Q: It has been openly challenged in the Quraan that no verse or chapter can be created by anyone similar to what is in it. What is the criteria and how to judge if a verse is similar or not with that of Quraan?

Q: I am 18 years old and will be completing my schooling this year. I am considering joining the army after I matriculate. Initially, after my training is complete, I will serve a certain amount of time in the army and may even be called upon to fight for the country (as is happening currently, where South Africa is fighting in certain other African countries).

My idea is that after some time, when I have sufficient training and experience, I will leave the army and become a mercenary (a soldier for hire). There is a great demand for mercenaries, especially in dangerous countries such as Iraq and other war-ridden countries like the African countries suffering from war lords, etc, and this profession is extremely lucrative.

Is this profession permissible in Islam?

Q: I read somewhere that Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahimullah) said that it is the mother's right to name the child. Is this right?

Q: When I offer namaaz in the masjid, when going into sajdah, many peoples heads touch the feet of the person in the front row. Whats the ruling on it?Does it affect the namaaz in any way?

Q: We started tawaf from Maqam-e-Ebrahim thinking that it was the black stone during our first 3 umrahs (despite having read the umra guideline). After the 3rd umrah we realized the mistake. Will the umrahs be valid? 

Q: Is sleeping while azaan is going on haraam?

Q: I live in Saudi Arabia, and I just got engaged to my cousin who lives in USA. I'm aware of the cultural differences between the two countries. I'm worried about how my cousin should wear clothes. I didn't ask her to wear abaya because she said that girls in USA don't have to wear abaya and it's not necessary in order not to get men's attention, like in Saudi.

She also works in big well known company in an office environment with men and women together. I would like to know what Islam says about wearing jeans (not tight), makeup (little bit) and high heels shoes? And is it ok to work with men in an office environment, and is it ok to ride in a car with a male colleague?

2. How should Muslim men and women conduct with their brothers/sisters in law? Is it ok to talk or sit together with them in a family gathering? Is it ok to travel with them together with one's husband?

3. Is it ok to shake the hand of a non-mahram?

Q: I’d like to ask if eating at a table where one of your family members (female) is watching football considered as being in a place of sin? What can I do as the family member won’t listen to me about the haraam action of watching males?

Q: I have two daughters and their aqeeqah were missed. Now I want to perform this sunnah. Please guide me regarding the day suitable for that purpose.

1. First daughter was born at 2:15 am on Tuesday.

2. Second daughte was born at 10:15 pm on Monday.

I am confused regarding which day will be the the seventh day.

Q: Is it against the respect of the Holy Quran that one recites it by sitting on a praying mat on the floor while other people are sleeping on the bed?