Is adopting children halal in Islam? If so, what are the restrictions or guidelines that must be observed?
Islam strongly encourages caring for orphans and vulnerable children, and this is among the most virtuous deeds. The Prophet ﷺ said: “I and the one who sponsors an orphan will […]
A Muslim woman wishes to marry a righteous Muslim man of good character and financial ability. Her parents and extended family acknowledge his righteousness and suitability but refuse the marriage solely due to ethnicity and tribal considerations. After nearly two years of effort, they remain unwilling to proceed unless she marries within a very specific tribe that is rare in her country. Is it permissible for her to have her nikāḥ conducted without her father and appoint an imam as her walī?
Islam establishes marriage upon the foundations of religion, character, and compatibility, not ethnicity or tribal lineage. The Prophet ﷺ said: “If there comes to you one whose religion and character […]
Is it permissible to eat steak that is not well done, given that some red liquid remains, and people are concerned it may be blood?
In Islamic law, consuming flowing blood is prohibited, while meat itself is permissible once the animal has been properly slaughtered according to Sharīʿah. Allah تعالى says: “Forbidden to you are […]
If I am not fond of cartoons or entertainment in general and do not watch such things on my own, but my family watches cartoons once a week or less, should I avoid watching altogether, or should I occasionally join them out of compassion, family bonding, or social pressure? I often feel conflicted in these situations.
In Islam, the general principle regarding permissible entertainment is that it is allowed so long as it does not involve anything haram, does not distract one from obligations, and does […]
I invested $2,000 in a small business. The agreement was that I would receive 1% of all sales until I receive my original $2,000 plus an additional 50%, meaning a total of $3,000. Is this arrangement permissible in Islam, or is it effectively a workaround for interest (ribā)?
In Islamic law, the permissibility of an investment depends on whether it is structured as a partnership (shirkah) or a loan (qard). The distinction between the two is essential. If […]
A shop offers a “surprise biryani bag” after 8:00 pm for a fixed price of $5. The description states that the customer will receive a plate of food likely containing biryani dishes, but the exact items and variety are not guaranteed. Does this transaction fall under prohibited gharar (excessive uncertainty), since the buyer does not know exactly what he is purchasing? Is it halal?
In Islamic commercial law, a sale is valid when the item being sold is sufficiently known and the uncertainty (gharar) is not excessive. The Prophet ﷺ prohibited sales involving gharar […]
I am looking to open a bank account with global reach. The banks that suit my needs offer checking accounts that pay approximately 0.5% interest on deposited funds. Is it permissible to open such an account and then donate the interest earned each year to the poor or to charity?
Ribā (interest) is categorically prohibited in Islam by clear and decisive texts of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Allah ﷻ says: “Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden ribā.”(Qur’an 2:275) The […]
I wish to marry a revert Muslim sister whom I met in college. My parents disapprove of the marriage and refuse to serve as witnesses. The sister’s family is not Muslim and cannot fulfill the role of guardians or witnesses. How can we proceed with a valid marriage in this situation?
Marriage in Islam is built upon clear conditions that ensure its validity, namely the offer and acceptance (ijab and qabul), the presence of a guardian (wali) for the woman, and […]
After purchasing a new home, is it required in Islam to purchase a whole lamb and distribute the meat to the poor as sadaqah? Or is this simply a recommended act?
In Islamic law, there is no authentic textual evidence from the Qur’an or Sunnah making it obligatory to sacrifice an animal upon purchasing a home. The act of buying a […]
My husband has been going through some financial difficulties, and I find myself feeling upset or jealous when I see others affording things that we cannot. I always say “Mā shā’ Allāh” and make du‘ā’ for my husband’s rizq, but I still worry that I may be causing ḥasad (envy). What should I do?
In Islam, ḥasad (envy) refers to wishing that a blessing be removed from another person. This is distinct from ghibṭah, which is to admire a blessing someone has and wish […]
Is it permissible (ḥalāl) to work as a driver at UPS, knowing that the job involves delivering a wide range of products, but occasionally includes items that are ḥarām, such as alcohol? While most of the job serves the community and provides a public benefit, I am concerned about the Islamic ruling on handling prohibited items in some deliveries.
In Islamic law, a Muslim is expected to avoid cooperating in sin or transgression, based on the verse: “And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and […]
A Muslim expresses a sincere desire to perform ‘Umrah, but currently works in a field related to finance and the cannabis industries, which often include impermissible elements under Islamic law. The work supports two families, and leaving it would create financial hardship. Given these circumstances, is it appropriate to perform ‘Umrah? What advice can help ensure sincerity and that the journey is pleasing to Allah ﷻ?
It is a sign of Iman and sincerity that a believer desires to make ‘Umrah and asks how to approach it in a way that is pleasing to Allah, especially […]
