Miscellaneous

Q:

1. Is smoking a cigarette haram and is consuming paan haram? As we know that smoking is the #1 preventable cause of death. I have been confused about smoking cigarettes. I have heard that its haram because it damages your health, it's a waste of money, and Allah says وَلاَ تُلْقُواْ بِأَيْدِيكُمْ إِلَى التَّهْلُكَةِ and smoking is literally destroying yourself. I have also heard its makrooh, so which one is it? Also about paan, it damages your health as my uncle has lost his teeth due to it.

2. How do you reply to someone who says that my death has already been written by Allah. A cigarette can't kill me faster or change my death date. What do you say to them?

Q: My query is with regards to the authenticity and reliability of a kitaab - it's content, author and publishers. The name of the kitaab is "Fayzaan-e-Rahmat - Abundance of Mercy - A collection of Du'as for different occasions" by Maulana Muhammad Abdullah Darkwasti and jointly published by Zam Zam Publishers and Madrasah Arabia Islamia.

All the duaas are prescribed from Qur'aan and Hadith. Some of the prescribed wazifahs include Surah Yaaseen and it's seven mubeens/Shaykh Husain Ahmad Madani's nafl salaat prescription/other wazifahs of qadriyyah silsilah among many others. Can I undoubtedly and with full yaqeen supplicate to Allah Ta'ala through the means of these prescribed wazifahs?

Q: Is it permissible to keep or exhibit belongings of Nabi Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) like hair and nails?

Please provide any reference.

Q: My nani is bedridden. She has a female Christian attendant who comes everyday in the morning and leaves at night. She wanted to know if she can say salam to her when she comes in the morning. If not, then how should she greet her when she comes? Not saying anything appears rude and cold.