1. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims
  2. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

28 Questions

Is a silent vow still valid? I intended to fast on a specific Friday without stating it verbally. Should I observe the fast on that chosen Friday, or wait until after the event?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

If you made an intention to fast on a specific day as a vow or Nathr نذر then you must fast on that specific day even if you did not state it verbally. If your intention was to fast after the event, then you are not bound to fast but after the event. If your intention was for fast anyway with out a condition, then you can fast any time before or after the event.

Wassalam.
I often experience a strange feeling, like a heavy heart or restlessness, the night before a close person passes away or when a serious issue or conflict is imminent at home. What could this sensation indicate?
Amina Inloes

It is not unusual for people to have a sense that something bad is about to happen, especially if it involves someone they are close to. It indicates that there is more to ourselves and the universe than what is measurable through material means. 

It is narrated from Jabir:

I sighed in the presence of Abu Ja'far (Imam al-Baqir (A)) said, "Son of Allah's Messenger, sometimes I feel afflicted for no apparent reason or I am overcome with a condition of grief such that my family and friends see it on my face."

"Indeed, Jabir," he replied.

"Why is that, O son of Allah's Messenger?" I asked.

"What will you do knowing it?" he asked.

"I would love to know," I replied.

"O Jabir," he then said, "Allah created the believers from the earth of Paradise and brought about their souls from the breeze of Paradise. Believers are thus full brothers; so, when one soul amongst this group of souls is afflicted in any place, the rest are depressed, for they are one."
How can I purify my heart, regain my self-respect, and reconnect with Allah after making the mistake of developing feelings for someone in an un-Islamic way, which led to betrayal and emotional distress?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

1. Repenting the previous bad deeds and deep feeling of sorrow about it.

2. Firm decision not to do it again under any circumstance.

3. Repeating Estighfaar (Seeking forgiveness) day and night especially when you are alone and during Sujood and in special times like during last one sixth if night (Sahar time).

Wassalam.
Can a heart be completely blackened and sealed such that they cannot repent, seek forgiveness or do good deeds?
Amina Inloes

This is what is referred to in the Qur'an as Allah sealing people's hearts (e.g. 2:7); i.e. they have gone so far towards evil that they have lost the capability to change.

However, this does not happen if we just make a mistake or do something wrong; rather, it is for people like Yazid. 

A person with their heart sealed might do something that, on the surface, appears to be a good act, but would lack the inner intention for it to genuinely be classified as one in the hereafter.