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.
More questions
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.
