Q. Could you please explain whether wearing black threads around one’s wrist or neck is permissible. Normally, some Qur’anic verses are read and blown on these threads to make them effective.
S.K., Taif
A. This is just another form of a charm or a talisman. All such articles are forbidden to wear. They are described by the Prophet (peace be upon him) as a form of shirk, which means associating partners with God. As such, they are very strictly forbidden. Indeed, the Prophet has prayed to God not to grant the wishes for which a person wears such articles. So, they are self-defeating as well.
From another point of view, the Qur’an has been revealed so that we treat it as a code of living and implement it in our lives. It is meant neither for enchantment, nor for watch guard duties to protect us against physical harm. The Qur’an will certainly protect us against much more than physical harm if we learn its message and implement it in our lives. It will give us guidance that ensures that we do not go astray. But this requires a proper approach to the Qur’an, which is God’s guidance to mankind.
Fasting on the Day of Eid
Q. In some countries, the day of the Eid is one or two days later than it is in Saudi Arabia. If one wants to fast on the Day of Arafat, does he follow Saudi calendar or his own country’s?
M.M. Hussein
A. The day we are recommended to fast is the day of Arafat, not any day preceding the Eid of Sacrifice (Eid Al-Adha). Thus, if the Eid is determined to be later in a particular country, which should not be the case, the day to fast is still the day when the pilgrims attend at Arafat.
