Question:
ASSALAMUALAIKUM
Please assist with the following :
1. One source claims that every creature from the sea is edible in terms of a Hadith. It was also quoted that a whale that was beached was also eaten ?. Can you confirm this ?
2. In the land of the ‘midnight sun’ were sunlight is for half the year and darkness for the other half, how does one perform Salaah or Fast in Ramadaan?
3. The recent Tsunami, which claimed over 300, 000 lives was a major disaster. Is there an Islamic perspective. One claim is that Allah Ta’ala is punishing us for the wrong doing and of sin. Is this true?
4. A brother left home to work elsewhere and eventually settled buying a dwelling for himself. He called over his mother with the father’s permission who allowed it thinking that the son will marry after which the mother can return home. The son has not married and the mother has not returned to rejoin her husband. Is the mother obliged to return or is the husband obliged to move house and join her ? Please advice.
Answer:
1) According to the Hadith, only fish from amongst the creatures of the sea is Halaal. In the time of the Prophet (S.A.W.), a huge fish surfaced from the sea which was consumed by a big group of Sahabah. This fish was called Ambar.
2) If the day and night of a certain locality exceeds twenty four hours, then the inhabitants should perform their Salaah and fast according to the shortest day of the locality closest to them, the day and night of which does not exceed twenty four hours. (Ahsanul Fataawaa, Vol. 2, Page 114)
3) The glorious Qur’an speaks out, “Corruption has surfaced in the land and in the ocean on account of what man’s hands have acquired so that Allah may give them to taste some of that which they committed; perchance they turn back (from misdeeds).
Say: “Travel in the land, then see what the sequel of the primitive people was.” Majority of them were polytheists.
So focus thyself towards the straight religion before such a Day arrive for which there will be no back-tracking from Allah. That Day they will all go apart.”
(Surah Room, verse 41-43). “And whatever suffering assails you, it is in consequence of what your hands had acquired; and Allah pardons a great deal.
And you are not to render (Allah) helpless in the earth. And you have neither a protector nor supporter other than Allah.
And among His signs are the sailing-ships in the ocean like landmarks (mountains). If He wills, He can suspend the wind, thus the ships remain motionless on the surface of the ocean. Certainly in this there are true tokens for every ever-enduring, ever grateful person. Or, He wrecks the ships on account of the people’s doings, and pardons others.
And (so that) those who contend in Our verses may know that there is no getaway for them.
So, whatever you are given, it is just a gain of the worldly life, and whatever is by Allah, that is better and more durable for those who believe and have trust in their Sustainer only,
And who avoid major sins and immoral acts; and when they get angry they forgive,
And who respond to (the commands of) their Sustainer, and they observe Salaat; and their affair is conducted with mutual consultation; and they spend of what We provided them with.” (Surah Shoora, verse 30-38)
In the light of these verses, we conclude that to be kept safe from disasters, such as the Tsunami, we should sincerely make Taubah, distance ourselves from such acts which draw the wrath of Allah and engage in the work of Da’wah.
4) From the information forwarded, it is quite clear that the father did not divorce his wife, neither is he angry at her. He sent his wife in order to assist their son in establishing his home. Therefore, she is now obliged to return to her husband who should call on her to come back.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
16 May 2005
07 Rabee’uth Thaani 1426