the need rises.  

A Christian’s Belief in Jesus Vs. A Muslim’s Belief in Muhammad | Ask Shaykh YQ #8

Someone said your belief in Muhammad is like our belief in Jesus in that you have to believe in Muhammad, you have to go through Muhammad to get to God, You believe in his intercession. We Christians believe in the same. This may be true, but we believe in the separation and distinction between man and God whereas they believe they are one and the same thing. We don’t give God’s qualities to the Prophet ﷺ. Everything the Prophet ﷺ has; Allah gave it to him. The Christians believe Jesus himself is Godly, eternal, divine, possessed naturally, etc. Even the intercession is conditional, it is up to Allah to accept it or not. So our difference lies in the created and creator.

Is it Permissible to Carry a Small Quran in the Wallet or Car for Baraqa? | Ask Shaykh YQ #9

You can use the recitation for barakah but using the physical Quran/Muhaf or snippet for Barakah is disputed. Aisha allowed this as an Amulet and other Sahabas. But others like Abdullah ibn Masud did not allow the Quran to be worn as it is not befitting. It is not shirk, as it is speech of Allah, so how can it be shirk, you are turning to Allah’s words. The question is of Adab and whether it is proper to keep a copy of the Quran just sat there, when its purpose is to be read and also a higher form of receiving barakah.

Is Einstein’s Theory of Relativity Shirk? | Ask Shaykh YQ #10

Einstein says matter cannot be created or destroyed; it transforms from one place to another. Einstein is not talking about theology but science. We may apply them as, if Allah wills, he can change them. These laws are present in many forms. A miracle goes against the laws of nature. There cannot never be a conflict between proven scientific principles and the Quran. There is nothing wrong with the theory of relativity from a general standpoint.

Can We have Minute Quantities of Alcohol in Our Food? (Ie. Vanilla) | Ask Shaykh YQ #11

The basic rule is that which intoxicates in large quantities is haram in small quantities. In other words, a glass of beer intoxicates so a drop of it will be haram too.

Khamr is that which intoxicated, however, Khamr is not every type of alcohol. Methanol is not Khamr or intoxicating. In other words, those in cosmetic products or mouthwash is usually an alcohol compound but not intoxicating. Ethanol is intoxicating which is usually synthetic/chemical or from grapes and dates. This is what we find in alcohol that makes you drunk. In vanilla, the ethanol is used as a preservative. If you eat lots of vanilla ice cream it will not intoxicate you, therefore the hadith mentioned above is not met, so it will be halal. It does not intoxicate in large quantities so not haram is small quantities. However, if it was argues, why cannot we go to a steak house that has wine added to it in small quantities. This is because we judge actions by intentions. The intention of vanilla was to preserve, for the steak it is to benefit from the wine or rum in flavour. It was added as an ingredient. So this will be haram.

Likewise, the Mariujana cookies and brownies will be haram due to intoxicating effect in large quantities and small quantities. Kombucha tea if made at home can be intoxicating but shop bought ones are usually non-intoxicating.

How do We Reconcile Going to Western Courts for Marriages & Divorce Issues | Ask Shaykh YQ #12

It is possible to do arbitration outside of the courts. This could be using a professional arbitrator or lawyer. We can also use a Muslim scholar or Mufti. Both parties need to be interested in this approach. This will be a binding arbitration. Generally Islamic and Secular rules of business partnership and contracts are similar.

If the wife goes to the secular divorce courts to divorce for personal reasons and husband accepts then we can say it is equivalent to Khula as in the Muslims courts. If the husband doesn’t accept then in the secular courts, she can wait a while and it will be granted, but Islamically, the husband needs to give the divorce for the Nikkah to end. If he still refuses and there is evidence that he has been unreasonable like adultery and domestic violence, then she should visit a Mufti and let him take on the case and on her behalf call the marriage to an end. Regardless, every case is considered on an individual basis.

As a side note, the Jewish operate a separate system of courts based on their law. The court system welcomes arbitration if both parties are happy for it, but Muslims need to come up with a professional structure.

What is The Islamic Ruling Regarding The Fate of ‘Good’ Non-Muslims | Ask Shaykh YQ #13

We acknowledge Allah is the Rabb and we are the creation, Allah as the choice in what he wants to do. We cannot question nor ask him why. Allah will not do anything unjust as part of his attributes, but who defines justice?

We do not assign individuals to heaven and hell, whether it is Michael or Mustafa. We talk about generalities based on what we know of such types of people. We know there is one path that leads to Jannah, that is Islam. There are other statements like, whoever rejects the Prophet ﷺ, then has rejected Allah, e.g. the Jews and Christians, thus they aren’t Muslim. So such people who we can recognise as clearly called out in the Quran and Sunnah we can make some assumption.

The other case, just because someone is on the path then they will get Jannah or if someone isn’t on the path as they may be forgiven by Allah.

We will not punish anyone until a messenger comes to them is in the Quran, so scholars say until dawah is made they are safe, others say the dawah has to be clear and positive, i.e. they know the true version of Islam. There is a hadith that says there will be an old man, a deaf person, born between two prophets and one who no prophet was sent. Then Allah will say Ill will test you. They will be asked to jump in the fire. Those who accept will be entered into Jannah. Those who don’t will be considered worthy of the fire.

But now we have Google and mass information. What if someone is too lazy to search whether there is a God, who is that God, etc. So, they will be held to account on this if they completely weren’t bothered.

Ibn Judaan was an uncle of Abu Bakr, he was very charitable. But he will not go to Jannah because he never sought forgiveness from Allah, i.e., no connection to his Lord.

If someone sincerely concludes that Islam is not true, then it is difficult to determine their end. Allah will be the judge.

Is Using The Term ‘Sunni Islam’ Divisive? | Ask Shaykh YQ #14

We are Muslims. We use Sunni as an adjective. From time of Sahaba there have differences, Kharijites (Haroora), Shia, Qadariyyah, Mutazliah, etc. So to outline we are not followers of any of them. Ibn Abbas used this term, he said Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’. He was distinguishing from Khawarij.

In the hadith, “you will find a lot of ikhtiliaaf after I die, so stick to my sunnah and sunnah of my rightly guided companions,” Abu Dawud. In another hadith in Tirmidhi, he ﷺ said “follow the Jamah’, i.e the Sahabas or the majority.”

Some use it to inspire hatred, this is rejected. We only use it to describe ourselves. Just cos someone disagrees doesn’t take them outside of Islam. It’s like saying ‘I am a Muslim who follows the sunnah, follows the companions and the middle way’ in a short hand way.

What is The Islamic Ruling about Lowering the Pants Beneath The Ankles? | Ask Shaykh YQ #15

Hadith says whoever lowers his thobe out of pride, Allah will not look at time on day of judgment. And he ﷺ said what is below the ankles, is in the fire. Regardless of the opinions, if anyone does it out of pride then it is haram. People did it to show that they are so rich and have so many clothes that they are not bothered if it gets dirty. This is similar to a flashy car. Flaunting wealth for the sake of it.

