Takaaful

Q: I recently heard about Takaaful insurance and was interested in taking out a scheme to cover my home, business, cars, etc. Takaaful claims to be fully Shari’ah compliant, but when I went to the Takaaful website and saw the different schemes that they offer, I couldn’t see any difference with normal insurance. Also, when I dialed the number on their website, I reached a conventional insurance company who told me that Takaaful is part of them and operates under their license. Can you please explain to me whether Takaaful is permissible or not. Jazakallah.

Finding a spouse on a matrimonial site

Q: I am a Palestinian woman, 20 years old now in USA, my family is back in Palestine. Desperate for marriage I went on a Muslim matrimonial website and found a Pakistani man to be my husband. I have met his family and spent much time with his family. Due to our tradition though, he says he cannot marry me and will not marry me until he and his parents meet my parents. There really is not a way to make that happen at least for years. What do I do? What are the options for us? We are engaged, will I have to repent to Allah if this does not work out? I am so lost and alone please help.

Giving zakaat to a paralyzed person

Q: My aunt is a stroke patient, she is mentally and physically paralised. I would like to help her with zakat money. Can I buy her medicines or other stuff for her with zakat money. Since she is not mentally stable I can not make her the owner of the wealth. She has a son and a husband but I dont trust them to spend the money on her.

Divorcing one's wife to break a black magic spell

Q: We are a married couple of 28 years Alhamdullillah. We found ourself in a situation where someone did black magic to enter our bed and so far hurting my husband till I submit to him. It came to our attention that the spell can be broken through talaq. We hav no intention of talaq but for safety reasons. Once the spell is broken, will we be able to resume our marriage under this circumstance?