Sheikh Dr. Mehdi Hazari

Sheikh Dr. Mehdi Hazari
 
Age:
Location: North Carolina
Nationality: United States

Public QnA

I went to a second-hand market where pre-owned, discarded, or donated items are sold. I bought a glass that had a company name on it, but when I came home I searched it and found out it is the name of a beer company. It looks brand new and unused. Is it ok if I keep and use the glass? Please guide me on this. The company name is barely visible. The beer brand is not available in my home country, so nobody knows what the name means.

There’s no problem in drinking from it as long as by keeping it you’re not promoting something haram.

I know we only direct our dua towards Allah and if we direct them anywhere else it becomes shirk, So how does Tawassul, Wasilah, istighata come in play? What are the means the Allah accepts? Why use this types of help when Allah said ask him and he can help you with any dua?

As you mentioned, we only ask Allah for the fulfillment of our needs or the answering of our prayers. We ask through the waseela of those appointed by Him because this is what He calls us to do, as is mentioned in the Quran and Hadith. There is no problem with this, just look at ordinary life. If we need something we cannot get, don’t we ask someone? Why not just sit at home and ask Allah to drop it in our laps. Asking through the infallibles is needed because of their hallowed status with Him.

Is it true if someone is in a coma it is the responsibility of their eldest child to pray salah for them?

If the person is in a coma for the entire period of the prayer, then they do not need to make it up. Prayer of the eldest son is for the father after the latter’s death

Is consuming bovine collagen halal? It’s like we consume whey protein powder, but I believe collagen is taken after animal has been killed. Could you please confirm if that is haram or halal?

It is not permissible unless the animal is slaughtered according to Islamic rules.

Is it haram to sell Snus (nicotine pouches)?

There is no problem in it as long as it is not an intoxicating drug

Can it ever be haram to pray for something you desire? Could praying for someone or something ever lead to hardships developing in your life? Sometimes it does feel like doing dua has the opposite effect which is why I’m curious if it’s worth continuing on, or if Allah (swt) is telling me not to keep praying for it

Praying for something halal and beneficial can never be haram, even if it sometimes results in hardship later. The resulting hardship may not be connected at all, or it could be a consequence of the dua being accepted because maybe Allah wants to keep us humble. In the end, as long as we are within Allah’s limits, we just have to view it as a means of growth and Allah calling us to Him more and more

Firstly, there is a question about student loans. I have heard that having a student loan might exempt one from paying Khums during the duration of their studies. Could you kindly clarify if this means I do not need to pay anything until my studies are concluded? Additionally, I have funds in both investment and savings accounts. I am uncertain about how these financial assets impact the overall amount I am required to contribute towards Khums, if at all.

There is no exemption from paying khums if one meets the conditions and has savings. Current or outstanding debt from continuous living expenses like a mortgage can be deducted from the savings when khums is being calculated for that year. Education loans are not considered continuous living expenses, so you would still need to calculate your khums based on savings and not taking the debt into consideration. Investments and savings accounts must be considered when calculating savings that are liable for khums, this includes any accrual or growth.

I have been going through perimenopause. My period cannot show for months then show for 5 days stop for 10 then come again as per a normal period (all times presenting as a normal period bleed according to rulings). Please advise ruling as I can only find rulings relating to older women.

Based on your description, you would consider both to be haydh if they are separated by ten days or more.

What is Shia point of view on Baha ‘I’ faith which is originated from Iran about 150 years ago.

The Bahai believe in a prophet after Rasulallah (s) and have other beliefs that are outside our tenets. Thus, it is clear what their position is

Could you please tell me how Prophet Musa (AS) died and where is he buried?

Near Jerusalem, reportedly he passed away naturally

As a man, is it permissible for me to use a silk pillowcase to sleep to make sure my hair does not experience any friction when I sleep?

Yes, there is no problem with that.

One of the people that I live with occassionaly eats haram and najis food, for example from McDonalds. Do I need to consider his mouth najis now, and if he uses a spoon or another utensil, will I need to consider my spoons najis? Or could I assume that perhaps he ate the food in such a way that the najis part did not touch his mouth?

If something najis in the mouth touches the spoon then it will become mutanajjis

I’ve got a question regarding hasad, I feel like my life has been going very downhill recently and nothing is working for me and I’ve become very lazy and depressed. Could that be some sort of hasad and how am I able to take this away if that’s the case?

