You’re done with the man? Then you’re done with his stuff!

Q. I received engagement rings and gifts, and I want to know: must we return everything to my ex-fiancé? He cheated on me twice so my mother broke it off between us. Now my mom wants to know if we must give it all back or if we keep it as gifts?

A. Engagements are part of a ‘conditional situation’ that results in a man and woman showing each other an honest intent towards marriage. The gifts in the likes of rings, jewelry, watches, etc. are ‘conditional gifts’ to show ‘good faith’ with the primary intent of marriage. Sometimes it is also to show caring and affection for the desired parties.

Gender, money, and qurban

Q. My husband is unemployed. I am employed and make close to $85000 a year.  I am a woman. In sharia, I depend on him because in sharia a man is head of the household. Not fault of his, he cannot afford the qurban.  Must I still slaughter for Eid ul adha? Must I do it in my area or can I send the money to my mother and father?

A. Your slaughtering of an animal is not dependent on whether your husband is wealthy or poor, employed gainfully or marginally. Not does slaughtering of an animal depend on the fact of whether you are a lawyer or a cashier at your local stationary store.

Your slaughtering of an animal is dependent on your personal financial data. Upon evaluating your financial situation, determine if your investments are of an equivalence, or an excess, of 613.35 grams worth of silver, be it in the form rental property, gold, halal stock options, savings account, etc. If they are worth 613.35 grams of silver or more, you would have to slaughter an animal or purchase a share with someone that is slaughtering an animal that comprises of seven shares with one share being yours. A ‘seven share’ animal is like that of a camel, cow, buffalo while sheep, goat count as a ‘one share’ animal.

Should you wish to purchase additional shares to your one share, whether on behalf of your husband or any other living person, merely get their approval, and you can do so. Likewise, should you wish to slaughter an animal or purchase a share for a deceased individual, you may also do so.

Although it is best for you to slaughter in the country of your residence, so as to bring benefit for you and those around you, you can also have your animal slaughtered in the country of your choice, especially if a greater need exists elsewhere. If Allah (subhanahu wa ta’aala) has blessed you, you can do in multiple places within the same year as well, one slaughter (qurbani) being with an intention for yourself, and the other sacrifice(s) on behalf of someone else, as outlined above.

May Allah (subhanahu wa ta’aala) accept our sacrifices, ameen.

You can take your share of a seven share animal and also consume part of it.

Your question seems to indicate that you may also benefit from masaa’il pertaining to zakaat as well.

Allah certainly knows best.

Who must do qurbani?

Q. Is every Muslim required to do qurbani? Or is it  voluntary?

A. Every mature person who owns 613.35 grams worth of silver or its equivalence in value–be it in the form of gold, silver, money, halal assets within the stock market, wealth that exceeds ones basic needs through rental property and income–is required to perform the qurbani (the slaughter of an animal). They can slaughter a sheep, goat, or purchase a share from an animal that has seven shares.  A ‘seven share’ animal is one of the larger animals, as in camel, cow, or buffalo whilst sheep and goats count as a ‘one share’ animal.

Should you be blessed and wish to purchase additional shares to your one share, be it on behalf of your husband, wife, mature child, or any other living person, merely get their approval, and you can do so. Likewise, should you wish to slaughter an animal or purchase a share for a deceased individual, you may also do so. Naturally, you would not need to ask the deceased for their consent, nor the members of their estate.

Allah certainly knows best.

It’s all in the intentions

Q. Can we combine two or more intentions in the qurbani of Eid ul adha. For example, one share for aqeeqa and the one share for the qurbani? And one share for a dumm of last year’s Hajj?

A. The animal that has 7 shares within it can be divided so that a shareholder can buy multiple shares, allocate a share towards his/her qurbani, and other shares towards an aqeeqa for his/her daughter or two shares for a son, etc.

As far as Dumm (penalty) for Hajj is concerned, there are certain types of Dumm that must be done within the vicinity of the Haram, and its meat divided over there. So the last part of your question is vague as to the type of Dumm you are requesting information about.

Allah certainly knows best.

Counting on you

Q. Aqeeqa. 2 or 1 animal?

A. Boy 2, girl 1.

Allah certainly knows best.

Have relationship, will qurban

Q. Can I do a qurbani for my gf?

A. Girlfriends (GF) and boyfriends (BF) are not allowed in Islam. To slaughter for girlfriends and boyfriends would be a mockery of a sacred action. If by girlfriend you meant a wife who also happens to be your girlfriend, then merely ask her for her consent to slaughter an animal on her behalf, and upon her approval, you can certainly do so.

You generosity can also extend for you to slaughter for your living sisters, mother and father, brothers, etc. with their consent. You can also do for those Muslims who have passed away. Naturally, since they have passed away, their consent would not be needed.

Make your decisions wisely my brother. Never let your emotions and worldly desires interfere with the sacredness of your (our) religion. Allah (subhanahu wa ta’aala) never likes that.

Allah certainly knows best.

Distributing the qurbani

Q. What would be the best way to divide meat slaughtered for qurbani? Last year we had some major problems. Some ladies were fighting for the shoulders, leg pieces.

A. If all shareholders want the same portion, then that portion should be weight and divided evenly amongst the shareholders.

If people do not have a preference, or if the preferences differ, then all edible and consumable portions should be allocated by the division of weight in an egalitarian manner.

As far as non-edibles are concerned, should a person wish for it, and others agree the person can have it, then that too would be allowed based on agreement among the shareholders.

It’s a happy and spiritual occasion. Forgive others for minor infractions, and insha-Allah, Allah would forgive you yours.

Allah certainly knows best.

Qurbani for the mature?

Q. Do I have to do qurbani for my mature sons?

A. Any person who has reached the definition of Islamic maturity and simultaneously posses the financial resources should do his/her own qurbaani, and is responsible and would be questioned for neglecting it, should they do so.

To do qurbani for a person who is able and eligible to do his/her own, you need to obtain the person’s consent.  Lacking consent for an eligible living party would not be of benefit for the one possessing eligibility for a qurbani.

Allah certainly knows best.

Another phase of the moon

Q. What is your opinion of the sightings of some places? Places like Chicago and Canada have accepted for Dhul-Qiddah to have 29 days; yet, we’ve heard of other imaams like yourself who are saying that we must complete 30 days of Dhul-Qiddah. What is your problem? Or what is their problem? Can you read this and evaluate this for us:

You’re asking the wrong person…

Q. Why does Saudi Arabia do Ramadan and hajj a day early?

A. You are more than welcome to send your question to them with your proof that they are doing something wrong. Insha-Allah they would respond in kind.

Allah certainly knows best.