Questions on Salaat, etc

Question:

Q1-If a person keeps two dogs as pets then will two Qiraats be deducted from his reward daily?

Q2-In Salaat before reading a Surah if Bismillah is not Sunnah, how could it be better because if a person reads Bismillah then its against Sunnah?

Q3–If a witch Muslim or non Muslim is causing harm to people with black magic  is it permissible to beat  or kill the witch ?

Answer:

1. If a person keeps a dog, then two Qiraats of rewards will be deducted from his rewards daily.  We did not find the ruling with regards to two dogs.  (Tirmidhi, Page 274)

2. Some acts in Salaah are Sunnah whilst others are Aadaab (etiquettes).  The status of Sunnah supersedes that of Aadaab.  Acts which are not Sunnah, if done in Salaah, does not mean that they are Makrooh.  There is a difference of opinion amongst the scholars regarding the recitation of Bismillah before beginning a Surah after reciting Surah Fatihah.  Because of conflicting opinions, reciting Surah Fatihah will not be given the status of Sunnah but it will be permissible to recite Bismillah as it will be from amongst the Aadaab of Salaah and also a means of gaining reward. Therefore that person who recites it will gain the reward of reciting an Aayah of the Qur’an while the one who leaves it out will be deprived of this reward.  It is for this reason that it will be deemed as better if it is read and the scholars are unanimous that this action is not Makrooh.  (Raddul Muhtaar, Vol. 1, Page 362, Ahsanul Fataawaa, Vol. 3, Page 74-75)

Answered by Mufti Muhammad Ashraf

3. In an Islamic state, out of rebuke and chastisement, it is permissible for the Muslim ruler to kill a witch who is causing harm to the people through the medium of black magic.  (Raddul Muhtaar, Vol. 3, Page 196 and 236)     

And Allah Ta’ala knows best

Nezaam bin Yahya Ali

Attested to as correct by:

Mufti Muhammad Ashraf

Darul Iftaa

Jameah Mahmoodiyah

Springs

02 July 2004

13 Jumaadul Oola 1425