Miscellaneous

Q: Four days ago a Hindu friend of mine was showing me the idol and addressing it as god and asking me like "do you know what this god's name is?" I in my heart I knew that Allah is the only lord and there is no god except Allah but I told him I don't know his name and then he told me it's name and then I said I have heard it in some movies. Was there any kufr in my statement because I did not tell him directly that the idol is not god and when he asked me "what is the name of this god?" I said I don't know. By seeing the scenario it looks like I don't know that god's name (but in my heart I knew Allah is the only god). I usually read the shahdah after every wudu. This happened on Thursday and I started getting doubts about these statements on Monday. So if that was kufr and I have prayed Salaah for four days, should I pray again but I read the shahadah Thursday itself after wudu. Were my salaah valid?

Q: Most nappies have moorat on them these days. Should one colour out the faces, or is it fine without doing so because the vest and clothes would cover it?

Q: We are married for the past 9 years. We have no kids. We tried for all possible treatments including IVF but no success. Medical problem is in my husband and me too. So if my husband does a second marriage still he is unable to conceive naturally, then will surrogate mothers be permissible in our case. We want to do his second marriage and do surrogacy with her, if allowed in Islam. I have read a lot about surrogacy that it is not allowed but in our case when naturally we cannot have children and our relationship is disturbed a lot due to this lack of kids, can we do surrogacy.

Q: If someone insults the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) then should there be any punishment for him, looking at the fact that he did not kill any innocent human being, and as Allah Ta'ala says that we should forgive anyone who says bad words to us, and we should reply with Salaam? I need references from Quran and the Saheeh Hadith, only then I will believe.

Q: Is it kufr if I put on a movie where the actor says "Jesus" or "Oh my God"? Because their is a verse in the Quran where Allah says "and if you hear the signs of Allah being mocked at, then do not sit with them or you will be like them" will it be kufr if I put it on and allow other Muslims to watch it?

Q: Is there anything wrong in going for jihad without telling your parents, etc?

Q: I would like to know what is meant by adolescence being an age of madness according to Shariah? Also, what is the Islamic perspective on adolescents? I am doing research for a Madrasah assignment.

Q: Is keeping in touch with relatives wajib. I mean contacting them by phone once in a month or two?

Q: Is it permissible to teach kids the South African anthem? It is part of a non examination school subject, but recommended that they learn?

Q: I have kept a parrot (Australian parrot) as a pet but some people told me that it has a bad effect on the home and other things. So please tell me if it has bad effects and can I keep it at home?