Q: I would like some advise. Ever since I have started reading Tahajjud, making more Zikr and going out in jamaat, I find myself being very judgmental of others, I have thoughts that I am better than others, this makes me very scared.
I am thinking I should stop doing these amaal as it is not feeling very sincere any more. What should I do when I have these thoughts?
Q: If I am cheating in my exam fully, after getting a degree, if I apply for a job which requires the degree to sit in a company and if I get the job based on my skills, will I take someone else's huqooq away?
Q: My questions concern the notion of pride in Islam. I would like to clarify that I am a man, and I apologize for the length of my questions.
I would like to know whether pride is permissible in Islam—pride without arrogance, while being aware that it is Allah who provides. For example, is it permissible for me to tell my younger brother that I am proud of him for passing his exams?
From what I understand, pride in one’s ancestors, origins, and ‘asabiyyah is haraam. In parallel, Allah the Most High says: “O mankind, indeed We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing and All-Aware.” (Qur’an 49:13) However, if this pride is not accompanied by arrogance or a feeling of superiority over other lineages and origins, is it permissible? I am obviously referring to Muslim ancestors of our origin, not disbelieving ancestors. Is it permissible to be proud of their history, their courage and bravery in fighting in the path of Allah, their good character, their way of dressing, their traditional craftsmanship, and to promote this pride among members of my people?
Likewise, is it permissible to be proud of one’s culture of origin—clothing, traditional food, craftsmanship, way of life, etc.—and to promote this pride among one’s people and encourage them to preserve certain cultural elements? I am referring here only to permissible customs. I would also like to clarify that I appreciate seeing Muslims from other backgrounds being proud (without arrogance or a sense of superiority) of their cultures. For example, I appreciate seeing Arabs being proud and encouraging other Gulf Arabs to wear the shemagh/ghutra, or Afghans/Desi people wearing turbans and the salwar kameez. I mention this to show that my feeling is not limited to my own people, but applies to all Muslims without distinction. I also believe this can help counter the homogenization caused by the westernization of Muslim societies. If this is permissible, but this cultural pride is tied to the fact that we consider it the heritage of our (Muslim) ancestors, is it still permissible?
Finally, is it permissible to feel proud (without showing off, arrogance, or a sense of superiority) that people recognize my origin based on the clothing I wear when I travel (for a few days, not long-term) or during celebrations such as Eid (I live in a multicultural place where such clothing is not considered لباس الشهرة)?
Q: If someone is backbiting someone else in front of you, is it better to defend the person or leave the room/place?
Q: A long time ago, my parents told my young self that when my little brother comes into this world he will be able to bring stuff from Jannah that we want like a toy, and told us to make dua for it. We did eventually get it from our parents but I'm worried that my parents doing something like this is considered kufr and me and my parents joking about how I was really gullible about it is also kufr. I believe they were trying to make me have a closer connection with Allah.
Q: Is it a sin if someone points out a sin that I am doing and I in return point out one of his sins to him? Is there any hadith regarding this?
Q: I have anger issues, and although I'm not a talkative person, I end up saying statements that really hurt others. What's Mufti saheb's advice on controlling the tongue and anger?
Q: Is it permissible for one to say (out of humility) in public that "I am a sinner?"
There is an urdu nazam and the lyrics mean something to the effect of "I am a sinning servant and in need of your (Allah's) mercy."
Is it permissible to sing or listen to this nazam? And if the nazam is a video showing people or the singer in it?
Q: Is our personality created by Allah? Why are some people more kind than others? Is temperament built or is it inborn?
Q: If ones family member backbites another to express their frustrations with their behaviour, and does it constantly, what should they do?
Telling them to stop breaks the ties of trust and closeness, and listening to it incurs sin. What should I do?
If one makes tawbah, will they still lose their deeds on Qiyamah?