Contemporary Fatwas

Maintenance Contracts

Is it permissible to enter into an annual maintenance contract for electrical equipment (photocopiers and other devices) with companies in this field?

* If the contract includes all services, such as labor and spare parts, it is not permissible because it involves uncertainty (gharar) and ignorance (jahala). You may pay a sum of money without receiving anything in return if no spare parts need replacement, or you may pay a sum while the company incurs losses several times greater in repairing the device. It is authentically reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that he prohibited sales involving uncertainty (gharar). (Reported by Imam Muslim).

However, if the contract covers only the provision of labor and charges a fee for the service, while you bear the costs of any replaced spare parts, then there is no harm in this case.

Divorce in a State of Anger

What is the ruling on pronouncing divorce in a state of intense anger?

* According to the most correct and preferred opinion among scholars, divorce pronounced in a state of intense anger—accompanied by shouting, extreme agitation, and possibly beating the wife, breaking vessels or furniture, or similar actions—is not effective. It is well known that a person in such a state has their judgment impaired, making them comparable to one who is coerced, intoxicated, or in a similar condition, in which cases divorce is not effective.

Visiting Graves

What is the ruling on women visiting graves?

* It is not permissible.

Artists' Banquets

Is it permissible to attend iftar banquets hosted by some male and female singers, artists, and dancers?

* It is not permissible.

Funerals

What is the ruling on non-Muslims, such as Christians and others, attending the funeral of a Muslim?

* There is nothing that prevents a non-Muslim, whether Jewish, Christian, or otherwise, from attending the funeral of a Muslim, provided they do not introduce any innovation or blameworthy act during the funeral, such as raising their voices and shouting, tearing their clothes, carrying fire, playing flutes or drums, or similar actions.

Ruqyah for Non-Muslims

Is it permissible to perform Islamic Ruqyah (spiritual healing) on a non-Muslim for their cure?

* It is permissible.

Sleeping After Asr Prayer

Is it permissible to sleep after the Asr prayer?

* Yes, it is permissible to sleep after the Asr prayer.