Muslims around the world call in with their real-life questions about faith, worship, and daily living, and this session of Ask Huda addresses some of the most common concerns that arise during the blessed month of Ramadan. From financial transactions involving interest to the rulings on women attending the masjid, these answers are grounded in the Quran and the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Key Rulings Discussed
One of the most critical issues raised concerns riba (interest-based transactions). Allah declared war from Himself and His Messenger against those who engage in riba, making it one of the most severe prohibitions in Islam. Muslims who discover they have been involved in interest-bearing transactions should repent sincerely and take only their original capital, as Allah commands. The scholars also addressed questions about paying zakah, clarifying that while it is generally best to distribute zakah locally, it is permissible to send it to Muslim communities in greater need, such as those in devastated regions.
“Allah has permitted trade and forbidden riba (interest). Whoever receives a warning from his Lord and stops may keep what he received in the past, and his case is with Allah.” — Quran 2:275
Practical Questions Answered
- Breaking the fast by the timesheet — If you cannot hear the adhan, a reliable prayer timetable serves the same purpose for determining iftar and suhoor times
- Women praying in the masjid — While the Prophet (peace be upon him) said the best place for a woman to pray is her home, he also commanded that women should not be prevented from attending the masjid, especially if praying at home would compromise their concentration
- The state of janabah while fasting — Waking up in a state of ritual impurity does not invalidate the fast; the Prophet himself would begin his fast in this state and take a shower afterward
- Translations of the Quran — Scholars remind us that no translation captures the exact meaning of the Quran; what we read in English is an “approximate meaning,” not the Quran itself
“Do not prevent the female servants of Allah from the mosques of Allah.” — Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
The best deeds during Ramadan include abandoning false speech and sinful actions, increasing the remembrance of Allah, reading the Quran with understanding, and guarding one’s tongue, eyes, and ears from everything that displeases the Creator. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) reminded us, whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, then Allah has no need for him to give up his food and drink.
