Category: Fiqh and its Principles

What is the Islamic ruling on the issue of imitating the kuffaar in their customs and dealings? What are the guidelines concerning that in Islamic sharee'ah? Is every imitation of the actions of the kuffaar regarded as a haraam kind of imitation, knowing that there are many things that the kaafirs do that are not haraam and are not condemned by sharee'ah, where the one who does them does not do them merely to imitate the kuffaar, but because he thinks those things are good, as Ibn Mas'ood (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "What the Muslims think is good is good before Allah"?  
Please advise us, may Allah honour you, and please give me a detailed answer and explain to me the guidelines on this matter.

Firstly: I apologize for asking such a question, and so that there will be no room for doubt about my intention I will say that I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and I am completely content with Allah as my Lord, Islam as my religion and Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as my Prophet.   

I am asking about the Sunnah, because there are many reports of a single hadith. For example, we may find in Saheeh al-Bukhaari a hadith that appears in a form different than that in which it appears in Saheeh Muslim. Why isn't the Sunnah like the Holy Qur'aan? What is the difference between the Sunnah and the Holy Qur'aan? Is the Sunnah part of the Wahy that was revealed to the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) or is it just his words and deeds? Is it one of the characteristics of Prophethood or what?

I read the words: "The scholars are unanimously agreed that fatwas may change according to time, place, local custom and situation so it is essential to take new developments into account". But I am not convinced of this. Is this view correct? I hope that you can answer with evidence from shareeطah and the Sunnah. May Allah reward you with good.

Is it permissible to buy an apartment from the bank by instalments?

I have a question regarding the permissibility of becoming a law enforcement officer in this country that does no follow sharee 'ah. Is it haraam to be enforcing laws that have not been developed by our Creator Allaah and His holy Prophets (upon whom be peace)? Even if it means enforcing laws on non-Muslims?

Partciluarly, is it permissible to enforce a law like punishing someone for speeding on the highway? What about allowing someone to drink alcohol if he is over 21 but not if he is under 21? Even though this is not Islamic, should a Muslim allow such behaviour among non-Muslims? Of course, Muslims will be accountable for these haraam actions in the Hereafter, but is it okay to let non-Muslims do this?

 As-salamu `alaykum. I work in a software company where the dress code is business formal. So, it’s compulsory to wear shoes. The thing is I have to remove my socks and shoes every time I make wudu’. I heard that it’s not necessary to remove socks for wudu’. Well, I'm not sure about that and its procedure. So, if there is any alternative to this, then, please, enlightenment me on this. Jazaka Allah khair.