Eating Chicken/Meat From Certified Halal Stores

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Question: Is it permissible to eat chicken/meat from a company that is certified Halal, such as HMC?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

The three criteria for a valid slaughter are:

(1) The one slaughtering must be a Muslim, a Jew, or a Christian
(2) The animal must be slaughtered with a sharp object and three out of the four vessels must be cut. The four vessels are the windpipe (trachea), the food pipe, and the two jugular veins.
(3) The name of Allah must be pronounced at the time of the slaughter; if mistakenly omitted – the meat remains permissible (halal), if intentionally omitted – the meat is forbidden (haram).

[Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

Certifications

Since it is difficult for each individual to slaughter their own animals or to be present during the slaughtering process, certain organizations have taken it upon themselves to ensure the slaughtering is done according to the criteria. Thus if an organization verifies that the above three conditions are met – the meat is permissible for you to eat.

Caution

It is important to know that many organizations have very loose criteria and follow minority opinions (such as machine slaughtering). Even some organizations have been found to be cheating the system and falsely claiming their meat as halal.

For this reason, one should research the integrity of the certifying organization and whether the organization makes its judgments on the basis of sound knowledge.

Some organizations bring scholars on board as overseers.

Summary

With a bit of research, one can find the criteria by which an organization declares something halal. Compare those criteria to the above and decide. Consult the scholars of your area and ask them where they buy their meat.

Hope this helps
Allah knows best
Yusuf Weltch

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a graduate from Tarim; a student of Habib Umar and other luminaries; and authorized teachers of the Qur’an and the Islamic sciences

Pyramid Schemes

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Question: Are pyramid schemes, also known as network marketing businesses permissible?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

Pyramid schemes are usually not permissible because they involve a membership fee for eligibility for the commission, commission for other people’s work, and commission that does not reflect the service provided.

Commission only contract (mudaraba) is fine, as are bonuses. But in the pyramid scheme, the goal is creating the matrices and not achieving sales off which commission is earned.

Please also see:
https://darulifta-deoband.com/home/en/Shares–Investments/385
https://www.muis.gov.sg/officeofthemufti/Irsyad/Advisory-on-Multi-Level-Marketing

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid

 

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language

Cremating Pets

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Question: Is it permissible to cremate pets?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

There are no rituals that apply to the dead body of an animal. Burying it, cremating it, or disposing of it in any other way is permissible.

Personally, I would avoid cremating it because of the possibility of it still feeling things. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, ‘Breaking a corpse’s bones is like breaking them while he is alive’ (Ahmad and Abu Dawud).

It may well be that the pet feels the fire when being cremated, so I would personally avoid it.

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid

 

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language

Deducting Debts When Calculating Zakat

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Question: I received an interest-free student loan from the government, which I have to pay back in 2024, and I also owe money to my relatives, which I am currently paying back in installments. Some people say it is permissible to deduct your debts. Others say it is only permissible to deduct your monthly installments of the Zakah year. What is correct?

Answer: 

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh,

I pray you are well.

You Can’t Deduct Deferred Loans

When it comes to loans and the calculation of zakat, you may deduct the loans which people are asking for or expecting immediate repayment of. For example, your student loan is not due until 2024, so you would not deduct it from this year’s zakat. Unless, however, you are paying installments on it now, in which case you may deduct the next twelve months’ installment value from your assets.

Non-Deferred Loans Can Be Deducted

However, if you owe someone money that is expected to be paid back as soon as possible, or within the coming year, you can deduct that from your assets (Kasani, Badai’ al Sanai’).

Repay Debts As Soon As Possible

It’s a good practice to try to pay off one’s debts as soon as possible. You don’t want to pass away owing someone money. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Allah forgives all the sins of the shahid – except debt” (Muslim). This doesn’t mean that loans are sins; rather it shows that even when sins are pardoned debts won’t be as they are connected to the rights of others.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim

 

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.

