Grand Ayatollah Hosseini Nassab

Esteftaat

Purity of non-Muslims

Question:

Are Non-Muslims clean?

Answer:

Non-Muslims, whether followers of divine religions or else,

are all intrinsically clean, unless [like any other being] they

become unclean because of touching something unclean,

i.e. alcoholic beverage, blood, etc.

Shaving beard

Question:

Is shaving beard Haram?

Answer:

No, it is not Haram.

To alter stoning

Question:

Is the perfect Muslim Jurist allowed to alter the legal

provisions such as stoning and execution to other provisions

such as imprisonment and a fine?

Answer:

In field of governmental chapters of Islamic Jurisprudence,

the prophet (s.a.w.a) and the infallible Imams and the perfect

and just jurists are allowed to alter those provisions, based

on the general rules of Islamic jurisprudence and according

to the general interests of Islamic Umma.

Mortgage

Question:

Is taking Mortgage from banks to buy house or car allowed

in Islam?

Answer:

Yes, it is permissible.

Interest

Question:

Is it allowed to take interest from banks in the west?

Answer:

Yes, it is allowed to take interest from Non Moslem banks.

Lobster

Question:

May I ask you about lobster? Is it Halal or Haram?

Answer:

It is not Halal.

Music

Question:

I have a question about music according to Ahlul-Bayt. Is

music Haram? Are any forms of music or songs permissible?

How about Sufi music which praises the prophets (sawas)

and imams (as) using musical instruments? Are any

instruments considered impermissible? Does it depend on

the context or language of the song?

Please help me to understand. I listen to positive and

uplifting music from all over the world, but I do not want to do

Haram things, none of this music has any negative message

and some of it is religious in nature, and or classical.

Answer:

We cannot say that all types of music are prohibited.

The music which is suitable for Debauchery ceremonies is

Haram.

The women cannot sing for the men, and the music must be

without negative message.

The rest, like music which praises the prophet (sawas) and

imams (as), or encourages people for good ethics such as

love, mercy, braveness and other good morality, using

musical instruments, is permissible.

Lottery

Question:

Is buying lottery tickets permissible?

Answer:

Buying lottery tickets is permissible only if the institute

organizing the lottery sells the tickets solely to collect money

for philanthropic purposes, and people are aware of this and

buy such tickets with the intention to contribute to such

objectives, and that the entire net profit of selling the tickets

will be spent in such philanthropic purposes, and this is

explained to everybody and they are agreed.

Taqleed

Question:

I am currently following Mujtahid A , but have recently been

studying and comparing many of his beliefs, philosophies

and fatwas with those of Mujtahid B and have become more

and more in favor of the teachings of Mujtahid B.

I think there is a strong base, supported by much factual and

scientific evidence that makes me more confident in the

teachings of Mujtahid B.

I think his stances on politics, women, scientific technology

and issues such as tahara and najasa hold more intellectual

support than the stances held by Mujtahid A. My question is:

how can I determine who is more knowledgeable; do I have

to follow what the majority say or may I use my own

reasoning and intellect to determine who I believe is more

knowledgeable?

Answer:

There are three ways of identifying an A'lam:

a) One is himself a learned person in Fiqh and Islamic

knowledgeable and is able to identify an A'lam;

b) When two persons, who are learned and just and

possess the capacity to identify the A'lam, confirm

that a person is A'lam, provided that two other learned

and just persons do not contradict them.

c) When a number of learned persons who possess the

capacity to identify an A'lam, certify that a particular

person is A'lam, provided that one is satisfied by their

statement.

When one is unable to identify the most learned one,

he should follow a Mujtahid that he supposes to be

the most learned and if he decides that several

Mujtahids are all of equal stature, then he has a

choice.

Khums

Question:

I have a question about khums.

I have four children and I am the only worker in the family.

My wife is not working as a result my finance is in the

negative. I have a debt of about ten thousand dollars.

Do I have to pay any khums?

Do I have to have what is called (Ras-al-sana) for khums

purposes?

Answer:

According to this information, you do not have to pay Khums.

But it is good to keep "Ras-al-sana" for your calculation in

next year.

Tatbir

Question:

I want to ask you about “Tatbir”, is it forbidden in this time

because it gives a bad picture of Shia?

Answer:

It is difficult to talk about different types of Taazia.

On one hand, everything depends on niyyat of the person.

On the other hand, the western media misuses that work

against Islam and Shia faith.

You may know that the enemies of Islam, made a film

named “The sword of Islam” to prove that Shia people are

violent and bloodthirsty, and they used pictures of “Tatbir” as

evidence.

It is necessary to prevent any thing which helps the enemies

of Islam.

Mouth wash

Question:

Is it permissible to use a mouth wash that contains some

alcohol like oral-B or Listerine?

Answer:

There is no problem, if you do not drink it during washing

your mouth.

Fast food

Question:

1- First question: in some fast food store they have some big

pots of oil that they fry non Halal chicken and also they fry

potato (fries) inside same pots. I am wondering if we can eat

those fries or not. Same thing with fish sandwich they fry fish

inside the same pots that they fry non Halal meat and

chicken, are we allowed to eat those fish sandwiches?

2- Which one of sea food is Halal?

3- About pizza: we don't know what kind of cheeses store

use for pizza are we allowed to eat cheese or vegetable

pizza?

Answer:

1. If you know that they fry fish inside the same pots that

they fry non Halal meat and chicken, it is not Halal.

2. Fishes with scales and shrimp (prawn) are Halal.

3. If you know that there is nothing Haram in cheese, you

can eat.

Ahlul Kitab’s meats

Question:

I have a question. When slaughtered meats according to

Islam are unavailable in the city, is it permissible to eat the

meats slaughtered by Ahlul Kitab to solve the necessity?

Answer:

It is not permissible to eat the meats slaughtered by Ahlul

Kitab. But it is permissible to eat fish and other types of food

without meat and lard. Because Non Moslems are Tahir.

