Fish - Eating

QUESTION:

If you don't mind, I have another question. This one is about eating fish.
As far as I know, the Qur'an does not specifically mention which types of
fish and other water-dwelling creatures are halal or haram. I have been
taught not to eat lobster and catfish, for instance, but that shrimp and
fish with scales are okay. First, is this correct? And second, is
there a hadith or other source on which this is based?
Thank you for any help you can give, inshallah.

ANSWER:

In the name of the Almighty,

It is very true that all creatures apart from prawns (shrimps) and fishes
that have scales are haram to eat. For this there are many ahadith.

Muhammad bin Muslim asked Imam Jaffer Al-Sadiq (AS) about a fish that has no
scales to which the Imam(AS) replied: " Eat of the fishes that have scales
and do not eat of the fishes that have no scales"

(Fiqh Al-Imam Jaffer Al-Sadiq by Jawad Mughniya Vol 4 Pg 368)

Wallahu A'alam

Fi Amanillah

Mustafa

Question 2

FOLLOW-UP QUESTION:

In the first sentence it is said that all creatures APART from shrimps
and fishes that HAVE SCALES are HARAM to eat. Meaning that as a rule,
if they have scales they are haram to eat, except shrimp and fishes.

Yet in the hadith that is quoted, it is stated,".:
"...do not eat of the fishes that have no scales"

Maybe there was a typo. Could you please clarify.

CLARIFICATION:

In the name of the Almighty

I guess the sentence could be read in both ways. The actual fact is that
only prawns and fish that have scales are permitted. All the other marine
creatures are haraam to eat.

I hope the above clarifies the confusion.

Wassalaam

Mustafa

Fish with Scales

Attached is a list of fish - Which are halal?
Arabic name English Name
1. Halwaya Black pomfret
2. Talah-Raheesa Snubnose Pompano
3. Talah-Raheesa African Pompano
4. Misht Bat fish
5. Kharkhur Alafa Crocodile Needlefish
6. Kharkhur Alafa Needlefish
7. Saflac-Fafdo-Kharodail Cutlass fish
8. Habar Cuttlefish
9. Misht Sicklefish
10. Baraya-Humara-Jinn Parrot fish
11. Far al Bahar Bonefish
12. Gaydher/Sahwa Yellow/Long tail tuna
13. Habar-Nager-Anter-Dagit Squid
14. Kelb al bahr/Khubs Indian Spiny Turbot
15. Keft-Kegdar-Bakes Golden trevally
16. Butikha Orange spot trevally
17. Gazwan-Andaq Delagoa threadfin
18. Baam-Sarour Tiger fish
19. Sagla-Gazala Rainbow runner
20. Habes-Zareb-Bashkel Queenfish
21. Gazala Black banded trevally
22. Misht Pennant Butterfly fish
23. Brayem Banded spinecheek
24. Brayem Dotted spinecheek
25. Sall Black tip trevally
26. Andaq Jobfish
27. Hamra Red snapper
28. Naqrur Silver grunt
29. Dhala'a-Karuga Indian mackerel
30. Sagtana-Marmara Striped bonito
31. Uma-Abed Indian oil sardine
32. Hamra Blueline snapper
33. Gawafa-Guturana Mullet
34. Faridh Surgeon fish
35. Sail-Sulfak Wolf herring
36. Jarjur Shark
37. Haida-Sharwa Kawakawa
38. Kan'ad Kingfish
39. Maran-Sils Flying fish
40. Safi-Seeseege Rabbit fish
41. Barber-Fanto Guitar fish
42. Kofer One spot bream
43. Aum alshaba Blue sea chub
44. Sha'rl-Khutam Longface emperor
45. Rababa-Bint Nakhza Two bar bream
46. Kawfar-Da'ara King soldier bream
47. Sha'ri-Khodair Red spot emperor
48. Sikel-Goada Cobia
49. Lazzag Remora, Shark sucker
50. Jam-Khenn Sea catfish
51. Ega'aisse Sgt-major Damsel
52. Baiher Milk fish
53. Shubas-Rubyan Indian white shrimp
54. Hasum-Poleen Lizard fish
55. Haima Big eye scad
56. Mailag Broomtail wrasse
57. Jarjur abu al Graram Hammer-head shark
58. Anfalus Mahi mahi
59. Deek Squirrel fish
60. Lama Striped fusilier
61. Sharukh Painted spiny lobster
62. Sharuk Scalloped spiny lobster
63. Aqam-Qadad-Gaila Baracuda
64. Nagroor Black spotted rubberlip
65. Deek Big eye
66. Sansul Sailfish
67. Kasarmala-Sultan Ibrahim-Hidi Long barbel goatfish
68. Kasarmala-Sultan Ibrahim - Hidi Yellowfin goatfish
69. Hamur Comet Grouper
70. Hamur Half spotted Grouper
71 Hamur Brown spotted grouper

ANSWER:

The rule is that if a fish has scales and is caught alive, you can eat the
fish. You are probably a better judge in identifying which fish is allowed
and which is not.

