What is the semi-circular structure abutting the Holy Kabah?
It is the Black Stone of the Holy Kabah, and one should pass from behind it while offering Tawaf(circumambulation) because it is part of the Kabah.
Is it permissible for the guardian, or the father of the child to hit the latter in order to teach him/her good manners?
It is permissible for the guardian to hit his/her child for teaching them good manners once they become ten years old provided that it is done mildly, harmlessly and without intimidation. Actually, such punishment is to be employed gradually i.e. after: asking, warning, and scolding. As for the teacher, he isn`t allowed to hit the student unless the latter`s father approves of it, and it is done according to necessity without intimidation, or harm.
Is Zakah(obligatory charity)due on an indebted merchant?
Debt doesn`t abrogate the dueness of Zakah, thus a debtor who has money, articles of merchandise, or other Zakah funds at his disposal should pay Zakah from them.
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}.