We take the unrestrictive hadith with the conditional one. These hadith only apply when in society the lowering of a garment implies arrogance and pride. If done culturally then fine. Abu Bakr was also excused as he did not do it out of pride.

Examples of Ibn Masud, Abu Hanifa, Ayub Siktiani who also had garments lower than ankles. Another scholar, Ayub interestingly said, in his generation, people raised their ankles to show off, i.e. show off piety. 99% are of this opinion.

Are All Actions of The Prophet (SAW) Legislated By Allah Upon Us? | Ask Shaykh YQ #16

There are three categories of actions,

1. The rituals and statements of Aqida, Hereafter, Imaan, etc. These are part of our religion so we follow them to the utmost. All scholars agree. This is what we call from the Sunnah.
2. Culture, habits and custom of his people and his personal preferences. Those actions are not binding on the Ummah. For example, do we build our house like his? Do we only travel by Camel? We say it is Mubah, but not part of the religion. One may follow out of love.
3. Things in between the two like when the Prophet ﷺ was older, he waited a bit before rising for the next rakah. Hanbalis say this is category one, and other say category 2. It is not generally sunnah, but if one is older and weak, they can wait a bit instead of immediately rising.
   
   Also, once he ﷺ passed by farmers of dates who were cross-fertilising, he ﷺ said why don’t you let the fertilisation happen naturally. The following year there was no crops. So then when asked they said we never did it cos you said what you said. The Prophet ﷺ said You know your dunya, better than I do. In other words the Prophet ﷺ was sharing an opinion. Not commanding them to do it. So not all he ﷺ says is a command, and not all is from Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ has been given the authority from Allah on setting Shariah. Allah forbade the plucking of the trees of Makkah. The Prophets uncle asked to allow one tree. The Prophet ﷺ allowed it.

Another example is the dress code of Muslims. Some say Sunnah some say custom. They say he wore a thobe based on local custom. It is not sunnah per se, to wear the same clothes as the Arabs of that time. Even when you wear the same clothes, do you keep them non-ironed, basic material? The sunnah is to dress best within his own culture.

What Are The Conditions To Make an Animal Halal? | Ask Shaykh YQ #17

Unanimously the scholars agree

1. Animal itself is Halal to eat
2. Niyyah to slaughter
3. Religion is Muslim or Ahle Kitab
4. The blood must gush out i.e. can’t electrocute or beat to death or set a trap that kills

The controversy is in the mentioning the name of Allah. The Hanafis, Malikis and Hanbalis say it is obligatory to say the name of Allah over the thing being slaughtered. Allah says eat over that which Allah’s name has been mentioned and the vice versa is also said. So many others that say mention that say the name of Allah. The Shafi’s say the evidences indicate saying Bismillah is Sunnah. So if the Christian or Jew slaughters and doesn’t say Bismillah, then it is ok.

• Stunning – Stunning the animal itself is Makhruh. If dies, then Haram. If alive, then uncertainty if all animals remain alive. So makes stunning hard.
• GMO – Doesn’t make meat haram
• Mistreating animals – doesn’t make haram, but practices might be haram. They will answer to Allah. From an ethical point, we maybe should boycott such farms.
• Kosher – Halal. When Ahle Kitab follow their religion, then halal for us. And other conditions are met. But if not, then it isn’t. 

In a hadith, there are a group of new Muslims who gave meat to other companions, they did not know if they are saying Bismillah or not. If you are doubtful, then say Bismillah and eat. Only applied if a Muslim slaughters and you don’t know if they know the rules.

Did The Prophet(SAW) See Allah? | Ask Shaykh YQ #18

According to Ahlus Sunnah, we will see Allah in the hereafter, there are four verses in the Quran that give evidence to this. Others say our eyes cannot encompass Allah, as Moosa couldn’t. We say that we cannot fully comprehend Allah, but there is a level of seeing. Ahlus Sunnah say, the verse related to Moosa is strictly in this world.

In terms of the Prophet ﷺ , the companions were split, Ibn Abbas and Ubayy, swear that he saw Allah. Aisha on the other hand said he did not see Allah. He saw Jibril. Some say ibn Abbas said the Prophet ﷺ saw with his heart, a metaphysical type. Imam Nawawi and majority say the Prophet ﷺ saw Allah. Others say this is not the majority and say Aisha’s opinion is the majority. When Abu Dharr asked the Prophetﷺ , he said I saw light, how could I see Him? Most scholars say he saw the veil before Allah. Others say, he didn’t say he never saw him, but there was an overbearing noor. 

Aisha is more senior to Ibn Abbas. So this opinion is taken.

According to five Sahabas, Prophet ﷺ said, ‘in my dream my Lord came to me in the best image and placed his hands on my chest until I could feel the coolness…’ but this is in a dream.

Are Credit Cards Haram? | Ask Shaykh YQ #19

Finance matters are always a grey area. Riba is haram. Giving money and asking back the capital and more.

For Riba, being on the receiving end, Abu Hanifa said Muslims living in a minority are ok to accept Riba. The curse in the Quran is the one who loans and requests more back, not on the one who takes a loan and pays extra back. Although it is still a severe sin.

Necessity allows the haram to become halal. When deciding when does haram become halal… you look at the level of haram and level of difficulty. For example, a person is dying, has a dead cow available and a pig. He will choose the dead cow as it is least sinful.

Credit cards are this second type where you receive the money. The concept of loans is halal. The problem comes in when you do not pay in full or pay late then we will charge you interest.

What do you do when a contract is valid, but a clause in invalid. Sahabas disagreed. Some say only clause is invalid, others say whole contract. But former is the majority.

Majority if Fiqh councils say if a person is in difficulty or in need, or need for modern world like checking in to a hotel, hiring a car, and they intend they will not overspend and that they will pay pack before the end of the month then it is fine to have a credit card.

What if Someone Rejects Hadith? | Ask Shaykh YQ #20

Spent ten mins speaking about confirmation bias and pointing the finger.

Anyone who says I do not have to follow the sunnah that person is not a Muslim unequivocally. You cant have Islam without obedience to the Messenger of Islam ﷺ. If the person falls short in his actions or is lazy then this is a different matter.

Some deny the preservation of the Sunnah so will have a problem the narration being fabricated or not fully authentic e.g. I’m not going to trust Imam Bukhari who came 250 years later. This is still a deviation but not kufr. It is a deviation because it has been preserved.

Can I Work in A Restaurant That Serves Haram? | Ask Shaykh YQ #21

If something is haram to use then it is haram to buy and sell/gain, e.g alcohol, deal animals, pig and idols. You can’t even use the fat of the animal, else curse on you. Likewise, ‘empty the wine into the streets’ instead of selling to get some money back at least.

Since zabiha meat has some difference of opinion, if a person works in a restaurant serving it then won’t be haram.

Based on a fatwa from American Muslim Jurist Association says it can be allowed if it is a necessity and hardship if the person doesn’t work there but should actively seek halal employment. It is on a case-by-case basis and the individual knows best his difficulty without it.

