Aqaaid

Studying Darwin’s theory knowing that it is false

Q: If a scholar gives a very strict fatwa regarding something related to shirk, but all the other trustworthy and reputable scholars give a more balanced and moderate fatwa, then if I follow the opinion of the scholars who gave the balanced fatwa, will I become a disbeliever or sinner? 

For example, when studying Darwin’s theory—if someone studies it while keeping in mind that it is false, and only continues studying it for academic purposes, and this opinion is supported by many scholars—But one scholar says that such studies are "trash" and that there’s no need to study them as it could harm one’s faith. 

In that case, if I follow the balanced fatwa and not the harsh one, will I be considered a disbeliever or a sinner?

Participating in a game named secret sheep for eid which was derived from the game secret santa

Q: Knowing that giving gifts is of great merit and is encouraged in Islam... 

Is it permissible to participate in a game named as secret sheep for eid which people exchange gifts... since it was derived from the name secret santa and the rules etc. all are derived from the secret santa (done on Christmas).

Salafi woman saying that a woman should wear niqaab and gloves whenever her husband is not home

Q: I have been coming back to Islam since Ramadan alhamdulillah. Before Ramadan I practiced Western version of Sunni Islam by dress and behavior. Since then I'm feeling pull towards salafi methodology. 

I've begun being mentored by a kind salafi woman MashaAllah. 

She says a woman should cover with niqab and gloves any time her husband is not home, even if she's not being seen by non mahram. She said it's an act of worship and a way to show and ask Allah Ta'ala for extra protection while my husband (protector) is not home. 

Is there Islamic basis for this, is this from culture, or from her specifically? 

Umar Suleman

Q: Recently I've seen alot of people talk about Umar Suleman and attend his talks and I've seen alot of people say that to say his part of the ulema is wrong. What is the correct way to go about this? Is he someone that can be trusted for deeni advice?