Miscellaneous

Q: I would like to know about "kurra" (drawing lots) and the details on how to go about it to do any work.

Q: What is the difference between israaf and tabzeer since both translate as wasting? 

Q:

1. Can a woman travel in a car with a driver within 3-5 km? If the woman sits in the back seat and and the windows are open so that the people outside can clearly see inside, will that be permissible?

2. Can two women travel in the car with the driver within 3-5 km? If they sit in the back seat and the windows are open?

Q: I want to become Allah's favourite, and I want to have the best character possible. Please advise me what to do.

Q: Are women allowed to wear bikinis to swim?

Q: Is a woman's voice purdah? Meaning, can it be heard by a na-mahram.

Q: Is it permissible to take pictures of lightning?

Q: Are you allowed to follow Muslim or non-Muslim girls on Instagram or other social media pages?

Q: I want to know if a Muslim and Christian family can live together in one house?

Example: The Muslim family lives in one portion of the house and the Christian family lives in the other portion of the house. Is this allowed in Islam?

Q:

1. Can I take beach sand and use it for my personal use? I have some work to do and don't want to outlay extra cash.

On that note, can I take home with me a beach pebble or shell I find on the shore/sand?

2. I love taking walks in nature. If I find an interesting leaf or flower, etc. Can I take that home too?