Contemporary Fatwas
If a worshipper makes a mistake during night prayer and offers the salam instead of standing for the second rak’ah, will that rak’ah count as a witr (odd-numbered) prayer for him? No, he must make up for it by saying the takbir and performing it.
The Nisab of Gold: Does the value of gold get combined with the value of money when calculating the nisab and paying zakat, or is the nisab calculated and zakat paid for each separately? Gold intended for adornment and wearing, whether worn constantly or only on occasions, is not subject to zakat according to the majority of jurisprudential schools. However, gold intended for savings shares the same effective cause (‘illah) as currency. Therefore, they are combined in calculating the nisab. For example, if a person has 50 grams of gold and money equivalent to 35 grams of gold, the total wealth reaches the nisab, and he must pay zakat on the entire amount without treating each category separately for the nisab calculation.
The Dead: Do the dead supplicate for the living? The dead do not supplicate for anyone. Furthermore, relying on the dead, whether hoping for their supplication or otherwise, is considered a practice of the pre-Islamic era of ignorance. A monotheist should not occupy his heart with those beneath the earth, but should always direct his heart toward Him who is established upon the Throne.
Istinthar (Sniffing Water into the Nose and Sniffing it Out): Is the prayer of someone who performed wudu but did not perform istinthar valid? Yes, it is valid, because istinthar is recommended (mustahabb) and not obligatory.
Selling and Buying Old Currencies: What is the ruling on buying and selling old currencies at a value other than their real worth, and not in the same currency, with most of them still being useful and in circulation? For example, buying 100 dinars for 5 euros? If the currencies are still in circulation, they must have a specific market value. Thus, the currency can be bought at its market value, even if the currencies differ, provided that the exchange takes place in the same sitting (majlis).
Medical Student: Is a medical student required to inquire about the religion of a cadaver before dissecting it? He is not required to do so; he may rely on the prevailing presumption that these cadavers belong to non-Muslims.
