Darul Ilm

Trying to Wake up for Tahajjud #1364 Question: I want to wake up for tahajjud and I always take appropriate measures to wake up. I don't drink coffee even though I really want to, I go to sleep on the dot at 10 and every fardh prayer I make dua such that I can wake up. I try to stay away from sins and I repent when I do. When tahajjud time comes, I snooze my alarm and go back to sleep. I really want to ask Allah swt for a lot of things and be closer to him. What's wrong with all my measures? I don't want to assume that Allah swt with all His mercy doesn't want to invite me for tahajjud. There has to be something I can do. Please help!!! ----- Answer: Don’t stop trying. Keep asking Allah to help you wake up and invite you to pray tahajjud. Your effort and sincere intention are already valuable. Also, do not set a target that is too difficult at the beginning, such as waking up one hour before Subuh. Start small. Try waking up just 10 to 15 minutes before Subuh and pray two simple rakaat. Once your body becomes used to waking up at that time, you can slowly wake up earlier. Our bodies also need time to adapt to a new routine. Do not overthink it or assume that Allah does not want you. Keep trying, even after you fail. Allah knows your sincere intention and effort, and you will still be rewarded for your intention. Wallahua'lam View all Q&A here: https://tinyurl.com/darulilmqna Ask your questions here: https://surveyheart.com/form/667a7b8879a05076b3cb0e63

Solat Jemaah with Husband #1363 Question: Assalamualaikum, my husband never wants to solat jemaah with me. Each time I say like let’s solat maghrib together, he will keep quiet then solat himself. Then when I ask him he would say he had already prayed. Sometimes this makes me angry because I really want to solat jemaah but he always solat first and never tell me. ----- Answer: Maybe your husband is not confident in reading the doa and zikir after solat, and he feels shy or embarrassed to lead you. Try to speak to him calmly and ask him gently. You can also tell him that he does not need to read a long doa or zikir aloud, or he can also read duas in English or non arabic. Both of you can do the zikir and dua separately after solat. Wallahua'lam View all Q&A here: https://tinyurl.com/darulilmqna Ask your questions here: https://surveyheart.com/form/667a7b8879a05076b3cb0e63

Commiting Zina and Sins #1362 Question: Assalamualaikum ustaz, I know there has been questions asking about zina and watching haram videos, but I would need some guide on how can I stop doing zina and watching things that is haram. I tried so many things to fight the urge especially on the certain days and time of the cycle, but I will still fall for it. But there is constant guilt in me, because I am studying the deen yet I fail to restraint myself from committing zina and sins. There will be days where I can totally fight them, especially when I attended majlis with ulama' and Habaib. But on some days, I will ended up going back to the same sins. I don't know if o should seek professional help or confide my teachers on this matter, because it's not an easy topic to voice out. Please help me out, because I do not want to stay in this state for too long as it's affecting my ibadah as well as a mental health. ----- Answer: Continue attending your classes, majlis of knowledge, and gatherings with the ulama' and habaib. These gatherings soften the heart, strengthen iman, and remind us of Allah. More importantly, attend with the sincere intention of practising what you learn. Knowledge is a light, and when a servant acts upon it, Allah grants him even greater guidance and steadfastness. Make it a habit to fast the 13th, 14th and 15th of every Hijri month (Ayyām al-Bīḍ). These fasts help discipline the nafs, weaken unlawful desires, and have a profound effect in overcoming harmful habits and recurring temptations. Remember that overcoming a deeply rooted sin is a journey, not a single moment of victory. If you slip, do not let Shaytan convince you that all your efforts were wasted. Turn back to Allah immediately with sincere tawbah, increase your istighfār, and continue striving. Keep making sincere dua. Ask Allah to purify your heart, protect your gaze, grant you steadfastness, and make obedience beloved to you. May Allah purify your heart and make you among His righteous servants. Ameen. Wallahua'lam View all Q&A here: https://tinyurl.com/darulilmqna Ask your questions here: https://surveyheart.com/form/667a7b8879a05076b3cb0e63

