Q: I am traveling to Musjid Al Aqsa and intend to make niyyat and wear ihraam from there to perform my umrah. 

Can I vape while in Ihraam due to the lengthy time as it will be about 20 hours?

Q: I love reading, listening and learning about Islamic history. I love all the Prophet's stories, and stories about the Sahaabah. And also general Islamic history too. 

I’ve read Seerat ul Mustafa and now I’d like to read some other books that are authentic and I trust this site. What books would you recommend for me for stories and history? 

The other books I read or have read are Final Moments of the Past, Bahishti Zewar, Hayatul Muslimeen, Fazail Amal, Fazail Sadaqah.

Q: Can a person apply itr to his body and ihraam clothing before reciting the talbiyah?

A: Before entering into ihraam, it is sunnah to apply itr to one’s body and ihraam clothing. However, after entering into ihraam, it is not permissible.

Q: There is a hadith about women travelling, Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, 

"It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the last day to make a journey of one day and night unless she is accompanied by a mahram (husband or male relative whom she is prohibited to marry)." (Al Bukhari and Muslim) 

According to the hadith, if a woman travels alone will her prayers not be accepted?

Q: If one talaaq happened after khalwat e sahiha but before intercourse, would that constitute talaaq e bain? 

I have read somewhere that majority of the Hanafi, Maliki and Shafi scholars have a view that its an irrevocable divorce, however the wife will still have to spend the full iddat and will be entitled to full mehar.

Q: Is it jaiz to like one prophet over another?

Q: We are having an economic meltdown in our country. Due to lack of forex reserves, there is a vast difference between the dollar in the bank and the dollar on the black market. Due to scarcity, majority of the people are dealing with the black market rate which is very high in comparison to the bank rate. The bank also sometimes charges a premium that brings it close to the black market rate. The whole economy is running on the dollar and things change according to the rate. 

The issue comes about when calculating zakaat and other financials. Some Ulamaa have taken what they call a middle rate to benefit the masses. Others are taking the bank rates. Yet still some are of the opinion that the black rate should be taken into consideration because everyone is using it. What should be done in this case? What rate should we use? Your advice will be greatly appreciated.

Q: Can aqeeqah be performed by the grandfather? He pays for it even though the parents can afford it, but he wishes to do it himself.

Q: If I am going from my home to the next place which is 40 kms and will be staying there for 2 days and thereafter to the next destination which is 200 kms away and staying there for 3 days. I then come back home. 

Do I make the intentions for Musaafir when I leave home and pray qasr from the time I leave home.

Q: Is it permissible to do voluntary fast on Fridays in addition to the Mondays and Thursdays?