Summarized Fatawaa
• Is Zakah(obligatory charity) due on articles of merchandise even if they were stacked in the merchant`s stores for years?
Yes, Zakah is due on stored articles of merchandise even if they were stacked in the merchant`s stores for years because this is the way Islam has countered monopoly.
• What is the ruling on a thoughtless oath?
One who swears by Allah unintentionally and isn`t determined to fulfill his oath, nothing is due on him. Allah, The Almighty, says:” God will not call you to account for thoughtlessness in your oaths, but for the intention in your hearts; and He is Oft-forgiving, Most Forbearing.”{Al-Baqarah/225}. However, it is dispraised for a Muslim to swear frequently.
• Should a minor fulfill his vow?
The vow of a minor is countless because he isn`t required to meet the Sharia rulings at such an age, and it is desirable for him to fulfill that vow once he reaches puberty.
• Does Istigfar(saying astagfiru Allah) between the first and the second part of Friday prayer`s sermon render the prayer invalid?
Talking during Friday prayer`s sermon is disliked, but there is no harm in offering Istigfar between the two parts of the sermon, and it doesn`t invalidate the prayer as it is actually from Sunnah.