Summarized Fatawaa
• Is it disliked to clip one`s nails at night, and is it permissible to burn them afterwards?
It is desirable to bury the cut hair and the clipped nails. As for burning clipped nails, there is no evidence forbidding that , but it is better to suffice with the aforesaid ruling-burying cut hair and clipped nails-as it is based on a well known evidence.
• What is the Sharia (Islamic law) ruling on masturbation?
According to trustful physicians, masturbation is harmful to one`s health, and is forbidden according to the majority of Muslim scholars. Therefore, a Muslim should avoid all that which inflicts harm on him in the life of this world and the Hereafter.
• What is the expiation for using perfumed soap while being in a state of Ihram(ritual consecration) for Umrah(after making the intent for Ihram)?
It is impermissible to use perfumed soap while being in a state of Ihram, and one who does so is obliged to fast, give Sadaqa(charity), or offer a sacrifice in expiation: He/she either fast for three days, feed six needy persons from the Haram area(one kilo of rice for each), or sacrifice an animal within the boundaries of that area and divide it amongst the poor and needy there. However, it is permissible for him/her to offer fasting after going home.
• How to pay Zakah(obligatory charity) on articles of merchandise?
Articles of merchandise are estimated by their whole sale market price at the end of each lunar year, and (2.5%) of their value is paid as Zakah whether it(value) went up, or down compared to actual purchasing price, and whether the increase(profit) was in the article itself such as an increase in the animal`s weight, or in the prices themselves.