Question:

However, the reason why I asked was that I live in a place

where I don't have time to cook food due to work and

extreme fatigue after work hours, seafood restaurants are

very far away from my office and home and they are very

expensive since I have to keep a certain budget for spending

on food, also I don't know if the fish being sold in the

restaurants have scales or not, and Halal restaurants are

very far away that I am unable to go during lunch hours of

my office work. What I meant to say in the last email is that if

I come across to this point, if I end up consuming the ahlul

kitab meat, even though it is not permissible, would it still be

considered a major sin? I always hear from health resources

that say that humans need to eat meat for balanced dietary

reasons. Can you please help me? I don't mean to confuse

you or make it lengthy; please accept my apologies for any

inconvenience. Thank you very much for your time. I wish

you well.

Answer:

You can order Vegetable foods, Pizza and fishes with scales

such as salmon fish or white fish. But it is not permissible to

eat the meats slaughtered by non Moslems.

Donations

Question:

Could you please answer my 2 questions below:

1- Out of Khums, Zakat and Sadagheh which one should

be paid first. Which one is the priority?

2- Where is the best place to donate money to (Sadagheh),

School, mosque, Islamic TV channel?

Answer:

1- Khoms and Zakat are wajib, but Sadagheh is Mostahab.

2- Depends on the needs.

Crab

Question:

I have heard that lobster and crab are not permissible to

consume. Why is that? since I heard shrimp is okay to

consume, and shrimp, lobster, and crab are in the same

family. Also, so far I haven't found in the Quran that

mentions the impermissibility of the two, I only see that the

food from the sea is okay to consume. Can you please help

me on this issue?

Answer:

There are two sources for Islamic jurisprudence:

1- Quran.

2- Islamic traditions.

According to Islamic traditions, only fishes which have scales

and shrimps among see foods are Halal.

Pregnant woman and fasting

Question:

Is a pregnant women required to fast during Ramadan?

Answer:

If fasting is harmful for woman or her baby, then, fasting is

not allowed for her.

Ghusl and Wodhu

Question:

Is Ghusl enough before praying? I mean if you have Ghusl

are you still supposed to have Wodhu as well?

Answer:

Ghusl is enough before praying.

Alcohol

Question:

Last year some people gave me some alcohol for Christmas

.I had someone take them back to a liquor store for refund.

Now I have $50. I have two questions:

1-Is the money Halal?

2-If the answer in negative, what should I do with the

money?

Answer:

1- That money is not Halal.

2- Please give that money to poor people as Sadaqa.

Before Marriage

Question:

I have a question about something I‟ve heard from more

than one person.

I‟ve heard that if a man proposes to a woman, he may ask to

see her hair and body one time, in order to see if he

approves of her outer appearance.

This sounds a little bizarre to me, but I have heard it from

many people so I was wondering if this is true or if it is a

myth?

Answer:

Only he can see her without Hijab, with normal dress, if he is

serious to get married with her.

Smoking

Question:

1. Is smoking cigarette Haram?

2. Does it invalidate Fasting?

Answer:

1. Smoking cigarette is not Haram, but better is to be

avoided.

2. Smoking cigarette does not invalidate Fasting.

TFSA

Question:

We have a TFSA (Tax free saving Account). We opened this

account last year so I was wondering if we should pay

Khums on that money in the account. We have never taken

any money out of this account since it‟s supposed to be

saving account for the future needs?

Answer:

It is necessary to pay khums on the amount which is it the

bank for more than one year, but if you cannot take it and

you do not have other money to pay, then, you will pay it in

future when you take it from the bank.

Breastfeeding

Question:

If a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding should she fast too?

If Not then what are her responsibilities?

Answer:

She should not fast. She should perform Qaza in future,

when there is no harm for her or for her baby. If she couldn‟t

perform Qaza during one year, then she should pay

kaffareh.

Maghrib prayer’s time

Question:

Till when (what time) we can do maghrib and isha prayers?

Answer:

The Maghrib and Isha Prayers should be performed after

Maghrib, which happens when the redness in the eastern

sky appearing after sunset has disappeared. The Maghrib

prayer must be performed before Isha prayer.

In normal circumstances, the prescribed time for Maghrib

and Isha prayers is till midnight. But if forgetfulness,

oversleeping or similar unusual situations prevent one from

performing the prayers till midnight, then for them the time

will continue till Fajr sets in.

The night will be calculated, as an obligatory precaution,

from sunset till dawn (Subh-e-Sadiq).

If the time left over is just enough for Isha prayers to be

offered within time, then Isha should be performed and

Maghrib is Qadha.

Organ donation

Question:

I would like to ask about Organ Donation. However it would

be interesting to understand your opinion and point of view

for my personal decision making.

Also, I wish to know what you would recommend for me

being a young person in how to get into religion.

It would be helpful (if you have the time) to give me some

advice on how to get into religion, and praying, and trying

harder to fast.

Answer:

If a person gives permission in his/her life time that the parts

of his/her body could be removed after his/her death for

transplanting to others, it would be allowed.

One of the best ways to learn Islam is to study Islamic books

and if you have questions, you should ask the Muslim

scholars. You should always have hope in Allah‟s mercy.

Question:

According to issues in your Resalah, can a Muslim donate

his organs to a non-Muslim to keep that person alive?

Answer:

Yes, it is permissible.

Ghusl Mayit

Question:

I was asking that is it permissible for the husband to give

ghusl mayit to his wife who has passed away and vice versa.

Answer:

Yes, it is allowed.

Mut’ah

Question:

Is it permitted to marry (temporary/Mu'tah); while having a

permanent wife as well?

Answer:

If it makes problem to the family relations between him and

his wife, it is not allowed.

Haram money

Question:

If one earns or receives haram money, is it permissible to

use that money for charity or feeding the poor? Please

comment.

Answer:

If this person knows the owner of the money, he/she shall

return it to him/her. Otherwise, it is permissible to use that

money for charity or feeding the poor.

Breaking the fast

Question:

Is it wajib to perform maghrib prayers before doing the iftari

(breaking the fast) during Ramadan?

Answer:

No, it is not wajib.

Official of Islamic organizations

Question:

Can a well known drunkard be selected or elected for a

religious post or president of any religious organization in

any circumstances?

Answer:

it is not permissible.

Parents

Question:

I always here that it is obligatory to respect one's parents.

But does that mean that the Almighty Allah expects us to still

respect our parents, even if they do things like guiding one in

the wrong direction, make fun of Islam, or disrespecting

one's spouse, etc.?

