By Naheem Zaffar

Have you ever wondered what happens after death? What happens to your soul? What happens in the grave? What you are about to read is not from any sci-fi movie or horror novel. This is nothing but the truth based on Islamic teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah. So sit back, fasten your seat belt as we're going on one heck of a ride!

There’s a saying that there are two certainties in life: death and taxes. Enterprising people have managed to find a way around the taxes, but death is a bigger problem.

If you are unsure about a decision you have to make, there is a specific prayer that you can do to ask for Allah's help in making your decision. This prayer is called Salaat-ul- Istikhara (Prayer of guidance).

Istikhara is Sunnah and should be performed for all permissible acts which are not obligatory i.e. Salaah. Meaning one cannot perform Istikhara to see whether they should pray their Salaah five times a day or not, because Salaah is a direct obligation and an order from Allah. In the same way Istikhara cannot be done to see whether they should do something Haram or not.

Question

Can I have a girl/boyfriend if I am going to marry her/him later?

Answer

By Shaykh Salim Ghiza

It is not permissible to have a girl/boyfriend even if you are going to marry them or are engaged to them. Only a Nikkah (Marriage) makes it permissible for a man and woman to see each other and intermix with each other.

Ofcourse, Allah (swt) knows best

question

If I wear a Hijab with Western clothing that is fashionable is that wrong?

Answer

by Shaykh Salim Ghiza

Question

Can we keep animals?

Answer

By Shaykh Salim Ghiza

It is permissible to keep animals for many different reasons.

Question

Are Muslims allowed to go to the pub even if they do not drink, especially if it is work related?

Answer

By Shaykh Salim Ghisa

No. In Islam places which are allocated for the use of Haram activities are forbidden to enter even if it is not for consuming the Haram. The reason for this is that these are places which gain the wrath and the curse of Allah and also as a Muslim one must ensure that their outwardly actions do not lead others to doubt them, therefore going in to Pubs, Clubs, Casinos, dance bars etc could make a person who sees this individual think that they are going in for the wrong reasons.

Allah's Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) cursed ten people in connection with alcohol:

Question

The purpose of fasting in Ramadan is to achieve Taqwa, i.e. to become God-fearing and pious etc. But I fast year in, year out and see no change… especially when Ramadan is over! So what can I do to help become and remain a God-fearing and pious person?

Answer

By Shaykh Salim Ghisa

In the name of Allah the Most Beneficent and Merciful.

Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala says:

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious." (Al-Baqarah, 2:183)

Fasting has many benefits and grades. People believe that just by staying hungry and thirsty from dawn ‘til dusk it will make them a pious person.

Question

Animal Rennet. When is it acceptable to consume and for whom. Is the rennet of an animal killed with a bolt to the head Halal? Is this the same ruling as for slaughter?

Answer

By Shaykh Salim Ghisa

First of all one must understand the definition of Animal rennet. Also this ruling is according to the Hanafi school of thought and is as follows;

The lawfulness of rennet does not depend on the slaughterer being a Muslim or non-Muslim, in fact it depends upon whether there is life in it or not. The circulation of blood in an organ is the cause of life. No blood flows through rennet; therefore rennet is not a living thing. Therefore, it cannot 'die' and it is thus permissible to consume rennet like dairy products.

Question

What are the rulings of ghusl(bath)? When does it become compulsory to have ghusl and how should one perform it?

Answer

Answer by Shaykh Salim Ghisa

Under Islamic Shariah law bathing has three obligations (Fardh) and there are 5 reasons according to the Hanafi Madhab (school of thought) that make it obligatory.

The following three obligations have to be met when bathing otherwise their bathing will not count.

Question

I am addicted to watching porn on the net. I know it's wrong but can't stop myself. What can I do to overcome my porn addiction?

Answer

Answer by Shaykh Salim Ghisa

This unfortunately has become a big problem intoday’s society. The simple reason is that the Haram is simply too easily accessible.