What is the ruling on taking a loan from an interest-based bank (a usurious bank) to buy an apartment for housing, noting that I am renting at a high amount relative to my income, and I am an employee? Also, considering that the conditions of Islamic banks are strict, and I cannot obtain the full amount from them, is it permissible to take a loan to purchase an apartment or not? May Allah reward you.
Usury (interest) is prohibited by Islamic law, and the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, cursed the one who consumes usury, the one who pays it, its recorder, and its witnesses. Whoever leaves something for the sake of Allah, Allah will compensate them with something better and greater, and Allah will provide relief after hardship. Needing a place to live does not permit taking a loan with interest. And Allah Knows Best.
I prayed all the obligatory prayers in congregation, but after finishing the `Isha prayer, I remembered that I had forgotten to pray Dhuhr. What should I do, and is my prayer invalid?
Your prayers are valid, but you must make up the Dhuhr prayer as soon as you remember it, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): "Whoever forgets a prayer must pray it as soon as they remember it; there is no expiation for it except this." [Muslim]. And Allah knows best
My engagement to a young man was announced and blessed by both our families reciting Al-Fatihah. Is it permissible that I take off my Hijab in his presence?
All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
Reciting Al-Fatehah (The opening chapter of the holy Qura'n) to declare an engagement isn`t tantamount to a marriage contract and it isn`t permissible for him to see you without hijab or stay in private with you before the conclusion of the marriage contract. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.
Should vowed fast be offered in consecutive days, or not?
Vowed fast should be offered in line with what was originally intended by the vow-maker, either consecutively, or not.