The one whose income is derived from this and is a necessity then it is forgiven. If not necessity, then it will be haram. Technically if someone takes money that is haram, then for you it becomes halal, but by taqwa you should reject the money.

The Paradox of Abu Lahab | Ask Shaykh YQ #22

How could Allah ask him to believe when he can never believe since Allah says he is perished in Surah Masad?

It is called At-Takhleed Mala Yutak – Can Allah obligate on an individual something he is not capable of doing? Like Allah commanding a person to fly.

Ibn Taymiyya says Allah will never say something like this. In this case it is not impossible for Abu Lahab to become a Muslim. He chooses to not believe and thus is called out. Some say this can be used as a miracle of Islam/Quran. If Abu Lahab now believes, then this contradicts the Quran saying he will be perished.

Is it Haram To Participate in Protests? | Ask Shaykh YQ #23

Nothing explicit in Quran and Sunnah that prohibits protests. Islamic history shows protests by Muslims, like when crusades took Jerusalem and Sultan of Baghdad did not retaliate. Aisha protested with others when Uthman was killed to find and kill the killer.

Muslims should seek fatwa from muftis from their own culture and location. Half of giving a fatwa is to know the context. Protests can bring good awareness. It is one factor of change. They are Mubah.

Is it Permissible For An Unmarried Woman To Shave Her Hair? | Ask Shaykh YQ #24

There is a hadith in Bukhari, the Prophet ﷺ frees himself from two types of women, the wailing women and the lady who shaves her head. So all four madhab say it is haram unless medical necessity. Some scholars of minority opinion say it is Makhruh if she is single, and if she is married then haram, as it is part of her beauty and will affect the marriage. You can cut hair to shoulder length. So cutting is permissible.

What Should I Do If I Did Not Fulfill an Oath Made With Allah’s Name? | Ask Shaykh YQ #25

If used as an expression as cultural habit then this isn’t the same as a proper oath (like in testimony). This would still be makhruh but Allah will not call you to task. If you give an oath but you are lying, then it is sinful, and will cause you to enter the hellfire. It is a major sin.

If a proper oath, then protect the oath and fulfil it. If it breaks then seek forgiveness and give kaffarah feed ten people the average of what you feed yourself, cloth ten people or free a slave if you can’t then fast for three days.

Can We Participate in A Competition With A Fee And A Prize? | Ask Shaykh YQ #26

This is a complex area of law. £10 to participate in competition and winner gets £1000. Or a raffle. The raffle is gambling.

What if you don’t buy anything, like 100^th person to come in gets free gift. Then this is gifting not gambling. If you buy cereal and it has a promotion. Majority say if the goal was to just get the product then it is halal for you. If you buy the product to potentially win then this is gambling. The price should be the same before and after the promotion.

No competition for money except in archery, horse riding and camel riding because of military training. But majority say if money comes from third party then it is fine whatever the competition. But in this hadith, only these are allowed. Others say if some people pay and some don’t then it is halal. Islamic competitions follow the same ruling as improves Islam.

Is Salat al Shukr a Bid’a? And Salat al Tawbah | Ask Shaykh YQ #27

The Sajdah Shukr is in the Sunnah, so any good news then one should do sajdah shukr. Most madhabs say all conditions of salah must be met, others say no evidence for this. It is not salah so no wudu needed and it is an immediate reaction of gratitude so doesn’t matter the state. It’s like saying Alhamdullilah with the mouth you do not need wudu.

But to do two rakah shukr, some say this is a bidah. If we look at Quran and Sunnah they say be grateful to Allah and this can be done in multiple ways like this two rakah. In Ibn Majah it says when Abu Jahl died the Prophet ﷺ read two rakah shukr.

Saltul Tawba is also from the sunnah and no disagreement.

Leasing A Car With Installment Payments at a Higher Price | Ask Shaykh YQ #28

Outright cash is halal. Leasing the car for a fixed time frame then halal. This is rent. You buy a car but pay in instalment over a few years and it has some interest. This is Riba so not halal and it is not really a necessity.

If you purchase the car £10k, if instalments then £12. The default position of four madhabs is it is halal. Even though this is same as the riba one, you start of applying for the instalment version. There are examples of this is sunnah. When Aisha bought the slave Barira they said you can pay by instalments but 9 over 9 years. If she paid up front it would have been cheaper. So they charged extra since they will get the money late. This is like Islamic mortgages.

One has to decide if they want to pay full or instalments. If there is a late penalty fee then this is not allowed but wont invalidate the contract. Have to make sure the extra amount is fixed too not variable.

It’s also allowed to pre-sell at a cheaper price like buying a product before release at a lower rate.

The Difference Between Fard & Wājib | Ask Shaykh YQ #29

Comes under Usul al Fiqh.

Hanafis have 7 categories, others have 5.

1. Fardh or Wajib are synonymous – Obliged to do
2. Sunnah – Recommended
3. Mubah – Permissible
4. Makruh – Reprehensible
5. Haram – Sinful to do

Not all haram is the same and not all wajib is the same. They are a spectrum. Like Murder is haram and music is haram. So are they both equally haram? No.

Hanafis said

1. Fardh – Explicit and Obliged by Allah
2. Wajib – Obliged by Prophet ﷺ , overlooked if not done forgetfully
3. Sunnah – Recommended
4. Mubah – Permissible
5. Makruh Tanzihi – Reprehensible
6. Makruh Tahrimi – Severely Reprehensible
7. Haram – Sinful to do- Explicitly

For Sunnah Muakkidah and Ghair Muakkida – concept is in all madhabs.

I Can’t Announce My Conversion, Is My Islam Valid? | Ask Shaykh YQ #30

No Muslim in entire town and if says he is Muslim then may be hostile towards him. If a difficulty is hard to bear, even if it means to commit shirk out of threat, then it is allowed to hide your Islam. Najashi is used as an example and a family member of Firwan. So any mistakes Allah will overlook it. He should try to practice the fardh of the religion. And if you are able to leave then you should leave.

Is Infinite Punishment Fair? | Ask Shaykh YQ #31

All scholars unanimously agree that Jannah is eternal. The majority all say Jahannam is eternal. Allah says they shall reside in the hell fire forever. Many verses indicate eternality of Jahannam.

Allah does not oppress, he doesn’t punish someone more than the crime nor punishment pf others crime. Allah has the right to assign punishment X for Crime X. He has told you beforehand what the punishment is.

Do we judge the length of the sentence by the length of the crime? If it takes a minute to kill someone, then why do we give him life sentence? We look at the severity. The biggest crime is to deny Allah. It calls for the biggest punishment.

The other thing is, if the person lived for a very long time, like 10000 years, then they would have still disbelieved. They would disbelieve eternally.

Did Ibn Taymiyyah deny eternality of the Jahannam? Yes he write a treatise. He defends both opinions. Ibn Qayyim his student has written about this to continue the message that at some stage the Jahannam will seize. Allah says they will be in it for long period of times and punished in hell for as long as heavens and earth remain except if your lord decrees something else. Indeed, Allah can do what he wants. He also brings in Allah’s Rahma and other proofs from the Sahabas, Ibn Masud, Umar and Abu Hurayra said it will cease to exist.