Termination of Pregnancy #1361 Question: Assalamualaikum asatizahs. I would like to ask on behalf of a friend. She works in a healthcare setting where TOP (termination of pregnancy) procedures are carried out. Although she is not the one performing the procedure, she may sometimes be involved in supporting tasks, such as handling or disposing of materials related to the procedure afterwards. She feels very uneasy about it and is worried whether the income she earns from this job is considered halal. Could you please advise on the Islamic perspective regarding this situation? ----- Answer: If the termination of pregnancy (TOP) is carried out without a valid reason recognised by the Shariah, then assisting in any part of the process may fall under the prohibition of helping in sin. Allah says: «وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ "Cooperate in righteousness and piety, and do not cooperate in sin and transgression." (Surah al-Ma'idah: 2)» It is mentioned in Mughni Muhtaj: «من أَعاَنَ عَلَى مَعْصِيَةٍ وَلَوْ بِشَطْرِ كَلِمَةٍ كاَنَ شَرِيْكاً فِيْهاَ، وفى نفس الكتاب: أُجْرَةُ الْعَمَلِ الَّذِي يَتَعَلَّقُ بِالْمَعْصِيَةِ حَرَامٌ، وَالتَّصَدُّقُ بِهَا مِنْهَا لَا يَجُوزُ وَلَا يَصِحُ. إهـ.» Reference: مغني المحتاج ٢/٣٣٧. Based on this, if a person's duties are directly connected to facilitating an impermissible abortion, including assisting with or disposing of materials as part of the procedure, then this is something that should be avoided as far as possible. However, many healthcare institutions also carry out TOP procedures that are medically necessary or permitted, such as when the mother's life is at serious risk or in other situations recognised by the syariah. In such cases, the ruling differs according to the circumstances. If your friend's work consists primarily of permissible healthcare duties and involvement in TOP cases is only occasional and unavoidable, she should first explore whether she can be excused from those duties or transferred to another role. If that is not possible, she should continue seeking a permissible alternative while placing her trust in Allah and asking Him to grant her a livelihood that is free from doubt. Wallahua'lam View all Q&A here: https://tinyurl.com/darulilmqna Ask your questions here: https://surveyheart.com/form/667a7b8879a05076b3cb0e63

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Dear brothers and sisters, if you have submitted a question that is urgent and have not yet received a response, kindly resend it, as we are currently receiving a large volume of questions. May Allah ﷻ reward you for your patience and grant us all beneficial knowledge. Jazakumullahu khayran. Barakallahu feekum.

Getting A Job #1360 Question: Assalamualaikum, during ramadhan I prayed and dua'd to Allah swt for a job that would be good for me. Alhamdullilah at that time I felt like Allah gave me the rezeki for a job which I didn't imagine I could get in. The next few months I was working and as a fresh grad I was just so happy that I had a full time role given today's market. But suddenly the tides at work have changed and I'm met with an unreasonable and somewhat unatainable expectation from my bosses. It's so much pressure to improve if not I'll basically lose this job. The past few weeks I've been telling myself to tawakkul and leave the outcome to Allah swt for he knows whats good for me. But at the same time I can't wrap my head around this particular test. Is this test a punishment or a challenge for me to overcome and rise in my ranks? What is the wisdom behind this test I'm going through? I read a story which said that sometimes Allah delays something because he knows we are not prepared for it, because what if that door opens and we crumble inside it. But now I'm not in the "delay"  part. I'm struggling to handle the rezeki that Allah has given me. ----- Answer: Remember that every workplace comes with its own tests. Some workplaces are toxic, some have difficult bosses, some have challenging colleagues, while others make it difficult to practise your faith, such as finding time or a suitable place to pray. Every environment has its own unique challenges, and every person is tested differently. Rather than asking, "Why is this happening to me?", try asking, "How can I respond in a way that pleases Allah?" Sometimes Allah tests us not because He wishes to punish us, but because He wishes to strengthen us, refine our character, and draw us closer to Him. Whether this job remains with you or not, no effort you make with sincerity is ever wasted in the sight of Allah. Continue striving to improve your work, accept constructive feedback where appropriate, and do your best within your ability. At the same time, recognise that there are things beyond your control. Once you have sincerely put in your best effort, place your trust in Allah. What is written for you will never miss you, and what misses you was never meant for you. A beneficial dhikr to recite daily is: حَسْبُنَا اللّٰهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ "Hasbunallahu wa ni'mal wakeel" "Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs." You may recite it 450 times daily as part of your personal practice. If the stress becomes overwhelming, do not carry it alone. Speak to someone wise whom you trust, especially your parents or someone with experience who can offer both perspective and practical advice. May Allah grant you ease after every hardship, strengthen your heart, bless your efforts, and open for you doors of goodness that you could never have imagined. If this job is good for your dunya and akhirah, may Allah keep it for you and place barakah in it. And if something better awaits you, may Allah guide you to it at the best time. Ameen Wallahua'lam View all Q&A here: https://tinyurl.com/darulilmqna Ask your questions here: https://surveyheart.com/form/667a7b8879a05076b3cb0e63

