Syrian topi

Q: I just wanted to know where can I buy the syrian topis, scarfs and shawls from because I have now read wearing a syrian topi is sunnah?

Taking an interest bearing loan

Q: I am a 36 year old man who was born and lived in India for 20 years and moved to North America now. I am married and have 2 children. Now I am thinking about buying a home on bank loan and of course there will be interest involved. Will this stop me performing Hajj? We (wife & I) did our Umra last year (2012) Allhumdulillah.

Hair transplant

Q: Could you please tell me if its permissible in Islam to have a hair transplant as I have a very receding hair line and sometimes feel like I am gradually getting bald and being a woman I really stress over it?

Zakaat on graded Mandela coins

Q: I have a few graded Mandela R5 coins (year 2000 and 2008) that I have acquired. They are legal tender, but because of their demand and rarity, I bought them for a few thousand rands. I purchased them with an investment intention. How do I pay zakaat on them?  The coins have no gold or silver in them.

Competition wherein one is charged a fee

Q: I will be hosting a car show during the course of next month and would like to find out if the proceeds from this event can go to a sponsorship for a hajj fund for people that have been accepted for hajj this year. The funds raised on this day will come from the entrance fee that each person pays to enter their vehicle. At the end of the show, the participants will receive trophies. Please advise me in this regard.

When does iddat of talaaq commence?

Q: I've been separated from my husband since january 28th and have only received my talaaq papers in march. I recently received a proposal and wish to persue it. I am sterilized and can't have babies. Can you advise me on when my iddat commenced? Is it from the time I physically / literally separated (28 january) or from the time my talaq papers arrived?