With Salaams & Duas

Mustafa Jaffer

Fish from Non Muslim Vendor

Question:

Regarding Fish: I guess there is a hard condition offered by Ay. khooee
when the fish is bought from a non-muslim person. We should make sure
(Yagheen) that the fish is killed outside the water.
My question is: how can we find such Yaghin? Do we have to contact the
factory to ask them? or even we ask them is it enough for us? ...

Answer:

Yaqeen is a very subjective matter. If you are fully convinced by any source
that the fish died out of the water, then you should follow your conviction.
By looking at the fishing methods used during our time, it is almost certain
that the fish dies either in the net or outside the water. In both cases,
according to the late Ayatullah al-Khu`i, the fish is halal.

Sayyid M. Rizvi

Fasting & Military Services

Question

I am to attend compulsory military service and the month of Ramdhan falls
within the period of my service. Is it necessary for me to continue with my
fasting during this period or can I make my fast qadha or do I HAVE TO MAKE MY
FAST QADHA?

Answer

You will have to observe fasting during military training. You will have to
fast unless it is absolutely impossible for you to keep your fast (e.g
sickness, old age etc). See Tawdhihu'l Masail pg. 314-315 for explanation of
people on whom fasting is not obligatory.

Best Regards

Liyakatali

Fasting for regular traveller

QUESTION 1

Salamun Alaikum.

I would like to ask a religious question for a friend of mine.
His home town and work town are about 90 kilometers apart.

This means that every day (5 days a week), he needs to travel this
distance. Can he fast when going to work?

Answer

Salaamun 'Alaykum,

Since your friend travels regularly to work, he will pray the full salat
and will fast everyday. See Ayatullah Khumayni's Tahriri al-Wasila

Iltimase Du'a

Liyakatali

Clarification on above:

Salam Alaikum

We would like to apologise for the following clarification. The original
question and answer regarding the rule of fasting for a travelling worker
according to Ayatullah Khumaini is posted for your reference. Dr. Takim
had requested the following clarification that has now been made by Shaykh
Hamid Mavani. I would like to thank Shaykh Hamid Mavani for this answer.

We ask Allah to forgive us for our mistakes.

Khuda Hafiz

Mahmood Kara
Acting Moderator
The Alim Network

Bismihi Ta'ala

Wa alaykum salaam,

The fatwa of the late Ayatullah Khumayni is conspicuously different than
the other marjas in defining what constitutes city boundaries and also
with respect to a person who travels regularly more than 8 farsakh to
his/her place of employment, the nature of which does not require
travelling.In the case of the latter, the person would be classified as a
musafir and thus would not be able to fast. So, Dr. Takim's response is
correct with respect to most of the marjas but not in the case of
Ayatullah Khumayni.

Wassalam,

Hamid Mavani

Fasting for the first nine days of Muharram

Question:

If one has Nazr Fasts which need to be kept, Can one fast on days like
the first nine days in Moharram which are said to be good days to fast
on?

Answer:

One can fast during the nine days of Muharram to fulfil the Nazr Fasts.

Asgharali M.M. Jaffer

Fasting while breast feeding

QUESTION

Please assist in clarifying the following question:

Should a woman who is breast-feeding be fasting? Does the right of the
nursing baby supersede the mothers' wajibaat of fasting?

My mujtahid - Ayatullah Syed Ali Seestani

ANSWER:

1. Among the list of the persons exempted from fasting during Ramadhan is a
woman who is pregnant or breast-feeding her child -- no matter whether the
woman thinks that fasting would harm her own health or that of the child.

2. However, such a woman has to do the qaza after the child-birth or after
the breast-feeding is over.

3. It is also wajib on such a woman to pay fidya: to pay at least 750 grams
of flour or rice per day to a poor Shi`a Ithna `Ashari. (Note: fiday is
different from kaffara.)

Source: Minhaju 's-Salihiyn, vol. 1, p. 334.

Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi

Fateha for Ahlul Bayt a.s.

QUESTION:

786.

Salaamalaikum,

Please can you tell me whether it is allowed to recite Sura-e-Fateha for
Ahlul-Bayt in a manner similar to the Fatehas which are recited for
deceased maumineen/mauminaat, i.e. after reciting Sura-e-Fateha for
ordinary maumineen/mauminaat we say 'O Allah please give the
sawab/hadiya of this fateha to X son of Y'. Please note the intention
after the recitation, bearing in mind that the Ahl-e-Bait are not in
need of our Fatehas, etc.

