Q: My boss, who is Christian, told me that he likes the Turkish nation soccer team shirt. So I bought him one in order to give it to him as a present. I bought it and then I saw it has the blue eye on the inside (which some people falsely believe it will protect from evil eye). Was it wrong to give him this present, as the shirt has something on which is shirk? It's a small blue eye on the inside.

Q: I have been married twice before and have three children. I am living back with my parents (mom and brother) since earlier this year, but work and see to the kids for everything excluding rent to stay. I am having a hard time coping financially. I would like to remarry but my brother (my father has passed on some years ago) thinks it is too soon and will not meet the man that has put the proposal forward. My question is do I need consent from my brother and or mother?

Q: Please advise on lease agreements:

1. Is it necessary for a formal lease agreement contract to be in conformity with the Shariah? I understand that any faasid, baatil, or haraam conditions made compulsory by the Government will be excused.

2. Also, is it possible that on account of a lease agreement with faasid, baatil, or haraam conditions, the rent the lessor receives will be haraam money?

Q: While performing four rakaats Sunnah I forgot and completed two rakaats with salam. My question is shall I repeat all four rakaats or just offer two rakaats.

Q: Is there any basis for these advices and will it be preferable to follow it:

Deeds or foods that weaken the memory

1. Sins.

2. Sour Apples.

3. Vinegar.

4. All those things that cause phlegm.

5. Moist Coriander.

6. Salted meat.

7. Hot bread.

8. Eating from a pot.

9. The leftover drink of a rat.

10. Reading tombstones.

11. Witnessing a crucifixion.

12. Looking at stagnant water.

13. Looking at one’s own private parts.

14. Looking at the private parts of a woman.

15. Masturbation.

16. For a person in need of a fard bath to look at the sky.

17. Looking into the mirror of a cupper (one who does cupping).

18. Using a broken comb.

19. Urinating in stagnant water.

20. Urinating on the side of the road.

21. Urinating under a fruit tree.

22. Urinating into ash.

23. Making wudhu in an impure place.

24. Wiping the hands or face with the tail of the clothing/kurta/qamis etc.

25. Entering the Masjid with the left foot or leaving with the right.

26. Dusting clothes in the Masjid.

27. Sweeping with a cloth.

28. Using a pants or turban as a pillow.

29. Excessive joking.

30. Laughing in the graveyard.

31. Excessive worries of the world.

32. Cupping on the nape.

33. Throwing of live lice.

References for the above Al-Mu’jamul Kabir of Tabarani, Kitabul ‘ilm of Ibn Abi Khaithamah, pg.31, Al-Jami’u li akhlaqir rawi, pgs.400 & 404, Ta’limul Muta’allim pg. 43, Al-Maqasidul Hasanah pg. 519, Tazhkiratu Sami’ Wal Mutakallim pg. 77, At-tibb of Imam Dhahabi, pgs.174-175 & Raddul Muhtar.

Q: Would it be permissible to say that while Aadam was created and did not evolve from a non-human ancestor, he was placed in perfectly to give the appearance of human evolution?

Q: I did zina today and I did it for the first time and I do accept my mistake and I prayed to Allah and asked for forgiveness but my heart is not calming down and I can't even forgive myself. I am just crying. I don't know but kindly help me about how I ask for forgiveness from Allah. Kindly help me. I am truly ashamed of myself.

Q: My wife and I are only for the children together. Unfortunately the coexistence does not work. We no longer understand and she would simply not divorce so I have no other choice than to let her continue to live with the children in my house. My question is here if I would commit a sin if we will stay with this way of living together? I let her live in her apartment with the children and provide them, but otherwise no intimate contact takes place. I have remarried and want to go with my new wife in the house, but she can remain in the apartment and I finance everything. Would that be a sin if she would also agree with this way of living?

Q: I got a proposal from my aunty (she lives in America) for her step-son. But the problem is he does not follow Islam. He is an atheist. He does not believe in any religion. My parents and my aunt are telling me that if Allah wills, he will accept Islam in the future (after marriage). My question is can I marry him, is it halaal?

Q: I have a debt of R150 000-00 owing from 2009. From 2009 I was cutting one sheep Qurbaani till last year. Must I still give my Quurbaani this year or must I start paying my debts?