Question I like to know the definition of “Fasiq”. Who can be considered as Fasiq? I have heard that if someone commits a sin he becomes a Fasiq. What does this mean? Jazzakallah khairun Reply “Faasiq” is the subject or the nominative form from the root “Fa-Seen-Qaaf” (فسق). The basic verb derived from the referred … Read more »

Difference between Fard & Wajib What’s the difference between FARZ and WAJIB? Also, I heard some Hadith about Wit’r namaz. Is this obligatory? Are the related Hadith right? Thanks Reply In their literal connotation, the two Arabic words are synonymous. Both these words imply an obligation and are used for something, which is necessary to … Read more »

Question I have a few more questions on prayers, which I would be grateful if you can clarify. What is the status of non-fardh(1) prayers i.e. prayers other than e.g. the 3 compulsory rak`ahs of Maghrib. Some people say these are optional and yet other people say that one is committing a sin by not offering these. Please clarify the … Read more »

Question Some people think that Islam is a backward religion and, therefore, it cannot fulfill the demands of the progressive modern-day world. The question is that if it is a divine religion how can it be backward? Regards Reply “Backwardness” is a vague and subjective term. People should be specific about what they consider to … Read more »

Question What is the definition of promise in Islam? Consider two examples: My wife asked me when I am going to finish my Ph.D. I told her Insha Allah by end of 2001. When I have not finished by then, she says I have broken my promise. I told her that she cannot consider it … Read more »

Question What exactly is Gheebat (backbiting)? From my knowledge it is a very great sin. Can it be defined as “a conversation between two people talking ill of a third person not present in that conversation”? Secondly if with complete evidence we know that a particular individual is bad would it even then be backbiting? … Read more »

Question What is the correct definition of Zulm? How can I be sure that what I am doing to others is not Zulm? Reply Zulm (lit: injustice, wrongfully depriving someone of his legal and moral rights), from a moral perspective, means to wrongfully take something for oneself or grant it to another person, and to, … Read more »

Question Both the Qur’an and the Bible state that we should give freely to all those who ask (Qur’an 2: 177; Matthew 5: 42). Thus, whenever I have been asked by someone (usually beggars or other needy people), I have given something of my wealth. But my parents have objected to this, arguing that I … Read more »

Backbiting What exactly is Gheebat (backbiting)? From my knowledge it is a very great sin. Can it be defined as “a conversation between two people talking ill of a third person not present in that conversation”? Secondly if with complete evidence we know that a particular individual is bad would it even then be backbiting? … Read more »

Question We people. in Pakistan constantly read about Mahmud Ghaznavi as a great Mujahid and his act of invasion and destruction of the temple of Somnath is mentioned as a highly commendable act. What is the Islamic position of this act? Was it justifiable? Some people justify by drawing it parallel to the destruction of … Read more »