Q: We would like to know when my aunts iddat will end. My uncle passed away on the 20th of Rajab 1435/ 20 May 2014.

Q: A mother's wealth is either mostly haram while the rest is lawful, or all haram! One of these cases  apply. It is extremely difficult to know the extent to which her wealth is lawful or unlawful. This is based on a very extreme case of ambiguity and devious behaviour on her part. She keeps on pestering two of her children to buy a property.  They are hesitant due to her wealth, while she doesn't care for lawful and unlawful, nor does she understand that her children are aware of her extremely dubious past full of lying, stealing, fraud, riba, dishonesty etc. She thinks, because of her over confident personality, that everyone else is stupid, while she is aware and intelligent. This woman suffers from a severe case of egoism and cognitive issues, but is unaware of this herself. Apart from being irascible and volatile, their mother, in short, causes them major difficulties, which involve psychological and emotional distress. These two people who are both adults, have discussed this issue extensively. There is the issue of the UK inheritance tax, but if their mother gifts them this money to buy a property each, this would mean she would have to live for 7 years after this in order that no inheritance tax be paid by her children. This is a tax law that helps people either reduce, or avoid completely inheritance tax should then sign up to avoid it. They are both having trouble establishing themselves, even though they have the capacity to make it in life. It is just that right now they seem dogged and paralysed by this woman's demeanour, and are finding life very difficult along with other factors. One is living with her, and so is experiencing great pains! He is finding it difficult to be obedient, as she constantly harasses him and bullies him. He is on benefit, and financially is weak. The other is renting a room close by, but is struggling financially, dependent on benefits to provide basic living standards and food, and also dependent on his mother for food; well, both of them are. My questions on behalf of them are:

1. Despite Sharia's stance on taking from someone else's unlawful wealth, is it permissible for this woman's two children to purchase a property each using her wealth?  It would provide the start they need.  Better living standards, stability etc.

2. What if they can't do this, but wish to avoid inheritance tax, being their sole intention for buying the property, would this be allowed, while they both live in each bought property paying their own household bills with their own money?

3. Would they also be allowed to make a living from the properties by renting part of them out?  And would zakat be due on this, in this case?

4. Because of the unlawfulness assigned to her wealth, how would this affect Islamic inheritance?  Would the two brothers have to sell the properties after their mother dies, and divide the money up according to sharia amongst four of them altogether; or give the money away?

5.  If they are not allowed to take from her wealth, then what should they do with her inheritance as a whole after her death?  Give it to Islamic charity, inherit it etc?

Q: Is it permissible to find out the gender of the child before it is born? What if not then can you please provide a brief explanation?

Q: I was hoping you could please advise me. I am not a Muslim, but Inn Shaa Allah I will revert. I do however want to learn more about Islam before making a decision. I am currently going to an Apa that is helping me with Islmaic history. Is it permissible for her to start teaching me the Quraan if I make wudhu? Can I start learning Arabic alphabets, duas and surahs?

Q: Please explain me about purda (hijab). Can women open their faces in front of any man? What is the actual order of Allah Ta'ala regarding purda (hijab) for women?

Q: I have heard that if one buys a new property or shop it is good to recite Surah Al Baqarah in this place. I have also heard that one should recite the adhaan in the four corners of the building. Can you please clarify the adhaan part for me.

Q: Qiyaam-ul-layl: I am a Hanafi  living in an area where, unfortunately, many do not follow a set mazhab. One of the brothers requested that 'Qiyaam-ul-layl' be performed in jamaat during Ramadaan. From his description, I understand this to be tahajjud salaah (as we have already
arranged for Taraweeh salaah). Is it permissible to perform any nafl salaah in jamaat?

Q:

1. I had a scratch on my knee which I thought was almost healed. However, at the end of the day, I noticed many small spots (which I assume was discharge from the wound) on my pants and kurta around the knee area. I do not know when this occurred, but it is likely that some of the discharge occurred while performing sajdah. Do I have to repeat all salaah/tilaawat for that day?
2. If one covers a wound with a bandage, and blood may or may not flow onto the bandage, would it be permissible to perform salaah in that condition, or does one have to be certain that the bleeding has stopped?
3. Referring to (2), can one lead the salaah in that condition?

Q: We are urged not to support the beliefs and the ways of the Shi'ites for several reasons. Many of the dates for consumption in South Africa are
produced in Iran. Can we eat these dates?

Q: Alhamdullillah I am blessed with a boy. I want to name my son Muhammad Sanaullah. Please advise if I can keep such a name?