I have heard of situations where the Sura-e-Fateha is recited for nazar
and people say, for example, 'O Abul Fadlil Abbas please accept our
nazar'.

Wasalaam.

ANSWER:

Reciting Surah of Fateha, offering the whole recitation of the Holy Qur'an,
praying 2 or more Rakaats for Masoomeen (AS) is permissible. Your Niyyat
for the purpose will suffice, but it has to be Qurbatan Ilallah.

The Ahlulbait (AS) pray for us in return.

Nazar can only be made in the name of Allah. It is a covenant with Allah
Almighty.

Asgharali M M Jaffer

Fathers' Qadha Salaat

Question:

I would like to ask this question.
Why is it necessary for the eldest son to repay his fathers qaza prayers?
It seems to go against the principle that everyone is responsible for their
own actions.
Does this mean that making up neglected prayers or does this cover only
those prayers that were missed for some great uncontrollable circumstances?
What happens if the father never prayed at all?
And how would you go about repaying them?
And what about if the son already has many of his own qaza namaz.
Which ones should he pray first, for those qaza from his father or those
from himself?

Answer:

It is wajib for the eldest son to repay the prayers his father missed during
his lifetime. This I can only imagine is a gift from Allah to a person who
sires a son.

I must point out however, that our love for our parents should make us do
much more for them after their death whether we are first born or
not. By repaying their missed prayers, we are only fulfilling their basic
needs. By going a step further and remembering them in all acts of charity
is a gift we can endow to our parents aftre their death.

Repaying prayers can be done either physically by oneself or a third
person's services could be employed for the recitation of Qaza prayers and
the eldest son foots the costs involved. Our maraje are known to take
responsibility for making such arrangements.

As for the son's own qaza, he would be wise to learn from the father's
mistakes. Remember, a qaza prayed after death cannot be the same as qaza
prayed by oneself or prayers recited in time.

Wallaahu A'alam

Mustafa

Female Mujtahidah

QUESTION:

Assalamu alaikum,

I know that we must follow a mujtahid. I also know that a woman cannot be
followed as a Marja'. However, for a woman who has reached the level of
education of a mujtahid, is it necessary for her to follow someone else?
In a recent discussion, someone said that we must follow a mujtahid, and
the mujtahid must be male, therefore a woman mujtahid would still have to
follow someone else. This woman, by virtue of the fact that she is a
mujtahid, should not need to follow anyone else, just as a male mujtahid
would not. The level of knowledge of a mujtahid implies that the person is
capable of independent reasoning on Islamic subjects. Can you please
clarify this?

ANSWER:

It is haram for a person who has reached the level of ijtihad to do taqlid
for another mujtahid. This applies equally to men as well as women.
However, when the question of a marja` comes (i.e., a mujtahid who is
followed by others), then one of the conditions is that the marja` must be
a male. For example, the late Ayatullah al-Khu`i, says: "The conditions
[necessary] in marja`i 't-taqlid...", before listing the well-known
conditions ---like sanity, being baligh, iman, justice and being a male
(Minhaju 's-Salihiyn, vol. 1, p. 7).

In short, a woman can reach the level of ijtihad and follow her own views
but she cannot become a marja`.

Sayyid M. Rizvi

Filing for bankruptcy to avoid dept repayment

QUESTION:

Asalaam Alaykum

A friend of mine recently graduated college and returned to Pakistan.

Before returning though, he filed for bankruptcy on nearly $18,000
of college loan to avoid paying it. He said that it was alright to do
it because we are living in a kafir country that charges interest and
takes our tax dollars and that tuition was very overpriced.

My question is that is this reasoning justified that you can cheat a kaafir
country or institution out of its money which continuously cheats you out of
yours?

ANSWER

This is totally unacceptable and against Islamic teachings.

Asgharali M M Jaffer

Fitra for Pets

QUESTION:

With the month of Ramadhan approaching, I would like to ask a
question concerning the Fitra that we are required to pay..
I have been told recently that this fitra is also to be paid
on any pets we have at home (cats, fish, birds, etc..) - Is
there any truth to this??
If this is true, then how would one calculate the amount to be
paid??

ANSWER:

There is no Fitra to be paid for pets.

Wasalaam,

Asgharali M.M. Jaffer

Food & Ahlul Kitab


QUESTION:

The late Imam's Khumayni & Khoie ruled that ahlul-kitab were najis,
but we could eat foods prepared by them according to their rulings,
yet we could not eat foods prepared by kafirs.

What is the difference? They are both najis?

(I understand that Ayatullah's Khamenie & Sistani consider ahlul-kitab
to be clean.)

Also, if the food is being cooked, would not the heat be a cleanser?

