Giving advice in Islam Q1.What is my duty as a Muslim toward other Muslim brothers who don't pray or deal with Riba? A.2 One of the basic rights of Muslim upon his brother in Islam is to give sincere advice which will guide him to seek pleasure from Allah. If he finds him doing good he should support him and if finds him doing something wrong he should correct him in the best possible way. Allah said, “The believers, men and women, are Auliya' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden.” (Qur'an, 9:71) The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever among you sees something abominable should rectify it with his hand; and if he has not enough strength to do it, then he should do it with his tongue; and if he has not enough strength to do it, (even) then he should (abhor it) from his heart, and that is the least of faith.” There is no doubt that deserting prayer or dealing with Riba are among major sins. Therefore, it is recommended to advise those who commit such sins or any other forbidden act. If the one who is doing this under your charge, you have the authority to use practical means to stop him from such a violation. This is the first level in the above-mentioned Hadith. But, if he is not under your charge then remind him about the command of Allah and advise him in the best possible way. Necessity of taking Ghusl Q2. Is taking complete bath (Ghusl) necessary for someone who wants to embrace Islam? A.2. Some scholars believe that it is a must, according to a Hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that Thumamah Ibn Athal (may Allah be pleased with him) embraced Islam, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Take him to the garden of Banu so and so and tell him to have Ghusl.” However, the sound view is that it is recommended and not a must because many people embraced Islam and the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not tell everyone to perform a Ghusl. If the person who wants to be a Muslim isn't in the state of Janabah, then it is Mustahab (recommended) for him/her to take total bath. Lawful pets in Islam Q3. Which animals are permissible in Islam to keep as pets? A3. It is permissible to keep any animals as pet as long as they are not harmful and selling them is not forbidden such as birds, cats, and fishes; they are lawful and one can keep them if they take good care of them. Keeping the dog in the house as a pet is not permissible. Ali Bin Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated, that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or an image.” (Ibn Majah) It is not permissible to have dogs as pets because the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) forbade the buying or selling of dogs as narrated by Abu Juhayfah and reported by Bukhari. Abu Masood Al Ansari narrated, that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) forbade the price of a dog, the wages of a prostitute and the fee of a fortuneteller.” (Bukhari and Muslim) And Allah knows best. __
