Everyday & Social Life
Neighbours, state benefits, interfaith life, oaths, technology and animals.
Neighbours & Community
Kissing the hands of elders upon greeting them
Kissing an elder’s hand, forehead or cheek out of respect or love is permissible if free of lustful intent.
Reviewed by Mufti Faraz Adam DislikedNeighbours & CommunityIs there anything wrong in sitting in the teacher’s place?
It is improper for a student to sit in the teacher's designated place, even when the teacher is absent.
Answered by Mufti Faraz Adam Requires detailNeighbours & CommunityWhen do I not have to reply to somebody’s salaam?
Replying to salaam is compulsory, but eleven listed people are excused, e.g. someone praying, eating, reciting, sleeping or studying.
Answered by Mufti Faraz Adam ImpermissibleNeighbours & CommunityIs it permissible for me to use my neighbour’s wifi?
Using a neighbour's wifi without their consent is not permissible, as the connection is their property.
Answered by Mufti Faraz Adam PermissibleNeighbours & CommunityCan I lease my premises to a wine store?
If a Muslim leases property to someone who sells alcohol, the lease is valid and the rent is halal.
Answered by Mufti Faraz Adam ImpermissibleNeighbours & CommunityIs Smoking Shisha permissible?
Given its severe health harm and the wasted, sinful gatherings around it, smoking shisha is makruh tahrimi (severely disliked).
Answered by Mufti Faraz Adam ConditionalNeighbours & CommunityIs it permissible to accept a gift from a Muslim who has unlawful earnings?
A gift may be accepted if most of the giver's wealth is halal; if half or more is unlawful, abstain. Do not probe without cause.
Answered by Mufti Faraz Adam ConditionalNeighbours & CommunityAre the gifting schemes known as Secret Sufis or Tuhfatul Mu`min permissible which are similar to Secret Santa?
Secret Santa-style gifting is valid gifting, not a sale, provided anyone can opt out; a spending limit is advised.
Answered by Mufti Faraz Adam Requires detailNeighbours & CommunityA person has spent decades of his life stealing, gambling, and cannot remember who he has stolen from. What should he do?
He must repent, check legal implications and try to return stolen wealth; if owners truly cannot be recalled, give charity as a last resort.
Reviewed by Mufti Faraz AdamBenefits & State Support
Can child benefit payments be spent for other than one’s children?
Child benefit belongs to the parent; once the children's needs are covered, the rest may be spent on anything, including debts.
Answered by Mufti Faraz Adam Requires detailBenefits & State SupportChild Benefits, Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits
Child benefit and child tax credit belong to whoever HMRC pays, usually the mother; if paid to the wife it is not the husband's nafaqah.
Answered by Mufti Faraz AdamAnimals & Pets
What is the ruling for keeping a dog to guide the blind, hunting or security?
Keeping a dog for hunting or security is permissible, and a visually impaired person may keep a guide dog.
Reviewed by Mufti Faraz Adam ConditionalAnimals & PetsIs it permissible to kill bugs and insects?
Harmful pests may be exterminated quickly and humanely; harmless insects should not be killed, and burning or drowning is prohibited.
Answered by Mufti Faraz Adam ConditionalAnimals & PetsIs it permissible for university students to dissect a baby pig?
Students may dissect a baby pig for research if they wear gloves; any skin contact must be washed thoroughly.
Answered by Mufti Faraz Adam PermissibleAnimals & PetsIs it permissible to use a feather duster made from real ostrich feathers?
Ostrich feathers are pure whether plucked from a live or dead bird, so an ostrich feather duster may be used.
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