Answer:

Almighty Allah expects us to respect our parents, but he

does not let us to obey them if they ask us to be in the wrong

direction or to do a haram job.

Right of divorce

Question:

I have been married for many years. My husband has failed

to provide for me and my son for most of my marriage. My

husband and I purchased a home together. We both

contributed financially for the home expenses. At times, I

have borrowed money to pay for expenses related to the

home, and for my son and I, because he refused to provide

the misc expenses. We sold the home. I posses the

proceeds of the home.

I have given-up my mahr al'mutakhir in return for him to

grant me a divorce and he refuses. We have been

separated for a very long time.

It is also worthy to note that he married me under

false pretenses and has not given me my mahr almutkadim

yet.

What is your ruling with regard to the following?

1. Do I have the right to a divorce without his agree to it?

2. Do I have the right to keep my son with me and allow him

to see him on a regular basis?

3. Do I have any right to any of the proceeds of the home?

Answer:

1. Based on this information, you have the right to a divorce

without his agreement, if he did not pay your expenses of life

for 6 months or more.

2. If you can prove in a court that he is not able to take care

of your son, you can keep him with you.

3. You can take what you have paid for that house.

In the same time, if he can improve his manner and can be a

good husband for you in the future, we recommend you to

solve your problem friendly and continue your marriage.

Temporary Marriage

Question:

Is it permissible to contract temporary marriage with a

woman who does prostitution secretly? Does the ruling

change, if she is 'famous' for prostitution?

Answer:

It is not permissible to contract temporary marriage with a

woman who is famous for prostitution.

Ghusl and Dhikr

Question:

1. Is it obligatory to perform wudhu after performing ghusul

for no reason?

2. During afternoon prayers in jamaaat, when the imam

recites Suratul Hamd in the first two rakaats, should one

recite dhikr.

Answer:

1. It is not obligatory to perform wudhu after performing any

wajib ghusl (like: janabat ghusl) or mustahab ghusl

(like: Juma‟a ghusl).

2. One can say zikr or be silent. But he/she should not recite

Hamd and Sura.

Infallibility

Question:

We consider the Imams to be infallible. could

you clarify what that means?

Does it mean that they are not able to commit any sins and

bad deeds, or does it mean that they are able to commit sins

but they it would never even cross their mind because

they're so God conscious?

Answer:

There are 2 levels for infallibility:

1. Not to commit any crime or sin.

2. Not to make any fatal mistake in delivering the message

of Allah to the people.

It means that they are able to do wrong, but they do not wish

to do that, because they see its consequences and they're

so God conscious.

Salaat al-layl

Question:

Is it possible to pray salaat al-layl to your parents who

passed away or any other muslim?

Answer:

Yes, it is possible to perform salaat al-layl and dedicate its

Thawab to your parents.

Playing cards

Question:

Is it permissible to play the playing cards without any

gambling?

Answer:

Yes, it is allowed.

Zakat on paper currency

Question:

What is your position of zakat on paper currency?

Answer:

It is obligatory to pay 2.5 percent as Zakat on Cash Money, if

it is not used in business process and economic cycle (trade,

industry, agriculture, etc) and has remained for one year. But

if someone paid zakat on that amount one time, he/she

should not pay zakat on the same money again.

Speak to the opposite gender

Question:

In Islam are you allowed to speak to the opposite gender?

Answer:

Normal speak to the opposite gender is allowed.

Shaking hands

Question:

The question I would like to ask you is about shaking hands.

In the west shaking hands is part of cultural norm. Is it

permissible to shake the hands of the opposite gender with

clean intention?

Answer:

Shaking hands of Muslim women is not permissible for a

man, but it is allowed with gloves and with clean intention.

Watan

Question:

Must I break my fasting when I visit my parents who live

more than 8 farsakh away and I intend to stay there for 5

days? It should be mentioned that the city were my parents

live is my birthplace and I was grown up there.

Answer:

That city is still your Watan and your fasting is correct.

Tayammum

Question:

Is it permissible to perform tayammum during fasting due to

being in the state of janaabat as doing ghusl may cause

hardship due to being weak and thirsty? Will fasting still be in

order?

Answer:

If the Ghusl is harmful for you, you can perform Tayammum.

Hindus

Question:

I would like to ask you is regarding food which is made by

Hindus. Is eating the food by Hindus permissible or is it

forbidden.

Answer:

Their food is halal, if there is no meat and other haram items

in their food. (Such as lard, pepsin, and alcohol).

Moon sighting

Question:

My second question is regarding the sighting of the moon. Is

your ruling that the moon is validly sighted if it is seen in a

country that shares the same night or in a country that

shares the same horizon as my country?

Answer:

Sighting the moon is valid for other countries if it is seen in a

country.

Chess

Question:

The question I would like to ask you would be regarding the

game of chess. I would just like to know if this game

is permissible to play with friends without any gambling or

playing during prayer times.

Answer:

Game of chess without any gambling is permissible.

Gelatin

Question:

A very common question is about eating Geletine. I would

just like to hear your ruling about this issue.

Answer:

Eating Gelatin is allowed if you do not know its origin, and it

is not wajib to research. But if you know hundred percent

that a particular Gelatin is made of non-Halal meat, you

should avoid it, unless if it is a medicine and it is necessary

to use it. In this case also you can take it.

Suicide

Question:

A person commits suicide due to economic and health

hardships because no one could help him. Can he be buried

like other Muslims?

Answer:

Suicide is haram (forbidden). The person who commits

suicide shall be buried like other Muslims.

Black magic

Question:

What is the rule on Black Magic?

Is Black Magic real or an illusion?

Is teaching people Black Magic halal or haram?

Answer:

Black magic may be real, but it is not allowed in Islam.

Taqleed

Question:

I currently follow the instructions of a late Marja, who has

recently passed away, and according to his website, I need

to ask another qualified Marja if I can continue with the

Taqleed. Do you permit me to continue with the Taqleed of

him?

Answer:

Yes, it is permissible.

Ahmadieh

Question:

Recently I had a little debate with our Sunni Brothers about

beauty of Islam and all a sudden the topic turned on

Ahmadies where many questions and statement were

brought up from both sides. I would like to know the answer

for this question and if you kindly help me answer these

questions please.

