Is it permissible for a woman to conclude her marriage without the approval of her family?
No marriage is permissible without the presence of a guardian and two trust worthy witnesses, and the woman whose family had denied her right in getting married to a God-fearing, financially and physically capable man should go to the court.
What is the ruling on determining the sex of the baby whether through killing the female spermatozoa, or any other way in order to have a male?
If it is done through having a certain type of food, taking a certain type of medication, or organizing the time of the marital relation, then it is permissible.
Is the marriage, which lacks a valid legal contract, a guardian, and a court registration, valid?
It is incumbent that a valid marriage contract be concluded in the presence of a guardian and two trustful witnesses, and it should be registered in the court to protect the rights of the wife. Actually, a valid marriage contract is what differentiates between sound marriage and fornication.
What is the ruling on working for a company that manufactures cigarettes?
All Perfect Praise is due to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds
Working for a company that manufactures cigarettes is forbidden because smoking itself is forbidden, so its production, selling and circulation are forbidden as a result since they aid in committing sin, and whoever aids in that is like the sinner himself. And Allah Knows Best.