Learn
Scholar library
234 questions answered by Sh. Mustafa Umar. Search in your own words or pick a topic.
Should I say “may Allah be pleased with him” when mentioning a Companion?
When mentioning the name of a Companion or a righteous person it is a common practice to say “may Allah be pleased with him/her”. This has a dual meaning so it also implies “Allah was pleased with them”, indicating their piety. Saying “may Allah be pleased with him/her” can technically be said for anyone, but when it implies the second meaning that they were righteous, it is restricted to Companions and righteous people.
Can I write abbreviations like ‘swt’, ‘pbuh’, ‘aa’, ‘salam’, ‘jzk’ rather than write out the entire expression?
Yes, it is fine to write out abbreviations since it is understood by the reader what it means. Also, this is not disrespectful since writing is often slower than speaking, so there is good justification for abbreviations.
Should I try to imitate the Messenger of Allah in his hairstyle, clothing, and eating habits?
There are many reports about how the messenger kept his hair, the types of clothing he wore, and his eating habits. It is not required or even recommended for a Muslim to imitate the Prophet in his personal choices of fashion and culture. His own Companions, who loved him more than anyone, did not attempt to copy him in everything he did. It is only recommended to do something when the Messenger of Allah specifically encouraged Muslims to do that, such as starting your meal by saying “in the name of Allah”. Those encouraged actions are termed sunnah and are worthy of emulation, not his personal choices and normal habits.
Can a man and woman be alone in a room together if there is a need?
It is not allowed for a man and woman to be alone together in a room. If they need to be in a room alone together for some need such as a doctor’s consultation, then keep the door open so you are not alone in private so someone could walk by and see you. If the door must be closed then choose a room with a window so people can look in and it is not considered private. If none of that is possible and there is a real need to be alone, such as a doctor having a private consultation, then it is allowed. If a Muslim is able to choose a doctor of the same gender, then that is a must to avoid such situations.
Should I boycott someone who is openly sinning? What if they say they are gay or left Islam?
Normally, it is not allowed to boycott another Muslim, and even non-Muslims should not be boycotted without a good reason. However, if someone openly drinks alcohol, proudly asserts their homosexuality, dresses like the opposite gender, or publicly does some other immoral deed, then you should first try to advise them. If they continue you are allowed to boycott them if:
How should Muslims interact with non-Muslims?
Muslims should treat non-Muslims with kindness as long as they are not hostile to Islam and fighting against them. The Messenger of Allah was kind and friendly with non-Muslims. He accepted the invitation of non-Muslims to eat at his house and invited non-Muslims to his house.
What are gender interaction guidelines between men and women?
Islam has instituted guidelines for a social order that is beneficial for the welfare of humanity by protecting the concept of a family.
Is it bad to laugh at someone who passes gas?
Yes, it is bad to mockingly laugh at someone who passes gas. It hurts the feelings of the person being laughed at.
These answers are general guidance. For your own situation, ask a scholar.