ANSWER:

The Late Ayatullah Khomeini and Khui ruled that as a precaution, the AHlul
Kitaab were Najis.

There is a distinct difference between the Ahlul Kitab and the KAfir - they
have been mentioned separately - by their respective names - in the Holy
Quran. Moreover, the KAfir is a Najisul Ayn whereas Ahlul Kitab is not.

In any case, whoever excludes Ahlul Kitab from the overall Kafir, is
actually declaring them Paak and Tahir. Whereas those who refrain from doing
so are actually making their food or whatever they touch Najis and haram to
eat.

With Salaams and Duas

Mustafa

Food in Restaurants


QUESTIONS:

Comment: It has become very difficult these days to determine how much we
are required to investigate into the preparation of foods from restaurants
and other food services.

Question: 1. What is a Muslim's responsiblity in investigation of food
preparation. For example, one orders PIZZA and asks that the cutter be
washed and food plate be fresh. Yet there is the masaleh of the wet hand of
the KAFIR and the mixing of the utensils that are used to prepare the food.
Most pizza places do not use gloves in food preparation. So if the cook
washes the cutter, now his hands are wet or if he dips his hand in tomatoes
his hands are wet, he next touches pork or other haram meats. After he
prepares the pizza ahead of yours he then touches your ingredients with his
NAJIS hands with NAJIS foods on it. I am sure that you can see how this
might be extended to other companies like McDonalds, Burger King etc. even
when ordering fish sandwiches at these places. I have only seen Subway use
gloves as a practice to prepare there foods like tuna fish sandwiches. Some
of these stores require you to request that they wear gloves. Even ordering
pancakes or hashbrowns at Denny's or other places is a problem because they
use the same grill to make your food as they do the haram foods which
usually contain PIG FLESH. This is a problem indeed. Not only for me but
for many others as well. I am sure of this.
If I am correct IMAM KHOMEINI says not to investigate too deep. Also,
Ayatollah Khamenii says that the wet skin of the Ahleh Ketab is not Najis.
What is the opinion of the scholars on this issue?

2. When alcohol is used on a utensil what is required for the utensil to
become PAK?
Also, if the alcohol is completely burned off of the utensil like FLAMBEY in
some restaurants, is the utensil still needing a special cleaning and is the
food najis even if the alcohol is burned off?

I hope that the questions are not too cumbersome.

ANSWERS:

salaamun 'Alaykum,

As far as the preparation of food in concerned, the ruling according to
Ayatullah Seestani is that the ahl al-KItab are paak, so if they touch the
food even with wet hands then there is no problem.- However, If YOU ARE SURE
THAT THEY TOUCH PORK WITH WET HANDs and then transfer the najasat to the
food you are eating then the food is najis for you to consume. If you are
not sure then you may consume the food.

The same ruling will apply in preparation of food: that is, if you are sure
that the food you are consuming has been made in the same grill in which
pork was prepared e.g same oil, or prepared in such a way that najasat has
been transferred, then one may not consume such food. If you are doubtful
and are not sure then the food may be consumed.

See Ayatullah Seestani's Risala p. 18, #107

According to Ayatullah Seestani, if a utensil contains alcohol, it can only
be made pak if it is washed 3 times even with runnning or kurr water.
p. 26 #154-

Observing ihtiyat, it is better to clean the utensil 3 times if the alcohol
is burned off for fear of any trace of any najasat left over. Unfortunately,
I am not sure what Flambey means.

And God knows best

Liyakat Nathani

Food in Restaurants

QUESTION:

I am starting a job next week and the only place to eat lunch is at the fast
food joints nearby my office. Some of these places include McDonalds and
Subway. If I restrict myself to vegetarian items, can I eat lunch at these
places?
I do not know the religion of those people preparing the food at
these fast food joints. Can I assume that the are Ahl-e-Kitab since they
are the majority in this country?
Please let me know soon since there are hardly any alternatives to eating at
a fast food joint.

ANSWER:

If no meat is involved and no other najis additives are in use, you can
have vegetable items (etc..) from these joints.

Asgherali M M Jaffer

Food ingredients - doubts / certainty

QUESTION:

Salaamu alaykum.

Could you please answer my question according to the ruling of A.
Seestani.

It is known that if you only suspect that something is najis you may
assume it is taahir and investigation into the matter is not required.
However is there a limit to the applicability of this rule? For example
if you buy an article of food, say a choclate bar, can you apply the above
principle even though the ingredients of the chocolate bar are written
upon it's wrapper? To shorten the question, would looking at the
ingredients on a food wrapper, for example, be considered as unnessecary
investigation?

Jazaakallah. wa salaam.