Using Zam zam Water for Cooking #1359 Question: Is it permissible to used zam zam water for cooking? ----- Answer: Yes, it is permissible to use Zamzam water for cooking. However, the rulings differ when it comes to using Zamzam water for bathing or for istinja' (cleaning oneself after relieving oneself), as these matters are discussed separately by the scholars. Wallahua'lam View all Q&A here: https://tinyurl.com/darulilmqna Ask your questions here: https://surveyheart.com/form/667a7b8879a05076b3cb0e63

Father Watching Inappropriate Films #1358 Question: i think my dad is addicted to porn. sometimes i see pop ups of random inappropriately dressed women on his phone. i also saw that he watches a lot of inappropriate films on platforms such as netflix. he has descriptions of being a porn addict but his relationship with my mom seems to be unaffected. i don’t know what to do or how to find out. please help me. i believe he is still my father but im scared he will see me as something else as per a lot of addicts. ----- Answer: You do not need to investigate further or spy on your father to confirm your suspicions. Islam teaches us to avoid unnecessary suspicion and not to search for people's faults. Continue making du'a that Allah protects him, grants him strength against any temptations, and preserves your family. At the same time, it is sensible to remain careful and aware without allowing those concerns to develop into suudzon(having negative assumptions without clear evidence). You can also be vigilant, especially if you are alone with him or if you ever genuinely feel that something is not right. Trust your instincts in those situations and prioritise your safety, but do not assume the worst without clear evidence. Remember that struggling with sins does not automatically mean a person will commit other major wrongs, such as harming their family. While pornography is a serious sin and can become addictive, it does not mean your father will view you inappropriately. Unless there are clear signs that raise genuine concerns for your safety, try not to let fear lead you to conclusions that are not supported by evidence. Continue treating him with respect as your father, make du'a for him, and if there are ever clear indications that your safety or someone else's safety is at risk, seek help from a trusted adult or the relevant authorities. May Allah rectify all our affairs, conceal our faults, and guide us and our loved ones to what pleases Him. Ameen. Wallahua'lam View all Q&A here: https://tinyurl.com/darulilmqna Ask your questions here: https://surveyheart.com/form/667a7b8879a05076b3cb0e63

"A person's worth is hidden behind their tongue, not their gold. Look at how they speak to the broken, the small, and the silent - for that is where the soul reveals its true face."

Spending Generously on One's Family on the Day of Ashura It is recommended to spend generously on one's family on the Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram). This is based on the narration that the Prophet ﷺ said: «"Whoever spends generously on his family on the Day of Ashura, Allah will be generous to him for the rest of the year."» (Recorded by Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali in Lata'if al-Ma'arif, who attributed it to Imam al-Tabarani in al-Awsat and Imam al-Bayhaqi in Shu'ab al-Iman.) The scholars mention that this generosity refers to providing for one's family beyond the usual, according to one's means, without extravagance or hardship. It is a beautiful way of expressing gratitude to Allah and bringing happiness to one's household on this blessed day.

