Islamic question & answer

Salah is performed according to your capacity. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Pray standing; if you cannot, then sitting; if you cannot, then on your side." (Bukhari). Prostration can be performed by bending as far as is manageable, and the reward is not reduced. If standing is possible but painful only at certain times of day, take the dispensation for the prayer affected. This is a general answer — describe your specific condition to a qualified local scholar or your doctor.

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1117; Sahih Muslim 486 · Answered by Mufti Rashed Karim · Reviewed by a scholar

If the money has been earmarked and is genuinely in use for a purchase in the near term, it is not subject to zakat. If it sits unused for a full lunar year while you continue to look for a property, the safer position is that zakat becomes due. Scholars differ when savings remain untouched for several years, so bring your actual figures to a scholar.

Reference: Fiqh al-Zakat, Yusuf al-Qaradawi · Answered by Mufti Rashed Karim · Reviewed by a scholar

Three things, in this order: learning to pray, learning a small amount of Qur'an (Al-Fatihah and a few short surahs), and finding one or two practising Muslims near you. Do not attempt to learn everything at once — the Prophet ﷺ advised moderation in worship. Our New Muslim Portal lays this out across your first thirty days.

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 39; Sahih Muslim 783 · Answered by Ustadha Aisha Rahman · Reviewed by a scholar

You are not accountable for another adult's prayer. You are accountable for how you invite, and for the environment you build at home. Advise with gentleness and consistency, make du'a, and avoid turning the home into a courtroom. If there is harm to you or the children, seek local scholarly and counselling help.

Reference: Qur'an 66:6; Sahih Muslim 49 · Answered by Dr. Farid Ahmed · Reviewed by a scholar

Reading from a screen during salah is generally permitted when it does not break concentration or involve movement that invalidates the prayer, though many scholars prefer memorised recitation. Follow the practice of your local community where it differs.

Reference: Contemporary fiqh discussions; Al-Mawsu'ah al-Fiqhiyyah · Answered by Mufti Rashed Karim · Reviewed by a scholar

Two points, then stop talking. First, the text was transmitted both in writing and by mass memorisation from the earliest period, and the two agree. Second, offer the person a copy to examine rather than demanding they accept your version of history. Do not get pulled into an argument you cannot lose honestly.

Reference: Qur'an 15:9 · Answered by AQLC Dawah Desk · Reviewed by a scholar

If the fast was missed for a valid excuse such as illness or travel, make it up before the next Ramadan arrives. If it was missed deliberately, make it up and repent. If you have delayed making it up until another Ramadan intervened, scholars differ on whether expiation is also required — bring your dates to a scholar.

Reference: Qur'an 2:184-185 · Answered by Mufti Rashed Karim · Reviewed by a scholar

Zakat may be given to a relative who is poor, provided you do not owe them maintenance as a legal obligation (for example, your own dependent children or a wife you are obliged to support). In fact, giving to a needy relative carries reward both for zakat and for maintaining family ties.

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1466; Sahih Muslim 1000 · Answered by Mufti Rashed Karim · Reviewed by a scholar