ANSWER:

Wa-alaikum as-salam,

The key here is the word "suspect". To what degree is that
suspicion valid!. There are several degrees in Figh of suspicion:

1. Wahm (Delusion): That is when you are approximately %25 sure of something
but %75 sure that it is not so. Wahm has no weight in Islam and no judgment
can be based on it.

2. Shak (Doubt): When you are approx. %50 sure of something and %50
sure it is not so.

Shak is disregarded in Islam.

3. Dhan (Most likely/probable): When you are more sure that
something is true but less sure that it is not so. Say %70 sure
but %30 not sure. Dhan is regarded as a basis of a judgment.

4. Itminan (Sureness): When you are so sure of something that you
are confident it is true. However, there is a small chance it is
not true. Itminan is a solid
basis for a judgment.

5. Yaqeen (Certainty): When you are 100% sure of something. Is is
an indisputable basis for judgment.

Based on the above, if you have shak or wahm [about the presence of
an ingredient], then you do not have to read the ingredients and if you did
then it is unnecessary investigation.

However, if you have dhan then you should read the ingredients.

But if you have Itminan or yaqeen, then it is haram for you to eat the
product unless you read the ingredients and you find out that it does not
contain any haram ingredients.

Allah knows best.

Odeh A. Muhawesh

Forced to pray behind Imam

QUESTION:

I would request that this question be according to the Resalah of Ayatuallah Seestani *and* marhum Ayatullah Golypagani.

This is a question about Namaz-e-Jamaat.

I was wondering what one does when one is "forced" to pray as the Pesh-Imam in Jamaat behind a person who one knows repeatedly commits a major sin ((and he himself has admitted it)) - or someone who one feels is not Adil (from his conduct around others and from his speech), such that he can lead Salat.

What is the status of those who are beside and behind you in Jamaat if you, as the Pesh-Imam are praying Furada - is their salat in Jamaat (or their salat in general) accepted?

Also, what would happen if there are two people in Jamaat (the Leader, and two followers) and a third person comes in (say half way thru the Salat) and does not realize that we are praying furada, and his niyyat is for Jammat - is his Salat in Jamaat considered as saheeh??

With this being the scenario, what should one do to avoid such situations - especially if telling the person to his face why you don't pray behind him will cause fitna to arise.

Should one be compelled to pray Jamaat, or should one just not go to the Centre for Jamaat (which in itself may cause fitna).

ANSWER:

First of all, there is a confusion in the question: the term "pesh-Imam"
means someone who leads the prayer. So I do not understand what the
questioner means by "forced to pray as the pesh-Imam in jamaat BEHIND a
person..." The pesh-Imam is not behind anyone.

Presuming that the questioner has used the term "pesh-Imam" in the meaning
of "ma'mum: one who is praying in jamaat but not leading the prayers" then:
if the imam-e jamaat is generally considered to be o.k. by the people but
you know definitely that he is not qualified to lead the prayer, then you
may join the jamaat with the niyyat of furada. This is for the respect of
namaz-e jamaat and to avoid fitna.

In such cases, you should stand in at a place where those on your sides and
behind you are connected through others to the imam-e jamaat.
In any case, the namaaz of other people will not be affected even if you
have done the niyyat of furada simply because they have no knowledge about
your niyyat.

Yours in Islam,

Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi

Forgiveness

QUESTION:

I have a question concerning Allah (s.w.t)'s all - encompassing mercy
and forgiveness. In the qur'an aswell as in hadith, there are numerous
example of Allah(s.w.t)'s mercy. We are told that when we committ sins
and turn to Allah(s.w.t) in true repentance we are forgiven. What I
often wonder is does this mean we will now no longer have to be
punished for these sins? We are also repeated told that everyone
will receive due recompense for every atom of good and every atom of
bad that they have done. If we are to be forgiven, then this would
imply no punishment, but, on the other hand how can any sin go
unpunished?
Additionally, often in maj'lis there are examples of groups of people
who are forgiven due to the goodness of one person, ie. azhaab that
was coming down in a khabrastan was stopped because a lady who was
buried there was so true in her faith that all others were forgiven
as well, what are we to make of these examples...?
I also feel that it may be a sin in itself to doubt Allah(s.w.t)'s mercy,
if we question his all encompassing mercy and forgiveness.

ANSWER:

Sins are of three kinds - Those between the perpetrator and himself or
herself like overeating, oversleeping, etc.
There are those that are between the perpetrator and other human beings
like backbiting, cheating, etc. and then there those that are between the
perpetraot and Allah.

Forgiveness is an opportunity through which we cancancel the effects of our
past actions. Thus, if we seek forgiveness and Allah accepts it, then there
will be no punishment for that sin. However, there is the condition of
acceptance which will always remain a mystery to us (well, at least until
we die).