They said it is plausible, but it is not clear that this was their belief.

Is Gelatin in Medicinal Tablets Permissible? | Ask Shaykh YQ #32

It comes from animals, fish, plants and synthetical produced. Only questionable is the animal gelatine. If animal is halal then gelatine is halal. If pig, then never. If non-pig and haram, then when it becomes gelatine, does it become pure? This is called istihalah. Majority say something is impure will always be impure. Hanafis said istihalah can make something pure.

All modern scholars accepts istihalah as there is lots of change. Vinegar is one example of change from grape to wine to vinegar, pure to impure to pure. Likewise sheep leather from a dead animal. Tanning the skin purifies it.

So does gelatine go through istihalah? No it does not. Not to the extent that it becomes a new thing.. with a new atomic structure. So it will be impure.

If the medicine is a necessity and no alternative then this is necessary and it will be allowed. Most medicines have halal alternatives. Some doctors might not tell you about it since they are expensive so always ask.

The Shar’i Responsibility in Raising a Special Needs Child | Ask Shaykh YQ #33

The greatness of the reward comes with the greatness of the struggle.

Such child is not Mukallaf. So obligations are lifted from them. They will be the people of Jannah.

The more they are able to think the more responsible they are. They should do the things they can do. But err on the side of mercy.

To Wipe or Not to Wipe: Masah Over Socks? | Ask Shaykh YQ #34

This is wiping over cotton socks. Wiping over leather or something waterproof that covers the ankles is accepted by all scholars. (the Shia and Khawarij don’t allow it). You can do masah for 24 hours if resident and 72 hours if travelling. Over 20 sahabas reported wiping over the khuff. This would then include cowboy boots.

For the non-leather sock, like cotton, nylon, polyester, etc. Imam Haskafi says it has to be thick so that one can walk 5km, so it’s like a shoe, likewise the Shafi, and Malikis. The Hanbalis say it can be any sock that covers the ankle even if it is thin. They don’t have to be waterproof.

There is a sahih hadith that says Prophet ﷺ wiped over sock. Other three say this was either a khuff or it was in the same condition i.e. thick and waterproof. No conditions are found in the sunnah. Most Sahabas would have had holes in the sock.

Masah is done on the top.

Is Insurance Halal or Ḥaram? A Detailed Analysis | Ask Shaykh YQ #35

What in insurance. It is a form of risk management. Pay the insurance company some money to protect you in case something risky happens. From insurance company purpose… most of the time everything is ok, so they get to keep the money. They also invest this money and make more money from it. So are able to pay back from whole pool.

There is no tangible product. It a promise based on a premium that if in an event something happen they will pay you a set amount. Early Maliki said Gharar and Qimaar in this so invalid contract.

Issues with insurance

Gharaar

Uncertainty. Prophet ﷺ forbade ‘transactions of stone.’ This is where a buyer said to seller, ill purchase your land as far as my rock can go, so will throw a rock in the field. There is uncertainty. You cannot purchase something unknown. You need to know what you are buying for how much, etc. So buying a mystery box or a lotter is uncertainty. There can be a negligible amount then excused like buying a car and later you find a scratch on the seat. This is minor. The main certainty is buy a car.

Another example of going to a buffet. You pay an amount for not limit of food. Most say this is overlooked.

In insurance, for what you pay, it is uncertain what you get back. And often you get nothing back.  

Riba

Exchanging money at different rates is interest. So you are paying a low amount and getting back a high amount if loss occurs. Also, there is issue of the time spot-trade. You do not exchange money immediately.

Qimaar

This is gambling. A level of chance is involved. You put in a small amount and hope to get more back. But then is this not similar to buying shares. This also is not the strong argument.

Imaan bil Qadr

Having faith in destiny. This is a weak argument. We wear armour in battle. Many examples of tying the camel.

Ibn Abideen laid the foundations in 1700s of insurance contracts. All modern scholars say insurance is haram.

A minority opinion is that there is no garrar because the insurance is calculated and there is a questionnaire… you know exactly what you get and what you are insured for. There is tangible benefit. You get peace of mind. When you hire a security guard to protect the premise. But do you know how much protection is needed? No. Is this not uncertain? Insurance is the same.. you put something in place to protect in the event of an emergency.

So far this is abstract, but sometimes in application, things can become permissible. One example is when the state makes mandatory car insurance. Then permissible to buy. Then there is hardship and necessity, this again will make it permissible, for example, property insurance against schools and madrassas, car and health insurance (where it is expensive). Life insurance will not be allowed except if the company offers it without you paying.

Working for an insurance company – the base is that it is not allowed but exceptional if a person cant find another job, but they must look for another one. One exception is that if you are a third-party consultant then you are assigned to an insurance company then it will be overlooked.

Understanding The Hadiths of ‘Prophetic Medicine’ | Ask Shaykh YQ #36

The question is based on the hadith drinking camel urine as a prescription.

Some people pretended to convert they mentioned the disease to the Prophetﷺ , they then left Islam and murdered a farmer. The prophet ﷺ then severely punished them.

Malikis and Hanbalis say the urine and stool of halal animals is pure so this hadith is not contradictory to anything and can be acted on. The Hanafis and Shafis say it is not pure. They say this is a one-off, exception and necessity.

Tibbun Nabawi – Prophetic Medicine – Classical scholars saw these as shari’, from Allah intended to cure and guide us. So many scholars had sections in their works on medicine from the Quran and Sunnah. Medicinal advice is certain, without doubt and divine knowledge.

Qadi Ayadh who wrote the Ash-Shifa, he said, these issues of the dunya, it is possible that it is from human experience not Allah. Some can be correct some not. He was not sent to teach human sciences. This does not deter from his Prophetic nature. Ibn Khaldun said this is not from revelation, rather what the Arabs did anyway. He did not come to teach us about the world. Shah Waliullah said some knowledge is from Allah and is universal, some is form time and place, this is where medicine comes from.

There are examples in the sunnah where Prophet ﷺ had worldly opinion and was happy to change it. Aisha also once said she would learn medicine and then relay to the Prophet ﷺ and ask if it’s ok.

YQ comments on brelvis beliefs that are based on the wrong persona of the Prophet ﷺ . He was a normal human and his knowledge of dunya wasn’t like knowledge of Islam.

Maybe in that time it was the best medicine, or better than nothing, but doesn’t mean we need to legislate now or we may have more effective treatment now.

What if someone does thing out of pure love> If they do it then there is no question there is a blessing in this love.

We should disregard herbal remedies that are proven not to work in the modern age.

Explaining Christmas to our Children | Ask Shaykh YQ #37

As Muslim we do not follow the unique cultural aspects of others like what is unique to Buddhists, Christians, etc. We should tell children the history of Christmas. It is a pagan holiday. So why are we celebrating/marking it?