Making a Bun or Ponytail

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Question: I know that tying one’s hair into a camel bump is haram. But is wearing your hair in a bun at the top of your head when at home haram? It’s easier to handle especially when I’m showering or going to the bathroom. My mum also wears her hair like this when she sleeps. When I sleep, I gather all my hair at the top of my head into a ponytail. This is the perfect method for me. Is it permissible?

Answer:

Assalamu alaykum,

Thank you for your question. There is a lot of interpretation concerning the hadith about the camel hump and whether it relates to the manner of donning the hijab. Please see the details here: https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/camel-hump-volumised-hijab/

As for tying your hair in a certain manner at home, such as a high bun or high ponytail, it is permissible. You may find with time that you prefer to make braids, as this gives the hair ultimate protection from tangling and pulling, and is beautiful due to its simplicity. Either way, you are not sinning, and Allah knows best.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad

 

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

Converting To Islam

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Question: I am a woman who is looking to revert to Islam soon but I have some questions: 1. I know Muslim women who wear hijabs and long tops or dresses. Is it obligatory to cover below the waist and if so to what extent? 2. Is the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday allowed and are you allowed to celebrate other’s birthdays (e.g a family member)? 3. Finally, if I revert and marry but then become widowed and re-marry, who will be my husband in Jannah and why?

Answer:

Assalamu alaykum,

Thank you for your question. First and foremost, congratulations on your learning about Islam and your willingness to discover yourself and change. This is a tremendous step in itself. May Allah facilitate all these matters for you.

A woman’s dress

The Muslim women that you mention are indeed fulfilling an obligation by wearing hijab and I am pleased to hear that you are keeping their company. As for their tops, a woman should dress as modestly as she is able. If your friends are comfortable in their long tops and they do it for Allah, they will be rewarded for that, by the grace of Allah. Here are more details about a woman’s dress:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/what-are-the-requirements-of-hijab/

If I were in your shoes, I would not focus on the clothing too much, but rather, I would focus on dressing modestly, which simply means to wear clothes that don’t reveal the shape of the body and are not transparent. This can be accomplished by many types of clothes. It is more beneficial for you to focus your time and energy on learning about Islam and renewing your faith. Practice will come accordingly. May Allah reward you from His endless bounty.

The Prophet’s birthday (mawlid)

According to the four schools of Islamic law in traditional Islam, it is permissible and praiseworthy to celebrate the Prophet’s birthday, may Allah bless him and give him peace. We don’t do this by cutting a cake or blowing candles, but we do it by learning and understanding his life and his sacrifices, renewing our love and respect for him, and even fasting on that day, the 12th of Rabi`al-Awwal. See the details here:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/innovation-bida-and-celebrating-the-prophets-birthday-mawlid/

It is permissible as well, to celebrate the birthdays of others, like your friends and family. Islam doesn’t teach division or being insensitive to others, so you should not fear discontinuing your regular occasions with the ones that you love. One should just watch out for imitating non-Muslims as these practices are taken from them. Here are more details:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/hanafi-fiqh/fasting-on-ones-birthday/

Which husband will one have in Paradise?

As for your third question, there is a difference of opinion on which husband will be your eternal mate in Paradise. But, remember the upshot, which is that no soul will grieve or have fear, and will not want for anything for all eternity. May Allah include us all in His good favour. See the details here:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/hadith/will-remember-husbands-paradise/

Last but not least, don’t ever feel shy to ask a question or follow up with any concerns. I highly recommend that you take free courses here at Seekers for new Muslims, or on the Prophet’s life, may Allah bless him and give him peace, or anything else that you find interesting. Take it slow and easy and ask Allah to clearly guide your heart to the truth always. May you have the very best in this world and the next.
https://seekersguidance.org/category/articles/converts/

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad

 

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

Ranks and Meaning of Paradise

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Question: Why did Allah create Paradise and what is the best thing a human can ever do?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

Allah Most High created the creation, and Heaven and Hell to manifest Himself so that He would be known. The various experiences of Heaven and Hell conjoined with the varying ranks of those in them all demonstrate Allah’s attributes. This is how creation and Heaven and Hell “spell out” Allah.

