Q: I have a very important question regarding a past incident, and I sincerely request guidance according to the Hanafi school of thought. 

My sister and I were involved in a road accident, and sadly my sister passed away. We filed a legal case against the person who caused the accident. 

After a few months, some people approached our family for a settlement. They offered us 17 lakh rupees. However, the settlement involved replacing the actual driver with another person who agreed to accept responsibility in exchange for money. At first, we refused, but because of financial hardship, lack of education, and believing that the money could help us fight the case, we eventually signed the settlement papers and accepted the 17 lakh rupees. 

The person who accepted the blame did so willingly after receiving money, while the actual driver was protected. We are now using those 17 lakh rupees to build our house. 

Our questions are: 

Was it Islamically wrong for us to accept this settlement under these circumstances? 

Is the 17 lakh rupees halal or not? 

If we sincerely repent to Allah, does that make the money halal? 

Since our house is being built with this money, is it permissible for us to live in that house? 

If we have made a mistake, what should we do now to sincerely repent and correct it according to Shariah? 

We deeply regret anything that may have been against the teachings of Islam and sincerely want to know the correct ruling so that we can do what pleases Allah.

Q: I would like to work at a cider mill near my home. They produce apple cider, and the majority of their products contain alcohol. Only two of their products, which consist of pure apple juice, are halal. 

Since I study Process Engineering, I would like to work there because the work is related to my field of study, and the experience I gain there could be very beneficial for my future. I also live close to the factory. 

Please take into consideration that I live in Germany, where it is not easy to find a company in which all processes are 100% halal. The cider mill is also part of a large corporate group that mainly offers drinking water and fruit juices. 

Would I be allowed to work there part-time?

Q:  How do I become a friend of Allah? Is there any amal or dua to recite? 

Q: Can you please advise me on the following matter: 

A divorce took place approximately 13 years ago. The husband (and his family) are now requesting return of the gold coin which was given to the girl as her mehr when they performed the nikaah. However, in 2021 the house was burgled and the coin together with all other valuables were stolen. 

Questions: 

1. Is the girl now obliged to return the coin if it is in her possession? 

2. Considering that the gold coin has been stolen, is the girl under an obligation to recompense her ex-husband the value of the coin? 

3. If compensation is what she must do, then which value must this compensation be determined, i.e. at current value or the value 14 years ago?

Q: When Hazrat Easa ( alaihis salaam) comes back to this world, for how long will he live?

Q: I have read a few times that men should not join the second and third jamaats in the Masjid. 

In the UK, many of the Masajid are very small, serving a large number or Muslims. However, in recent years they have introduced second and third jamaats to avoid people praying on the pavement which is used by everyone public. 

Is it still the case that instead of joining the second jamaat, men should pray alone in the Masjid?

Q: A family member keeps saying that he was told family members/friends, etc. should not share the same hairbrush as it creates envy and jealousy, he says a Moulana told him it's a hadith (he won't say which Moulana though). 

Now, as an Aalimah, I don't recall learning about this hadith but I could be wrong. Can you please help me out.

Q: A couple went for hajj and after completing the umrah, while waiting for the days of hajj, the husband passed away. What must the wife do? Can she complete the hajj?

Q: 

1. If one cannot write the Quran from memory, can they be considered a Hafiz? 

2. If one does not know the meaning of the Ayahs of the Quran and Tafsir, can they be considered a Hafiz?

Q: If a person has been paying zakaat on a certain date every year since before they became baaligh, do they have to change the zakaat date to the date they became baaligh? 

The date they have been paying is about 6 months early, so it would probably be a shortfall in the amount.