By Yūsuf Badāt What is Iʿitikāf? The literal meaning of iʿitikāf is to stay or hold oneself down. In a religious context, iʿitikāf means to hold oneself down inside the masjid, with an intention, for the worship of God with specific stipulations while abstaining from certain matters. It can also refer to reside in the…
By Yūsuf Badāt Shaʿbān is the 8th month in the lunar islamic calendar. Shaʿbān incorporates the meanings; to split, separate or scatter. Some of the reasons why this month is named Shaʿbān is that it is the month that splits or separates two great months, namely, Rajab and Ramaḍān. Another reason for it’s name is…
Answered by Shaykh Mazhar Mahmood Question: I have heard people saying that the COVID-19 phenomenon is a punishment of Allāh. I heard a viral audio clip of a prominent scholar saying based on an anonymous dream that COVID-19 came as a punishment from Allāh upon the Chinese nation and many more. Is there any merit…
By Yūsuf Badāt Istighfār means to seek forgiveness with God from negligence and disobedience, by the means of both the tongue and the heart. ONE: Compliance to and Fulfillment of God’s Command وَاسْتَغْفِرُواْ اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ “Seek forgiveness with God! Certainly, God is Ever Forgiving [and] Merciful.” – (Qurʾān: 73:20) TWO: Protection from Godly…
Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt Question: In the current climate of COVID-19, most masjids across the world are closed with no prayers. This got me thinking, what are the rights of the masjid? If they are not fulfilled, are we sinful? Answer: In the Name of God, Most Merciful, Most Kind Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank…
Answered by Shaykh Mazhar Mahmood Question: Many masājid that I have been to have canceled their congregational prayers amidst the COVID 19 pandemic. There are still some masājid who are allowing congregational prayers, but are mandating a meter’s distance in between the worshippers. Is such a practice allowed in Islām and would the prayer affected in…
Answered by Shaykh Nafīs Al-Raḥmān and authorized by Shaykh Muftī Riḍā al-Ḥaq Rendered into English by Yūsuf Badāt Question: Some governments have declared that it is not suitable for people to gather in large numbers and at public places due to the spread of the coronavirus. Keeping this is mind, would it permitted to stop…
By Yūsuf Badāt The journey of Al-Isrāʾ and Al-Meʾrāj is perhaps the most amazing miraculous journey in human history. This was a journey wherein God, the Almighty, made His beloved prophet, Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) travel in bodily [physical] form while awake, from Makkah, Saudi Arabia to Masjid Al-Aqṣāʾ in Palestine and thereafter…
Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt Question: Is it permissible in Islam to tint or dye hair to black, gold, white or any other colour? Answer: In the Name of God, Most Kind, Most Merciful Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for your question. Dying or colouring the hair is permissible in any reasonable colour that does…
Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt Question: Is playing ‘roll up the rim’ at Tim Hortons permissible for Muslims? Is it allowed islamicaly to participate in ‘Tims Rewards’ and the contest on their digital app? If so, is it permissible to use a winning ballot or digital credit to claim a prize of a coffee, doughnut…