Please see:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/haqiqat-al-muhammadiyya/

The ranks in Paradise commensurate with the qualitative levels of faith (al iman wa al ihsan). Spiritual excellence means that one abides by the Sacred Law inwardly and outwardly, alone and around others, in ease and difficulty, as if one was standing before Allah seeing Him directly. This is the highest Islamic virtue, and can also be done in Paradise where there is no Sacred Law to abide by.

Please see:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/ibn-rajab-al-hanbalis-commentary-on-the-hadith-of-gibril/

The greatest degree of Paradise is to look directly at Allah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “When the People of Paradise enter Paradise, Allah Blessed and Exalted will say, ‘Would you like anything else?’ They will say, ‘Have you not made us happy? Have you not made us enter Paradise and saved us the Hell-Fire?’
Then He will remove the veil, and they will not be given anything more beloved to them than looking directly at their Lord Mighty and Majestic. This is the more. Then he recited the verse ‘For those who have done good (ahsanu) is the best [reward] and more”(Qur’an, 10: 26) (Muslim).

Please also see:
https://seekersguidance.org/courses/habib-umar-on-the-path-of-spiritual-excellence-an-explanation-of-bal-faqihs-treatise-the-spheres-of-islam-iman-ihsan-and-irfan/
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/the-soul-after-death/

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid

 

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language

Setting Boundaries With Siblings

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Question:  Recently, my brother-in-law brainwashed my sister to block me, cut all ties with me, and she says she no longer wants to speak to me. Recently when he argued with me, I lost my cool and answered back, which I regret now. Since then, my sister and I drifted apart, and now she is spreading false stories about me to relatives, who are demanding explanations. I don’t know how to deal with such situations. Is it okay to set strong boundaries with siblings?

Answer:

Assalamu alaykum,

Thank you for your question. I empathize with your frustration with your sister and brother-in-law and I pray that you can reconcile with them and have mutual respect. The very best advice that I can give you is mentioned in this link: https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/how-to-deal-with-difficult-siblings/

Brother-in-law

It may be that your brother-in-law has started this problem between you and your sister, however, your sister is at fault, not him. She should know that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him maintain the ties of kinship” [Bukhari]. Because of this, you should keep calm with your brother-in-law and not lose your patience around him. There is no sense in arguing with someone that will not listen, but instead let him see the blessings in your life, and prove to him your point through action and example, not yelling. In sha Allah, when you do start to see them again, keep this in mind.

Sister

As for your sister, you cannot force her to see you, but you can apologize. Apologize, only once, for one does not apologize over and over, and let her know that you will not cut her off. If she has blocked you, mail her a handwritten letter so she knows where you stand. Employ a friend or relative to speak to her. Remind her that behaving in a backward cultural way will not solve anything. If she will not listen, ask her to at least stop complaining to relatives and honestly tell her that it hurts you. Send her a gift, this usually gives a clear message and she will be too embarrassed to continue cutting ties.

Relatives

As for aunts and the like, don’t get sucked into their demands or let them make it a big problem. Tell them that you both have a little disagreement going on, but it is not serious and you have no intention of cutting her off. Perhaps they can even give the message to your sister that you are not upset and are willing to meet again.

Setting boundaries

Yes, it is a very good idea to set boundaries with siblings. Avoid any situations that stimulate an argument. Meet outside for coffee, don’t hang out late at night, don’t get into heated discussions, or meet with your sister without her husband. Meet her with friends, or just talk on the phone more often than meeting in person; there are many ways to keep things peaceful. Never allow anyone to abuse you, and you will find the best tips in the link above. Make it clear to her that you won’t accept her speaking to relatives about you.

Ask Allah to always keep you and your sister on the straight path and ask Him to join your hearts. Malice and bitterness have no place between siblings and I pray that your bond with her becomes stronger than ever before.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad

 

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

 

Why is Sexting Haram?

