Know Your Deen

Islamic QA for North America

May 7, 2026
by admin KyD
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Qurbani 2026! Visit the site linked below!

Assalaamu alaikum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakatuhu!

Are you looking for a place to submit your orders for qurbani this year? You can do so very affordably and reliably at FeedtheUmmah.com!

Qurbani will only be done after Eid Salaah takes place here in California, and we will email you once your qurbani has been completed.

JazakAllah khair for your continued support and may Allah (SWT) reward you abundantly, Ameen.

Wassalaam,
Admin

May 26, 2026
by admin KyD
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Eid al Adha Takbeerat Information

Assalaamu alaikum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakatuh,

Quick Reminder: The Eid Takbeerat begins Tuesday, May 26 at Fajr and ends this Saturday at Asr. Let’s fill these days with remembrance!

🎧 Listen to the Takbeerat on YouTube

📝 The Wording of Takbeerat

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil-hamd. (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.)

⚙️ Quick Rules & Etiquette

  • When to Recite:
    • After Prayers: Highly recommended immediately following every obligatory (Fardh) congregational prayer.
    • Anytime: Encouraged freely throughout the day and night (while driving, cooking, or relaxing).
  • Volume: Men should recite aloud in public spaces to spread joy, while women should recite softly.
  • How: You can recite individually, with family, or play them in the background at home to keep the Eid spirit alive.

Wassalaam,

Admin @ FeedTheUmmah.com

May 18, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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Cowardice of Hatred, the Strength of Dhul Hijjah

The devastating attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego cuts deep. Losing members of the Ummah — anywhere in the world, more so here in the USA is a profound tragedy.

As people of faith, we believe that targeting children, educators and the vulnerable is never a display of power. It is the ultimate sign of weakness and cowardice. True strength protects; cowardice assaults. In the wake of such hatred, people in responsible positions must unequivocally condemn such violence — regardless of where it takes place, and regardless upon whom it occurs. A wrong is a wrong and it must always be condemned! Period! We must hold those in leadership accountable to speak out against any and all such violence. Silence is not an option. We must stand strong in the face of these cowards.

As we navigate this pain during these sacred days of Dhul Hijjah, we must continue to stay disciplined — as we always do, continue to be responsible and focused on what God Almighty expects of us. This is a time for deep devotion, unity and looking out for one another and also keep our neighbors safe. This is what Allah (SWT) expects of us. And yes, as Muslims we always have done this and will continue to do this!

Our doors and our hearts remain open. Pain is not going to make us lose our dignity and gratitude. We honor the victims not by retreating, but by doubling down on our faith, our community and our unwavering resolve.

Do not lose heart, nor grieve, for you will surely carry the upper hand if you are true believers. — Quran

Muhammed Shoayb

May 1, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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No zakah for you!

Q: I inherited furniture from my mothers death. It is valued over 25 000. Some old pieces. But i myself do not have much money. So how would i pay zakah on it?

A: May your mother rest in peace, inshaAllah.

One does not pay zakah for personal furniture they own.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

May 1, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

can a non Muslim gift a sheep for Eid ul udhiya

Q: I live in Somis. If i gave a muslim neighbor a 2 yr old sheep can they religiously use it for sacrifice for Qbani?

A: Yes, they can use it for doing the Qurbani, if such is their intention. May you be blessed for wanting to do kind things for humanity.

Allah Certainly Knows Best

April 3, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Shia Sunni Divide must not come to T.O.!

Q:Could you please clarify what was stated during the Friday khutba regarding Shiism and the ongoing conflict? Are Shia’s incorrect on how they view Umar and Aysha?
A: While I appreciate the request for clarification, there appears to be a misunderstanding: I did not use the term Shia coupled as an ‘ism.’ As we are aware, that connotation can sometimes be offensive to the Shia community. The small error on your side implies potential pain, and the mental anguish of how can a Sunni imam potentially attempt to stand for that which is good for people that some may view as ‘different from our total belief system. I’m not going to go into Umar (RA) etc, i’m just going to state what I have in my notes.