10 Practices of the Pious on the Day of Ashura by Syeikh Umar Bin Abdullah Al-Khotib 1) Performing Salah: Pray 4 rak'ahs with 2 salams. In each rak'ah, recite Surah Al-Ikhlas 50 times. Intention: "I intend to perform sunnah prayer 2 rak'ahs for the sake of Allah Ta'ala." 2) Fasting: Intention: "I intend to fast on the day of Ashura for the sake of Allah Ta'ala." 3) Visiting Friends. 4) Visiting Scholars (both those alive and deceased). 5) Visiting the Sick. 6) Applying Kohl. 7) Wiping the Head of an Orphan. 8) Giving Charity and Generously Spending on Family. 9) Cutting Nails. 10) Bathing. Intention: "I intend to perform the sunnah bath on the day of Ashura for the sake of Allah Ta'ala." Additional Practices: A. Reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas 1000 times and the following dhikr 1000 times: لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له له الملك و له الحمد يحيي و يميت و هو على كل شيء قدير (Lailaha illallahu wahdahu la syarikalah lahul mulku walahul hamdu yuhyi wa yumitu wahuwa ala kulli shai in qadir) Meaning: "There is no god but Allah, the One, without partner. His is the sovereignty and His is the praise. He gives life and causes death and He is over all things powerful." B. Reciting this dhikr 70 times: حَسْبُنَا اللهُ وَنِعْمَ الوَكِيْلِ نِعْمَ المَوْلَى وَنِعْمَ النَّصِيْر (Hasbunallahu wa ni'mal wakeel ni'mal maula wa ni'man naseer) Meaning: "Allah is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs, the Best Lord, and the Best Helper." C. Reciting this dua 7 times: بِسمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ وَصَلَّى اللهُ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ وَسَلَّمَ ، سُبْحَانَ اللهِ مِلء الميزان ومنتهى العلم وزنة العَرْشِ وَمُبْلغَ الرَّضَى لا ملجأ و لا منجى مِنَ اللهِ إِلا إِلَيْهِ ، سُبْحَانَ اللهِ عَدَدَ الشقع و الوثر وعَدَدَ كَلِمَاتِهِ الثامَاتِ ، أسألك السَّلامَة كُلَهَا بِرَحْمَتِكَ يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِيْنَ وَهُوَ حَسَبِي وَنِعْمَ الوَكِيلُ نِعْمَ المَوْلى وَنِعْمَ النَّصير ، وَلا حَولَ وَلا قوة إلا باللهِ العَلِيِّ العظيم . وَصَلَّى اللهُ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ وَسَلَّمَ Meaning: "Peace and blessings of Allah be upon our leader Muhammad, his family, and his companions. Glory be to Allah, filling the balance, reaching knowledge, weight of the Throne, and achieving satisfaction. There is no refuge and no escape from Allah except to Him. Glory be to Allah, as much as the even and the odd numbers, and the number of His perfect words. I ask You for all safety with Your mercy, O Most Merciful of the merciful, and He is sufficient for me and the best protector, the best Lord, and the best helper. There is no power and no strength except with Allah, the Most High, the Great. Peace and blessings of Allah be upon our leader Muhammad, his family, and his companions."

10 Amalan Pada Hari Ashura Daripada Syeikh Umar Bin Abdullah Al-Khotib

Fasting on Ashura When It Falls on a Friday It is permissible to fast only on the Day of Ashura even if it falls on a Friday. It is not makruh (disliked) to do so, although it is better to fast together with the 9th or the 11th of Muharram if possible. The general discouragement of fasting on Friday alone does not apply here because Ashura is a special day that the Shariah specifically encourages us to fast. Therefore, if Ashura falls on a Friday, fasting that day alone is permissible and carries no dislike (makruh). It is mentioned in Nihayah al-Muhtaj: «(وَإِفْرَادُ السَّبْتِ) أَوْ الْأَحَدِ بِالصَّوْمِ كَذَلِكَ بِجَامِعِ أَنَّ الْيَهُودَ تُعَظِّمُ الْأَوَّلَ وَالنَّصَارَى تُعَظِّمُ الثَّانِي فَقَصَدَ الشَّارِعُ بِذَلِكَ مُخَالَفَتَهُمْ، وَمَحَلُّ مَا تَقَرَّرَ إِذَا لَمْ يُوَافِقْ إِفْرَادُ كُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِنْ الْأَيَّامِ الثَّلَاثَةِ عَادَةً لَهُ وَإِلَّا كَأَنْ كَانَ يَصُومُ يَوْمًا وَيُفْطِرُ يَوْمًا أَوْ يَصُومُ عَاشُورَاءَ أَوْ عَرَفَةَ فَوَافَقَ يَوْمَ صَوْمِهِ فَلَا كَرَاهَةَ كَمَا فِي صَوْمِ يَوْمِ الشَّكِّ» Meaning: «"Likewise, it is not makruh (disliked) to fast solely on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday if that day coincides with a fast specifically recommended by the Shariah, such as the Day of Ashura or the Day of Arafah. Similarly, there is no dislike for one observing the fast of Prophet Dawud (fasting every alternate day), making up missed fasts (qada'), or fulfilling a vow (nazar)."» Therefore, if you are only able to fast on Friday because it is the Day of Ashura, your fast is valid and not makruh. However, if you are able to, it is better to also fast on the 9th or the 11th in accordance with the Sunnah.

