Contemporary Fatwas

Zakat on Land

I have a question regarding a plot of land I purchased, but the municipality has not issued a permit for construction. I intend to build on it and then reside in it, and I do not wish to trade in it. If a lunar year passes over it, should I pay its zakat or is it exempt? Please advise us, and may you be rewarded.

The answer: Zakat is only obligatory on commercial goods, i.e., items displayed with the intention of trade. This land, as you mentioned, is not for trade; therefore, no zakat is due on it because it is held for personal use/possession.

Selling Salary

Is it permissible, O Sheikh, to sell my current or pension salary for a certain percentage to the Social Security Affairs, with the amount returning to Social Security with an additional 2% of the original sale percentage?

The answer: Selling salary is not permissible; it constitutes gambling. And Allah knows best.

Asr Sunnah

When the time for Asr prayer enters, I know that upon entering the mosque, one must pray two rak’at for greeting the mosque (Tahiyyat al-Masjid). I also heard that the Sunnah of Asr prayer is performed before the obligatory prayer. How should I pray the Sunnah of greeting the mosque along with the two rak’at of the Asr Sunnah? Should I intend both in one prayer or what?

The answer: The Asr Sunnah suffices for greeting the mosque. And Allah knows best.

False Oath

In some matters, I swear falsely by Allah that I did something when I did not, or that I did not do something when I did. What repentance and expiation are required of me? Please guide me. May Allah forgive you and grant you righteous offspring.

The answer: This is a false oath (Yamin al-Ghums), which is one of the major sins. You are required to repent to Allah, the Exalted, and refrain from this act.

Obsessive Doubts (Waswas)

In every obligatory prayer, I doubt the number of rak’at—whether I added or missed some. I am always in this state, and in every prayer I perform prostration of forgetfulness (Sahu). Regarding purity, after every complete wudu, I feel drops of urine have fallen, though I do not see wetness, but I constantly feel this dripping sensation. Please guide me. May Allah forgive you.

The answer: This is all obsessive doubt (Waswas). You must pray and ignore the doubts that come to you. Similarly, if you perform wudu, do not repeat it. You are required not to pay attention to these obsessive thoughts.

Zakat on Gold

I have gold, which is in my mother’s possession. I am a teacher, and my mother pays the zakat on it every year. Is this sufficient, or must I also pay zakat from my salary?

The answer: It is permissible; there is no objection.

The Face Veil (Niqab)

What is the ruling on wearing the niqab? Is it obligatory? If the answer is yes, and my husband and parents oppose my wearing it, how can I convince them and what should I do?

The answer: If you wear the niqab and your father or brother asks you to remove it, do not obey them. Try to respond to them with kindness. There is no obedience to a creature in disobedience to the Creator.

Touching the Quran

Is it permissible to touch the Quran without wudu (ritual purity)? I mean merely touching it. I asked some people around me, and they said that merely touching the Quran without reciting it does not require wudu, but is recommended. We hope you will provide clarification.

The answer: It is not permissible to touch the Mushaf (Quran) without wudu. What is permissible is reciting it from memory. And Allah knows best.

New Marriage Contract

One of the brothers divorced his wife with a single divorce. What are the consequences?

The answer: If Allah wills, he should take her back as long as she is in her waiting period (Iddah). If the waiting period expires, he is not permitted to take her back except through a new marriage contract. There is no other consequence. And Allah knows best.