Converts Attending Christmas Family Events | Ask Shaykh YQ #38

Attending a family gathering on Christmas is different to worshipping other than Allah. You are not celebrating Christmas with them, so it is fine. Don’t participate in any shirk/non-Islamic practices.

Christmas in A Corporate Setting: Gift Exchanges | Ask Shaykh YQ #39

We have to consider the intention of the gifting. Are the people doing it in the name of their god? Or is it done as a pleasantry. Most likely it is a mutual gift exchange to improve colleague relations. So can we participate in the secular activity.

Ali was given gifts from the Zoroastrians on the day of their new year. On one occasion he was given Falooda – Mil, honey, mixture and he accepted it gracefully. Aisha said don’t eat the sacrifice but the other food like fruits and vegetables is fine.

If you are Muslim owner, might be better to do such exchange of gifts around our own Eid’s. 

Can We Take Advantage of Christmas Sales | Ask Shaykh YQ #40

Imam Ahmed was asked can we go to the bazaar in the Christmas periods, he said it’s fine as long as you don’t go to the church.

Congratulating Someone On Their Religious Holiday | Ask Shaykh YQ #41

Nothing explicit that forbids congratulating on others. Ibn Qayyim prohibited the non-Muslims on their holy days. To do so, is worse than congratulating them for a major sin like murder. Many councils disagree as when we are congratulating, then are we congratulating them to worship other than Allah or is it a positive mention and being happy for them on their occasion.

Personal advice is to avoid Merry Xmas, say something generic as a safe bet.

Meetings Where Alcoholic Drinks Are Present | Ask Shaykh YQ #42

Alcohol is the mother of all evil. It’s not just the drinking but all the things that leading to it. In a hasan hadith the Prophet ﷺ forbade siting on a table where alcohol is passed around. This can be difficult to implement in the corporate environment.

Never make it known you are comfortable around alcohol. Tell you manager that you don’t feel good around it. Sometimes the battle is not worth fighting, so like the annual meeting and you need to be there. So avoid being close to it, or sit with other Muslims, or mentally have taqwa and be isolated from it. Leave once your participation is done. Don’t like it with your heart.

If it is an evening out then you should not go out. Make an excuse.

The Ahadith on Ghazwa-i-Hind | Ask Shaykh YQ #43

Both hadith in an-Nisai, first one, the Prophet ﷺ mentioned an expedition to Hind. Abu Hurayra expressed he wishes to be part of the expedition. The hadith is weak in chain, there is another hadith that is weak in chain too. In Abi Asim book of Hijad, he has another isnad. This has slight weakness, but all three together they become Hasan li-Ghayrihi.

The other hadith in an-Nisai is that group who shall go on expedition to hind shall be granted Jannah.

During time of Umar and Uthman Muslims went to scope the areas, later then Muslims took Sindh and then Hind. So the prophecy of the hadith have been met.

Some say Muslims are yet to take India.

Defining & Dealing With ‘Najas’ | Ask Shaykh YQ #44

What are the Najasaat, impurities and the rulings. We can’t have impurity on our clothing and body, and certainly not pray.

• Stool and urine
• Dead blooded animals are impure.
• Excrement of a haram animal is impure. Disagreement on halal animals.
• Pigs are impure
• Malikis say dogs are impure, Hanafis said the saliva is impure and some say in totality
• Cats are pure
• Pre ejaculation fluid
• Wadi – White fluid in men
• Sperm – Shafi and Hanbali say no impure, other two say it is impure
• Flowing blood, like gushing blood, not spots or light cuts
• Tanner leather is pure even if impure to begin with except Pig
• Alcohol is impure, but khamr not synthetic
• Menstrual blood

If unknowingly on you and you don’t take precautions then there is punishment in the grave.

Water is not  requirement to clean, it is mustahab.

A Muslimah Marrying A Non-Muslim | Ask Shaykh YQ #45

Is the wedding done and should we attend? How should family handle this.

In Islam we can’t force people but we have to share our perspective from Islam and Sharia. Quran explicitly forbids someone to marry a polytheist, which includes atheists and trinitarians. In Surah Maidah an exception is for a Muslim man to marry a female from Ahle Kitaab. So a Muslim woman has to marry a Muslim man else men wouldn’t be singled out. There is consensus on this.

A Muslim man cannot marry an ahle kitabi in a non-Muslim land according to ibn Abbas because in a Muslim land, shariah applies and if there is a divorce they can rule the children to brought up Muslim. Umar halted the marrying as people weren’t marrying the Muslims, but ahle kitab.

If a couple is non-Muslim and then one of them converts, like the lady, then European fiqh council say, this is fine as long as she can practice her faith.

So we say the Nikah is Baatil but we cant force them esp with western law with freedom of marriage. So we have to influence them with Islam and being obedient to Allah. The family should compassionately work with the female to move her away from the haram relationship.

Do not approve or give tacit approval but you can’t completely cut them off, especially when their children come about. Maybe give dawah to the husband.

We should also be strict on Muslim men who do not marry our own Muslims sisters.

“What does Islam Say About Global Warming?” | Ask Shaykh YQ #46

First ask the experts about the subject area.

In terms of the Quran, Allah says man has stewardship of the earth, so we need to look after it. We shouldn’t destroy the earth, including cultivation and animals. If one plants a tree and people benefit from it, then sadaqa jaariya.

Such environmental issues aren’t the most important though. So you should champion other things too.

People care about the slaughter but not bothered about how the animal treated. For Muslims we treat the animal too. It is important. So just because the west say it’s important, doesn’t mean its most important to us.

We shouldn’t also be anti-environment claiming it is all fake and not important in Islam.

On Women Attending Funerals | Ask Shaykh YQ #47

Clear hadith where it is confirmed it was forbidden for women to go to the graveyard, but then the Prophet ﷺ allowed it. In another, whoever follows a janaza and is there for the burial will get deeds like two mountain heaps.

Mailikis consider these hadith only for those who are professional mourners or people who say kuft statements. So it is permissible for women according to them. Shafis and Hanbalis said it is Makruh. The Hanafis say Makhru Tahrimi.

Time have changed. Why are we depriving them from the mosque and graveyards? Go everywhere shopping, cinema, but don’t come to the religious places.

But if we see women wailing or saying inappropriate things then they should be reminded.

The Fiqh of Plagues | Ask Shaykh YQ #48

Aisha asked the Prophet ﷺ about plagues, she said they are a punishment from Allah but a mercy to the believers. No one stays at a place of plague and expects Allah to reward him and knows nothing will happen except what Allah has decreed and if he dies, he dies as a martyr.

In another hadith, there was an incident when Umar was on his way to Shaam, he bumped into a Sahabi who was returning from there. The Sahabi said there is a plague in Shaam. So after they all consulted. They said they should not enter the land.  The Sahabi said are you running from the qadr of Allah, Umar said I am running from the qadr of Allah to the qadr of Allah.

In another hadith, if a plague comes in your land, don’t leave. If in another land, don’t enter it. So scholars say it is haram to leave the place because you are spreading to other places.

But in our times, we can delegate to WHO or the country or have lockdown or have quarantine. So if you know if you leave you won’t affect other people.

