What is the ruling on not fulfilling a vow?
A vow is a commitment towards Allah, The Almighty, and so, it should be observed as much as possible, and it is impermissible to take it lightly. Allah, The Exalted, Says –in commending the believers (What means): "(Because) they perform the vow and fear a day whereof the evil is wide-spreading." [Al-Insan/7].
I am an author, and I have books stored with me. Is it permissible to pay my zakat in the form of books containing beneficial knowledge for poor students, such as chemistry and mathematics, or religious books that spread Islamic sciences?
Zakat on wealth must be paid in cash from the wealth itself. Therefore, you should pay your zakat in monetary form so that the poor can purchase what they need. And Allah Knows Best.
What is permissible for the person who wants to ask for a woman`s hand in marriage to see from her body?
He is permitted to see her hands and face only, but if he wants to see more, then he has to send a woman that he trusts to do so.
Should Al-Basmalah (i.e. saying Bismillaaahi Ar-Rahmaani Ar-Raheemi) be recited after Takbeerat Al-Ihram (saying Allahuakbar) which marks the beginning of prayer?
All perfect praise be to Allah,The Lord of The Worlds A praying person is obliged to recite Al-Basmalah at the beginning of Chapter Al-Faatihah, and in every Rak`ah (unit of prayer) because it is a verse of it. And Allah Knows Best.