Keeping dogs

Q: I owned a dog, although I don't currently have one. I became aware of the Hadith that keeping dogs as pets is prohibited, they may be kept for security reasons or as a guide dog for the blind. Based on this, I gave the dog to a person who would care for it and keep it since I acquired it as a pet.

However I borrow the dog from this person once a week, sometimes I borrow it for 1-2 hrs per week. Since childhood I had this wish to keep a dog although I didn’t know till now it was prohibited. I don’t allow the dog in the house while I borrow it. I also wear a tracksuit made of polyester material so that if the dogs saliva comes into contact, I can purify it with soil 7 times. In addition, I have also trained the dog to not lick.

Now with regards to keeping of dogs you may ask me why I’m keeping a dog and I know it’s haram that’s why I have given it to somebody who can care for it but during the week I sometimes play with it since I always had this wish to play with dogs and InshaAllah, I will try my best to get rid of this haram desire but until then can I keep the dog in this way until I’m no longer interested in this dog. 

Woman in istihaadha performing asr and qadha of zuhr with the same wudhu

Q: Today was my max day for menses. I was supposed to do ghusl at 6:27pm but the bathroom was in use so I ended up doing it a few mins before asr began (I was in the bathroom at 5:51pm and asr began at 5:55/5:58pm). I finished ghusl after around 20-30 mins after began. I’m in istihadah. I dried my hair then read qada of zuhr and then I read asr with one wudu. Is this fine?

Asking husband for a separation

Q: We, a childless couple have been married for 18 years and got several times abortions during the first trimester. Following all possible modern treatment, due to this bad obstetric history and unknown cause medically in either spouse, doctors advised for adoption. But my husband repeatedly used to tell me for a couple of years: I wish you to live an independent life, go to another city and search for a new job.

In this tough circumstance, how should I manage? Can I leave my husband's home under which Sharia law? Can I take a decision to separate from him, if yes, tell me the procedure because he is much reluctant from my side and wants second marriage. 

Big Sweep gambling

Q: My question is about gambling. In my country, we have something called Big Sweep.

How to play:
1. Buy a ticket at $3 each.
2. Draws on every first Wednesday of each month at 6pm.

Results:
If your ticket number matches any of the 133 winning seven-digit numbers drawn, you win a prize of at least $1,000 and up to $2.3 million. If the last two digits of your ticket number match any of the nine winning two-digit numbers drawn, you win $6.

Is this considered gambling? Many of my Muslim friends are playing. 

Helping one's parents if they are in need

Q: If parents have the financial means and large amounts of savings, do the parents have the right to pressurise their children to provide free meals for them - and save their own money or give their own money to Pakistan.

We know that we have to be kind and should not say uff to our parents but do parents have a right to do this? Even with their daughters who are married? Please could you let us know.