The Virtue of Fasting on Ashura One of the greatest virtues of fasting on the Day of Ashura is that it expiates the sins of the past year. Sayyiduna Abu Qatadah (RA) reported: عَنْ أَبي قَتَادَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ: أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ سُئِلَ عَنْ صِيامِ يَوْمِ عَاشُورَاءَ، فَقَالَ: يُكَفِّرُ السَّنَةَ المَاضِيَةَ "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was asked about fasting on the day of Ashura, and he said: It expiates the sins of the previous year." (Narrated by Imam Muslim) A Note of Wisdom In I’anah al-Talibin, the scholars explain the distinction between the fast of Arafah and Ashura. The fast of Arafah expiates sins for two years, while Ashura expiates for one year. The reason, they say, is that the Day of Arafah is a “Muhammadan” day, particular to the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, while Ashura is a “Mosaic” day, also observed by the followers of Prophet Musa عليه السلام. Since the status of the Prophet ﷺ is greater, the reward for his Ummah on Arafah is also greater.

Seeking Knowledge You are not a full-time student. You have work. Family. Responsibilities to carry. A commute to catch. Messages to reply to. A schedule that never seems to slow down. But growth does not always require large blocks of time. Fifteen minutes after Fajr. One page of Qur'an on the train. A short lesson while travelling. One hadith before sleep. Small acts, done consistently, transform a person. The deen does not demand every moment of your day. It asks for sincerity and consistency. The Prophet ﷺ said: "The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small." (Al-Bukhari & Muslim) Do not underestimate a few minutes spent with Allah every day. One year from now, by Allah's permission, you may not recognise the person you have become.

Offering parents to stay together in the same house #1357 Question: I offered my parents to stay with me once I get my house, and my husband is also happy to have them live with us. Initially, I was excited about the idea because I see it as an amanah and a way of fulfilling my responsibilities towards them. However, as time passes, I have started reflecting on the long-term commitment that comes with this decision. Having my parents stay with us would mean less privacy and taking on the responsibility of caring for them as they grow older. My parents has attitude that i dislike at times. Sometimes, I wonder whether I am truly capable of doing so for the long run. These thoughts have made me feel as though I regret making the offer. I know it sounds like a bad attitude, and I feel guilty for thinking this way, but these feelings keep coming back. I would really appreciate some advice on how I should approach this situation and whether what I am feeling is normal. ----- Answer: A good first step would be to discuss openly with your husband the pros and cons of having your parents stay with you. Consider not only the practical aspects, but also how it may affect your marriage, your emotional well-being, and your relationship with your parents. Sometimes, living together can strengthen family ties, but in some situations it may also create friction that affects everyone involved. If having them stay with you is likely to lead to ongoing conflict, resentment, or strain on your relationship with them, then it may be better to explore other ways of caring for and serving them while maintaining separate homes. At the same time, remember the great virtue of honouring one's parents. The Prophet ﷺ said: "The pleasure of Allah lies in the pleasure of the parents, and the anger of Allah lies in the anger of the parents." (Reported by al-Tirmidhi) Serving and caring for our parents is among the greatest acts of righteousness, especially as they grow older. If, after careful consideration, you find that the benefits outweigh the challenges, then this may be a beautiful opportunity to gain immense reward, barakah, and Allah's pleasure by looking after them with patience and love. It is also important to distinguish between major concerns and minor inconveniences. If the issues are simply differences in habits, personalities, or ways of doing things, then some degree of friction is normal. No two people can live together without occasionally finding certain habits difficult. As human beings, we all have different characters and preferences. These smaller challenges are often manageable with patience, communication, and realistic expectations. Most importantly, perform Istikharah and ask Allah to guide you to what is best. Pray Istikharah sincerely, not just once but repeatedly if needed. Continue making dua and seeking Allah's guidance until your heart finds clarity and ease regarding the decision. Trust that Allah knows what will be best for your parents, your marriage, and your future. May Allah grant you wisdom in making this decision, place barakah in your family, and make you among those who honour their parents in the best manner while preserving harmony in their home. Ameen. Wallahua'lam View all Q&A here: https://tinyurl.com/darulilmqna Ask your questions here: https://surveyheart.com/form/667a7b8879a05076b3cb0e63

