Q: I am in the construction industry working in a private consulting firm where we work with the public sector (government). In some projects, hard cash has to be paid to a government official for certain processes to be done quicker then the normal waiting time. For example if the process of getting a document approved is 6 weeks, payment can be made to the individual to get it approved within a week such that the deadline can be met for the client (government). Does this count as bribery? If yes, what can be done to avoid such if your boss requires it to be done?

Q: Please can you kindly advise on the following from a Hanafi point of view:

1. Reading Sabina Taraweeh in the Kingdom. Is it permissible to do so?

2. Are we allowed to read Witr in Jamaat in the Kingdom as their method is different?

Q: Is it permissible for women to wear sterling silver rings?

Q: Novotel is a hotel where people stay, and they serve breakfast and dinner. In the morning, they have a buffet with various food items like bread, beans, eggs, and sausages, including pork bacon. The chef mentioned that the chicken and beef sausages are halaal.

If I work there, my tasks will include cleaning tables, carrying plates, and refilling the food, including bacon. In the evening, they also have a bar.

As a Muslim lady, can I work in this hotel for the breakfast buffet?

Q: Is it permissible for a Shaafi to perform Iqamah according to the Hanafi madhab due to the majority of musallees and the imam being Hanafi?

Q: The following appears in "The Three Harams" by Madrasah Ta’leemuddeen:

"Do not distribute parcels, hampers and other goods in the musjid. Similarly, do not make the musjid a drop off point for collecting parcels."

Please advise:

(1) What is the status of distributing parcels and hampers in the Musjid parking lot and yard? This happens in poor areas in KZN, where Muslim and Ulama relief groups or individuals, arrange for the distribution of groceries and blankets in the Musjid yard. People, males and females, line up and collect.

(2) Distributing Qurbani meat in the Masjid parking lot / yard. Is this correct?

(3) A feeding scheme takes place for the poor children after afternoon Madrasah at the Masjid. The children sit and eat in the madrasah section, which is a large room adjoining the last saff. Is this permissible?

(4) Grocery hampers are distributed to poor people in the Masjid entrance/shoe rack area, the goods are given to poor people as they leave. Is this permissible?

Q: How long should the pause be between Surah Faatiha and a surah in salaah?

Q: I wanted to ask the mas'alah regarding children standing in saffs with the men. I always knew that small boys should stand behind the saffs of the men. However, I have noticed a trend of small boys standing next to their fathers.

It just worries me and I am inconvenienced at these small boys standing beside me in the saff. Please advise and guide as to what is correct according to Shariah.

Q: I would like to know if purdah is compulsory in front of an illegitimate son of my fathers?

Q: There is this book called "The Tablespread Of the Holy Prophet" written by Muhammad Faisal

There is a section on cheese. This hadith is a Sahih Muslim Hadith 687, Narrated by Abu Hurayrah (radhiyallahu anhu).

"Performing ablution in the mosque, he said: I am performing ablution because of having eaten pieces of cheese, for I heard the Messenger of Allah Ta'ala say: Perform ablution (after eating anything) touched by fire."

I would like to know what is meant by "touched by fire" and why should we make wudhu after eating something that is touched by fire?