Is It Permissible To Do Electrical Work for a Bar or Pub?

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Question:
Is it permissible to do electrical work for a bar or pub?
Answer:
Dear questioner,
Thank you for your important question.
May Allah, Most High reward you for your desire to increase in knowledge, and may he place blessings in your sustenance.
Working as an electrician is a permissible and noble job. However, when having to perform electric work at an establishment that sells impermissible products like alcohol, one must consider the following:
It is permissible for an electrician to fix all appliances that are not associated with alcohol in any way nor connected to any other impermissible action/product. For example; bathrooms, sink, lights, etc.
It is impermissible for an electrician to fix an appliance that is associated with alcohol or any other impermissible action/product. For example; the hose for the “on tap” drinks, the wine storage, etc.
[Ibn Abidin, al-Hashiya]
The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Wine is cursed from ten angles: The wine itself, the one who squeezes it (the grapes, etc), the one for whom it is squeezed, the one who sells it, the one who buys it, the one who carries it, the one to whom it is carried, the one who consumes its price, the one who drinks it and the one who pours it.” [Ibn Maja, al-Sunan]
As you own the business, you should strive to take on tasks that are in accordance with the pleasure of Allah, Most High.
If you are in a dire situation (I.e. not able to pay rent, feed the family), then you may complete the task as long as you repent to Allah, Most High, and are actively looking for another job.
Never forget about the immense reward in leaving something for the sake of Allah, Most High;
“You never leave something for the sake of Allah, except that he replaces it with something better for you. ”[Ahmad, al-Musnad]
Please see:
And Allah alone knows best,
[Ustadh] Omar Popal
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Are My Dishes Purified in the Dishwasher in My Airbnb?

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Question:

I run an Airbnb and have had non-Muslim guests. I now have a Muslim guest. If all my cutlery and crockery are washed in a dishwasher that runs at about 70 degrees, does this purify them to be suitable for Muslims to use?

Answer:

Assalamu alaykum,

 

Filth From Dogs and Pigs

Thank you for your question. In the Shafi’i school, the purification of an item is not achieved by the temperature of the water used, but, rather by the number of times, it has been washed, especially if pork was eaten on it. Specifically one purifies traces of pork by washing the item seven times, one of the seven, being with earthy water. See the details here:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/shafii-fiqh/purity-and-dogs/

 

Ease

As mentioned in the link, you can wash the dishes with soap (instead of earth) and rinse them off 6 more times by yourself, according to Imam Nawawi’s position which is permissible to follow. I wouldn’t tell you to run your dishwasher a few times (assuming each wash has a few rinse cycles) as that is a waste of water.

You may consider following the Hanafi school for purifying your dishes from pork for your business. See those details here:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/hanafi-fiqh/are-dishes-in-which-pork-and-other-haram-food-was-eaten-made-pure-just-by-washing/

 

Make Your Own Rules

I am familiar with many Airbnb owners who don’t allow pork and alcohol in their contracts as well as unmarried guests of the opposite gender. It is far more commonly done than you think, and you have every right to impose your rules, for Allah’s pleasure and for the cleanliness of your properties. May Allah reward you for your sincerity and efforts.

[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.

Is Bending Or Kneeling In Front Of Another Person Considered Prostration To Other Than Allah?

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Question: Does bending or kneeling in front of another person in a way that resembles the posture of prostration considered prostrating to someone other than Allah Most High?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate,

No. Merely bending down before someone or falling into a posture that resembles prostration does not constitute prostrating to that person.

Prostration is defined as placing the forehead on the ground in a manner expressive of reverence. [Tahtawi/Shurunbulali, Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah]

None of these meaning apply to the specifics of your question.

 

Bowing To Other Than Allah

Though what you described in your question does not apply here, it is important to clarify that bowing or prostrating to other than Allah Most High is strictly prohibited, even if merely out of reverence and not worship.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “It is not appropriate for any human to prostrate to another human. Had it been appropriate for a human to prostrate to another, I would have commanded the wife to prostrate to her husband due to his profound right over her.” [Nasaa’i; Ahmad]

 

Prostrating To Another: Sin or Disbelief?

Prostrating out of reverence (not worship) was permitted in previous revelations as is clear from the story of Yusuf (Allah give him peace), in which the parents and siblings of Yusuf prostrated to him out of reverence. Furthermore, Allah’s command to the angels to prostrate to Adam (Allah give him peace) out of reverence is clear in this regard. [Ali Qari, Mirqat al-Mafatih Sharh al-Mishkat]

The guidance brought to us by the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and give him peace) fully abrogated this ruling. Thus it is unanimously prohibited to prostrate to anyone other than Allah Most High. [Ibid.]

If one does prostrate (or bow) to another out of reverence, it is strictly prohibited and requires repentance. If such a prostration was done with the added intention of worship of that person, it is an act of disbelief. [Ibid.]

