ut-Tilawah Q- If I come across a verse of Sajdat-ut-Tilawah (prostration of recitation) when I am reciting the Qur'an at my desk, or when I am teaching the students, or in any place, should I perform the Sajdat-ut-Tilawah? And is the prostration for both the reciter and the listener? A – Sajdat-ut-Tilawah is a sunnah for the reciter and for the listener. It is not an obligation. Also, it is not prescribed for the listener except while following the reciter. So if you recite such a verse in your office or the place of instruction, it is lawful for you to make prostration and it is prescribed for the students to follow by prostrating with you, because they are the listeners. And if you do not observe the prostration, there is no objection. – Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Baz; Fatawa Islamiyah, vol. 2, pg. 282 Speaking to women Q- What is the ruling if a young, unmarried man spoke with a young unmarried women on the telephone? A – Speaking with an unrelated woman in a manner that provokes desires, such as speaking words of love or flirting and subduing one's voice, whether on the telephone or otherwise, is not permissible. This is in accordance with what Allah said: “Then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire.” As for speaking when there is a need, there is no objection to it, as long as it is free from corruption, but only in cases of necessity. – Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Verdicts; Fatawa Islamiyah, pg. no. 120, vol. 5. Q- Which of the two is better: Dedicating oneself to da'wah or dedicating oneself to seeking knowledge? A – Seeking knowledge is better and more worthy. It is possible that the student of knowledge gives da'wah while seeking knowledge, but it is not possible that he gives da'wah to Allah while he does not have knowledge. Allah said: Say (O Muhammad): “This is my way; I invite unto Allah with sure knowledge…” (Qur'an, 12:108) So how could there be da'wah without knowledge? And no one has ever given da'wah without knowledge; and whosoever calls without knowledge, (he will) not be successful. – Sheikh Muhammad Bin Saleh Al-Uthaymeen; Kitab-ul
