Aqaaid

Q: What is the difference between making a prediction based on the movement of the clouds versus a prediction based on the movement of planets?

For example, the weather man will analyze the clouds and their movements. He will say that there will be severe flooding in a certain area. People will understand that severe flooding in that area causes mudslides and damage to houses and death. Everyone accepts this upcoming natural disaster warning and it is not regarded as fortune telling or haraam.

On the other hand, the man acquainted with the planets will analyze their movements. He will say that, for example, the planet Venus is coming closer in orbit and the cold nature of Venus will have a cold effect in a certain area. He too will predict flooding or severe weather in a region. He too will conclude mudslides and damage and death. However, people will regard his analysis as fortune telling and haraam.

Whereas outwardly both parties analyzed natural phenomena of natural entities and made conclusions based on their experience and study. There is no invoking of devils or making an offering or doing a ritual with blood and najaasat.

Why is one permissible and the other astrology and haraam? Please can this be explained.

Q: Should a person first read the Seerah of Nabi صلى الله عليه و سلم or the biographies of our (Indian) Akaabireen or vice versa?

Q: What does it mean to compete in Deen and how can you do it with the right intention?

Q: Is it permissible to read Harry Potter books?

Q: Can I read books written by non-Muslims or books about non-Muslims?

Q: I am 22 years old. From my childhood until this moment, my father could not get a house. My parents get up for tahajjud and make prayers etc. But we are not getting an answer for a house. What would be the reason?

My father had told me long before that it is because of my birth that they could not achieve anything. Could that be the reason?

I have often noticed that I am a person who gets punished on the spot for doing wrong, is it because Allah doesn't like me?

It is said that Allah shows good dreams and Shaythan shows bad dreams. I my 22 years and I haven't ever seen a good dream, rather I have seen many weird and filthy dreams that is even nauseating to talk about. Is it because Allah doesn't love me?

How do I know if Allah likes me. I have committed a sin to my parents, i.e. I thought they were doing wrong and made them cry. I felt that they were wrong but it was only because I couldn't understand them. Is there any way that I can repent?

Q: Who are angels Fitrus and Dardaeel? 

Q: Does backbiting mean its shirk and after judgement we cannot go to paradise even after Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)'s intercession?

If I backbited and do not go to the person because of feeling shy, how can I tell this person? Can we do tauba so that Allah knows that we tried our best not to backbite? Can this be forgiven?.

Q: I have a fabric cover on my Quraan for many years. It has become threadbare in some places. I want to change it. Can I add this old cover to my fabric scraps?

Also, as a child my mum had covered my Quraan first with paper and plastic wrap. When I remove it can I throw it away? I am confused as I don't wish to be disrespectful.