Even if someone has Hasad against you it doesn’t mean that it will result in something bad happening to you. We must believe in the protection of Allah, as long as we are true to Him. Regardless, you can recite the maudhatayn and ayat al-kursi

I had a question on the topic of wedding gatherings. My fiancé and I are wondering whether hosting such a gathering with both men and women would be allowed within sharia. The ceremony will not be like most wedding ceremonies that have clear haram aspects such as music, dancing, etc. Rather, we are planning to host a Mawlid that coincides with Zawajul Noorain, and also celebrate our marriage on the same day. The ceremony would have Quran recitation, a speech regarding the marriage of Sayeda Fatima and Imam Ali (A.S), some picture taking, and food. There would be only nasheeds playing and we would also request the guests to adhere to an Islamic dress code. We would also have men and women seated on different sides of the same room. Considering this, would hosting a gathering with both men and women be allowed within sharia? To what extent is it our duty to ensure guests adhere to Islamic dress code if such gathering is permitted? Can you also refer to both Sayed Khamenaei, and Sayed Sistani’s ruling on this matter.

Gathering of men and women on its own is not haram, it becomes so because of inappropriate behavior and interactions. From what you describe, your gathering seems noble and fine

Is confessing sin addiction for therapy a recommended act? Or is it obligatory? Or only halal?

It is not any of those. It would be permissible if the purpose is seeking help and abstaining from further sin

I wonder if its makrooh/haram to go to familys house and stay there days where non mahram without hijab (but ok decent dressed usually) are present. And what would be advised if permissible?

It is not haram per se, unless being there leads to sin or inappropriate thoughts. But it would be best to minimize looking

I regularly (around 10 times per hour) get intrisuve thoughts that are often about shirk/kufr/blasphemy and they make me feel so unconfortable. I’ve had them for around 2 months and its making me drive crazy, everytime I get a thought I overthink about it and/or everytime I say something I overthink about if I commited shirk or kufur. I think I have OCD, what would be solutions to make them go away. Ofcourse asking Allah swt for help but is there other solutions aswell? Also am I sinful if everytime I get thoughts like this I just ignore them and try not to listen to them, I feel bad when I dont answer them or try to think about them

Just getting these thoughts, even if it is triggered, is not a sin if you are trying to remove and deny them. However, if they are recurring then you should consider speaking to the counselor who can help you address why these thoughts occur. Today there are many excellent Islamic therapists and counselors

Do I get a reward if I recite only the translation and interpretation of the holy Quran as I’m not good and confident at reciting it in Arabic.

Reading the translation or commentary is not the same as Recitation of the Quran in terms of reward or significance. Thus, you must practice recitation and improve it, and it’s good to simultaneously read the translation for meaning.

I was a people’s person and did good to others but somehow I stated seeing the true colours of people and gradually I’ve started distancing my self from every one especially after both my parents passed away. I’m not liking my new self but I’m scared to get close to people as I’ve been hurt a lot and now I don’t get good thoughts about anyone. Although I’ve seen the negative side of people yet I want to mingle but something keep me away and I’ve become a loner. Is there any Amal or dua to overcome my negative thoughts for others?

Sometime we subconsciously fall into these tendencies, maybe because we are not addressing a particular spiritual need, or because our soul is seeking peace. In any case, start by trusting in Allah and seeking in people a means to improve your connection and service to Allah. You can also Recite the duas here: https://www.duas.org/mobile/worries-hardships.html

My question is since Allah subhanah wa talla has written our future has he also written who we will marry or who’s our spouse and has he also written if we would countinue our lives together or if we will divorce; if he did then why is there a purpose of making dua for certain aspects in the person I could marry if it’s already written who I will marry. Would God change the person to what I had prayed and made dua for (personality and looks)? Would God make it and change it so that we don’t get a divorce?

Allah has already decreed what will happen to us, in every way. This means that He already knows, and He only wills good for us. However, from our perspective, we still have a choice to make in life, irrespective of His knowledge of what will happen to us. Thus, we should always pray and ask and seek the best, because He will then give it to us

Since it was 3rd Jamadiulsani today, someone raised the point if men can do ziaraat or touch Taboot of Bibi Zehra (S.A) since she was epitome of demureness and Hijiab?

