I understand that it is not permissible for a male to wear "clothing" items made of 100% silk. Most good quality neck ties are made of 100% silk, however I acknowledge that ties made of other materials are available. Please reply according to the Risala of Ayatullah Khui, and/or according to Ayatullah Sistani.

It is only now that I realise the truly harmful effects of backbiting. I know want to do istighfar, but, I do not remember all the people that I have spoken about, or they have moved away, etc. I once heard in a majlis that there are some tasbihs that you can recite and pray that the sawaab of these go to the slandered, please can you give me more information on this.

I am not referring to blasphemy or the likes as Salman Rushdie was accused of. Rather I am inquiring about basic fiction writing. As an English major I would like to know what I can and cannot do in writing about things other than religion.