Q: What is the meaning of this narration: Sayyiduna ‘Umar ibn Al Khattab (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said: “Do not let the prayer of a man deceive you nor his fasting. Rather look at the truthfulness of his speech, his trustworthiness whenever he is entrusted, and how he acts whenever he is given wealth/power.”

Imams Musaddad, Bayhaqi (rahimahumallah) and other Muhaddithun have recorded this statement of Sayyiduna ‘Umar ibn Al Khattab (radiyallahu ‘anhu). Hafiz Ibn Hajar Al ‘Asqalani (rahimahullah) has declared the narration authentic. (Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 4898 and Al Matalibul ‘Aliyah, Hadith: 2631)

Q: Is it correct that if a person passes away due to a stomach illness, he becomes a shaheed.

Q: Is it permissible to cut the hair in two lengths if it is not done with the intention of emulating the kuffaar?

Q: A person was performing a four rakaat fardh salaah. After performing the fourth rakaat, he did not sit for the qa'dah but forgetfully stood up for the fifth rakaat. He then made ruku and sajdah in the fifth rakaat, sat for tashahhud and made salaam.

What is the status of his salaah? Is his fardh salaah valid or does he have to repeat his salaah?

Q: Wanted to ask if a married man can keep a healthy friendship with the divorcee, though the man thinks he only wants to help the divorcee woman in one way, maybe financially or any other need. Is this relationship permissible?

Q: My father passed away about 2 years ago. Following legal proceedings, his estate is almost wound up. His assets include cash, a Kruger Rand and a business that is still running. We would now like to distribute his remaining assets as per Islamic Law. He left behind his wife, 4 daughters, 1 son, and his mother. He also has 1 surviving brother and 5 sisters. Please advise on the following:

1. What fraction of the estate will each heir receive?

2. In terms of dividing the assets among the heirs: is each heir entitled to a share of the business? Or can some receive their share in cash whilst others receive a part of the business as their share?

3. If an heir who is entitled to a share of the business decides that she does not want her part of the business and would rather like to take her share of the business in monetary value, what value should be used to calculate how much she should be paid out? Should we use the current value of the business or the value of the business at the time of his death, in order to calculate the amount that she should be paid out?

NB: During these 2 years, whilst the estate was being wound up, my mother and brother have been running the business, for which they take a salary (like any other worker). Money from the business was also used for running my father's household (rent, etc.), as he would normally do whilst he was alive. The remaining profits generated during this time have remained in the business. (Please indicate if this has any bearing on the estate distribution.) 

Q: If a person masturbates in Ramadhaan while fasting, should he give kaffarah or keep qadha?

Also, what should one do if he has doubt as to how many times he committed this heinous sin? Should he think of a reasonable number and pay kaffarah/keep qadha for that number of days?

Q: Where should one focus his eyes while in rukoo? Should it be at the place of sajdah or between his feet?

Q: My luck is going bad. What can I do?

Q: I am living in Dubai and I bought a limousine on instalments. I paid the down payment. I have a cousin who is working with me night shift. He did not pay anything for the limousin. I paid everything. Before buying the car, we agreed that we will share the profit half half end of the month. Now my question is, can I take a little more money?