Do we consider Ahmadies as Karfar, Mushrak or Muslim?

Why (can you explain Briefly please)?

Answer:

If they believe in Allah and that prophet Mohammad is the

last prophet and there is no prophet after him, then they are

Muslim. But if they say that Ahmad kadiyani was a prophet,

they are not considered as Muslims.

Muslim Relations

Question:

I understand it is not allowed for Muslims to stop speaking to

each other for more than three days. I am in a situation

where I am not speaking to a Muslim woman because of her

actions towards me, however, I do not hate her, envy her,

have any animosity towards her nor do I wish bad upon her.

Is it sill wrong for me to not speak to her or do I have to

make amends?

Answer:

It is recommended to teach her your good morality by your

good manner and action.

Hair replacement

Question:

Hair replacement is the placement of a silicone membrane

onto your scalp through the use of liquid adhesives. The

liquid adhesive is applied to small portions around the

perimeter of the bald area. Hair is attached to this membrane

so thus it is a hair system. The system is placed onto your

scalp for 5-6 weeks and cannot be taken off that easily

during this interval. However it is known that the membrane

is gas and water permeable as it is very porous (as you can

have a shower with it and sweat in it etc. and the water will

go into your scalp). So wudhu can be performed easily as

the water will touch the frontal part of your head. The

question of concern comes from the ghusl, since the area

where the adhesive is used to attach the system will not get

water through it (very small area), can I still perform ghusl

wearing this system (which is not easy to take off)?

Answer:

Yes, you can perform ghusl.

Solitaire

Question:

I have only one question: Are Card Games like Solitaire

Haram?

Answer:

These games are not Haram if there is no gambling.

Change of faith

Question:

What is the ruling in regards to a woman who married a man

who was Muslim at the time of marriage but then the

husband became a non believer later on?

Answer:

If that man is saying obviously: I am not a Muslim, the

woman should be separated from him by divorce. But if he

does not practice only, the marriage is still valid.

Woman and Ijtihad

Question:

Can a woman be a Mujtahid and can we do taqleed of her?

Answer:

A woman can become a Mujtahid and if she fulfills all of

conations of Marja, then you can follow her.

Tariqa

Question:

Is it permissible to follow tariqa?

Answer:

There are different types of Tariqa and most of them have

problems in faith. It is recommended to follow the true Jaffari

faith and follow the way of qualified Shia Arifs such as

Ayatollah Bahjat and urafa like him.

Earrings

Question:

I would like to know if it is okay for muslim women to show

earrings.....

Answer:

it is necessary not showing it to non-mahrams.

Necklace

Question:

I have a question regarding jewelry. Some say that

necklaces and bracelets are not permissible to wear. I was

just wondering if one is allowed to wear such accessories

not to impress anybody or get attention rather for one‟s own

self.

Answer:

It is allowed to wear necklaces and bracelets.

New name

Question:

May we change our own name in order to be more

fortunate?

Do we need permission from our parents to change our

name?

Answer:

If the new name is a good name, then it is allowed without

permission from parents.

Trips

Question:

1. If you are on a long trip (on airplane); and you say your

prayers sitting, when you land do you have to say the

prayers again standing?

2. If you go to a non-Islamic country and a store there

writes that the meat is Halal; should you believe that?

Answer:

1. If you prayed toward Qibla, it is not wajib to do qadha.

2. If there is no sign to reject (like selling alcohol) you can

trust.

Shrimp

Question:

I want to know prawns (shrimps) are halal? Can we eat

them?

Answer:

Shrimp is Halal.

Working in the banks

Question:

My questions were whether it is permissible to provide the

following services to a bank:

1- Software and Information Technology Services.

2- Servicing the bank's customers over the telephone on

behalf of the bank.

3- Sales of bank's products (such as deposit accounts and

credit cards) on behalf of the bank.

Answer:

All of mentioned jobs are allowed.

Meat

Question:

My mother (non-Muslim) buys food for me to help me out. I

have asked her not to buy any meat products, etc, but she

never seems to listen. Is it permissible to eat the foods

bought for me by my mother?

Answer:

It is allowed to eat the food except meat.

But if she buys the meat from Halal stores and you trust her,

there is no problem to eat the meat too.

Infertility

Question:

The question is that someone wants to have a baby, but she

cannot because her egg is not good to get pregnant and

have a baby, her doctor recommended to have a donated

egg from her sister to be mixed with the ladies husband's

sperm and be injected to her in order to have a baby. Is it

permissible?

Answer:

It is allowed.

Waxing

Question:

Salaams, is it permissible for Muslim women to wax?

Answer:

If it is not harmful for your body, then it is permissible.

Hijab

Question:

I have a question concerning women having their feet

uncovered in front of non-mahram men. Can a woman have

her feet uncovered in the presence of non-mahram men?

Answer:

It is allowed to ankle only.

Using perfume

Question:

I would like to know if it is permissible for a woman to wear

perfume around men?

Answer:

It is allowed, as long as one‟s intention is not to attract the

attention of Non-Mahram people by that.

Nawafil and Qadha

Question:

I want to ask instead of performing sunnah and nawafil

before or after farz prayer, is it better to perform our qadha

prayers?

Answer:

If the qadha prayer is definitive, then it has the priority. But it

is allowed to do Nawafil too.

Waqf

Question:

A person is a tenant of a property owned by a Shia Waqf

Organization.

That person refuses to pay the agreed Rent Amount.

Can such a person offer Prayers in that house where the

arrears are still outstanding and are such prayers Valid.

Answer:

If he can pay the rental fee and does not pay, then his prayer

is not valid.

Sadaqa Jaaria

Question:

I have a question regarding sadqa‟s Jaaria. If a journalist

makes his livelihood by writing articles on political, economic

condition of his country, religion etc. and he is paid for every

article published in a news paper. During his entire life, he

could not complete one single book but after his death, his

children publish his book. The book is a compilation of his

articles that he wrote during his life and deals with political

and economic condition of his country when he alive.

My question comes from this point:

1) Is the book a sadqa jaaria for future generations?

2) If a person reads the book and gets an idea of the political

game of his country, is the shariat considering this book to

be useful and deserve sadqa jaaria?