There are many Ahadith that say that our attempts to seek forgiveness stand
a better chance of being accepted by the Almighty if we further resolve
never to repeat and we practically never repeat the sins.

These are for sins between the perpetrator and Allah. As for those
perpetrated against human beings, then, as in the case of backbiting,
forgiveness from the victim must be sought and thereafter forgiveness from
Allah be sought.

Wa Minallaahit Tawfiq

Mustaf Jaffer

Furada Salaat

QUESTION:

Answer needed as per Ayt. Seestani:
Do you recite Surah Al-Hamd and the other Surah in jamaat namaaz
if your niyat is furadah, or do you keep silent?

ANSWER:

Ayatullah Seestani, Daamat Barakaatuhu, states: "When individual
intention is made during recitation, it is obligatory (upon the
worshipper) to recite (Al-Hamd & the 2nd Surah) from its beginning and
reciting only what remains (after changing intention) does not suffice,
according to precaution." [Al-Masaa`il Al-Muntakhabah, Issue #375]

Based on this, it is apparent that the person must recite for
him/herself when praying Furada in a congregation.

Wasalaam,

Ali Rasheed

Fasting - What is Niyyat?

Fasting is an act of worship; its main purpose is to abstain for forbidden forbidden things so as to earn "the pleasure of Allah by obeying Him."

This is why an intention to fast for the pleasure of Allah is absolutely essential. This intention is called 'Niyyat'.

There is no need to utter the words conveying the intention.

The very fact that one is willing to observe the fast, for the sake of Allah , is enough.

There is no need to use the qualifying terms like 'WAJIB', 'SUNNAT', 'QADHA' etc. for fast. If it is an obligatory fast, like during the month of Ramadhan, it will automatically be so.

However, it is absolutely necessary to have in mind: "Qur-batan Ilallah"

for the pleasure of (or nearness to) Allah.

In other words, one may be aware of all spiritual as well as physical benefits of fasting, yet these do not constitute the aim and purpose. The sole aim is earning His pleasure.

In Accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - We are in doubt whether it is last day of Sha'baan or first day of Ramadhan?

When you are in doubt whether it is the last day of SHA'BAN or the first day of Ramadhan, it is not obligatory to fast on that day. Later in the day, if it transpires that the month of Ramadhan had set in already, you would stop all those acts which bread or invalidate the fast, and give Qadha for the fast after the holy month has elapsed.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Sayyid Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - One cannot fast on the last day of Sha'ban as the fast of Ramadhan?

If you fast on that day with the Niyyat of Ramadhan, then your fast will be invalid (Batil). It can be designated as a SUNNAT, QADHA or NAZR fast. If it is later found out than it is the first day of Ramadhan, you will change the Niyyat and your fast will automatically be reverted to that of Ramadhan.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Sayyid al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Make intention of the whole month

On the first night of holy Ramadhan, make a NIYYAT for the whole month.

Have a firm intention to fast during the whole month, Qurbatan Ilallah.

Alternatively, you can make a fresh Niyyat for everday. But the time of Niyyat is from the nightfall up to the time of morning prayers. To avoid missing out the Niyyat, it is recommended to make the Niyyat for the whole month on the first night.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Sayyid Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Its duration from Subhe Sadiq to Maghrib

Fasting begins with the setting in of the time for SUBH prayers.

This is called SUBHE SADIQ.

In most of the timetables published by various organization, this time is shown under 'FAJR'. In order to be on the safe side, it is better to abstain fromm all the forbidden things a few minutes before FAJR or SUBHE SADIQ.

The fast ends at MAGHRIB which occurs a few minutes after the sun

disc has disappeared from the horizon.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Sayyid Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Who does not have to fast or give Qadha?

They are of two categories: One, who will not fast and have no QADHA to give; and those who will give QADHA later, when the holy month is over.

Men and women who are incapable of fasting because of advanced old age are totally exempted. They do not have to give any QADHA either.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Those elderly not fasting should pay how much FIDYAH per fast?

Those elderly people who find it extremely trying and difficult to fast are also exempted; but they have to pay a redemption (FIDYAH) or ONE MUD (= ¾ kg) of food in lien of each fast to the poor and needy. It is recommended that preference be given to wheat or barley.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Sayyid Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Those who are unable to sustain thirst, are they exempted from fasting?

A person who, due to certain illness, is unable to sustain and endure thirst, is exempted. However, in view of the sanctity of the holy month, he or she should not drink water to quench the thirst fully. Such a person will pay FIDYA in lieu of each fast, and will give Qadha if the illness is later remedied.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Sayyid Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Will a mother (not fasting) due to advanced stage of pregnancy, will she give FIDYA & QADHA?

