Islamic creed is a comprehensive creed, and if there is any defect, the creed of the individual or group is not correct. Is the creed of the Sufis correct or not?
Sufism is the practice of applying knowledge; this is how Al-Imam Al-Sha'rani defined it. If some among them have deviations in creed, it is not permissible to generalize this to all Sufis, as there are those among them who are acknowledged by all scholars for their knowledge and virtue. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.
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.
Does the clipping of nails nullify ablution?
No, it does not, and it is preferable to wash the hands afterwards.
What is the ruling of Sharia on marrying a Jewish woman, dealing with the Jews, and going to Israel?
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.
It is allowed for a Muslim to marry a Jewish or a Christian woman provided that this doesn`t affect his religion. As for dealing with the Jews who are outside Palestine, it is the same as dealing with the Christians; it is permissible as long as it doesn`t harm Islam. As for dealing with the Jews who are inside Palestine, the ruling differs depending on the persons themselves and the situations. By the end of the day, a believer`s heart leads him/her to what is good. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.