Any calamity is a punishment for some and a mercy to some.

Act justly with enemies

The Distance of ‘Travel’ (and A Case Study in The Development of Fiqh) | Ask Shaykh YQ #49

In the Quran, There is no sin on you if you shorten your prayer if you are in fear of attack. Umar asked about this verse, must we be in fear? The Prophet ﷺ said no, this is an expiation, but you can shorten whilst travelling. The 4 rakah become 2.

What constitutes safar?

There is no Quran or hadith on what constitutes safar. So the scholars looked for other indications of travel. In a hadith the Prophet ﷺ said a woman may not travel the distance of 3 days without a mahram. Some say 2 or 1 days. So the scholars used this hadith to define the length of safar.

But it says 3 days of travel, but how long is this? The unit of measurement was a barid, this is the distance a horse and rider would travel before they could take a break. So how many barids in one day of travel? Some say 4, 5, 8 etc. and these were from the earlier people, that safar is 4 barids.

But by the time the four schools come, the unit of measurement has changed. They were using farsakh, 1 barid = 4 farsaskh (majority opinion), 4 barid = 16 farsakh. So all the books started using farsakh instead of the initial unit.

The next unit used was a mile, defined by 1000 steps by a roman, known as the roman mile. But the Arab mile was shorter, known as the Hashemite mile. But we don’t know the distance, some say as far as the eye can see, some say 12000 arab steps, When you can see someone in the distance but can’t tell the gender. Queen Elizabeth defined the mile and other measurements. Most then said 1 farsakh = 3 Hashemite miles. So 16 * 3 = 48, hence 48 miles or 78km. This is what the hanafis use.

The Shafis and Hanbalis say 16 miles.

Other scholars like ibn Hazm and ibn Taymiyya say safar is not framed by a number but a frame of mind. You know you are travelling when you set to travel. Some journeys are to the shop, some are travelling out on a journey. The mahram hadith should be used as two separate issues. The sahaba did not also measure distances and there is no clarity. So we are not bound by any number. The Sharia cant have too much ambiguity. Qasr is to make life easy. Distances vary from culture to culture, and even the means. 45 mins in camel is different to 45 mins in a car. We don’t need to specify a set mile. If by camel it might be travelling, but if by car it might not be. So safar is not a distance. We cant say there is basis in Shariah.

A person might travel short distance to hunt and will b camping. This might be safar, but if one was going for a walk at the same distance, it might not be safar.

The safar has to be reasonable. Not across the road.

The Distance of ‘Travel’ – Part 2 | Ask Shaykh YQ #50

Majority say qasr is mustahab, not wajib. But qasr should be done. It is the sunnah. Allah rewards qasr the same.

Safar begins when you leave the walls of the city. So usually when generally a person feels they have left the city.

If the imam is praying 4, then follow him, so pray 4. If the person is in safar and imam, then after two, he should announce it. Some say to keep the congregation not confused, the imam can pray 4.

If you are travelling home, and you will be home before the salah ends. Should you get home and pray full or pray 2 in the journey. You don’t need to wait to get home.

In terms of residence in a place. If you are in a state of uncertainty in how long you are staying there for and will return then constant in state of travel. So no limit. If you know the days you will stay for then it depends on the day. The days range from 1 day to 20 days. If you stay for a day extra then you are not classed as a traveller.

Shafis, Malikis and Hanbalis say qasr for only 3 days. On fourth day pray in full. The hanafis say 15 days. If you stay for more than 16 days then pray in full for all the days. Ibn Taymiyya says there is no set number of days. Ibn Taymiyya advised a person staying for one month is too much, but if reasonable amount of time, then yes pray qasr, don’t need a day limit. It depends are you established or still in a state of travel.

Combination

Hanafis allow combination only in Hajj, the others allow it whilst travelling, if you have an issue that makes prayer hard for you or wudu is affected or if in the masjid and dangerous condition like snowstorm, so pray in the mosque.

Combined prayer is not the default. You pray at the right times. It just makes it easier if there is a need. If you do it by default or are lazy, then it can be sinful.

In one authentic hadith, the Prophet ﷺ combined without reason, the Shia take this position. But our scholars do not take this. But it does leave the option open for extreme conditions.

Performing Tayammum | Ask Shaykh YQ #51

Tayyamum is a gift for this ummah (compare with Jews) and demonstrates, Allah wants to make things easy. There is a Quranic injunction that allows it.

1. If you are sick or travelling and don’t have water
2. Whether you have excreted or had marital intercourse
3. Then intend to purify yourself with the earth
4. Wipe you hands and face with the earth

The Prophet struck the sand, blew, and then wipes on his hands and face.

In tayyamum you intend to purify and the rest is symbolic. The goal is not to transfer the sand to your face but symbolic. One can use anything from the surface from the earth. It can be a rock, sone, cliff edge or anything dust settled on.

The third instance when it is allowed is when the weather is so cold and icy.

It doesn’t mean you have no water, but not enough water, you may need it for emergency or for drinking. If you know there is water on the way, then this isn’t regarded as no water. But it has to be reasonable, you don’t need to travel long distances.

One should delay tayamum up until the prayer will end in case he finds water.

Some say it only last the one prayer, some say it carried on, or until he reaches water.

How To Deal With Abusive Parents | Ask Shaykh YQ #52

Is it Wajib to be a dutiful daughter when my father was so abusive (physical and emotional) and I get panic attacks when Im around him or confront him.

Children also have a rights over parents and in Akhira they can complain to Allah how they were abused and the parents did not meet their rights.

Allah is not calling you to do something that will harm you.

The more oppression done to you, the less you have to fulfil your duties. You have to make a judgement call. But continue to fulfil what duties you can, like supporting your mother financially.

The family should all work together to fix everything.

Always make dua to Allah to bring hearts together

Collectively we should call to account people who physically or sexually abuse their children esp within families.

Is It Obligatory to Avail Oneself to Medical Treatments When Sick? | Ask Shaykh YQ #53

Quran and Sunnah mention diseases and cure, like honey has a cure and all diseases have a cure except death.

The Prophet said yes take medicine to the Bedouin. But it is not wajib not to take medication. The majority said it is mubha, mustahab (shafi) and hanbalis said better to not take. So it is a choice. Hanafis sometimes say it is preferred.

Wajib means if you do not do something it means you are sinful. So this is too harsh. So the scholars said its permissible. But let’s say you shall be saved in life and death situation and outcome close to certain then you should take the medication or interference, like wearing a bandage or having an operation. But some still say we can obligate people to take medication. We should rely on Allah.

Understanding a Hadith on Diseases Not Being Contagious | Ask Shaykh YQ #54

In Bukhari, the Prophet calls on no such thing as bad omen and nor does disease transfer but it is the qadr of Allah. So if I visit a sick person and I get a cold too.. they didn’t give it to me, but it was the qadr of Allah for me to get it.

This hadith is about superstitions so people who thought mentally ill, or people who are a bit off might have something contagious. We know there is the hadith about the person not going to the plague infested land. So some physical interference can happen. Or a Leper.

