1) Is smoking haraam?
Smoking is absolutely haraam. We shall post details on the web later, inshaAllah
2) 1) My mother is planning to buy a franchise (that sells donuts cakes tea and the like) actually she already made the decision and is coming soon from abroad to buy it. She is buying it from another muslim family and they told us that part of the menu is a ham or bacon serving and they did not remove it from there but simply don't sell it. I think they were required by the franchise owners to leave it.
The other problem is that the customers are mostly smokers and the place where they sit and eat is an open place (ie in the mall and beside the restaurant they have some tables and chairs where the customers eat0 and they smoke in that open place but the chairs and tables are put by us and are our property . My problem is that I am the eldest and my mom is expecting a lot from me especially since I will be in charge for the first time( my father is abroad) and my other brothers' ages are ranging from 1 to 15. I am 22. I am also not in good terms with her especially after I changed and became Religious and she is the very hot tempered type and so am I and I fear that if put in these situations I might lose control and end up with " UQUQ" . pls advise me.
You will be involved in haram for sure. You should avoid to deal with it, or modify the business to eliminate all acts of disobedience if possible. As for dealing with your mother, you should be kind to her, commanding good and forbidding evil in the most wise manner, as described in our book "Commanding good and Forbidding Evil".
3)
Concerning pictures, are any of the following types of pictures halal (when creating newsletters or anything):
Yes.
We discussed this in Hudaa. It is not permissible to draw the head of any object real or fictitious, that has human or animal resemblance.
4) Are Muslims allowed to play scratch off games? Does it matter if the scratch off game was included in ther purchase or given to them for free.
If people have to pay or perform a service in order to participate, then you may not do it because it is gambling, whether you do that voluntarily or is given to you. Otherwise, it is permissible.
If you are entered into a contest without your concent, and win the prize are you required to reject in (For instance, sometimes if you purchases clothes from _________, every 100th customer receives a $10.00 gift certificate for more clothes.)
If it is of the permitted type, you may take the prize (as in the given example), otherwise no.
5) In my university they give loans for students but the problem is that if you don't pay or start paying ( I am not sure which ) after 6 months of your graduation they charge you interest. Should I take a loan and If I won't be able to pay it before that time can I just NOT PAY the interest?
If you are not in absolute necessity, do not.
6) Please provide more information that smoking is haram. This will help many muslims Insha-Allah.
Just finished a long article on this. It will appear in next HUDAA (v4n2).
7) Is it lawful for muslims to accept gifts from other muslims who have earned their pay by working in a bank?
Only if you expect that this would help make dawah to them, or if you know that they have other source of income.
8) Can you please clarify this: Exactly which are the Qur'an or Sunnah references regarding Muslims not being allowed to make/have pictures of creatures with souls, ie. humans and animals? Are the pictures allowed on fabrics? What about small clay sculptures of creatures made to look like caricatures? Does it depend at all on one's intention, for example just enjoying looking at them?
There are many hadiths on this. A good reference that we recall is "Marriage Ettiquette in Islam" by al-Albani. For example, the Prophet 
saw pictures drawn on a curtain, and he said to Aishah, "Those who made these pictures will be tortured on the day of resurrection. They will be told to give life to what they made, but they won't be able to." And he said,"The angels do not enter into a house (room) where there is a picture."
9) I would like some assistance in locating a text from the Qur'an and/or Sunnah which justifies exactly why, in no uncertain terms, it is not permissible for the Muslim to participate in a Christian worship service, whether it is for a wedding, a typical Sunday, or some religious event specific to that Christian group.
It is surprising to receive such a question, whose answer should be obvious to any Muslim. Such practices involve numerous acts of disobedience, such as: saying words of shirk, presenting deviant understandings of worships, morals, etc, intermingling of men and improperly dressed women, the presence of idols, crosses, and other symbols, etc, etc, etc. All of the above is prohibited. Check for example in the Qur'an (4:140, 6:68, 23:3, 25:72, 28:55)
10) Many new Muslims, like myself, are confused about this issue. As you've stated in previous answers, it is haram to make/draw pictures of animals and humans, but then why do Islamic books, including children's books, have illustrations of such? Is there an exception for educational purposes?
The exception is only when there is no other way for the children (or adults) to acquire the needed knowledge. Unfortunately, we see wide violations in the so called "Islamic" books, magazines, etc.
11) Is it permissible to use cologne since it contains alcohol, or only perfume which has oil not alcohol? What about pharmacy products like rubbing alcohol used on skin to disinfect?
