I am an author, and I have books stored with me. Is it permissible to pay my zakat in the form of books containing beneficial knowledge for poor students, such as chemistry and mathematics, or religious books that spread Islamic sciences?
Zakat on wealth must be paid in cash from the wealth itself. Therefore, you should pay your zakat in monetary form so that the poor can purchase what they need. And Allah Knows Best.
What is the ruling when the duration of the monthly period varies, and sporadically increases?
If the period didn`t exceed (15) days from the first seeing of blood discharges until its end including the times of temporary cessation, then it is menses. But, if the period exceeded (15) days, then the woman experiencing this is Mostahadah (bleeding outside the time of monthly period), and should abide by her regular period, and consult one of the scholars.
A man cursed Allah, is he allowed to perform prayer without making Ghusl?
All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May Allah`s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
Cursing Allah is an act of apostasy and one who commits it must utter the testimonies of faith, make repentance, take back wife; however, it isn`t conditioned that he makes Ghusl (Full body ritual purification) to pray. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.
What is the ruling on not fulfilling a vow?
A vow is a commitment towards Allah, The Almighty, and so, it should be observed as much as possible, and it is impermissible to take it lightly. Allah, The Exalted, Says –in commending the believers (What means): "(Because) they perform the vow and fear a day whereof the evil is wide-spreading." [Al-Insan/7].