The Blessings of Rajab | Ask Shaykh YQ #54

Rajab is one of the sacred four months. The six hadith don’t mention any blessings, but it is blessed as no warfare goes on. All hadith on blessings are mawdu according to Ibn Taymiyyah.

O Allah bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban and let us reach Ramadhan, this is mawdu but meaning is sound, so one can say it, but don’t attribute the hadith to the Prophet.

If someone wants to pray Tahajjud in Rajab because of it’s secial blessing then this is fine, as long as it’s not some new form of prayer.

Isra wal Miraj took place in Rabi Ul Awwal according to Zuhri. Rajab has just been popularised.

Fiqh of Janazah & Salah In These Times | Ask Shaykh YQ

Modern Issues On Islamic Medical Ethics in Light of COVID-19: A Conversation with Dr. Aasim Padella

What Is the Origins and History of Tarawīh Prayer? | Ask Shaykh YQ #58

Tarawih is the name given to Qiyam ul Layl or Tahajjud during Ramadhan. It is done after Isha till beginning of Fajr. It is one of the most beloved prayers and for those who want the highest of maqaams. It is a nafl prayer. All the blessings of Tahajjud apply to the Tarawih. The Prophet advised us to pray Tahajjud as it was the practice of those before us. Such people will also have special reward in Paradise.

Hadith in Bukhari and Muslim states whoever fasts during the days of Ramadhan, the past sins will be forgiven, and who stands at night to pray, all of his past sins are forgiven.

The Prophet in the nights of Ramadhan he prayed alone in the mosque. He didn’t announce it. Some people saw him so they joined him. Then it started to build. On the third night, the Prophet did not come out. He came out at Fajr, and said I did not come out as I was worried it will become fardh for you. And he passed away the following year.

People prayed alone at time of Abu Bakr, but during Umar time, they went to the mosque and saw people praying alone or in small groups. He said it is better to combine all under one Qari. Ubayy ibn Kaab led the prayers. Umar said what a great new innovation this is. Two men would alternate for the Tarawih. And then a third was added so the women can hear.

Aisha reports the Prophet used to pray 11 Rakah, 8 rakah tahajjud and 3 rakah witr. Towards the end of Umars Khilafa, he made it 23 rakah, 20 rakah tarawih and 3 rakah witr. He did this to make it easier for the person as 8 rakah were too long to stand for. They would also take a break after four rakah. The word used for the break was tarwiha. So Tarwih the plural means the multiple breaks prayer. There is no specific reason why he chose 20.

Then this spread to Makkah. The Makkans instead did tawaf in the break. When the Madinese heard of this, they decided to increase the number of Rakah to 39 rakah, 36 tarawih and 3 witr. Imam Shafi confirmed this. Both numbers were accepted and perfectly fine.

Some scholars say the term comes from Makkah. They introduced it when they did the tawaf and it was called a break. It can also mean to find comfort. So tarawih brings comfort to us in Ramadhan. 

Recently some say praying 20 is a bidah and it must be 8 rakah. But this statement is a bidah itself as no one as stated this in the past. The Prophet said pray two by two in tahajjud and then if Fajr comes, pray witr. So no limit on the number of Rakah.

So pray 8, 20, or 36, no problem. The quality is more important.

Is it better to pray with jama or alone? Both can be done, but the Hanafi, Shafi and Hanbali say it is better to pray in Jama. The Malikis said individual prayers are better, as nafl are generally better prayed in private. It is better to pray end of the night too. But for convenience we pray after Isha. You may pray some nafl before fajr to meet this sunnah too.

Since tarawih is a nafl prayer, then a child can lead according to the four schools. The one who knows the most Quran should lead. One Sahabi/Tabi, Amr Ibn Salamah was 6 years old.

It is not a requirement to complete the whole Quran but is encouraged.

Can I Pray Tarawīh With A Virtual Imam? | Ask Shaykh YQ #59

Jama means a physical congregation, so the people stand together with other behind an imam. The people should be connected, if there is a gap or break, then as long as the connection is established by seeing the imam, or hearing him. So when speakers came out the scholars said you can hear the imam at least and you feel connected.

So it was asked can people in Jedda pray tarawih with people in Makkah. They said no as it doesn’t meet the condition of congregation.

But can we rethink this issue in light of modern issues, especially in lockdown, can we temporarily allow a virtual jama’. Some have allowed this like Shaykh Dadou as an exception, but the majority do not allow it. Jama’ is not a necessity so why rethink this issue. Just pray at home alone.

The Illusionary prayer is when someone mimics the jama but intends individual prayer. This happens when some one feels the imam is a faasiq, or has wrong beliefs. So if one needs that connection with an imam or doesn’t know any Quran. He can play the tarawih in the background intending individual prayer, but mimic the recitation and the timings of ruku and sujood. Then this may be a solution.

Reciting from a Quran During Tarawīh Prayer? Ask Shaykh YQ #60

Can we hold a Mushaf during Nafil prayer. In Bukhari, Aisha would command her slave to lead the salah, and he would recite from the Mushaf. Ibn Zuhri said the best amongst us would read from the Mushaf in the nights of Ramadhan. Imam Malik said there is no harm to carry the Mushaf in nights of Tarawih. Ibn Hambal agreed with this too. Imam Nawawi, the Shafi’ said it is allowed too. The Hanafis said it is an invalid salah if one holds the mushaf, but the Saahibayn said it will not be invalid but Makhruh. One reason was excessive movement/distractionin salah and another was it opens doors for other religious rituals (Christians do this). Some modern Hanafis do allow this esp in lockdown when a person reads at home.

Special Ramadan Q&A | Ask Shaykh YQ #61

The Fiqh of Re-opening Masjids in Light of COVID-19 | Ask Shaykh YQ #62

If safe to go and individually safe too, then Jumua’ obligatory.

You will answer to Allah so if you feel there is the possibility of legitimate harm then don’t go to the mosque. The mosque will also take precautions as they seem fit.

Leaving gaps in rows as well as shoulder to shoulder is important but it is not fardh.

How Should I Memorize the Quran? Practical Tips | Ask Shaykh YQ #63

Highest place in Jannah is for those who have memorised the Quran.

Miracle and blessing that one can memorise the Quran.

1. Sincerity
2. Rules of Tajweed
3. Consistency (started as page takes 1hr 20 mins, later it was 20 mins per page
4. Early in the morning
5. Page a day
6. Calm atmosphere with no phones/disturbance. Same mushaf and location is best.
7. Memorise by repetition
8. Memorise with meaning
9. Surround yourself with memorisation
10. Recitation buddy
11. Recite the memorisation in your salah
12. Recite last 7 days every day
13. Recite that beyond the 7 days (full juz)

FOREX and Currency Trading | Ask Shaykh YQ #64

Exchanging currency is permissible. There is a hadith that the gold for gold, silver for silver, wheat for wheat, barley for barley, etc, then this is allowed. It must be done in the same sitting (spot transaction). If you demand increase then it is Riba. Ill give you £10 for £15.