It is prohibited to buy, use, give, etc: cologne, aftershave, mouth wash, cough medicine, or any other material that contains ethyl alcohol (also called ethynol or SD alcohol). All of these are classified as khamr in Islam, and should therefore be totally avoided. The rubbing alcohol (isopropyl or isopropanol) is not the same, and may be used.
12) Is it permissible for a woman to dye her hair brown (she does not have ANY grey hair) with a commcerial temporary coloring kit , instead of using henna which is usually red or black? To give her self a differnet look as one would use make-up (coloring sticks and powders) to enhance her looks for her husband.
There is a difference in opinion among the scholars about this. You can refer to an answer to a question that we had in Hudaa (early 96 approx) regarding women's make-up in general. Some scholars (al-Albani for example) hold the opinion that dying with any color other than the original is a change of Allah's creation, and is therefore prohibited. Grey hair is an exception, as the Prophet () commands one to dye it (if it is extensive) with colors other than black.
13) Is it haram to write a book, or read one for that matter, if is a scary book, or a fiction? If you want to write fiction does it have to be clean of any non islamic ideas or values or beliefs? It seems that when I try to write fiction I am afraid of leading someone astray even though they know its a fiction.
Your concerns are well founded. One should avoid writing, distributing, or reading materials which contain non-Islamic concepts such as draculas, ghosts, etc. Such writings are lies, lead to deviant beliefs, and cause deviant behavior -- especially writings (even worse, movies) of violent nature that are used by the non-Muslims to produce thrill in their sick souls.
14) Is it sinful to celebrate Mauwlat, because there is some form of gathering to say dhikir and salam up on the Prophet . Is there any hadith on this issue or how do they celebrate it?
It is sinful, because it is a bid'ah (innovation) since it was not practiced by the Prophet () or his companions. It was introduced by the Fatimis in Egypt in the middle ages. Please refer to our book "Celebrations in Islam" for more detail.
15) I wondered if it was haram to watch tv entirely. I have tried to limit it to shows that don't go against Islam but I notice I see a lot of non-muslims who mix and don't cover properly Is this haram? I also noticed that there is music everywhere. Is it haram?
Yes it is! And the way the TV is run anywhere in the world, it is impossible for anyone who watches it to avoid seeing or hearing haraam matters. Claims that it is only used for the news or science programs are mostly poor excuses that are never fulfilled.
16) I am getting training as a physician in USA and a part of training I am expected to work an do procedures on Pigs. I can avoid it if I want to, but chances are that I might not get as good training as is needed to treat human beings. What is the Islamic teaching on this issue?
Avoid the haraam, and Allaah will facilitate the halaal for you, as the hadith says, "Whoever avoids something for Allaah, Allah will replace it for him with what is better." And Allaah says (what means): "Whoever has taqwa of Allah, Allaah will make a way out for him."
17) One of the sisters asked me if it is permissible to go to veternary school or courses (for muslims) since it involves touching of dogs and pigs apart from animals like cows and buffalos?
The answer is "No!" For more detail, check a similar question that we have in this section.
18) What is the ruling on the following: If a muslim travels a lot for business, he has a necessity to rent automobiles. All major car rental companies require a credit card to rent a car (even if you are paying cash). There is also the issue of paying for airfare while you are already traveling. If a muslim sincerely wishes to avoid riba, and not use the credit card for other than the above stated purposes, is it halaal for him to hold a credit card? (ie American Express)
Many scholars prohibit credit cards, even if one pays on time, because of the signed credit agreement, which involves paying ribaa if one is late. Others say it is permissible if one has the sincere intention and clear ability to avoid ribaa. At best, credit cards are a shubhah (doubtful matter) that should be avoided as much as possible.
19) What I want to know is why did Prophet(SAW) cursed the women who plucks her eyebrows. Any perticular reason he(SAW) he had for cursing the?
He () mentioned the reason in the same hadith, "those who change Allaah's creation for the sake of beauty." So they transgress into an area which is reserved for Allaah, incurring by that His anger.
20) If woman was raped and got pregnant by that rape, is it okay for her to have abortion or it is not allowed to have abortion in that case either?
No it is not okay, because it still is a killing of an innocent soul.
Added on: Nov 11, 1996
21) Since we live in America and want to provide suitable housing for my family, in a descent neiborhood, is it permissable to buy a house knowing that the banks charge interest.
No. The Prophet (S) said, "Allah curses the one who eats usury, the one who gives it to him, the one who writes it up, and the two witnesses."
Added on: Nov 11, 1996
22) My question is are pictures (photographs of people) permissible. My in-laws want a baby picture of their grandchild.
All drawings and sculptures of human or animal figures are unanimously prohibited. As for photography, the scholars of our time differ, most of them prohibiting it because it continues to be a "perfect" type of drawing. Others allow it because it is done through reflection like the images in the mirror.
