Aqaaid

Asian custom of bride's sisters taking money from the groom on their wedding day

Q: I have a question regarding a tradition called "dood pilai" in Asian households.

During weddings, there is a tradition in which the brides sisters take money from the groom and in return give him a glass of milk. It's usually pre planned with the groom so he comes prepared. This event involves free mixing during the wedding and also pardah is not observed properly.

My question is, is the money which the bride's sisters took from the groom haram in these circumstances? Is it haram to use or keep it as a gift?

Does not observing modesty during this event make the money haram to keep or spend? If the groom earned it through halal means but it was transferred to me through free mixing, does it make the money haram to spend?

Writing fantasy books

Q: For over five years, I have been struggling with a strong desire to write books. However, these books revolve around fantasies and stories that may be morally objectionable, yet entertaining for others. It is also possible to earn money from such books. On the other hand, whenever I attempt to write books about Islam and promoting good behavior, I find myself getting bored and unable to proceed.

I am seeking reassurance that writing fantasy books of this nature is forbidden, as it would help me find peace. Additionally, I hope you can provide me with relevant Quranic verses that describe my predicament.

Superstition about sweeping barakah out of one's shop

Q: I was sweeping the shop and I was sweeping the dirt out of the shop and someone told me that I mustn’t do that, rather sweep all the dirt in the shop to one place and take it out because when I’m sweeping out of the shop it takes the barakah away. I wanted to know if this superstitious or what because I never heard it before and I know superstitions are haraam.

Wife following her mazhab after getting married to a Salafi

Q: We follow the Hanafi school of thought. However, my daughter married and her husband is now saying that he is a Salafi. We have never heard about this before. They join salaahs when they travel, make tayamum if there is no water whilst they on the go. Also, they read salaah while in a moving vehicle and if they feel its dangerous to stop the car. She is young and scared. Can you please help me with advice. 

Nabi (sallallahu alahi wasallam) being alive in his grave and knowing the intentions of the people who come to visit him

Q:

1. Is it correct to say that Nabi Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is alive with his body as his soul has been returned to his body?

2. Is it correct to say that he (صلی الله عليه وسلم) knows everything from Allah about the deeds, intentions and wishes of the people who come to visit him in Ar-Rawdah?