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 Iddah (waiting period) incumbent on an old woman whose husband had died?
Upon the death of the husband, Iddah is incumbent on the wife regardless of their age. And Allah Knows Best.
What is the ruling on visiting a deceased's grave and supplicating Allah for him by his wife? Is the reward of reciting verses of the Holy Qur'an reaches the deceased?
There is no harm on visiting graveyard by woman with the intention of piety so long as they are dressed in accordance to the Islamic teachings. We ask Allah, The Almighty that the reward of reciting the Holy Qur'an on dedicated to the deceased reaches him. And Allah Knows Best.
What is the ruling on performing Umrah after the latest expansion of the Mas`aa (the passage between As-Safa and Al-Marwah), is it permissible, or not?
Yes, it is permissible to perform Umrah after the latest expansion of the Sa`y area since making Sa`y between As-Safa and Al- Marwah is already observed. And Allah Knows Best.