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

Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

103 Questions

My parents conducted Istikhara for a proposal that came out positive. Though my parents know the guy and his family, there is a 13-year age gap and I lack attraction towards him. As such, I am feeling uncertain, will refusing lead to future regret?
Zaid Alsalami

Bismihi ta'ala

You and your family should not rely on istikharah for making the decision of marriage. Istikharah should not be the primary tool to be used for marriage selection. 

The age gap that you mentioned is not really a major issue, and could be overlooked, if there is compatibility and commonalities and attraction towards each other.

However, as you said there is no attraction, and you do not have that certainty in this marriage proposal, then I would recommend you not rush into this, and not allow your parents to pressure you. 

You have every right to decline this proposal as well, and if you are doing the right thing, you wont need to regret in the future.

For marriage, the important thing is him being religious, having good morals, good reputation, and there being compatibility between you and him. 

Sit with him, once or twice, or even three times, and ask the right questions, especially about future plans and what your ambitions and goals are, and how his views agree with you or not, and then make your decision. Not based on istikharah, but based on the information you have.

With prayers for your success.
Is it permissible for my parents to be considered as my maternal cousin's own parents, given that she is my milk sister and is living with us as a family member due to her mother's passing?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Milk daughter is not allowed to marry with her milk father nor her milk brother, but she does not have a share in inheritance like a real daughter unless by a will and within the limit of the one third. As she is living with your family due to her mothers passing away, you and all your family members should give her all moral support and look after her in every possible way. 
Wassalam.
Is my prayer valid if I pray alongside my Sunni family members while following the Ahl al-Bayt school of thought? What is the ruling regarding the validity of Sunni prayers?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Praying along with any Muslim from any other sect apart from Ahlul Bayt is not only permissible but also recommended.

Wassalam.
When a person learns about an engagement for marriage within their family, is it their duty to inform their relatives if they have crucial information about the character of one of the parties or their family that might affect the marriage?
Zaid Alsalami

Bismihi ta'ala

Yes, if it is crucial information and would affect the success of the marriage, and you are asked for your input, you must be honest. 

This situation is among the cases where gheebah (backbiting) is permissible, or maybe could even be obligatory. 
Of course, you must be careful that it does not somehow backlash onto you as well. 

And Allah knows best