What is the ruling on having brotherly ties between a strange man and a strange woman, and is the former considered a Mahram (unmarriageable) to the latter?
Such a relation between a strange man and a strange woman is forbidden in Islam because it involves forbidding what Allah has allowed by marriage, and allowing what Allah has forbidden such as looking and the like. Such a relation doesn`t render any act lawful between them, thus they are forbidden to look at each other, have a Khulwah (seclusion), and travel together.
How long is the` Iddah (waiting period) of a divorced woman?
The waiting period (iddah) of a divorced woman who is pregnant is until she gives birth. If she is of menstruating age, her waiting period is three menstrual cycles. If she does not menstruate, her waiting period is three months. And Allah Knows Best.
Is it permissible to watch soap operas during leisure time?
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.
The answer depends on what is shown in them. If they include what is forbidden to see or hear then they aren`t permissible to watch. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.
Is it permissible to listen to chants praising the Prophet if accompanied by musical instruments?
If singing, or chanting in praise of the Prophet was accompanied by a forbidden musical instrument, then it is forbidden.