Is it permissible to listen to chants praising the Prophet if accompanied by musical instruments?
If singing, or chanting in praise of the Prophet was accompanied by a forbidden musical instrument, then it is forbidden.
Is it permissible to openly announce the engagement of a woman who is in her waiting period (iddah)?
It is not permissible to openly announce the engagement of a woman in her waiting period (Iddah), but it is permissible to hint (imply) at it if she is in her waiting period after the death of her husband. And Allah Knows Best.
Is it permissible to make up missed prayers at the times in which praying is disliked?
All perfect praise be to Allah,The Lord of The Worlds It is permissible to make up missed prayers at any time even that in which praying is disliked. Absolute supererogatory prayer is forbidden to be performed at the times in which praying is disliked, and this also applies to Ihram and Istikhara prayers. However, there is no harm in offering prayers in Mekah during those times. And Allah Knows Best.
Is it permissible for us to sever ties of kinship if our blood-relatives` gatherings/meetings involve acts of sin?
Observing kinship ties is obligatory, and paying your blood-relatives a visit causing their sinful acts to be hindered , then you should do so. However, if their sinful acts continue while you are at their gathering and they didn't respond positively, then observing kinship ties via telephone and the like will suffice in this case. And Allah Knows