If it’s not like for like, then exchange rate is based on what you think.. i.e. 1 gold for 100 barley. Again spot exchange.

There is no sin to currency exchange to make profit. You nee to have ownership.

Forex is based on speculation based on chance. This is permissible as in business you may lose or win. The problem is you do not have ownership. You go through a broker. All fiqh councils say it is not allowed.

Giving a loan is not a business, it is a charity. You do it for Allah’s sake. Allah rewards you in hereafter. But in western finance, it is business as people profit from it. Forex is based on loans as well so another reason why it is not allowed.

Advice on Death of a Loved One & Islamic Ruling on Idda | Ask Shaykh YQ #65

At the time of death patience is encouraged and acceptance of Allah’s decree. Every soul shall taste death.

Wailing is to say something against our Aqidah, yelling and screaming or tearing clothes. A natural sadness is being human and permissible.

There is a dua for tragedy then say Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi raajioon, then Allah will replace it with something better.

We should console the family of the deceased and even make food for them.

Stay away from any pagan rituals.

Mention good things and make dua for the deceased.

In terms of Iddah of the widow, hidad. Surah Baqarah, verse 24, the hidad is 4 months and 10 days (lunar). This is to wait before getting married again. She shouldn’t wear dyed garments (as in regular clothes- doesn’t have to be black) or kohl or perfume. She abandons the luxuries to show that she is mourning. Pre-Islam the whole women in the family would do it for a long period. So Islam said only the wife can do it. It is wajib for the wife to observe the hidad.

Even if we don’t understand the wisdom, we must go ahead. Some say to honour the husband instead of marrying next day. Or that she might be carrying a child. This may also help the woman consolidate her thoughts about her husband, her loss, her good memories.

She should live in the house she lived with her husband i.e. home unless there is danger or hardship or any problem like she’s all alone with no family, then she can go to another place to spend her iddah.

During day she can leave the house for work (as necessary) or see her parents but at night she should be home.

There cant be an explicit proposal or acceptance, but someone can indirectly say there may be possibility.

Understanding Quranic References to ‘White’ and ‘Black’ Faces | Ask Shaykh YQ #66

Ahle Imran:106 On that day some faces will be white and some black. And in other places of the Quran. White if they are good and black if bad.

These words in the Quran are nothing to do with skin colour. They are to do with optimistic (beaming of joy) and the opposite gloomy with fear. Like saying rise of a new dawn which is denotes optimism.

Can Laws of Inheritance be Mutually Re-Negotiated? | Ask Shaykh YQ #67

Allah as given the laws so they should be applied as Allah has set them. Once they receive the share they can do what they want, so either gift it to someone else or share among family again. No pressure must be made.

You can split the shares according to the Quran and then pool all the money willingly in a pot in lillah and then redistribute.

If promise not fulfilled then sinful for the breaking of promise but he can keep his right.

Regarding Hajj Cancellation & Usage of Hajj Funds | Ask Shaykh YQ #68

The Impermissibility of Recreational Marijuana & The Ruling on Medical Marijuana | Ask Shaykh YQ #69

The active ingredient in Marijuana is THC, this affects the mind, it is psycho-active. But also your physical time in reaction times. It is a narcotic. The CBD is the thing that causes the calmness.

It is called Mukhadiraat in Islam. The Mustikhraat is Khamr. The Mukhadiraat has a different ruling. You can look at case by case. Where as the is Mustikhraat is haram. Morphine or Anastesia is a Mukhadiraat is allowed.

When Cannabis is used recreationally, it is Haraam, regardless of quantities. But if for medicinal purposes like epilepsy control or cancer where CBD is useful, then a reputable Muslim doctor should sign it off.

There is also the case of closing the door to haram, so one has to be careful allowing it. As we naturally want more and more.

If CBD only then it is allowed.

We should still look for alternatives. As it could just be hype and no benefit, so just stay away altogether.

In terms of prayer, if they are unconscious or sick or extreme pain, then they may combine prayers or if not then they should do qada’.

Getting to the Meat of the Matter: Eating the Meat of Ahl Kitāb | Ask Shaykh YQ #70

Ruling on Mortgages & ‘Shariah Compliant’ Loans for Homes | Ask Shaykh YQ #71 with Dr. Hatem El Haj

Ask Shaykh YQ Special With Dr. Akram Nadwi #72

Can A Woman Recite the Qur’an During Her Menses? | Ask Shaykh YQ #73

Majority position is that a woman cant receipt the Quran whilst on menses. They may recite a dua or do dhikr.

In Bukhari, the Prophet would recite the Quran whilst Aisha was on her menses. He would lean on her lap. But most say this doesn’t prove or disprove anything. It suggests one can read in front of her. But others say what was the point of narrating this, maybe she was highlighting that a man can recite in front of her.

A minority allow the recitation because there is no explicit statement prohibiting it. You would expect there to be multiple sahih reports.

 Best to follow local scholar opinions.

In terms of touching, if one doesn’t have wudu they cannot touch the Mushaf. This included Janaabah, Menses, etc.

Is Salāṭ al Tasbīḥ Sunnah? | Ask Shaykh YQ #75

There is a hadith where the Prophet advised his uncle Abbas to perform it every day, or week, or month, or year, or at least once.

There is debate on it’s authenticity, from Sahih li Ghayri to Mawdu. It has a multitude of weak chains. Albani has called it authentic too. Imam Ahmed said it was weak. As a Nafl prayer there is no problem with it. It is virtuous. It is not a Bida’.

“I discovered my spouse had a relationship before marriage, what should I do?” | Ask Shaykh YQ #76

The Nikkah is valid. Previous sins or relationship doesn’t affect the Nikkah.

Should a person who has committed zina disclose this to their future spouse?

If genuine repentance has been made then you do not need to, you should cover your sins. But you may choose to. You have to make the call based on the circumstance.

If you know it will cause heartbreak then it might be best to disclose it.

One should make istikhara and also ask others what they would do. Speak generally not particularly about your own situation.  

Both spouses will have a legitimate reason to divorce. But they should look at the full picture. Children? Happy marriage? Zina before the relationship?

Can a Muslim inherit from a non-Muslim? | Ask Shaykh YQ #77

There is a hadith that says the Muslim does not inherit from the Muslim and vice versa.

The Quran specifies the amount of inheritance. 2/3 will be according to this, and 1/3 according to ones will.

 If no family that are not muslim, then in Islamic land it goes to the treasure, but in the western world we are allowed to increase the 1/3 will. The convert can receive from her non-muslim family. 

The Ruling on Shrimp and Seafood | Ask Shaykh YQ #78

Majority allow all sea animals – esp Maliki, Shafi’ and Hanbali unconditionally. No slaughter is needed, including shrimp, octopus.

Hanafis say only fish. Others are Makhruh Tanzihi or Makhruh Tahrimi. That which was considered a fish at that time. But others say it is permissible.  

The Case for Following Calculations in Determining the Calendar | Ask Shaykh YQ #79