I hope this helps,
Alah knows best.
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch

 

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a teacher of Arabic, Islamic law, and spirituality. After accepting Islam in 2008, he then completed four years at the Darul Uloom seminary in New York where he studied Arabic and the traditional sciences. He then traveled to Tarim, Yemen, where he stayed for three years studying in Dar Al-Mustafa under some of the greatest scholars of our time, including Habib Umar Bin Hafiz, Habib Kadhim al-Saqqaf, and Shaykh Umar al-Khatib. In Tarim, Shaykh Yusuf completed the memorization of the Qur’an and studied beliefs, legal methodology, hadith methodology, Qur’anic exegesis, Islamic history, and a number of texts on spirituality. He joined the SeekersGuidance faculty in the summer of 2019.

Is It Necessary To Avoid Doubtful Meat Even In a Muslim Restaurant?

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Question: Is it always necessary to avoid doubtful meat? 
Answer:
Dear questioner,
When discussing the issue of eating out and halal meat, I always find that returning back to the words of Allah, Most High and his Messenger Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) put things into perspective.
Allah, Most High says: “O humanity! Eat from what is lawful and good on the earth and do not follow Satan’s footsteps. He is truly your sworn enemy.” [Quran, 2:168]
The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) made mention of a person who travels for a long period of time, his hair is disheveled and covered with dust. He lifts his hand towards the sky and makes a supplication saying: “‘My Lord! My Lord!’ But his food is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothes are unlawful and his nourishment is unlawful, how can, then his supplication be accepted?’” [Muslim]
Muslims are required to only consume that which is permissible because our food has a direct relationship with our ability to worship and much more.
We are obligated to eat halal meat, hence it is necessary to know what halal meat is.
If one knows what halal meat is and goes to a restaurant that advertises halal, they should follow this advice:
  1. If the restaurant sells anything haram such as alcohol, they should not eat the meat until they verify the source.
  2. If one knows for a fact that there is no halal meat offered in this particular part of town, they should not eat the meat until they verify the source.
  3. If the restaurant has a valid certification from a well-known halal meat certifier, they may eat the meat.
  4. If one feels confident that this restaurant is run by Muslims who understand what halal is, they may eat the meat.
Having a degree of scrupulousness and Taqwa when it comes to Halal Meat is not only rewarded immensely by Allah, Most High but also of utmost importance in regards to our spiritual refinement.
For more information on what exactly Halal meat is and other related issues, please read:
May Allah, Most High reward you for your desire to increase in knowledge.
And Allah knows best,
[Ustadh] Omar Popal
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

What Were the Rites Of Dividing Arrows Among Pagan Arabs?

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Question: What were the dividing arrow rites that the pagan Arabs used to observe with Hubal?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

The great historian Ibn al-Kalbi (d. 204 AH) describes these rites in his book, The Book of Idols (Kitab al-Asnam). He says:

The Quraysh had also several idols in and around the Ka’bah. The greatest of these was Hubal. It was, as I was told, of red agate, in the form of a man with the right hand broken off. It came into the possession of the Quraysh
in this condition, and they, therefore, made for it a hand of gold. The first to set it up [for worship] was Khuzaymah ibn-Mudrikah ibn-al-Ya’s’[59] ibn-Mudar[60]. Consequently it used to be called Khuzaymah’s Hubal.

It stood inside the Ka’bah. In front of it were seven divination arrows (sing. qidh, pl. qidah or aqduh). On one of these arrows was written “pure” (sarih), and on another “consociated alien” (mulsag). Whenever the lineage of a new-born was doubted, they would offer a sacrifice to it [Hubal] and then shuffle the arrows and throw them. If the arrows showed the word “pure,” the child would be declared legitimate and the tribe would accept him. If, however, the arrows showed the words “consociated alien,” the child would be declared illegitimate and the tribe would reject him. The third arrow was for divination concerning the dead, while the fourth was for divination concerning marriage. The purpose of the three remaining arrows has not been explained. Whenever they disagreed concerning
something, or purposed to embark upon a journey, or undertake some project, they would proceed to it [Hubal] and shuffle the divination arrows before it. Whatever result they obtained they would follow and do accordingly.

It was before [Hubal] that ‘Abd-al-Muttalib[61] shuffled the divination arrows [in order to find out which of his ten children he should sacrifice in fulfilment of a vow he had sworn], and the arrows pointed to his son ‘Abdullah, the father of the Prophet[62]. Hubal was also the same idol which abu-Sufyan ibn-Harb[63] addressed when he emerged victorious after the battle of Uhud[64], saying:
“Hubal, be thou exalted” (i.e. may thy religion triumph);
To which the Prophet replied:
“Allah is more exalted and more majestic.”

[The Book of Idols, Ibn al-Kalbi, tr. Nabih Amin Faris]

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid Dingle

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.

What Is Done With Remaining Assets In Inheritance?

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Question: When making a will, if someone does not have enough kin who can receive their inheritance, what should be done with the remaining money and assets? 
For example, let’s say that a convert woman does not have any Muslim family members but has a husband who receives 1/2 of her inheritance (no children), what should be done with the remaining half of inheritance?