A mother in advanced stage of pregnancy will not fast if fasting is harmful to herself or the baby. She will give FIDYA in lieu of the fast and will give Qadha later.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Sayyid Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Nursing mother who fears fasting, will she give FIDYAH & Qadha?

Similary, a nursing mother who fears that fasting might reduce the supply of milk for the child is exempted from fasting. But she will give FIDYA in lieu of each fast she left out, and will later give Qadha also.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Sayyid Al Khui (RA)

Fasting - Lady in period, does she give Qadha of the fast?

A lady in her period will not fast. In fact, she is forbidden to fast while

in her periods. She will give Qadha later.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Sayyid Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Can we apply eyedrops or Surma?

Avoid eyedrops or SURMA ect. Whose taste or smell can be felt in the throat, and do not commit any such acts or exertion which would render you physically weak.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Sayyid Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - What if we keep wet cloth on our body to cool? Or snuff & fragrance of sweet plants / flowers?

Do not keep a wet cloth on your body for the sake of cooling; avoid use of snuff and fragrance from sweet plants and flowers.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Sayyid al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Can we brush our teeth during fasting?

Also avoid blood-letting, or tooth extraction if possible. And when you brush your teeth, use a dry brush. If it is wet, see that it is dried every time you use it for brushing your teeth. Do not unnecessarily insert water or anything into your mouth.

All these acts are reprehensible during the fasts. They do not break your fast,

but they are unworthy and therefore avoided.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Sayyid al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Are we allowed to smoke?

The first and immediate meaning which creeps to ones mind about fasting is abstinence. No food, no drink. In Islam, fasting means to refrain from eating and drinking from SUBHE SADIQ till MAGHRIB. We are forbidden to swallow anything, edible or otherwise, little or more. This includes smoke and dust, light or intense.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Sayyid Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Will lies to Allah, the Prophet or Masumeens break our fast?

To lie is abhorrent. And if one imputes any lies to Allah, the Prophet or Masoomeen, by an utterance, a written word or assign (like nodding to the untruth), ones fast is broken, even if one confesses later that it was a lie and repents. This means that we have to be careful when attributing any report to Allah or Masoomeen ( A.S.).

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Sayyid al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Vomiting breaks ones fast

At some stage, fasting may cause nauseation. If one vomits purposely, or deliberately does something to cause a vomit, the fast is invalid.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Sayyid Al Khui (ra)

Fast - Does swimming invalidate fast?

Swimming does not invalidate your fast, provided that you do not allow the whole of your head to submerge under water. There is no difference between doing so by a headlong dive or by allowing the head to go under after having entered the water. Even if you cause your head to go under water while you are not swimming, your fast is invalid.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Sayyid Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Injecting does not break ones fast

An injection during the fast does not invalidate the fast. We are forbidden, however, to take an enema or any such liquid preparation as enema. If it is medically recommended or becomes inevitable, one may take the enema, but the fast will be broken and will have to be paid.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Sayyid Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Sexual intercourse breaks ones fast

Sexual intercourse during the fast is forbidden, irrespective or whether ejaculation takes place or not. The fast of both, husband and wife, will be invalid. However, a foreplay or caressing is not forbidden provided that one is sure that it would not lead to ejaculation.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Sayyid Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Does masturbation break ones fast?

Masturbation is always Haram, and if one commits it while fasting, the fast is invalid.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Sayyid Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Involuntarily ejaculation, does it break ones fast?

If one becomes wet while in sleep, and an involuntary ejaculation takes place, it does not invalidate the fast.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Al Khui (RA)

Fasting - If Ghusl of Janabat becomes obligatory during the night?

When Ghusl of Janabat becomes obligatory during the night, it is WAJIB to perform the Ghusl BEFORE SUBHE SADIQ.. If one deliberately remains in the state of Janabat till after SUBHE SADIQ, the fast will be invalid. This applies to both, men and women. And those ladies who find themselves having become clean their period or NIFAS during the night, must do GHUSL before SUBHE SADIQ.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Can a person do tayammum instead of Ghusl?

Anyone who sleeps knowing full well that rising before SUBHE SADIQ for Ghusl will not be possible will have his or her fast broken and there will be Qadha together with the KAFFARA (Details to follow). A person who is ill and cannot do Ghusl, would perform Tayammum instead of GHUSL.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Can I fast while travelling?

At any place where you pray QASR, you will not fast. If you have traveled to a place where your stay will be for less than ten days, you will pray QASR for the prayers of Four Rakats, and you will not fast. You will give Qadha later.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - What about fasting for pilots, bus drivers, etc...?

Those whose vocation is traveling, like the pilots, the crew, the drivers etc. , or one who undertakes a journey for a sinful purpose, must fast even while they are traveling, and their prayers will not be Qasr.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Are we allowed on purpose to travel of avoiding fast?