In all cases, taking pictures for the purpose of remembrance, praise, boasting, lasting love, etc, all of this is wrong, because it carries the same elements that led to prohibiting images in the first place: remembering, then valuing, then excessive praise, then worship. This is how idol worship started among people, as in the authentic hadith.
Added on: Dec 23, 1996
23) My question is concerning facing the Qibla while sleeping. Is there any prohibition for one to have their feet or head facing the Qibla.
Not to our knowledge. If anyone tells you not to, ask them for their daleel (proof).
Added on: Dec 23, 1996
24) I found a job in a Laundromat ... ( thew owner is a Muslim), and I think it is just to stay there in charge on behalf of the owner ...... should I take this job , knowing that in this country all kinds of dresses and clothes that are inapropriate are being washed there (it is self service and the owner only looks after the machines , sometimes , if the person washing his clothes is late , the owner takes out the clothes and foldsa them for the person). If this is the only job I could find and the best ..... Haram and Halal-wise , should I take it?
This is like other questions where you have situations of mixed good and bad. You always have to weigh the situation and see which option constitutes the most obedience and the least disobedience to Allaah.
Added on: Dec 23, 1996
25) Can you direct me to any good articles on Riba? I need to convince my parents that buying a house (mortgage) or getting involved in interest in general is haraam.
Nothing comes to the mind right now -- except a few cassettes on financial dealings in Islam by Jibaly, available from our bookstore.
Added on: Dec 23, 1996
26) Would you please explain whether God forbids a Muslim from committing suicide. I refer you to the following: Is God referring to suicide or to murder? Sura IV Nisaa, Section 5: O ye who believe! Eat not up your property Among yourselves in vanities: But let there be amongst you Traffic and trade By mutual goodwill: Nor kill (or destroy) Yourselves: for verily God hath been to you Most Merciful! If any do that In rancour and injustice - Soon shall We cast them Into the Fire: and easy It is for God.
This refers to murder. But there are other aayaat prohibiting killing the soul that Allah prohibited, except with right. This includes one's own soul. As for the sunnah, the Prophet said that anyone who kills himself with poison or a piece of iron, he will be permanently punished by this instrument that he used to kill himself (he will continuously drink the poison or stab himself). [al-Bukhari]
Added on: Dec 23, 1996
27) I just read your answer about using cologne with ethyl alcohol. First of all what is the difference in different kinds of alcohol?. Secondly is it not true that alcohol is not 'Najas'. Can you please quote a hadeeth on this matter.
Of course there is a difference, because only ethyl alcohol is what causes intoxication, while the others do not and are not present in the alcoholic drinks. For more details, you need to ask a chemist. As for the second part of your question, it is true that alcohol is not najis, because there is no evidence to the contrary. But that does not mean that we can approach it or use it as a perfume, because the hadith prohibits buying, selling, carrying, squeezing, ... or anything that has to do with it.
Added on: Jan 3, 1997
28)
I am in the computer field and I will probably be responsible for handling many different people's work (for example I would be in charge of taking the work they did and giving it to our customer). I asked to make sure that work did not contain any riba, alcohol, gambling, etc. and the answer I received was the only thing as far as they could tell me was there could be some code dealing with late fees. For example if somebody did not give their money in on time, they would be charged a late fee. I would not be writing this code, but I would be responsible for sending it to the customer, and I wanted to know your opinion on this matter.
Added on: Feb 1, 1997
29) Are video games haram?
Like other games, some of them are haraam and some are not -- depending on their content, methiod, etc. Of course, any game becomes haraam if it distracts one from obligatory acts of worship and obedience.
Added on: Feb 1, 1997
30) Is it haram for men to have tattoos? What about if the tattoos are of Allah's (SWT) name?
Yes, tatooing is one of the major sins that causes Allaah's curse, as in the authentic hadith "Allaah curses those who make tatoos and those whom it is made for, ..." If the tatoo is a name of Allaah, it is even worse, because one would thereby be adding a clear bid'ah (innovation) to his other major sin.
MJ
Added on: March 10, 1997
31) Thankyou for answer ,but i am still a bit confused because atleast 95%+ companies in britain are run of the banks monies,the stock is purchased from banks monies .Basically everything around us is related to interest.Even if we open a bank account in England, the bank use our money towards funding therefotre interest is formed again. Please tell me if I am right in saying this.
You are pretty much right. However, if haraam is rampant, that does not give us excuse to partake of it to the utmost. We should exercise maximum care, and apply the aayah (meaning): "Have taqwaa of Allaah as much as you can".
