Q.1. Is it forbidden to make calls through illegal telephone lines?

Q.2. Is it forbidden to send money transfers through a money changer instead of a bank?

M.N. Shabandari, Jeddah

A.1. I am not sure what you mean by illegal telephone lines. If you mean that you use a line which you are not allowed to use, as in the case of an employee using the company’s line for a personal call and this is clearly disapproved by the company, then the answer is ‘Yes, it is forbidden’. If, on the other hand, you mean having an access to a public telephone through a devious means that allows you to make calls against the regulations, then it is also forbidden.

If you mean something else, let me know the method and the circumstances, so that I could give you an answer.

A.2. The transaction you make with the money changer is valid in the first place. However, if the ruler bans it on grounds of protecting the country’s economy, then we must obey such regulations. If the ban is for the benefit of certain individuals, not the country as a whole, the case is different.

Was satan an angel?

Q.1. It is well known that Satan was the head of the angels before he disobeyed God and was cursed. Who became head of the angels after him?

Q.2. GMT is recognized worldwide as a reference point in time. But since Makkah is the center of the earth, why have we not established it as the main world time reference?

S. Muzafferuddin

A.1. No, Satan was not the head of the angels. Nor was he an ordinary angel either. Angels do not have it in their nature to disobey God. They are described in the Qur’an as: "They do not disobey God in anything He commands them; and they do what they are bidden." (66: 6) Moreover, he is described in the Qur’an as being one of the jinn. This is a different category of God’s creatures, with the same ability of choosing to obey or disobey God’s orders as human beings. A jinni could not be an angel.

We do not have information about the angels ranks and who is their chief. But we know that Gabriel has been assigned the leading role of communicating with God’s messengers and prophets. We know that other angels have other roles. And they fulfill them as God decrees.

A.2. GMT was established when Britain had an empire stretching over much of the world. When Islamic civilization was at its height, time was not looked at in a global way. World travel had not developed sufficiently for that. By the way, Makkah is not the center of the Earth, but of dry land.

Grand ablution

Q. Could you please explain how should a woman take a bath after she finishes her period. Is there a difference between this and a bath that should be taken after sexual intercourse with her husband?

Faisa, Lahore

A. The method is the same for any bath or shower taken for purification, which includes a bath after the end of the menstrual period, and one after sexual intercourse. It is basically the same for men and women, with the exception of how a woman deals with her hair. A woman starts with performing the ordinary ablution, or wudhu. This is recommended, not obligatory. Then she takes water with her hands and goes over her head with her hands, allowing her fingers to penetrate through her hair. Needless to say, most of the water might have dropped, but this is all right. She repeats this three times, and then pours water over the rest of her body. She should practically wash all her body. This means that if she has plaits or some other intricate form of hair style, she needs not undo her hair. A man does not have this problem. Therefore he washes his head.

Promise of marriage

Q. A young Muslim man promised a Protestant friend to marry her. She left her job at his request. Now his parents are objecting to the marriage, insisting that he should marry a Muslim, or that she should become a Muslim before the marriage could take place. He insists that she should not be pressurized into converting. Rather, she could become a Muslim after marriage. He might have preferred to marry a Muslim, but he feels committed by his promise. Is there a way out for him?

A.M. Abd Al-Rahman

A. This young man should review the situation on its merits. To start with, the woman should not be put under any pressure to become a Muslim. She may only do so if she is convinced of the truth of Islam. When he reconsiders the situation, he should take into account the possibility of having a happy family life with this woman. If he is unsure, then he should make things clear.

As for his commitment to marry her, the first thing to be said in this connection is that Muslims are always keen to fulfill their promises. However, when there is a marriage commitment and it appears that the marriage would not be a happy one, it is better for both parties to wait until they are sure, or break the engagement. If it is to be broken, it should be done cordially. The commitment here is not strictly binding. Otherwise, every marriage constitutes a solemn pledge to love and look after the other spouse. Yet people often find out that they cannot live together, and engagements are dissolved, or if the marriage has already taken place, then divorce is resorted to. The man should be clear about all issues, and he should make the issues clear to his fiancée. If they are worried about their future happiness, then a withdrawal from the engagement or the pledge could be mutually agreed.

Is painting permissible

Q. Is it permissible in Islam to paint and hang one’s paintings?

S. Qazi

A. Painting is a form of art which may be permissible or forbidden according to what one paints. If one paints natural scenery or normal objects or people’s faces, it is permissible.

On the other hand, it is forbidden to paint nude people, as many Western artists do. It all depends on the subject matter of the painting. If it is in line with Islamic principles and values, it is permissible. If it is not, it is forbidden.