Answer:

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

The Shari’a has provided avenues for the distribution of the remaining wealth after the initial heirs have taken possession of their shares. In some situations, the closest relatives take it; with a convert, those at whose hands the person accepted Islam receive it. If there is no one, the remainder goes to the state.

An example of the first scenario is when someone dies leaving a wife and one daughter. The wife would get 1/8, and the daughter half from her share. The remainder would go to the daughter as she is the closes direct heir. [Sabt al-Mardini, Sharh al-Rahabiyya]

It is best to consult with a reliable local scholar in such matters as there are many technicalities in this topic. At the very least, we know that Allah’s distribution is rooted in wisdom, which benefits entire societies.

May Allah bless you with the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat

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.

What Parts Of a Slaughtered Animal Are Impermissible To Consume?

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Question: Are there any body parts of a halal slaughtered animal that we cannot eat?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

The only part of the slaughtered animal that cannot be eaten according to the Shafi’i school is blood itself.

Allah Most High has said, “Say, ‘I do not find, in what has been revealed to me, anything (out of the cattle under discussion) prohibited for anyone who eats it, unless it is carrion or blood that pours forth or flesh of swine – because it is impure – or there be an animal slaughtered sinfully by invoking on it the name of someone other than Allah.'” [Qur’an, 6: 145]

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid Dingle

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.

Is the Default Ruling On Things Permissibility?

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Question: Is the default ruling permissibility?
Answer:
Dear questioner,
Thank you for your important question.
May Allah, Most High, reward you for being a seeker of the Truth.
The juristic principle you are referring to is: “The normative rule for all things is that they are permissible until a sign/proof of impermissibility appears.” [Zuhayli, Qawaid al-Fiqhiyya]
Based on the principle above, we understand that all things (food, drink, activities) are permissible (halal) until there is a reason for them not to be (i.e. The Quran, Sunnah, Legal ruling of scholars).
This juristic principle is sourced from the Quran & Sunnah:

1.Allah, Most High says: “It is He who created for you all of that which is on the earth.” [Quran 2:29]

2. The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “That which is lawful is clear and that which is unlawful is clear, and between the two of them are doubtful matters about which many people do not know. Thus he who avoids doubtful matters clears himself in regard to his religion and his honor, but he who falls into doubtful matters [eventually] falls into that which is unlawful.” [Bukhari, Muslim]

It is obligatory for all Muslims to know what is obligatory (fard) and what is impermissible (haram), in the general sense. When one comes across a situation where they are unsure, they must enquire about the ruling from a scholar. (ex. Can I invest in stocks etc.)
One should not be afraid of learning what is impermissible thinking that they are justified in their ignorance. Seeking knowledge is the hallmark of Islam. Muslims should desire to learn more about what is permissible and impermissible in Islam with the sole intention of pleasing Allah, Most High.
The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) taught us to make this supplication: “O Allah indeed I ask You for beneficial knowledge, and a good Halal provision, and actions which are accepted.” [Muslim]
When seeking knowledge of halal and haram, one should begin by studying from a scholar, following only one school of law (madhab). After many years, they may begin to study other schools of law.
And Allah alone knows best.
[Ustadh] Omar Popal
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Should I Follow an Unlearned Imam?

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Question: What should we do if the imam of our mosque is unlearned and makes mistakes in the Fatiha?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

If one is in an area replete with the ulema, one should not pray behind someone who does not recite the Fatiha correctly or does not follow one of the Four Schools.

If however, one lives in an area or country where one frequently has to pray behind people who cannot recite the Fatiha correctly or who do not follow one of the Four Schools, then as long as their prayer is valid according to one of the Four Schools and valid in their own opinion, one can pray behind them. This is not the relied upon position in the Shafi’i school but can be followed where there general difficulty in finding proper imams. [Rawdat al-Talibin, Nawawi; al-Majmu’, Nawawi]

Allah Most High says, “Hold fast to the rope of Allah all together, and do not be divided [into sects]. And remember Allah’s blessing upon you when you were enemies, then He brought your hearts together, so you became brothers by His grace.” [Qur’an, 3: 103]

Please see:

https://islamqa.org/shafii/qibla-shafii/33263

 

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid Dingle

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.

Do I Lose All Of My Good Deeds By Missing the Asr Prayer?

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Question: Do I lose all of my good deeds by missing the Asr Prayer?
Answer:
Dear questioner,
Thank you for your important question.
The Hadith you are referring to is:
Abdullah Ibn `Umar narrated that Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Whoever misses the `Asr prayer (intentionally) then it is as if he lost his family and property.” [Bukhari, Tirmidhi, and Others]
You should try your best, with absolute respect and good character, to advise your parents to stop for all prayers when traveling.
Allah, Most High says: Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is guided. [Quran 16:125]
Let them know that the few minutes they save is not worth upsetting Allah, Most High.
If you find yourself with no other option, then pray in the car to honor the time of prayer. It is necessary to make up (qadha) the prayer.
You would not fall under the warning of this Hadith as you are not avoiding the prayer intentionally.
And Allah alone knows best.
[Ustadh] Omar Popal
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani