Contemporary Fatwas

Embezzlement: Someone embezzled an unspecified amount from another person. What is the ruling?

If someone embezzles a sum of money from another person but is unable to determine the exact amount, they should rely on certainty. This means returning an amount that they are certain covers what was taken, plus extra, as a precautionary measure, or seeking forgiveness from the owner of the money, whether they return a portion of it or not. If they seek forgiveness and are forgiven, there is no further liability upon them. And Allah knows best.

Tawarruq for Need: What is the ruling on Tawarruq from a bank for a need?

If the Tawarruq is conducted with an Islamic bank that adheres to the Sharia-compliant controls for the Tawarruq process standardized in Islamic banks today, and it is not a formal, simulated Tawarruq, then it is permissible, especially if it is for a genuine human need.

Praying for Healing: Is praying for recovery from intractable diseases considered transgression in supplication?

No, it is not so. Rather, it is a recommended supplication. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to seek refuge in Allah from ailments and epidemics. It was narrated by Anas that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to say: “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from leprosy, insanity, leprosy (Jatham), and from evil diseases.” (Reported by Abu Dawud with a sound chain of narration).

Trimming and Plucking Eyebrows: What is the ruling on plucking or trimming the excess from eyebrows?

There is no harm in plucking eyebrows by dyeing them. However, removing them is closer to being impermissible.

Conditions of Purity: What is the ruling on reciting the Quran while in a state of major ritual impurity (Janabah) or minor ritual impurity (Hadath Asghar)?

If one recites it from memory, there is no harm with it, according to the correct opinion among scholars.

Documenting Receipt of Mahr: Is it recommended to have witnesses testify to the giving of Mahr (dowry)?

Yes, it is recommended to document the delivery of the dowry (Sadaq) and Mahr, whether through witnessing or otherwise.

Kaffarah (Expiation) for Zihar: A man said to his wife, “You are forbidden to me.” What is the ruling on this?

This constitutes Zihar, which requires the expiation of Zihar. This involves freeing a slave. If he cannot find one, he must fast for two consecutive months. If he is unable to do so, he must feed sixty poor people.

Hit-and-Run: What is the ruling on someone who hits a person with their car and flees, only to later find out that the person died? What is required of them?

They are required to go to the police station, surrender themselves, and confess to the incident. They are also liable for Diyya (blood money) and Kaffarah (expiation).