What is the Islamic ruling when parents oblige their son or daughter to divorce or marry, and this actually takes place, although it is against their will?
All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
When the husband utters the word of divorce, without being forced or threatened, divorce takes place and we recommend that you visit the General Iftaa` Dept. to be given the suitable advice in this regard. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.
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.
What is the ruling on a young man and a young woman having a love relation for the purpose of getting married?
It is forbidden for a man and a woman to have any kind of relation whether for marriage, or not because it leads to committing sin. Such relations include: private meetings, mixing, gazing, and seclusion (Khulwa). Accordingly, one who is sincere in his intentions should go to the woman`s guardian and ask for her hand in marriage.
I took a housing loan from the bank for a 20-year period. Four years have passed, and I recently learned that this loan is usurious. I wish to perform Umrah. Am I permitted to perform it? If not, what should I do?
You are permitted to perform Umrah. Strive to repay the debt in hopes of reducing the amount of usurious interest. Allah Says (What means): "And there are others who have acknowledged their sins. They had mixed a righteous deed with another that was bad. Perhaps Allah will turn to them in forgiveness. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." [At-Tawbah/102]. And Allah Knows Best.