3) If the children give the book to the library with this Neeyat

that whoever reads and benefits from this book, the sawaab

would go the dead.

Answer:

Yes, this book can be considered as Sadqa Jaaria. His

children can donate it to the library.

Insulting prophet

Question:

What is the punishment in Islam for one who insults the

BELOVED HOLY PROPHET peace and blessings be upon

him and his progeny.

Answer:

The most important duty of Muslims is to introduce the

correct face of Islam and the Holy Prophet and Ahlul Bayt

and to teach other people about Islamic studies.

Divorce

Question:

In a situation where a wife is asking for khula' divorce, is the

husband's permission or approval required for this type of

divorce to be granted?

Answer:

The husband's approval is required. Otherwise, the divorce

shall be granted by a court.

Duties of couples

Question:

I‟m married couple of years, the issue is about my wife,

She talks to me very rudely and offensive when I try to tell

her something.

What should I do in this matter?

Answer:

It is obligatory for man to love his wife and to be merciful with her.

It is also obligatory for woman to respect her husband and to

be humble with him.

Khums

Question:

Can I do your Taqlid but give my khums to another Marja to

handle?

Answer:

Yes, if the fatwa of other Marja in using khums is the same.

You can also spend 75 percent of your kums by yourself

according to issues in our Resalah, and send the rest to your

Marja.

Salawat

Question:

In Sala'at, Is this Appropriate to recite Salawat with Addition

of "Wa-Aj'jil Farajahom"?

Answer:

It is allowed to recite it after Zekr of Ruku'u and Sojood and

Qunut.

Ismaili

Question:

Is it permissible to get married with an Ismaili person?

He is not willing to convert to Ithna Ashari, but he is very

God fearing and does not commit any sins of drinking

alcohol or eating haram.

Answer:

It is allowed, but the Shia woman shall try to raise her

children with Ithna Ashari faith.

Interest

Question:

You stated that it is possible to collect interest from a non-

Muslim bank. Is it also permissible to enter into other

contracts with a non-Muslim bank where interest is

transacted, e.g. is it possible to take out a mortgage on one's

home where interest would be payable to that bank?

Answer:

a) To take interest from non Muslim banks is permissible.

b) To give interest to Muslim or non Muslim banks is Haram.

c) To take mortgage from any band is allowed.

Wodhu

Question:

If someone has just had a shower, hence their hair would

still be wet, can they perform Wudhu?

Is it right that the hairline has to be dry before wudhu?

Answer:

a) If one has performed any Ghusl, there is no need for

Wudhu.

b) If the hair is wet a little, there is no problem. But if it is wet

too much, one should dry it and perform Wudhu.

Visiting family

Question:

I live in London and have family in Syria, so I thought as I

have a week off on the week of the Arbeen (40th) of Imam

Al-Hussein(a.s) I could go there and visit Sayeda Zeinab and

Sayeda Ruqya (alihuma al salam), but the ticket would cost

more than £400 which is sufficient to cover a needy person

to live for more than three months back home (in Iraq),

hence I thought I would send the money to a needy person

rather than the spend it on a ticket for 5 days.

And I think that Ahl al Bayt alhim al salam would prefer that

or is visiting Sayeda Zeinab and Sayeda Ruqya (alihuma al

salam) with my cousins and seeing my grandparents more

preferred?

Answer:

To help needy people is more preferred, but if you haven‟t

seen your grandparents for a long time and they ask you to

go there and see them, it is also permissible.

Zakat Al-Fitr

Question:

I have a question regarding Zakat al Fitr, I am currently

studying abroad and am living with my Uncle for the year. I

thought that my parents had paid zakat on my behalf,

however I found out today that they didn't and I don't think

my Uncle did either and to be honest I feel rude asking him!

So can I just pay?

Answer:

Yes, you can pay.

Make - up

Question:

What is the ruling on the wearing of make-up and on the

plucking of eyebrows? Can women decorate the face?

Answer:

She can do that for her husband, not for the non-Mahram

people.

Having children

Question:

I have questions regarding marriage. I was a Christian that

converted to Islam and now I'm with a Muslim wife, thank

god. I'm not really aware of the things we must do in

marriage because I'm a bit nervous to ask, but I do know the

laws of Islam and the laws of praying... I'm not hundred

percent sure if in Islam, there is a different way of having

children. Is it the same as the Christianity?

Answer:

There should not be a difference. It should be with

satisfaction of both sides.

Marriage

Question:

I met my non Muslim wife several years ago, and we agreed

at that time that as we like each other, to have a relationship

we must have Muttah or Marriage.

As she was not sure of her long-term commitments, although

she assured me she loves me, she agreed to Muttah. I

recited the verses in her local language as neither of us

could communicate in Arabic.

We extended the period of muttah after the first two years

elapsed and she expected my child, when she reverted to

Islam with me, and we got married by an Aqd e Daimi recited

by a respected shia scholar.

However, since our marriage, my wife has made no

commitments towards praying her salat and after such a

long time, today she told me, she was never brought up to

believe in these things.

I have tried my best to reassure her, and help to talk to her

without any harsh tone as well.

Firstly, Is my Nikah still Valid?

Have I done anything wrong in my life, and is this

punishment of Allah?

Answer:

Your marriage is valid.

You did not do any sin because of this marriage, based on

your good intention.

Ahd

Question:

My wife promised Imam Mahdi (ATF) that she'll never watch

TV again and since then she doesn‟t watch TV including

computer, YouTube or any kind of video. She doesn‟t even

watch discovery or Islamic videos as she says she doesn‟t

mention the imam that she'll not watch films and

dramas. She promised she wouldn‟t watch the TV again. So

she stopped watching all kind of videos.

Now she is in the situation that while attending a course she

has to look at the demonstration that is in video format

though its informative and doesn‟t have any song or music or

no drama.

My question is that can she watch that video (informative) or

not?

Or can she watch Islamic videos including majalis or videos

from shia TV or not?

Answer:

Yes, she can watch them.

Nikah

Question:

Can you let me know the process for performing the Nikah in

the Jafferi tradition?

Please include all the wording that will be used for the Nikah

recited by the bride and the wordings for the groom to

perform his own Nikah.

