Responsibility of children to take care of their mother
Q: We are 4 children (2 daughters and 2 sons). My father passed away a few months ago. Who is responsible for taking care of and for the financial needs of my mother?
Nikaah & Marriage Issues
Wife stipulating a condition at the time of nikaah that husband can't take a second wife
Q: During the time of nikaah, can the bride stipulate a condition upon signing of nikaah documents that she would not allow the groom to have a second wife. Is that allowed?
Advice to give up masturbation
Q: I am a severe porn and masturbation addict. I have been struggling with this for many years. I used to watch porn and masturbate 2 times a day. It's a 10 year addiction and I am still suffering from it.
Now I am facing real consequences in my life. I have lost my studies, my career has been down hill almost over and now I feel like the divine consequences are getting more severe. It's like Allah is slapping me and each slap gets more severe. I am being exposed, humiliated, troubled also completely lost. Please make dua for me.
Using a duff in a wedding function
Q: A person I know is getting married, so they are hosting a party where we will gather and eat. The duff will also be played in the party. The party will be women-only, but I'm having some doubt on the duff part.
Is this within the boundaries of permissibility to use the duff? Also, I think they will use some speakers so that the duff is louder.
Woman staying at home for 40 days after childbirth
Q: Is it an Islamic tradition for a woman to stay in the house for full 40 days after giving birth or is it just an old tradition?
Milk brother's children and foster child being one's mahram
Q: I'd like to know the following:
1. Is a woman's milk brother's children her mahaarim?
2. Are the children of your foster son your mahaarim?
Father taking care of his unmarried daughter
Q: I'd like to know if it's the father's responsibility to provide for a daughter if she's not married at the age of 30, e.g. with clothing, food, shelter, medical, etc.
Rights of the wife in Islam
Q: I would like to know about the rights of a wife in Islam.
Paying mahr in installments and wife claiming her mahr from husband's estate
Q: Is it allowed for the husband and wife to agree on terms/installments for the payment of mahr? Example: I'll pay you 1000 every month for 2 years. Is this OK or is it better to pay upfront one time even though it is less?
If the husband dies, can the wife claim this remaining amount from the inheritance?
Nikaah performed in jest in the presence of witnesses
Q: I am writing anonymously on behalf of my friend, who seeks guidance regarding a sensitive matter.
Two years ago, when she was around 14–15 years old and her partner was 15–16, they performed a nikah with witnesses present. It began as a joke for their 4-month anniversary, but the full nikah words were said in front of 3 witnesses:
The friend asked: “Do you, [his full name], take [her full name] as your wife?” and vice versa
He replied: “Yes, I take [her full name] as my wife.”
She also said: “I take [his full name] as my husband.”
At the time, they did not fully understand the seriousness of their actions. They later consummated the marriage when she was almost 16 and he was almost 17, still unaware that it counted as a valid nikah.
Now, she realized the marriage may be considered valid in Islam, but she is unsure how to handle the situation given their young ages at the time, the accidental nature of the nikah.
They seek guidance on:
1. The Islamic validity of the nikah given their ages and circumstances at the time.
2. How to properly formalize or rectify any steps (including mahr, witnesses, or scholarly confirmation).
3. The correct way to proceed if they wish to continue the marriage safely and according to Islamic law.
Your advice would be greatly appreciated so that everything can be handled properly and responsibly.