Zaid Alsalami

Bismihi ta'ala

Although the Nikah could be valid, if the correct standards for Islamic marriage contract is observed, it is not a good sign if they "insist" on having their own 'Alim to do it.

If you choose to marry someone outside of your Madhhab, it is very important to have strong ability to manage things. You must be strong enough to have to deal with the issues that arise, regarding your Shi'i beliefs, your rituals, how the house is managed, and the future children.

There are good examples of a Shi'i marrying a Sunni, and both observe the highest level for each other's beliefs. That is how it should be. 

However, there are many bad examples and bitter experiences, which is why one must be extra cautious, and not just think about accepting their 'Alim to officiate the Nikah, but also what level of involvement, interference, influence, or intimidation they will have. 

Marrying someone from another madhhab is permissible only if one has assurance they will not be influenced, for them and the children as well.

And Allah knows best

Bismihi ta'ala

It would not be classified as a sin, but Islam does strongly encourage having children, and therefore, one must strive as much as they can to conceive children, and multiple children as well. By natural means, or medical, as long as all shar'i requirements are observed. 

And Allah knows best.

Bismihi ta'ala

In the sunnah of Islam, mourning of a deceased is for three days only. The only exclusive exemption is Imam Husain (a.s.), and the important event of 'Arbaeen. 

Yes, there are cultural practices, for Fatiha ceremonies, like the 7th day, 40th day, and one year passing of the deceased, but these are just customary traditions. 

And Allah knows best.

Bismihi ta'ala

Please refer to my artilce I wrote on this topic, in shaa Allah it will be of use:

https://www.sheikh-alsalami.org.au/2017/11/22/how-did-adam-and-eve-pro-c...

Bismihi ta'ala

We pray as the holy Prophet (s.a.w.) prayed, and he did not fold his arms during his prayer. This is something even Sunni scholars acknowledge. Sunni Malikis also do not fold their arms in salat.

Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) were the closest to the Prophet (s.a.w.), and in the Ja'fari jurisprudence, hands must be to the side, as did the Prophet (s.a.w.). 

For this reason, it is haram to legislate anything not a part of the shari'ah, which means that folding of arms would be haram and the prayer would be invalid. 

This is the common view of Shi'i jurists.

And Allah knows best. 

Bismihi ta'ala

No, you do not have to. Both of the are mustahab.

And Allah knows best

Bismihi ta'ala

This would depend on:

1. What type of ghusl it is.

2. The fatwa of your Marja' taqleed.

So, please refer to your Marja' taqleed.

And Allah knows best.

Bismihi ta'ala

The criteria is similar for every baligh mukallaf male or female.

If they have the financial capability, which means they have enough money to travel, and there are no legitimate obstacles preventing them, then it would be wajib upon her.

And Allah knows best. 

Bismihi ta'ala

It can be worn for wudhu`, as long as it does not get wet, but it cannot be worn for salat. 

And Allah knows best

Bismihi ta'ala

Please read our previous answers to similar questions, and this clip as well would be in shaa Allah useful as well:

Bismihi ta'ala

Assuming you are 18+, and if you do a mut'ah contract with a duration of 99 years, it would mean you've lived over 120 years, and if both of you are still verbal and cognizant, once the duration of contract finishes, it you become non-mahram to each other again.

You will need to do another mut'ah contract should you wish to stay together, or nullify it, if still within duration. 

The way you nullify it is for male to say to the female "I free you for the remaining period". 

And Allah knows best

Bismihi ta'ala

Yes, it would be permissible. 

And Allah knows best