To travel for the sole purpose of avoiding the fast is allowed, though reprehensible.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Can I fast if travelling is after Zohr?

If you travel from the place where you live AFTER the time of ZOHR, you will complete the fast. But if you travel before Zohr, then you will not fast.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Journey should not be less than how many miles for travelling?

(Traveling means having reached outside the boundaries of the city, town or village, on your way to a journey which should not be of less than 28 mile. On a day one has an intention of traveling, one will not break the fast while still at home or in the city. The fast will be broken when the actual journey begins).

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - If one arrives home before Zohr, can one fast?

If you arrive back home before Zohr, and if you have not, on your way back, committed any such act which invalidates the fast you must fast on that day.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - What are the details on Kaffarah?

It is a great sin to eat or drink during the days of Holy Ramadhan, or deliberately commit acts which break the fast without a justifiable reason. Those reasons have been explained earlier.

Anyone who leaves out a fast purposely has to give Qadha together with KAFFARA. The Kaffara is either

(i) to free a slave;

Or (ii) to fast for two months in lieu of each fast of Holy Ramadhan;

Or (iii) to feed 60 poor.

He who chooses to fast two months as KAFFARA will fast for 31 days in succession.

Thereafter, he may complete the balance at random.

An if one wishes to feed sixty poor, one has to give away food or grain which would enough for a full meal. This could be in form of wheat, barley or loaves.

Caution: If a person invalidates his fast by a Haram (forbidden)

Act , like:

(i) Drinking alcohol etc. or committing adultery, fornication

(ii) Attributing lies to Allah, His Prophet (s.a.w.) and Masoomeen (a.s.)

He or She will have to give ALL THREE KAFFARA together.

May Allah grant us guidance and TAWFIQ to understand the sanctity of

HOLY RAMADHAN, and patience and steadfastness to follow Him obediently

so as to earn His pleasure.

In accordance with the fatawa of Ayatullah Al Khui (ra)

Fasting - Can I brush my teeth during the fast?

Yes, you have to be careful that the moisture does not go down the throat.

By Ayatullah Al Khui

Fasting - Can I use tooth paste etc.?

Yes, be careful not to swallow it, even the least.

By Ayatullah Al Khui

Fasting - Is injection or innoculation allowed?

Yes, these do not invalidate the fast.

By Ayatullah Al Khui

Fasting - I am asthmatic, Am I allowed to use the inhalers ?

No. Using inhalers will break the fast. If it is inevitable, you will not fast.

Later, you will give Qadha if you are able to fast.

By Ayatullah Al Khui

Fasting - I live in a city where commuting from one point to another involves more than 28 miles. Should I fast?

Yes. Commuting within the city, however long the distance,

does not mean traveling, and therefore you will fast.

By Ayatullah Al Khui

Fasting - I am salesman and have to travel once a week or so.

Do I fast on the days I travel?

No. You will not fast. You will give Qadha later.

By Ayatullah Al Khui

Fasting - I am a regular traveler. Daily, I have to go to my place of work which is out of my city and involves more than total 28 miles. Should I fast?

Yes. You have to fast, because you are a frequent traveler.

By Ayatullah Al Khui

Fasting - While making Wudhu, am I allowed to do the sunnat mouthwash?

Yes, you are allowed to do so.

By Ayatullah Al Khui

Fasting - Should I spit out the saliva that gathers in my mouth?

No, there is no need to do so. Swallowing saliva does not break the fast.

In fact, spitting insensibly is a dirty habit, discouraged by ISLAM.

By Ayatullah Al Khui

Fasting - Are indoor or outdoor games allowed during the fast?

Yes, they are allowed. Be careful not to indulge in games which are

HARAM, like cards and gambling. And in outdoor games, see that

strenuous exhaustion does not occur.

BY Ayatullah Al Khui

Fasting - If I forgot that I am fasting, and quite inadvertently ate, drank or started smoking. Does my fast become BATIL?

No. If you have done so forgetfully, your fast is valid. BUT, you would not continue eating, drinking or smoking. You must

stop immediately when you remember that you are in a fast.

By Ayatullah Al Khui

Fasting - A housewife has sometimes to taste food while she cooks.

Is this allowed?

Yes. But this means tasting on the tongue only. Swallowing will make fast BATIL.

Ayatullah Al Khui

Fasting - Am I allowed to avoid fast if I have a headache, stomachache or fever?

You are the best judge. If the illness is not aggravated by fasting, then you

will fast. Such routine indisposition should not be taken as an excuse for

avoiding fasts. If you will feel that medical treatment is inevitable,

but give Qadha later.

By Ayatullah AL Khui

Fasting - Does external application of medicine break the fast?

No, it does not.

By Ayatullah Al Khui