Is it permissible for a financially capable woman to pay the Zakat to her sons or one of them?
It is permissible for a mother to give her children from zakat if they are eligible to receive it, even though she is obligated to provide for them. This is based on the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regarding Zainab, the wife of Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with them): "Your husband and your children are more deserving of your charity" [Al-Bukhari]. And Allah Knows Best.
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.
What is the ruling of Sharia on using IUD (Intrauterine device) temporarily and by mutual agreement of husband and wife?
All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
There is nothing wrong with this if this device is used on temporary basis and by mutual agreement of husband and wife since this issue falls into family planning, which is allowed by Sharia. However, this is provided that the device is inserted by a female doctor and that it doesn`t cause harm to the woman. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.
What is the ruling on praying behind an undesirable Imam?
It is permissible to pray behind an Imam who is undesirable for committing religious violations, and it is disliked for such an Imam to lead the prayer. Still, If he was undesirable for a personal, or a worldly matter, then such argument doesn’t hold water. And Allah Knows Best.