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Question: I know that sexting is haram (exchange of indecent photos). As for the written messages, they are sexually explicit where people imagine having sex. I understand that these are haram when done out of lust towards a non-mahram. What if someone exchanges these sexually explicit messages without any lust, how do we prove it to be haram? What if two fiances are doing this without lust just to imagine each other’s future married life? Secondly, I read on the internet that a woman said that when someone is tired of monotony in a relationship, sexting can help one to remove monotony without actually physically cheating. How do we refute this statement? I know this is still cheating. Can you talk about zina of the tongue?

Answer:

Assalamu alaykum,

Thank you for your question.

Writing sexually explicit messages to a non-mahram, or fiance (without a nikah) is impermissible. The reason is that Islam does not permit indecent interaction of any kind unless two are married. This includes all forms of interaction, visual, audible, digital, on paper., etc. Doing this with or without lust is irrelevant. The action itself is impermissible as Allah, Most High, has told us in the Qur’an to not approach adultery.

As for sexting a foreign man in order to remove the monotony from one’s marriage, this would also be impermissible and foolish. A couple should be able to speak about their issues and be willing to get creative to remove monotony, not involve a third party for the novelty. Such behaviour is not helpful, immature, and can destroy a marriage.

You will find proofs and details here:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/husband-thinks-cybersex-harmless-can/

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad

 

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

Doubts Caused by Evolution

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Question: Looking at the fossil record and other evidence for evolution has given me doubts. We know Allah fashioned the other creatures on Earth. The evidence for outlying genetic overlap between humans and ancient primates in a fossil record suggests the groups evolved separately from each other, and so on. We arrive at a very difficult situation where we have to dismiss an excessive quantity of evidence as “coincidence” because otherwise, it would contradict Islam, and from here my doubts began to stem. The very basis which one would assume from the truth of Allah is that creation cannot exist and be the way it is by coincidence, so how could I use the concept of a coincidence to dispel an extensive list of evidence?

Answer:

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh

I pray you are well.

Adam Did Not Evolve

We are certain that Adam (Allah bless him and give him peace) did not evolve. He has created in a process the Qur’an and Sunna detail very clearly. The truth of the Qur’an is established through many types of proof: rational proofs, miracles, prophecies that came true, linguistic inimitability, etc.

Therefore, the fact that Adam was created directly, as he was, and that we are descended from him, is clearly established. These proofs are watertight – even if scientists do not work with this type of proof.

What Does the Qur’an Say About Evolution?

The Qur’an does not address the topic of evolution. We know that Allah created everything. All the means and processes He used are known to Him alone. We may observe some of them, but we do not know them all.

The Qur’an calls us to reflect on the way He created things to infer His knowledge, will, power, wisdom, etc. Some refer to this as ‘intelligent design.’ We are sure that Allah created everything, but the process of creation for anything other than humans is not addressed in the Qur’an.

As long as what you have come across does not contradict the above there is scope to look at the evidence and not ignore correlations as coincidence. Adam’s creation and his not evolving are proven in many ways. Therefore any proof you may see regarding evolution has to be understood with the above certainty in mind.

Any conclusions which contradict this certainty must be reevaluated in order to arrive at a conclusion that is in line with reality. Otherwise, there is clearly a flaw in the methodology.

For example, we know that sugar is sweet through a shared experience of the human race. If someone produced convincing scientific proof that it is sour how sound would we judge the conclusion to be?

The Incomplete Fossil Record

This is a matter many scientists have commented on and published works on. Instead of trying to argue it, I’ll point you to some resources that question the theory of evolution as a whole. Personally, I can’t claim to have a detailed argument against it, nor is it something the truth of Islam hinges on. There are, however, some problems some critics – Muslims and Non-Muslims alike – have identified.

Please look at the resources on the Dissent From Darwin website, where hundreds of scientists and medical experts express their skepticism in the ability of random mutations to explain the complexity of life. This should help you reevaluate the evidence.

Also, the book ‘God, Islam, and the Skeptic Mind’ has a very good analysis of the problems Muslims and Non-Muslims have found in the narrative of evolution. Please have look at it.

I also advise you to study theology with an experienced teacher so you can gain an understanding of the strengths of the proofs of the theologians. May Allah facilitate it for you.

I pray that helps.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim

 

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.