Added on: March 10, 1997
32) However, here in the United States, we are required to maintain a minimum level of Automobile Insurance by law. I am in a fix right now. Entering into an insurance contract, seems to violate the law of ALLAH and I am reminded of the Ayah from the Quran, where it says "Was Allah's Earth not wide enough that you could migrate".
Unfortunately, this applies now to almost any country on earth. You must have a minimum liability insurance before getting on the road. If it is required, take the minimum and not any more. This has been our scholar's fatwaa once and again. Allah knows best.
Added on: March 10, 1997
33) Please can you tell me, what types of video games the ulema say are Haraam and please mention some adhilla/major scholars in our time who hold that view.
Video games or other games: Those prohibited are the ones that contain prohibited matters such as paying allegiance to an idol, believing in sorcery, naked figures, etc. All else are permissible if they are not played excessively so as to cause one to miss his Islamic duties and prayers. This opinion is expressed by Al-Albani in one of his old cassettes.
Added on: March 10, 1997
34) I would like to know all the proves of forbiding the wine ( alcohol ).
Allaah prohibited it in the Quran (same Surah). What else is needed?
Added on: March 10, 1997
35) Why are dogs and pigs forbidden in Islam?
Because Allaah prohibited them, and whatever He prohibits is filthy (khabeeth), as is stated in the Quran. Sometimes we are given details concerning the wisdom or reason for matters of legislation (tashree'), others we are not. Thus, it is a matter of faith and belief before anything else. In the case of the pig or the dog, we have not been given much details, even though many scholars later on tried to derive some.
Added on: March 10, 1997
36) Especially would like to know about hajj and having a mortgage.I have read that you are unable to go if you are in any sort of debt.
First of all, mortgage is haraam, because the Prophet said, "Allaah curses the one who eats ribaa, the one who feeds it, its underwriter, and the two witnesses." Thus, you should work hard to get out of this mortgage as soon as possible.
Second, if you have a debt for which you have clear plans to pay off, and you are not beyond the promised term, you can go to hajj without any problem. Wallahu a'lam.
Added on: March 10, 1997
37) Are we allowed to pay extra money when purchasing something (like a walkman for example to listen to Quran) can we pay extra money so that if something happens to the earphones (it usually happens after a month's time) and we take that Warranty paper.
No, because this is a form of insurance, which is gambling. Service agreement is different, and is permissible under some circumstances.
PS: We sent answers to 3 of your old questions, but they all bounced back as being undeliverable.
Added on: March 10, 1997
38) Is it islamically correct if I take a life insurance? I'll be paying a monthly sum of money and , in case of my death, my family will get a fair sum of money and also, every 5 years or so, a bonus is paid, etc...Is it OK as no ribaa is involved ? What about medical insurance covers ?
Probably no ribaa is involved, but it is a form of gambling. Get paid a lot for the little you paid, or lose it all. This is the principle for all forms of insurance, and are therefore prohibited, unless one is forced to take them, as in the case of liability auto and some forms of medical.
Added on: March 10, 1997
39) a brother has just asked me if it is HARAAM to evade paying for a train ticket. He is very short of money, and his father is due to lose his job soon.
Yes, it is considered "theft" in Islaam. If he is poor, let the Muslims help him with zakaah, sadaqah, a job, etc, instead of pushing him to steal.
Added on: March 10, 1997
40) Can you direct me to any good articles on Riba? I need to convince my parents that buying a house (mortgage) or getting involved in interest in general is haraam.
Keep checking our web page. Also, we had a good article on this subject a few months ago in Hudaa.
Added on: March 10, 1997
41) Apart from Zakaat and Sadaqa, are there any halaal ways of investing money? I have just started earning, and if I don't invest my money, by the time I save up for a house (20 years, by my calculation) inflation will probably reduce the value of my cash greatly. How about buying commodidites like gold or other jems? I need to save for my children's college education (20 years).
Best thing is to invest in trustworthy halaal businesses, otherwise, you will have to continue paying zakaah on it every year.
Added on: March 10, 1997
42) I asked this question earlier but I guess you might have missed it. Is it okay to enroll in retirement plans such as 401k and "SEP". Some of my family members and friends told me that if I choose to, I will not get the interst income but I can get dividend income. Please tell me if it is okay or not? Please try to be as specific as possible.
All sorts of investments that they put your money into are haraam, involving ribaa and many other prohibited things. Thus, if you have choice, you should not do it.
Added on: March 10, 1997
43) I am planning to go to a Pharmacy school. After graduating, I will be required to sell or provide drugs which might include HARAM ingredients..Is it permissible in Islam?
No. "Allaah did not make your cure in that which he prohibited for you." Authentic.