Nose Piercing #1356 Question: I wanted to ask about piercings and I'm sorry if you've covered this before. I have a few ear piercings but they're covered by my hijab. Now, I'm interested in getting piercings on my face—specifically a nose piercing and eyebrow piercings. Before that, I'd like to ask, are they permissible or makruh? My intention is because I think it will look good on me. If actual piercings are not allowed on the face, may I use fake piercings instead or add a sticker jewellery on the face? Thank you! ----- Answer: According to the Shafi'i mazhab, nose piercing is considered haram. Shaykh Ibn Hajar al-Haytami mentions in Tuhfat al-Muhtaj: وَيَظْهَرُ فِي خَرْقِ الْأَنْفِ بِحَلْقَةٍ تُعْمَلُ فِيهِ مِنْ فِضَّةٍ أَوْ ذَهَبٍ أَنَّهُ حَرَامٌ مُطْلَقًا؛ لِأَنَّهُ لَا زِينَةَ فِي ذَلِكَ يُغْتَفَرُ لِأَجْلِهَا إلَّا عِنْدَ فِرْقَةٍ قَلِيلَةٍ وَلَا عِبْرَةَ بِهَا مَعَ الْعُرْفِ "It appears that piercing the nose to wear a ring made of silver or gold is absolutely forbidden because there is no form of adornment in it that can justify its permissibility—except among a very small group, which holds no weight against general custom. This differs from ear piercing, which is considered an adornment for women in all places." With regard to having multiple ear piercings, it is also considered haram as it resemble practices associated with non-Muslims or people of immoral conduct. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever imitates a people is one of them." (Sunan Abu Dawud) Having multiple piercings is also a form of excessiveness in adornment, and Islam discourages extravagance and going beyond reasonable limits in beautification. Wallahua'lam View all Q&A here: https://tinyurl.com/darulilmqna Ask your questions here: https://surveyheart.com/form/667a7b8879a05076b3cb0e63

Nafkah and Monthly Allowance #1355 Question: Assalamualaikum, I've been researching this matter for a while and I cant seem to get a proper answer due to a variety of answers on the internet. I am getting married to my spouse soon, but I can't seem to be able to fully understand the concept of nafkah. If I were to already handle the house bills, food, water, clothing, hygienic matters, etc, would I still be required to provide for her a monthly allowance? I need some clarification on this because I can't tell if it is a cultural norm, or is it something that Islam enforces on the male. ----- Answer: Firstly, it is important to understand what nafkah actually refers to in Islamic law. Many people assume nafkah means a fixed monthly cash allowance, but that is not necessarily the case. According to the Shafi‘i school, the obligatory provisions of nafkah that a husband must provide for his wife are seven things: 1. Daily food 2. Kitchen utensils and necessities 3. Personal hygiene items and toiletries 4. Clothing 5. Shelter/accommodation 6. Household items and furnishings 7. A helper for the wife if it is customary for her to have one and the husband can afford it These are the essential components of nafkah that a husband is responsible for providing. If these needs are being adequately fulfilled, then the obligation of nafkah has been met. As such, a separate monthly cash allowance is not, in itself, one of the obligatory items of nafkah. This is why you may find different answers online. In some cultures, giving a monthly allowance is common practice, but it should not automatically be confused with the Islamic obligation of nafkah. That said, if a husband and wife mutually agree that the nafkah will be given in the form of a monthly allowance, then that amount must be sufficient to cover the wife's rightful nafkah and should not result in her receiving less than what she is entitled to. In other words, the allowance becomes a means of fulfilling the nafkah, not an additional obligation on top of it. Anything beyond the obligatory nafkah such as a car, skincare treatments, holidays, gifts, or leisure expenses does not fall under the requirement of nafkah. However, spending on one's spouse beyond the obligation is from, love, generosity, and kindness, all of which are highly encouraged in Islam. In summary, if you are already providing your wife with her essential needs, food, accommodation, clothing, personal necessities, and the other requirements of nafkah then you have fulfilled the obligation. A separate monthly allowance is not required unless it is agreed upon as the method by which the nafkah is provided. Wallahua'lam View all Q&A here: https://tinyurl.com/darulilmqna Ask your questions here: https://surveyheart.com/form/667a7b8879a05076b3cb0e63

