Summarized Fatawaa
• Is it permissible for us to sever ties of kinship if our blood-relatives` gatherings involve acts of sin?
Maintaining kinship ties is mandatory, thus if visiting your blood-relatives hinders their sinful acts , then you should do so. However, if their sinful acts persist while you are at their gathering, then it is sufficient that you maintain kinship ties via telephone and the like.
• What is the ruling on smoking?
Smoking is forbidden(Haram) since it is harmful to one`s health as confirmed by trustful physicians, and Islam has forbidden taking anything that causes harm. The Prophet(PBUH) said: “There should be neither harm nor reciprocated harm.”{Narrated by Ibn Majah and Ahmad}.
• What is the ruling on a woman driving a car?
It is permissible for the woman to drive a car, but it is impermissible for her to travel unaccompanied by a Mahram(Unmarriageable kin).
• Is it permissible to offer Istikhara prayer (seeking guidance) after Witr Prayer(A confirmed Sunnah which is offered after Isha prayer and before Fajir prayer with a minimum of 3 Rak`as and a maximum of 11)?
It is permissible to offer Istikhara before and after Witr prayer as it is permissible at any time except that in which prayer is disliked.