Answer:

The Method of Pronouncing the permanent Marriage

Formula:

It will be sufficient if in pronouncing the formula for

permanent marriage, the woman says: “Zawwajtuka nafsi

„alas sidaqil ma‟lum” (i.e. I have made myself your wife on

the agreed Mahr [Dowry]), and then the man should

immediately respond thus: “Qabiltut tazwij” (i,e. I accept the

marriage).

And if they appoint other person to act as their

representative for pronouncing the formula of marriage, it is

sufficient if the representative of the woman says, “Zawwajtu

muwakkilati muwakkilaka „alas sidaqil ma‟lum”, (i.e. I have

given my client to your client in marriage on the agreed

Mahr), and thereafter the representative of the man should

immediately respond thus: “Qabiltut tazwija li muwakkili

hakaza”, (I accepted the same way the marriage on behalf of

my client).

The Method of Pronouncing the Fixed-timeMarriage Formula

It will be sufficient if in pronouncing the formula for temporary

marriage, after having agreed on the period of marriage and

the amount of Mahr, the woman says: “Zawwajtuka nafsi fil

muddatil ma‟lumati „alal mahril ma‟lum” (i.e. I have made

myself your wife for the agreed period and the agreed Mahr),

and then the man immediately responds thus: “Qabiltu”, (i.e.

I have accepted), or if the representative of the woman

says, “Zawwajtu muwakkilati muwakkilaka fil muddatil

ma‟lumati „alal mahril ma‟lum”, (i.e. I have given my client to

your client in marriage for the agreed period and the agreed

Mahr), and thereafter the representative of the man should

immediately respond thus:“Qabiltu li muwakkili hakaza”, ( I

also accepted the same way on behalf of my client ).

Conditions of Pronouncing Nikah

There are certain conditions for the Nikah recited for

marriage. They are as follows:

1- The formula of marriage contract should be recited in

correct Arabic. And if the man and the woman cannot

pronounce the formula in correct Arabic, they should appoint

representatives who can recite it in Arabic. But if they cannot

recite it in Arabic and they also cannot find qualified

representatives, then they can pronounce the formula of

marriage contract in any other language, but the words in the

other language must convey the meaning of the Arabic

formula.

2- The one who recites the formula should have the intention

of Insha‟ (i.e. reciting it in a creative sense, making it

effective immediately). In other words, their intention by

uttering these words should be that she effectively makes

herself the wife of the man, and the man effectively accepts

her as his wife. The representative should also have the

same intention.

3- The person who pronounces the Nikah should be sane,

and he should also be Baligh, though he may represent

someone else.

4- In pronouncing the Nikah, the representatives should

specify the man and the woman.

5- The woman and the man should be willing to enter into

matrimonial alliance.

If a girl has reached the age of Bulugh (puberty) and is

mature, (i.e. she can decide what is in her own interest)

wishes to marry, she should, as a precaution, obtain

permission from her father or parental grandfather. However,

if the father refuses to grant permission to her for marrying a

suitable man and compatible to her, then, his permission is

not necessary. Similarly, it is not necessary to obtain

permission if there is no access to her father or parental

grandfather, if she is eager to get married urgently. If the girl

had already married and later divorced or became widowed,

her father or parental grandfather‟s permission is not

necessary for the new marriage.

Tattoos

Question:

I wanted to know if getting Tattoos is halal or haram.

Answer:

It is permissible, but it is not recommended. However, the

picture should not be bad pictures.

Eid

Question:

In our family it is a tradition that if a family member dies, the

first EID (eid ul fitr or eid ul azha) is not celebrated in the

grief of deceased. We do not wear new cloths and do not

wish Eid to anyone.

I wanted to ask that according to Islamic laws is this practice

sinful? Or is it ok if we do not celebrate these Eids?

Answer:

It is permissible and this practice is not sinful.

Qurbani

Question:

In our time, millions of pilgrims perform Qurbani during the

time of Hajj. First of all, they perform it out of Mina.

Secondly, it is obligatory to give a part of meat to poor

people. But due to limitation of time we cannot find the poor

people in the region, and we are not sure if the officials will

send the meat to needy people in other countries. The

question is that: can we perform our Qurbani out of Mina to

fulfill the above mentioned condition?

Answer:

In such a situation, it is permissible to call somebody in your

hometown of other place to perform Qurbani on the day of

Eid Al-Fitr, or by thirteenth of Dhil Hajja. Anyway, it is

obligatory to give a part of meat to needy people.

Moon sighting

Question:

What is your opinion in regards to moon being visible at

different times in different parts of the world?

Answer:

The new moon must be visible for sure by naked eyes in

some parts of the world.

Question:

Is it sufficient for rest of the World if moon is visible on one

part of the earth?

Answer:

Yes.

Question:

Is there any way that we can come up with one formula so

that Muslim Umma or at least Tashayu Can be united.

Answer:

Yes, if all people have only one Marja!

Fasting

Question:

My wife will get before the Holy Month of Ramadan a

hysterectomy. After that, she will have some vaginal

bleedings because of the wounds inside. Is it possible for her

to fast?

Answer:

If fasting is harmful for her or she is getting weak by this

operation and fasting is difficult, she should not fast. And

when she is healthy in future, she should fast instead of

those days.

Zakat

Question:

Therefore until 1982, zakat was payable on paper currency

according to what the writer is stating.

Although you have allowed 75% of khums to be used for

relief of poverty, would it not be easier to pay 2.5% zakat. Is

zakat payable on profit of the year or savings at the end of

the year. What I mean is that if have $1,000 on January 1,

2001 and $2,000 on January 1, 2002, will zakat be payable

on $1,000 or $2,000.

And if I have $3,000 on January 1, 2003, is Zakat payable on

$2,000, $3,000 or the increase in the balance of $1,000.

Therefore, is it for beneficial for the community to receive

khums or zakat. That is will the community get more money

from khums or zakat.

Answer:

Based on the verses of Quran and Islamic traditions, paying

Khums (which is a kind of zakat on paper currency) on

savings at the end of the year is Wajib and it can be paid for

relief of poverty in the community.

If Khums and normal zakat are enough for relief of poor

people, then paying zakat is wajib on the 8 items, which are

mentioned in the Hadith books, because, it is supposed that

one has already paid khums (which is a type of zakat) on

paper currency (20%). When there is no need, one should

not pay on paper currency 2 times.