Husband Not Praying #1354 Question: my husband and i have been married for almost 2 years and it has come to a point where i don’t enjoy going out or being on vacation with him anymore. before we were married, he was someone who fulfilled his prayers. abt half a year into the marriage, his prayers began to be inconsistent. i totally understand that our iman fluctuates and maybe it could be due to environmental factors (limited space or hygiene matters) as we are currently living in a shared unit while waiting for our house. whenever we are out and i initiated to pause our activities to pray, his mood changes. sometimes i just lie, saying that  i need to go to the toilet, just to save myself from getting an irritated response back. also, this feels so wrong but i feel relieved when we are out of on days that i have my menstruation. what makes me even upset is that during our arguments, he usually mentions that i pray 5x a day but i still posses a bad character and that i am still stress about life. these remarks really pierced my heart i’m aware that i’m still far from being the best, but i know i am making progress. all i can do is cry and doa for him in silence even though my heart is shattered into pieces. sometimes i wish Allah gives him a taste of his remarks. i do not want to make ibadah in fear anymore and i wish we could pray in jemaah again. ----- Answer: Continue making dua for him and do not underestimate the power of sincere dua from a wife. Hearts are in the Hands of Allah, and He is able to guide a person back even after a long period of weakness. As for the hurtful remarks he makes during arguments, remember that your prayers are not worthless simply because you still have flaws or struggles. None of us are perfect. Prayer is meant to help us grow and improve throughout our lives. Keep praying, keep making dua, and keep turning to Allah. There may come a day when Allah returns the sweetness of praying together that you once had. Never lose hope in His mercy. May Allah grant your husband steadfastness in prayer, heal your heart, and fill your marriage with faith, mercy, and tranquillity. Ameen. View all Q&A here: https://tinyurl.com/darulilmqna Ask your questions here: https://surveyheart.com/form/667a7b8879a05076b3cb0e63

Getting Married to Second Cousin #1353 Question: Assalamualaikum Ustaz, I would like to seek your advice regarding a matter concerning marriage. A few years ago, I reconnected with my second cousin. We did not grow up together, and our relationship has always been more like friends. Recently, we have realised that we have developed feelings for each other and would like to pursue marriage. We have researched and understood that such a marriage is permissible, but are both concerned about how to approach our families and the possibility of causing conflict or misunderstanding. Our families are generally alright with each other but have minimal contact. We are sincere in our path towards being halal but we are afraid of starting family conflict with our intentions and this makes us very worried. Could you give us advice on how best to approach this and strengthen our trust in Allah as our we go through this? Jazakallah khair in advance. ----- Answer: From an Islamic perspective, a marriage between second cousins is permissible and not makruh. Only first cousin is considered makruh to get married with according to the Shafie Mazhab. Therefore, if both of you possess good character, compatibility, and a genuine desire to build a righteous marriage together, there is no reason to feel guilty for considering it. At the same time, while something may be permissible Islamically, families may sometimes have their own expectations, or concerns. For this reason, it is wise to approach the matter with patience, respect, and wisdom rather than rushing into difficult conversations. Try not to assume the worst before speaking to them. Sometimes the fears we carry in our minds end up being much greater than the actual response we receive. Try to involve a trusted elder or family member who is known for being balanced and understanding. Having someone mature help communicate the matter can ease concerns and prevent misunderstandings before they arise. Present the matter respectfully and focus on the qualities that make each of you suitable for marriage rather than framing it purely around emotions and feelings. It is also important to remember that family approval and support are valuable blessings, but ultimately the hearts of people are in the hands of Allah. If this matter is good for your religion, your worldly affairs, and your future, Allah is fully capable of softening hearts and opening doors that seem difficult today. Continue making istikharah and solat hajat, asking Allah for guidance. Ask Him not only for the marriage itself, but also for what is best. Sometimes we become attached to a particular outcome, while the true purpose of istikharah is to ask Allah to facilitate the matter if it is good and to turn us away from it if it is not. There is great peace in entrusting the outcome to Him. Whatever happens, strive to preserve family ties, maintain good manners, and avoid allowing the situation to become a source of resentment between relatives. If Allah has written this marriage for both of you, no one can prevent it. And if He has written something else, then what He chooses will ultimately be better, even if it is difficult to see at first. May Allah guide both of you to what is best, place barakah in your intentions, unite your families upon goodness, and grant you hearts that are content with His decree and guidance. Ameen. Wallahua'lam View all Q&A here: https://tinyurl.com/darulilmqna Ask your questions here: https://surveyheart.com/form/667a7b8879a05076b3cb0e63