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.
Is prayer nullified by having thoughts while performing it?
Prayer isn`t nullified by having thoughts while performing it, provided that the praying person offers all of its pillars and meets all of its conditions. However, the reward decreases significantly in the absence of reverence since a praying person is rewarded according to the attentiveness of his/her heart during prayer.
Is it permissible to divide the Aqeeqah amongst one`s brothers and family?
Giving a portion of the Aqeeqah, even a small one, to the poor and needy is obligatory, and if one`s brothers and family are among the needy then, they are more entitled to it, and this way it is a charity and an observation of kinship ties. However, if they aren`t needy then, it is permissible to give them from the Aqeeqah after giving the poor and needy their share.
What is the ruling on working for a company that manufactures cigarettes?
All Perfect Praise is due to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds
Working for a company that manufactures cigarettes is forbidden because smoking itself is forbidden, so its production, selling and circulation are forbidden as a result since they aid in committing sin, and whoever aids in that is like the sinner himself. And Allah Knows Best.