But if this amount plus zakat on 8 items are not enough for

this purpose (as you mentioned in one of your previous

questions), then paying zakat on other items including paper

currency also is Wajib. In such a situation, one must pay

zakat on all profit of the year. But if his/her profit is less than

his/her expenses, he/she should not pay zakat on profit of

the year.

Question:

I returned from visit to East Africa a few days back.

Being a visitor, it was difficult to assess accurately the needs

of the people but one could sense there is a major struggle

to survive.

In Tanzania, I was told that the country used to 60% Muslim

and 40% others (including Christians). Now the ratio is

reversed with the Muslims being 40% due to active

missionary work done by the Christians who are taking

advantage of the poverty in converting the Muslims.

In Uganda, there are many orphans, not necessarily

Muslims, but the Muslim organizations wanting to look after

them are struggling because of lack of funds.

But in Uganda, the Christians have no problems looking

after the orphans and, thereby, making them Christians.

I am sure the situation in Kenya is no different as in other

parts of Africa.

I have two questions. With respect to sehme Sadat, why

should it be applicable in Africa where there are no needy

Sayeeds. Can 100% of the khums not be utilized for the

benefit of the Africans?

The second question is when the issue of khums is raised,

there is always the matter of ijaza and it is not always

available to those who provide the service because of many

reasons.

Also wajib zakat is simpler and affordable. Therefore, does

zakat become wajib on paper currency? Is it not wajib to

help the needy by paying zakat on paper currency?

I am sure the situation in other parts of the world is not any

different.

Answer:

1. In such a situation, it is Wajib to pay Zakat on paper

currency too, in order to remove the poverty in Muslim

community. We mentioned the details in the Resalah.

2. To pay Zakat to poor people, there is no need for Ejaza

from Marjas.

3. It is allowed to pay Sahme Imam to non-Sayyed needy

people.

4. If Zakat, Sadaqa and Sahme Imam are not enough for

non-Sayyed poor people, and Sahme Sadaat is extra for

poor Sadaat, then the rest can be given to non-Sayyed

needy people too.

Sea food

Question:

Since the Quran seems to be very clear in not specifying

what food can be eaten from the sea and since those who

follow Sunni fiqh seem to be of accord all meat from the sea

is halal, I must conclude from your answer only Shia fiqh

excludes such sea creatures as lobster, crab, oysters, squid,

etc.

Answer:

Names of all animals which are Halal or Haram are not

mentioned in Quran. But there are four sources for Islamic

jurisprudence: Quran, Sunnat (correct traditions), Aql

(wisdom) and Ijma (Consensus).

There are Hadith Books such as Al-Kafi, Wasail Al-Shia, Al-

Faqih … which explain the Halal and Haram foods.

Paying Khums

Questions and Answers

Can the Sehme Imam part of the Khums be used for relief of

poverty?

Yes, it is permissible.

Do we need your permission or we as your muqaleed can

make our own decision?

You can pay 75% of khums by yourself according to

issues of the Resalah.

I live in Canada but find that there is more poverty in Africa

amongst both the Khoja and African people. I was born and

brought up in Africa. Therefore, have affection with Africa.

Therefore, can I distribute or use Sehme Imam in Africa.

Yes, you can.

Can the Sehme Imam be used for the relief of my family

members or friends in India or Pakistan and I find them

needy?

Yes, if they are not your children and wife.

Can the Sehme Sadat part of khums be used for relief of

poverty of non-Sadats? The condition I find are as follows:

I live in Canada. I find that there are some deserving Sadats

in Canada but their requirements is not much. My next

connection is with East Africa. There I find that there are no

Syeds or at best no deserving Syeds. Can I use all of

Sehme Sadat for relief of poverty of Khoja and African

Muslims?

If sehme sadaat is extra, it can be paid to non-Sadaat

poor people.

What is your ruling with respect to those who live in East

Africa?

If they are needier, it is recommended to send money to

them.

Salat qasr

Queston:

I live in Mississauga and if I go to Milton will I Have to pray

full prayers or Qasar?

Answer:

If the distance between the last part of Mississauga and first

part of Milton is more than 22 KM, you should pray Qasr.

Question:

Is Oakville and Milton also part of GTA?

Last part of GTA is Mississauga and Brampton from the

west.

Question:

This is the supplementary question with regards to the Qasar

issue. Since I live in Mississauga (and soon move to

Brampton), if I travel from my home and go to Oakville or

Milton on the west side what should I do?

1) Should I pray full?

2) Should I pray Qasar?

Answer:

If you travel from end of Mississauga to the west more than

22 Km, then you should pray Qasr.

Question:

Also, the 22 km from the boundary is one way or two way?

The total travelling distance is 22 km (11 km going and 11

km coming) or 22 km going and 22 km coming?

Answer:

I mean: more than 22 km going and again 22 km coming

back.

Boundaries of GTA

Question:

1- Can you please explain to me what the boundaries of

GTA are?

Answer:

From north: end of Richmond Hill, and from west: end of

Mississauga and Brampton, and from east: end of Ajax.

Question:

Which areas are part of GTA and which are not? Are they

different from the map book outlining the GTA?

Answer:

Toronto is a great city which includes all towns which are

joint together and are not separated.

Sikhs

Question:

1. Is it haram to eat food from the hands of a Sikh? A Shia

woman is married to a sunni man whose mother has Sikh‟s

family members. To keep respect and love between the

families she attends their gatherings. The question becomes

if the Sikhs are Tahir or not?

Answer:

Sikh people are Pak (Tahir) according to our Fatwa like other

Kafirs. Their food is Halal, except meat.

Age of Takleef for girls

Question:

At what age does wearing a Hijab become wajib for a girl?

Answer:

At the age of Takleef.

There are 2 signs for Takleef:

a) Seeing the blood of Haiz

b) Getting 13 years old. (According to our opinion).

Age of Takleef for boys

Question:

At what age does Praying become wajib for a boy?

There are 2 signs:

a) Entering the state of Janabat.

b) Getting 15 years old.

