Allah and the pronoun 'He'

Why is Allah always reffered as 'He'? I ask this because my teacher in class raised this issue.
 

The Fatwa Department Research Committee - chaired by Sheikh `Abd al-Wahhâb al-Turayrî Allah says: “He created the pairs, male and female.” [Sûrah al-Najm: 45]Allah is the Creator of both sexes. We do not attribute being male or being female to Allah. We only ... Continue Reading

Sobbing and weeping while reciting the Quran

It has become common, of late, for people to recite the Qur'ân in a style that comprises a lot of affected weeping. Their recitation loses its sweetness as a consequence. It is closer to wailing than to a recitation. What do Islamic teachings say about this approach to reciting the Qur'ân?

Sheikh `Abd al-Rahmân al-Barrâk The recitation of the Qur'ân is one of the best means of seeking nearness to Allah. It is an act of worship and devotion, and there are certain manners and etiquettes associated with it.One of these etiquettes is to recite the ... Continue Reading

Sleep paralysis is not a Jinn attack

Our daughter is having strange experiences during sleep. She complains of feeling something pressing down on her chest which paralyzes her entire body. She cannot even speak. This stops and starts throughout the night. It happens so frequently that she has become depressed and angry. We feel that this is an attack from the Jinn and we want to know what she can do about it.

The Scientific Research Committee - IslamToday.net   These symptoms should not be construed as an attack from the Jinn. This is a very common problem. It is a condition known as sleep paralysis (SP). Sleep paralysis is defined as a condition in which someone, usually lying in a supine ... Continue Reading

Seeking refuge from Satan when reciting the Quran

Is it necessary for someone to seek refuge from Satan before reading every chapter of the Qur’ân if he is reading more than one chapter in one sitting?

Sheikh `Umar al-Muqbil, professor at al-Imâm University You do not have to seek refuge from Satan upon arriving at each new chapter in your reading. You should say it when you begin reading. Allah says: “When thou dost read the Qur’ân, seek Allah’s protection ... Continue Reading

The meaning of al-Rahman & al-Rahim

What is the difference in meaning between Allah's names al-Rahman and al-Rahim?
 

Sheikh Salman al-Oadah   The name al-Rahmân, like the name Allah, is used only for Allah. No one else may be called by this name. Allah and al-Rahmân are His exclusive names. This is why Allah says: “Call upon Allah or call upon al-Rahmân; by whichever name you ... Continue Reading

Virginity and bleeding

What should a husband do if he discovers on the wedding night that his wife is not a virgin because she did not bleed?

Sheikh Salman al-Oadah Failure to bleed on the first night is not a sign of loss of virginity, nor is it recognized as such in Islamic Law. There are numerous reasons why a woman might not bleed. A percentage of women do not bleed at all. Some women bleed ever so slightly that it avoids ... Continue Reading

Speaking to 'spirits'

I would like to ask you about my friends who claim they can call spirits. Is it possibly true? If it is, what is really going on?

Sheikh Rashîd al-Hasan, professor at King Khâlid University   If they are speaking the truth, then they are communicating with Jinn and invoking them. This is what practitioners of magic do. They rely on Jinn to fulfill their needs and to bring benefit or harm to others. In ... Continue Reading

Who says Islam prohibits adoption?

Why does Islam prohibit adoption? Adoption is a good thing. It provides a home, a set of parents, and a loving family to children who otherwise would grow up without such blessings. Why does Islam prohibit children who have no one from belonging to a family?
 

Answered by The Fatwa Department Research Committee - chaired by Sheikh `Abd al-Wahhâb al-Turayrî   The question of adoption in Islam is one that is very often misunderstood. Islam does not prohibit adoption. Rather, Islam provides teachings to allow adoption while, at the ... Continue Reading

Colorful clothing for women

Can you tell me the ruling on women wearing a red or yellow `abâyah? Does she have to wear black?
 

Answer from Sheikh Riyâd al-Musaymîrî, professor at al-Imâm University in Riyadh There are no restrictions in Islamic Law regarding the colors and patterns of women’s clothing. A woman should only avoid colors that are unusual or bizarre and that consequently ... Continue Reading

Divorcing a woman during her menses

Is it permissible to issue a pronouncement of divorce on a woman during her menses? Is such a divorce valid?

Sheikh `Abd al-Wahhâb al-Turayrî, former professor at al-Imâm University in Riyadh It is an act of disobedience and an unlawful innovation for a man to divorce a woman during her menses. Such an act is in direct contradiction to the Prophet’s teachings. The Prophet ... Continue Reading

Unbelievers and their fate in the afterlife

Are Christian and Jewish lay people the same as their clergy and religious scholars? Are they also unbelievers, even though they are People of the Book and do not have the knowledge that their religious leaders have? Are they condemned to Hell for their not believing in Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)?

Answer from Sheikh Khâlid al-Sayf, professor at al-Imâm University   Ever since Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent with the Message, all people who do not believe that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is God's Messenger to all humanity are classified as unbelievers with ... Continue Reading

Judge can nullify marriage in a case where the husband refuses to comply

If a woman wants a khul` separation because of her husband’s neglect and bad treatment, and he refuses to grant her request, can the judge force him to grant her a khul`?
 

Sheikh Hânî al-Jubayr, judge at the Jeddah Supreme Court A khul` separation takes place by agreement between the husband and the wife. However, if a woman’s life with her husband becomes unbearable for some reason and her husband refuses to divorce her willingly or accept a ... Continue Reading