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.
If husband doesn`t pray, but wife does, is their marriage contract considered valid or not?
All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May Allah`s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
Not observing daily prayers is a grave sin, but doesn`t invalidate a person`s marriage contract. However, we advise you to save your husband from hellfire by convincing him to observe the prescribed prayers. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.
Is it permissible to recite the Holy Qur'an or to play a recording at mourning gatherings? Or is it considered an innovation?
Whenever Qur'anic verses are recited, it is obligatory upon everyone to listen, otherwise; they should remain silent. And Allah Knows Best.
My headcloth is causing me a terrible headache and severe shortsightedness. Is it permissible for me to take it off?
All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
If the headcloth Khimar is harmful, it is sufficient to wear the Niqab (face-veil). However, with the passage of time you will get used to the Khimar and these symptoms will go away. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.