Miscellaneous

Q: Does the daughter in law have to observe purdah in the presence of the father-in-law after her husband has died? (Meaning the father-in-law was the father of her late husband)?

Q: I am writing you today to discuss a very pertinent issue that relates to the matter of collecting jizya. I was reading a book of Robert Spencer titled Truth About Muhammad: Founder of world’s most intolerant faith his accusations on expulsion of Arab pagans from Arabian peninsula and collection of jizya from non Muslims.

Mr. Spencer accuses that there are only specific non Muslim communities like Jews, Christians, Zoroastrians and Magians that are to be extended the privilege of Jizya payment, in return for protection in Muslim lands. While other group of non Muslims like atheists, agnostics and idol worshippers are to choose between death or conversion. Mr. Spencer bases his assertion while referring to Quran 9:29 where reference for payment of Jizya is only made for people of the book.

My question to you is can non Muslim groups like Hindus, Buddhists, atheists, etc can be asked to pay Jizya in return for protection in Muslim lands like Jews, Christians and Zorastrians?

If the answer is yes what explanation can you provide to Mr. Spencer’s accusation when he rightly pointed out that Quran 9:29 only offers jizya privilege for people of the book. Moreover the only other historical reference in Hadith for other non Muslim groups mentions just Magians and Zoroastrians to my knowledge, furthermore there is no historical reference for idolaters and atheists even though they flourished in Arabia peacefully before Islam gained sovereignty in that region.

Q: I would like to know if the use of webcam is permissible like in video chat? Does it fall under the hukum of images? What if you just use the webcam not for video chatting but as a mirror, like quickly check your hair or your face (similar to a mirror) would that be permissible or not?

Q: Are vaccinations allowed?

Q: Is it ok to touch a dog? What about the dogs saliva getting on your body? Is it true that we have to wash our body 3 times where the dog touches?

Q: Is it permissible to give the corpse of a chicken or any other animal that is found dead to a stray dog to eat?

Q: I am a married women who is has two daughters and one son.  One  daughter is married. I want ask that every night I see a dream. Daily I see different dreams. So I want to know if I must find out the interpretation of every dream?

Q: A certain woman is giving a talk in Dewsbury. I feel that as she doesn't wear purdah and also address's mixed gatherings, even if her words can change hearts, I don't think it is correct, even participating in a female only gathering of hers. Please help so that the reply can be sent before the talk.

Q: When sleeping, the Sunnah is to sleep on the right side with the right hand under ones cheek. What should one do with the left arm according to sunnah? Should it also be folded and the left hand placed by the head or should it rest on ones side or what should be done?

Q: Is it allowed to befriend a non-muslim? I have a non-muslim friend. He is a good man and helps me in studies, etc. Should I break friendship with him or not?