Issue 1

Questions and Answers by Moulana Yusuf Ibn Shabbir

1) Many perfumes and shampoos that are produce may contain some form of Alcohol. Is it permissible to use such kind of perfumes?

The term ‘Alcohol’ is a very broad term that has thousands of types and forms as is apparent from the study of Organic Chemistry. The Arabic term ‘Khamr’ usually translated as Alcohol, is not the precise translation, as ‘Khamr’ refers to specific types of Alcohols. With regards to perfumes and shampoos, the alcohol generally  used differs to the ‘Khamr’ mentioned in the Holy Quran, which refers to the ‘khamr’ that is used in the beverages. Therefore, it is permissible to use such kind of perfumes. Nevertheless, it is best to avoid alcoholic perfumes and use the traditional un-alcoholic perfumes (Itr), in accordance to the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW).

2) Is it permissible to urinate standing up?

It is undesirable (Makrooh) to urinate in a standing position as it is against the method of the Prophet (SAW). The mother of the Believers, ‘Aaishah (RA) is reported to have said

“Whosoever relates to you that the Prophet (SAW) would urinate standing up, then do not believe it” (Tirmidhi, 12:1). Once, the Prophet (SAW) saw ‘Umar (R.A.) urinating standing up, he said, “O Umar, do not urinate standing up”. (Tirmidhi, 12:1) However, if one has an excuse, he may urinate standing up as the Prophet (SAW) is recorded to have done so on one occasion. (Bukhari 224, Muslim, 273).

3) If a woman in her menstruation period is divorced, will the divorce occur?

The divorce will occur irrespective of her being divorced once or more. This is the view of the four schools of thought and likewise mentioned by great scholars of Hadith, like Imam Al-Bukhari and others. The great companion, ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar once divorced his wife in a similar scenario and the divorce was taken into account. (Footnote of Al-Istithkar, 13:18)

4) What is the ruling on smoking cigarettes?

It is a universally accepted and indisputable fact that smoking has many
serious health and life hazards to the smoker, the surrounding people, and the environment. It is estimated that 120,000 people die annually because of smoking. Allah the Almighty says: “and do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands.” (2:195) Smoking cigarettes is undoubtedly a form of slow suicide along with wasting excessive money, both of which are prohibited in Islam. Smoking in fact causes much more harm to the surrounding people compared to the smoker himself, due to passive smoking. The ruling in the Quran and Sunnah is clear that harming others is a Haraam act. The Prophet (SAW) is reported to have said, “The believer is the one from who’s hands and tongue, other believers are protected” (Bukhari, 10&11) Therefore, smoking is prohibited and cannot be justified under any circumstances.

5) How reliable is the HMC organisation?

The HMC (Halal Monitoring Committee) is a non-profit making voluntary organisation established in 2003 in Leicester. The organisation comprises of reliable scholars and concerned Muslims. Its main aim is to monitor that Halal meat and Poultry reaches the consumer, and doubts of Haram are eradicated by continuous inspection at all stages after which each product is certified. The organisation opposes all forms of un-Islamic methods of slaughter including stunning, and ensures that all the Islamic regulations are adhered to during slaughter. It is a reliable, well organised organisation, supported by national and international scholars. The Organisation should be supported in every possible manner and people are urged to consume HMC certified products. For more details, you may refer to their website www.halalmc.co.uk.

For any questions, please email                            blackburnmuslims@yahoo.com, we shall answer your questions in the next edition Insha’allah.