Family & Marriage
Is a dowry allowed in Islam?
No, not a dowry paid by the bride's family. Islam requires the groom to give the bride a mahr; a cultural dowry has no basis in Islam and is discouraged.
More questions
Modern Money
Is a debit card halal?
Yes, a debit card is generally halal. You spend your own money, so there is no loan or interest; just avoid overdraft charges and haram purchases.
Modern Money
Is a car loan haram?
Yes, a conventional car loan with interest is haram according to most scholars. Halal options include saving, a used car and Islamic car finance.
Modern Money
Is a business loan haram?
Yes, a conventional business loan with interest is haram for most scholars. Halal options include Islamic finance and profit-sharing partners.
Modern Money
Is 0% financing halal?
It depends on the contract. True 0% instalments can be halal, but watch penalty interest, deferred interest and hidden fees in the small print.
Pre-Shahada
How will my life change if I become Muslim?
Mostly your life stays yours, with real changes in prayer, food, friendships and dress. A realistic overview of what to expect if you become Muslim.
Quran
How was the Quran revealed to Prophet Muhammad?
Mostly through the angel Jibril, in parts, over about 23 years. The Quran was revealed gradually in response to events, beginning in the cave of Hira.
Quran
How was the Quran compiled after the Prophet died?
Mostly in two steps: Abu Bakr had the Quran gathered into one set after Yamamah, and Uthman later copied it into standard books for the main cities.
Mosque & Jumu'ah
How much should I donate at the mosque on Fridays?
There is no required amount to give at the mosque on Fridays. Give what you can spare, even a small sum. Here is how mosque donations work.
Health & Funerals
How much of my money can I leave in my will as a Muslim?
In most cases you can leave up to one third of your estate in a Muslim will to non-heirs. The other two thirds go to your fixed heirs by Quranic shares.
Wudu & Purity
How much of my head do I wipe in wudu?
Wiping the whole head once is best. The Hanafis require a quarter, the Shafi'is accept a part, and the Malikis and Hanbalis require all of it in wudu.
Ramadan & Fasting
How many rakahs is taraweeh?
It depends on the mosque: 8 or 20 rakahs plus witr are the most common counts. Why they differ and what a beginner can do.
