Miscellaneous

Drawing a stick figure with a face

Q: I drew two stick figures with dots for eyes, no nose and a circle for a mouth. I drew circles for hands and legs on the stick figure. I drew three lines for hair. It was drawn to represent my dad and as a funny thing. 

1. Is it permissible as it doesn't include any real features? 

2. Is it permissible to pray in such a room? 

3. Is the prayer still valid if I didn't know the ruling because I thought it is valid since it doesn't include any real features and only has geometrical shapes?

Idols from the neighbour's home being visible while performing salaah

Q: My husband and I are moving into a new apartment insha-Allah. When we viewed the place we did not notice that Hindu idols were placed in a small area and is visible from the window of both rooms. After signing the contract we then noticed it and feel uncomfortable about it especially since it’s visible in the direction of qiblah. Our real estate agent does not wish to ask the owners to move it as previously Muslims stayed here with no problem. I am not sure what to do in this situation. Your advice will be appreciated.

Making an effort to strive for deen

Q: There is a hadith where the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, "Whoever dies without fighting in the way of Allah or intended to fight then he has died on a branch of hypocrisy" and in the Quran, in Surah Tawbah, Allah said that if they had intended then they would have prepared equipment for fighting. 

So my question is, should every Muslim prepare gears or equipment to do jihad? If yes, then there is another hadith where the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, "Do not wish to face an enemy. Seek protection and peace from Allah and be patient when you face them." 

Can you please explain these three like are they contradicting? I am confused like the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said that do not wish to face and Allah says if you intended then prepare equipment. Can you please clarify.