Miscellaneous

Q: I want to know what is the difference between gunaah, khataa, laghzish, kotaahi and kusoor?

Q: The response of Muslims to legislation and actions of the government that harm Muslims within the country and outside is to start a petition to get the government to stop their proposed action. This now seems to be the default Muslim position. If you ask them whether they made Istighfaar, Du'a, performed Salatul Hajat, they would say no. In any case, there is little or no evidence that such petitions make a difference. The outcome is almost always the same. Based on the above my question are as follows: 1. What is the point of Muslims drawing up and/or signing petitions? 2. What examples do we have from the Seerah of how Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) dealt with oppression against the Muslims from the people of Makkah?

Q: My mother gets angry easily and I try to respect her however from a young age she has hit me even though I try my best not to irritate her, being in my teenage years it is difficult, could you please advise me on what to do in these situations.

Q: Is it ok to keep a snake/python as a pet in the house according to Shari'ah?

Q: It has become extremely common for the English translation of a hadith to be forwarded via social media i.e without the original Arabic text. Many people consider this a form of Da'wah.

1) Is it correct to create or forward such messages?

2) Will the respect of Hadeeth be lost if many such messages circulate without the recipients requesting to receive it?

3) Is it advisable for a layman to read a translation of a hadith without getting a full explanation directly from an alim?

Q: Is it permissible to use mosquito catchers that work thus:

"The electronic mosquito catcher is fitted with a radiant high bright blue light that emits UV "A" light spectrum rays. The mosquito would see the blue light and be drawn to it as it is mistaken for "natural moon light". The flying insects are drawn to the top part of the mosquito catcher. Once they come into close proximity of the light, they are sucked into the unit by a suction fan. The fan sucks the mosquitoes, flies and other small flying bugs and insects into the bottom of the unit. The fan’s suction prevents the mosquitoes and other flying insects, caught in the mosquito catcher, from escaping. The insects therefore simply dry out and perish. Our product works best when the unit is placed at a higher position that what your bed would be. Thus, when sleeping, the mosquito would be attracted by your body temperature, carbon monoxide and body odours, but as it comes to the height of your bed and in close proximity of the mosquito catcher, the mosquito would be sucked into the unit. The unit cleans very easily. Once you feel the unit is full enough to your liking, simply remove the bottom cover from the unit and empty the mosquito catcher’s content in a waste basket. The mosquito catcher is highly versatile due to the fact that it can work off of 220V, 110V or directly off of a 12V battery. Tip: When using a battery, it is best to use a car battery as it will last longer than 10 days continuously.

Q: Is it necessary to burn lobaan before moving into a new house and what is the significance in Islam of burning lobaan?

Q: I am having treatment from arvyeda doctor. He uses Indian method and Chinese method of healing and he also uses reiki . He uses needles that are used in acupuncture. Needles made of gold and silver. That doctor told me to drink from pure silver cup and eat from our silver plate. My health was very bad. I was very bad and I was absent minded all the time. Now it's better much better. Now my health is getting better. The doctor told me not to leave this treatment. He also recommend me to wear a gold ring. As this will also be useful for my health. He told me that gold has proven health benefits by scientists and some researchers. He also told me to wear silver chain men style. Maybe later he will tell me to drink in gold. Is it allowed in Islam to drink in silver and gold and men to wear gold for treatment purposes?

Q: I could not hear a person clearly on the phone and replied "Wa alaikumus salaam" to the "Hello"/"Good Afternoon" of a non-Muslim. I thought the person may have said "Assalamu Alaikum", but this is not possible. Am I sinful for this? Should I make Taubah and Istighfaar?

Q: On some GPS devices there are only women voices talking. Are using these devices permissible?