Converting Islam

Question:

The following scenario is often encountered in western

countries, and I know two ladies who have been married for

years and have children from their marriages. They've been

Christian all their lives but have been studying Islam recently

and have come to the conclusion that Islam is the right

religion. However they are hesitant to convert to Islam

because they have been told that a Muslim woman has to be

married to a Muslim man and if they convert then they have

to get divorced from their current non-muslim husbands. My

questions are:

Is the above applicable only to women who are single before

their conversion and so after their conversion they cannot

get married to non-Muslim men, or does it also apply to

women who are already married and so if they convert to

Islam but their husbands stay as Ahlul Ketab, then they too

have to get divorced from their non-Muslim husbands?

Answer:

A Muslim woman can not marry a non-Muslim. But in a

situation that you mentioned, they do not have to get

divorced from their current husbands, but the husband does

not have any domination and the lady must have freedom in

marital relationship, and educating and training her children.

Question:

If the answer to question 1 is that they too have to get

divorced, would you please point me to some references that

indicate this? At the time of the prophet (s.a.w) was there not

women who converted to Islam but their husbands did not

(and these men fought the prophet later on in wars)? Does

this not mean that, if a woman who is already married with

children decides to convert to Islam she doesn't have to get

a divorce?

Answer:

The source of this Fatwa is including several verses in

Quran and a lot of Rewayats which are mentioned in books

of jurisprudence.

Zakat and Khums

In our time, it seems that the Zakat on 9 items is not enough

to remove the poverty among the Muslim communities. What

is your viewpoint in the issue of zakat on currency in this

situation?

In such a situation, it is wajib to pay zakat on this item too,

according to the income of people.

Is it allowed to pay Sahme Imam (which is half of Khums) to

non sayyed poor people?

Yes, it is allowed.

Interest in Muslim Banks

Q: I live in Pakistan which is an Islamic Country but the

whole banking system is based on capitalism and we have

to give interest to banks if we take loan and if we invest

money in bank we can get interest on that. Is it permissible

for me to take interest from a bank which is not being run on

Islamic economic rules?

A: To pay interest to Muslim Banks is allowed if you have

contract of Muzariba or Muzaria. You can find the details in

the Resalah. Otherwise, it is not permissible.

Q: In Pakistan Government starts different schemes in which

retried government servants can invest and around 12%

interest is given to the investors, is this type of interest

allowed which is being given by an Islamic government to its

retired officers?

A: If the government claims that it pays the amount from the

sources like Muzariba and Muzaria or other Islamic sources,

then it is allowed.

Q: I am not a poor man and I don‟t need interest to run my

life, is it permissible to take interest from a non Islamic bank

in an Islamic Country ( Pakistan ) and spend the money on

my charity/non-profitable projects.?

A: If the source of money is Halal (as it was mentioned

above), then it is allowed.

Halal Meat

Q: If the meat being sold at Christian shop (food Basic) and

it is written Halal on it, so is it halal to eat the meat?

Answer:

If you know the brand of that meet and you are sure that it is

from a true Muslim company, then it is Halal.

Thanksgiving prayer

Q: After having been granted the legitimate wish/desire by

Allah Almighty, how long more can we continue offering our

prayers, (Namaz-e-Shukrana) or thanksgiving prayer?

Answer: You can do that any time, but it is better to do that

as soon as possible.

Missing prayers

I live in a non Muslim country for many years now and need

to travel out of my city frequently (3 -4 times a week) to

attend my tuition classes. Due to the nature of travel and

lack of facility of nearby mosque in the travelling city, I, often,

end up missing my Zohur and Asar Prayers. What

compensation do I need to pay towards it and if I miss them,

unintentionally, and situation beyond my control, then how

can I offer them again? Can I still get the same rewards if I

offer my Zohar and Asar Prayers late evening (9:00 PM)

after arriving home?

Answer:

You must do Qadha prayer later, as it was missed.

Parent’s prayer

Can we offer Namaz Walidain/Parents Prayers when they

are alive and healthy or is it offered after they pass away?

Answer:

It is offered after they pass away.

Morning Prayer

In a foreign land, if a Muslim leaves home for work before

dawn/before Morning Azan, can he offer his morning prayers

before morning azan as he doesn't return home until late and

on his way to work, he doesn't have any other facility to offer

it.

Answer:

It cannot be offered before Azan. If it is not possible to do

that, then you should do Qadha later.

Parent’s permission

I am a shia convert, my parents are however

sunni and they do not know I am shia and I am now in a

situation where I want to marry a particular shia man.

However as my parents are close minded and believe that a

woman should be educated before marriage and they will

not permit me to marry a shia by disregarding the daughters

needs and wants, what should I do since they would not be

willing to accept him as my husband.

Answer:

If you are 18 years old or more, and you know that man well,

and you know that this person can be a good husband for

you, then permission of your father is not necessary.

Hijab

I am a Muslim girl, living in Canada. I believe that I am a

good muslim-meaning that I pray 5 times a day, I give

money to the poor, respect everyone. However, I do not

wear my hijab. I used to wear my hijab in seventh grade, but

I was bullied, so I took it off- which I know, is a pretty lame

excuse.

Ever since then, I am afraid I'll go to hell, because I don‟t

wear it. So couple of months ago, I was researching about

Hijab and women in Islam, and I found a website in it, I found

out that women do not have to wear the traditional

headscarf. In fact, the headscarf isn‟t even Islamic. When

Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), said to tell their

wives, daughters to cover their bosoms, there wasn‟t

anything explicit said about covering your hair. In fact, the

term "Hijab" isn‟t used in that verse.

It was talking about being modest. Modesty can be achieved

in both spiritual manner and physically. I mean, I try to be

modest. I do not wear short skirts or anything revealing. I

also try to be modest in my manners and everything.

So is the real meaning of hijab to be modest in spirituality

and physically, without wearing the traditional head scarf?

Answer:

God bless you for your goodness, but it is necessary for

women to cover their hair, but it can be done by a hat or

scarf.

Azadari

I am Shia Muslim; I would like to know the answer to the

following Questions, as I would like to see the various views

on these issues:

1) Is it allowed to weep loudly in majlis (gatherings) in the

Month of Muharram?

Answer:

Yes, it is allowed.

2) Are you allowed to Perform Tatbir in the west, and the

acts could be done outside in public?

Answer:

The media uses this type of Azadari against Islam and Shia,

then, it is not allowed.