Holidays & Celebrations
Are Christmas pudding and mince pies halal?
It depends on the recipe: Christmas pudding and mince pies often contain brandy and suet. Check the label for alcohol and vegetable suet to be sure.
Archive
All Questions
Every question answered on MuslimWay, newest first: short, honest answers for new Muslims and people curious about Islam in Europe and the US.
Wudu & Purity
Are cats najis?
No, cats are not najis. Their fur, saliva and leftover water are pure; only their urine and droppings are impure and need washing off.
Men's Dress & Grooming
Are boar bristle brushes allowed for Muslim men?
Not usually; most scholars say avoid boar bristle brushes because pig is impure, though schools differ on hair. Synthetic and plant-fibre ones are easy.
Afterlife & Unseen
Are black cats bad luck in Islam?
No, black cats are not bad luck in Islam. The Prophet rejected bad omens and superstition; here is what to say if one crosses your path.
Men's Dress & Grooming
Are beard oils and balms halal?
Yes, beard oils and balms are usually halal. Check labels for animal fat and alcohol; plant oils, butters and beeswax are fine.
Afterlife & Unseen
Are angel numbers like 11:11 haram?
Mostly yes: believing angel numbers like 11:11 are messages is not allowed in Islam, though simply noticing a number is harmless.
Sports & Fitness
Are anabolic steroids haram in Islam?
Yes, in general. Most scholars forbid anabolic steroids for building muscle because of harm and cheating; doctor-prescribed treatment is different.
Faith & Identity
Are all Arabs Muslim?
No, not all Arabs are Muslim, and most Muslims are not Arab. Arabs are roughly one in five of the world's Muslims; Indonesia has the most.
Eid & Islamic Holidays
What is the month of Rabi al-Awwal?
Rabi al-Awwal is the 3rd Islamic month, when the Prophet Muhammad was born, reached Medina and died. What it means and how Muslims mark it.
Eid & Islamic Holidays
What is Arbaeen?
Arbaeen is a Shia commemoration held 40 days after Ashura for Husayn, the Prophet's grandson, marked by a huge walk to Karbala in Iraq.
Eid & Islamic Holidays
Do all Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha or only pilgrims?
All Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha, not just pilgrims. Pilgrims mark it in Mina, while everyone else prays Eid and offers qurbani at home.
Eid & Islamic Holidays
Can my qurbani count as my baby's aqiqah?
It depends: some scholars let one animal count as both qurbani and aqiqah, while the Maliki and Shafi'i schools require a separate sacrifice.
