Is it permissible for a woman to ride a taxi without a Mahram (unmarriageable kin) in order to attend a gathering of knowledge?
It is permissible for the woman to pursue the knowledge that she needs in order to perform the religious requirements due on her if there was nobody to teach her at home, provided that there is no temptation involved. Moreover, we don`t recommend that she rides a taxi without a Mahram although such an act isn`t from the forbidden Khulwah (seclusion).
Is it disliked to clip one`s nails at night, and to burn them afterwards?
It is recommended to bury hair and nails that have been removed and to conceal them in the ground. As for burning nails, we have not found any specific prohibition against it, but adhering to what is supported by evidence—burying the nails—is preferable. And Allah Knows Best.
Is it permissible to offer Istikhara prayer (seeking guidance) after Witr Prayer (A confirmed Sunnah which is offered after Isha prayer and before Fajir prayer with a minimum of 3 Rak`as and a maximum of 11)?
It is permissible to offer Istikhara before and after Witr prayer as it is permissible at any time except that in which prayer is disliked. And Allah Knows Best.
Is it permissible for the woman who is observing Iddah after her husband`s death to sit with her daughter`s suitor, although their marriage contract hasn`t been concluded yet?
All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of The Worlds. May His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
A suitor who hasn`t concluded the marriage contract isn`t a Mahram*, so he must be treated as such. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.
* The period a woman must observe after the death of her husband or after a divorce, during which she may not marry another man.
* In Islam, a mahram is a member of one's family with whom marriage would be considered haram, concealment purdah, or concealment of the body with hijab, is not obligatory; and with whom, if he is an adult male, she may be escorted during a journey, although an escort may not be obligatory.
