Are phone conversations between the two sexes permissible if for consultation, and within the limits of good manners?
Such act is impermissible since it renders hearts corrupt, and could lead to forbidden attachment. Allah, The Almighty, says: “and follow not the footsteps of the devil. “{Al-Baqarah/68}.
Who are the blood-relatives with whom kinship ties should be maintained?
Blood-relatives are those from the side of one`s father and mother: grandfathers, grandmothers, uncles, and aunts.
My mother inherited a share from my late father`s and brother`s property; however, the inheritance, a piece of land, wasn`t divided amongst the eligible heirs because it was hard to sell. While alive, she used say that she wanted these shares to be distributed amongst the poor and needy. What is the ruling of Sharia on this?
All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, and may His Peace and Blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all of his family and companions.
This is a will, so we have to consider the estate she had left behind. If the piece of land, which she had willed, equals one third and less of her estate, then the will must be executed. But, if it is more than one third, then one third must be executed and the rest of the estate, if the heirs agreed, is to be executed as part of her will as well. However, if the heirs haven`t approved of that, then what remains, excluding that one third, must be divided amongst them according to the Islamic rules of inheritance. Moreover, we recommend that you pay a visit to the Iftaa` Department to make things clearer for you. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.
Is it permissible for us to sever ties of kinship if our blood-relatives` gatherings involve acts of sin?
Maintaining kinship ties is mandatory, thus if visiting your blood-relatives hinders their sinful acts , then you should do so. However, if their sinful acts persist while you are at their gathering, then it is sufficient that you maintain kinship ties via telephone and the like.