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?

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)?

Did everyone on earth – apart from those who were with Nooh on board the ark – drown when Allah sent the flood? Can everyone who is on earth now be regarded as descendants of those who were on board the ark (ship)?

I am curious about the coverings that you have to wear if you’re a female in your religion/culture. it really does all seem very vain for us that are Christian because it implies that a woman thinks every man wants her if she is not wearing this type of garb. It also seems that men are not to be trusted with someone from your culture/religion because of your "beauty" that you feel you possess, but people could be beautiful and not every man wants them. Can you shed some light on this for me? I will be honest and say that when I see someone wearing this, I always think "how vain are you?". Thank you ahead of time for replying.

My friends and I get together one night a week to recite a few verses of the Book of Allah, so as to learn how to recite the Qur'an, then after that we talk about various things. But we heard that it is not permissible to gather to recite Qur'an and that is only permissible for the purpose of memorization. Is this true?

What is the ruling on fasting six days of Shawwaal? Is it waajib (obligatory)?

Which is more important: dealing with feelings and thoughts that Allaah dislikes, such as destructive envy, hatred, arrogance, showing off, thinking highly of one's deeds, hard-heartedness, etc., which form the evil that resides in the heart, or focusing on doing outward naafil deeds such as prayer, fasting and other acts of worship and fulfilling vows even though those other things are present in the heart? Please advise us, may Allah reward you with good.

Is it permissible to read Qur'aan while a women is having mensus (periods)?

I am a woman who corresponds with some European and American women via the internet. We have been exchanging gifts and discussing sewing ideas for two years. I have tried to talk to them about Islam, but I stopped for fear that I do not know enough to call them to Islam and I might make some mistakes. What do you advise me to do, should I cut off my ties with them altogether or should I carry on with the aim of calling them to Islam despite the difficulties? and how should I begin? Is this relationship regarded as friendship, and what is the Islamic ruling on it?

I have repented. But in my possession are some forbidden things such as musical instruments, cassettes, films, etc. Is it permissible for me to sell them, particularly since they are worth a large amount?

What should we say to the Muslims on the occasion of the beginning of Ramadaan?.

I must say that I'm a revert, Alhamdullila, that I was raised as a catholic and that I was very ungrateful to my Rabb before Islam. Since I was a little kid I was mischievous and often committed sin. After one particularly grave sin, and I asked Allah Subhana wa ta'ala (even thought I was a kaaffir I prayed to Allah azza wa jalla and not Jesus, peace be upon him) to have mercy on me, and I promised Him not to marry if He forgave me. Now that I'm Muslim, Alhamdulillah, I protect my chastity. I know the importance of marriage and the protection it offers a sister, and I wish I could get married in the future to a righteous brother (insha'Allah) so I could learn from him and also to be a comfort for him. But I don't know if I'm excused of not fulfilling my promise to Allah in this matter or if a woman who used to be so wicked could aspire to marry a righteous man.