There is no actual taboot of Sayyida al-Zahra (p), but even then, there is no problem

I have some questions about friendship if I may. 1.Some of my friends sing or some hum while I socialize with them online. They also use foul words. Is it haram if I stay in the call and hear them? Does their singing or humming of western music count as haram types of humming and Ghina? Even if the dont perform it that as good as you would assume from haram music or Ghina? 2. A friend of mine uses islamic terms jokingly like “Haram, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar” though he toned down a lot with that. Should I immediatly talk to him or can I just ignore his jokes? 3. Is it haram to look at pictures of a friend in which he smokes weed? The purpose of the picture was to show the act of smoking.

1. You should avoid listening to foul words and anything that is haram. 2. Using Allah’s name in a manner that is disrespectful and mocking is not allowed and you should not engage in any conversation that does this 3. Not necessarily

I was wondering if it’s encouraged or discouraged to visit a therapist ( non Muslim). I have been going through a really rough time lately and I do not feel comfortable sharing my struggles with anyone. Neither family or friends. I have lots of self hate and sometimes get hit with suicidal thoughts but I’d never actually do it. Just the thoughts of self hate getting to extreme. Will a therapist help my situation?

I’m sorry you’re facing these challenges. Yes, it is good to seek therapy because they can help you work through the issues, and there is nothing objectionable in it as long as the rules are observed

Would me marrying a Sunni be something that leads to moving away from the ahul Al bayt? Because I’m not thinking about this situation from an opinion of love. I love the ahul Al bayt and would not want to do something that moves away from that. My main concern would be down the line when I have a daughter, I would not accept her to marry a Sunni unless they also promised to raise their children Shia. I want to keep Shia throughout generations of my future families

There is no objection to marrying a Sunni per se. However, as you said, there can be consequences, like moving away from the path of Ahl al-Bayt. If that is a risk, then one should find a spouse of similar beliefs

I understand that a large reason for the spread of Islam was the amazing akhlaq of the Prophet but could you please explain what was it about him that encouraged such a dramatic shift in such a corrupt society and brought many people to follow him (with the guidance of Allah)? Could you also please recommend a good book on learning his akhlaq?

There is an innate part of human beings that is drawn to justice and goodness, such that the self knows of its necessity. Moreover, we are intrinsically drawn to circumstances of universal benefit, particularly for the weak and oppressed. Our Prophet (s) came to show that universality of akhlaq and morals that brought balance to society. See the book Sunan al-Nani

I was wondering if someone to is addicted to something that is not haram but is harmful for them, does that thing become haraam for them in the period of time that they were addicted to it?

No it is not necessary that it becomes haram.

I’ve heard from some Muslims that the Imams of Ahlul Bayt are the will of Allah and how Allah created the world through the will of the Imams. Is this correct? And is it also kufr?

They are the ones who are intimately knowledgeable of Allah’s command and they are His instrument in the world. This is not kufr, because no one is ascribing godhead to them

I attend a university in the UC (University of California) system. I recently found out that The UC system invests Billions of dollars into Blackrock who in turn invests in military companies supporting Israel. At least part of our tuition might end up going towards this. Is it ok to still attend and finish my last year at this University? I would appreciate if you could explain how in such a globalized and interconnected world it would even be possible to not support some corrupt or tyrannical nation in some way(not that I want to). I live in the US who directly funds Israel. In a similiar vein, Salat is not allowed on Usurped land but how is it allowed in the US which from one perspective is Usurped? I would appreciate some insight on these questions.

There is no problem in attending the school nor is there in praying because you are not directly supporting oppression and your money is being paid for education, even if it is used for other purposes by the institution. Usurpation of this land is a historic matter that has been restituted and paid in reparations

As a male is it Haram for me to stick my fingers up my backside?

If it is a form of masturbation then yes.

1. A zakira once told that there is an animated movie named Princess of Rome about Bibi Narjis a.s, Mother of Imam e Waqt, and we all should watch it. Kindly tell if it is okay to watch such movies featuring Ahlulbait a.s with revealed faces? 2. A milad is coming and I have been asked to prepare a few questions regarding Imam Zain ul Abideen a.s and his life. Can you suggest a book/app/link available online?

1. There should be no problem in this as long as there is no disrespect or claim of actual historical accuracy in resemblances 2. See Life of Imam by shaykh Baqir al-Qarashi for comprehensive details