Is it permissible to openly announce the engagement of a woman who is in her waiting period (iddah)?
It is not permissible to openly announce the engagement of a woman in her waiting period (Iddah), but it is permissible to hint (imply) at it if she is in her waiting period after the death of her husband. And Allah Knows Best.
What is the ruling on not offering prayer in a nearby mosque, and going to a distant one?
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.
Praying in the nearby mosque takes precedence unless there was a circle of knowledge, or a larger congregation in the distant mosque provided that the congregational prayer in the nearby mosque isn`t undermined. And Allah Knows Best.
Is it permissible for a person to sever ties with his sister because her husband had quit prayer and done him harm?
A sister is a blood-relative and maintaining blood-relations is obligatory in Islam. As regards her husband, he should be invited to the way of Allah with wisdom and beautiful preaching.
Does ill-gotten money hinder the answering of the Du`a (supplication) and the means of subsistence?
Sins hinder the answering of the Du`a, and deprive the sinner from means of subsistence; whereas, acts of obedience facilitate making a living. Allah, The Almighty, Says (What means) : "And for those who fear God, He (ever) prepares a way out. And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine." [At-Talaq/2-3].