Q & A

These questions, unless otherwise noted, have been answered by Ustadha Shaista Maqbool

Is the wudu of ghusl performed in the same way as a regular wudu? Does one repeat the limbs of wudu in ghusl?

Yes, it is the same as a regular wudu. It is a sunnah (and not a requirement) to repeat the limbs of wudu in ghusl as it is required that one gets the entire outer body wet during ghusl.

What are the rulings pertaining to babies who die during birth?

If the following conditions are met, s/he is given a name, a ghusl, shrouded and prayed upon, as well as given the rights of inheritance:

– During/after birth there is presence of any signs of life, e.g: movement seen or vocal sounds heard during/after delivery (note: sounds or movements in the womb are not considered).
– If most of the body including the chest, assuming not a breech baby, was delivered.
– If at least all of the body, up to the navel was delivered, if born feet first (breech position.)

If, at birth there are no signs of life (as described above) but some human features are apparent, a ghusl is performed (per the preferred opinion) and the baby is wrapped in a cloth and buried. The baby is not prayed upon. The same rulings apply for a stillbirth.

If a woman gets divorced and her ex-husband was able to provide for her when she got married, does the responsibility of financial sustenance fall back upon her father?

Yes, and this is irrespective of whether the husband was able to provide for her (or not) during the marriage.

Can someone who has nisab in gold take zakah?

No. If they possess the zakatable amount (Niṣāb) in any wealth that is potentially zakatable, they are not eligible for zakah.

If a baby can’t hold itself up and is lying partially on a person who is praying, but the diaper area is not on the person, would it still break the prayer?

If the person is considered to be holding the baby then the prayer would be invalidated, assuming the baby had najasah (filth) on them.

Can a person pray Eid prayer at home?

No, once the congregation is missed, there is no more Eid prayer.

Is it permissible to fast nafil (supererogatory) fasts before making up fardh fasts and would it be considered makruh (discouraged) if it was permissible? Also, for someone making up Ramadan fasts, is it disliked (makruh) for them to fast only on Friday or Saturday, if it is a makeup fast?

Yes, it is permissible. No, it is not makruh.

Are the actions of someone who apostates erased?

Yes they are, including Hajj. (Answer by Shaykh Samer – conveyed by Teacher Saira Abu Bakr) The ruling is the same in the Maliki school.

Is a woman’s 'awrah-nakedness- completely off-limits during menstruation?

Her husband touching between the navel and the knees is permitted -per the dominant opinion- as long as she is wearing thick clothing, such that the warmth of the body is not felt over the clothes. (Maliki and Hanifi)

These days many people write or say the sunnah greeting of salam, in the short form ex: ASAK or 'Salams'. Do any of these fulfill the sunnah greeting?

No (Shaykh Samer al Nass)

Is it permissible to use toilet paper if it has writing on it?

As long as it does not have the name of a respectable person (Sh. Samer al Nass).
Note: It is not permissible in the Maliki school to use toilet paper that has writing on it.

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