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.
What is the ruling when the duration of the monthly period varies, and sporadically increases?
If the period didn`t exceed (15) days from the first seeing of blood discharges until its end including the times of temporary cessation, then it is menses. But, if the period exceeded (15) days, then the woman experiencing this is Mostahadah (bleeding outside the time of monthly period), and should abide by her regular period, and consult one of the scholars.
Is photography forbidden, such as photographs of children?
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.
If there is a need for taking photographs of children or adults, then this is allowed. However, taking photographs of women shouldn`t be tolerated. Rather, they must be taken while wearing Hijab and must be kept in safe hands. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.
Is a woman`s neck an Awrah (private part)?
All Perfect Praise is due to The Lord of The Worlds.
It is an Awrah, and it is forbidden for her to reveal it before non-Mahrams (Marriageable men). And Allah Knows Best.
