Q: This is just a small enquiry to help me to understand something a little better. The number of times that Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) received revelation from Hazrat Jibraeel (Alayhis Salaam). I have read that it is as many as 23000 times? Does this figure sound correct (I could be remembering incorrectly or maybe there was a typing mistake in what I read). The reason I wonder whether this figure is correct, is because the Qur'an has almost 6300 ayats, and some surahs were revealed at all at once, but there were also times that only a part of an ayat was revealed, so I thought (probably mistakenly) that a figure around 6300 would be more correct. If possible, please kindly explain if 23000 is correct.

Q: I am a bit confused regarding a decision I have to make. I have performed hajj with my parents and 1 sister 4 years ago. Alhamdulillah, my other 2 sisters have been accredited and being their mahram am required to accompany them as my father’s health does not permit him to accompany them on hajj. Also to take into consideration, that they have been accredited previously but due to other commitments and finances, were unable to attend hajj. Also, Alhamdulillah, in the last year I got married and my wife is pregnant with our first child who is due around the 10th of October. Hajj being the period towards the end of September Insha Allah the 23rd September. My question is, what responsibility takes preference in this case.

Q: I have asked you about my personal problem. Now tell me what should we do. We are five sisters. Our father is a poor man. My elder sister's husband did a second marriage and after that at least 3 year he didn't go to my sister. She has three children in 15 years of marriage. My second elder sister is married for 10 years and her husband is not able to fulfil a husbands duties as well as financial needs. My third elder sister's husband is very well off but after 7 years of marriage he is also not able to fulfil her rights. My marriage is in it's third year but my husband's parents don't let me live with him for my whole life permanently nor does he himself want to take me with him. However, he can afford it easily abroad. He just came for 6 month in these 3 years. My younger sister is overage and my parents still didn't find her a soul mate. Please you tell me what should we all sister do. We are human, have emotions, can't take divorce. What has Allah revealed for such conditions? Should we just make sabar?

Q: Is Amelia a suitable name for Muslim girls. It is a Latin word meaning beautiful and trustworthy. It has been mentioned in many Islamic names sites. It is also a German name that's why I am concerned otherwise we really like the name. Kindly guide us in this matter.

Q: I prayed Fajr and was clearing up my room and about 40 minutes later I saw something on the tip of my thumb's nail and some bit inside. So I put it under the tap to test it. The bit inside was gone, but there was still some blackish mark on the tip of my thumb's nail, but not on the skin - I believe. So should I make up that prayer or not? Looks likely to be impermeable, but it's on the tip of the nail anyway. Literally the edge.

Q: Is punishing students permissible in Islam (other than for praying purpose)? I heard it is not justified. What is your opinion?

Q: In our school assembly while a boy recites Qur'an children repeat after him. Is it correct? The student and the other students fold their hands as we do in salaah in the assembly. Is this correct? Folding hands and reciting.

Q: Must one say "As-salāmu ‛alaykum" before entering a room?

Q: For how many minutes is the duration of Maghrib before Esha sets in. If, for some reason, the Maghrab salaah is delayed for about ten minutes, would it be valid or treated as Qazaa?

Q: Please advise if the sale of the following is permissible and the income halaal:

1. Recipe books that contain some recipes with haraam items listed as ingredients, like pork or wine.

2. Medical books that contain some haraam treatments/methods. For example, in addition to all permissible things, a book with a chapter on yoga.

3. Books on topics like "Productivity","Leadership Skills", "Having a better life", "How to raise children" etc. written by kuffar and with their ideologies.

4. Sporting equipment like cricket bats, soccer-balls, surfboards, table-tennis tables, dart boards etc.

5. Items with the flag of a non-Muslim country on it. For example, a cell phone cover, a key ring, a sandal etc.

6. Purely futile and useless items, like decorative vases, expensive ornaments, doilies etc.

7. A person points out that many Deobandi Masaajid have TV's installed for Salaah times and notices. He says that when such high ranking 'Ulama have allowed TV's to be put up in the Masjid, and we do not see any other Ulama objecting to it (and also Ulama continue giving bayaans and having programs at such Masaajid) then it is therefore permissible for one to sell TV's. He adds that if Masjid funds can be used to buy a TV to put up in a Masjid, then why can't he sell TV's as the dual purpose of the TV is now clear with its incorporation in even the Masjid. Is this correct?