We have anywhere from five to a dozen Shia congregants who attend our Masjid. To ignore the current crises would be inappropriate; therefore, I stated the following:

The tragedies occurring in Gaza, Sudan, various parts of Asia-not limited to but including China and India, and upon our brothers and sisters from the former Soviet Union are heartbreaking. Without taking away from any groups suffering on, and i say this purely on humanitarian grounds, at this immediate time we pray specifically for the children, the elderly, and the innocent in Iran. We do not view this as a political matter, but as a humanitarian one. From that perspective, we must stand for the goodness and well-being of all innocent people on every side of a conflict.

Mufti Shafi made a vital point: those outside the faith do not distinguish between Sunni and Shia; they simply see us as Muslims. We must not allow ourselves to be divided further than we already are. We should keep our internal differences private and remain united against all forms of oppression.

That said, it would be disingenuous not to acknowledge that there are fundamental differences between Sunni and Shia Islam. The Quran states that ‘Allah is pleased with the Sahaba and they are pleased with Him.’ Therefore, in our belief, holding a negative view of any Sahaba or Sahabiya is incorrect and a matter of one’s faith. To omit this would be a form of deception. Yet, acknowledging this does not stop us from praying for the innocent people of Iran-especially the 170 children that were killed, the elderly as well as the innocent.

I recognize that for some, this remains a sensitive statement. Let me return to my topic at hand and conclude with a more positive topic, the story of Hanzala (RA)….

I hope the above clarifies my intentions. If you were simply seeking a written record of what was stated, I am glad to be of assistance.

Just to recap, wishing every group safety, security, prosperity, while fulfilling the criteria of justice upon humanity is should the goal of every human, most also during these critical times in our history.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

In future, kindly pull me aside after I give the talk so that there is very little lag time between my comments and what you have heard. I am not answering the issue on Aysha (AS) and Umar (RA) for two reasons: you showed a lack of respect in addressing them, and this is not the time for such a conversation.

March 14, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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sadaqatul fitr for children

Q: Do we need to pay sadaqatul fitr for children ? Wife?
A: A father having the nisab (minimum requirement of money to start giving zakaah) will pay it for his children that are not yet mature.
He can also deduct this amount from their savings if he is not doing very well financially. However, if he is generous, and he gives it from his side, the reward will be greater for him.
If the wife has her own money, she will be responsible for her own giving. He can also give for her, should she give him the permission to do so.
Allah Certainly Knows Best.

March 7, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
2 Comments

TOY DRIVE

Toy Drive at the Musjid. Drop of your toys as soon as possible. Toys go to the less fortunate. Details on Musjid monitor.

Jazakallah khair!

March 7, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Do i deduct Mortgage amount from Zakah

Question: An individual possesses $100,000 in liquid assets (cash) and has a mortgage with annual installments totaling $60,000, for ones calculation, does one deduct the annual debt obligation from the zakatable base? We seeing mixed opinions online. You have implied on parts of your QnA (on this site) that no deductions are to be made, is this correct? Are their multiple options and opinions, how to remove the confusion? It is not that i do not want to pay, just seeking clarity.

Answer: Within the Fiqh there are multiple opinions regarding how long-term and deferred debts affect liquid (cash on hand) wealth when calculating Zakat. These differences exist across the various schools of thought, and even within the Hanafi school itself ther e are multiple views. For many years, the stricter opinion has often been followed. Due to economic complexities and financial situations, some ‘contemporary scholars’ have presented a more lenient approach that may be used depending on one’s financial situation. This too is deduced from the sharia.

First position:
This position is from some of the ‘contemporary’ Hanafi scholars. It is based on the principle that Zakat is only due on wealth that is beyond one’s essential needs. Since mortgage installments for the upcoming year are obligations that must be paid within the current Islamic year cycle, this portion of wealth is not considered truly surplus. Therefore, a person may deduct the next 12 months of mortgage payments from their liquid assets before calculating Zakat.
Example:$100,000 (Total Cash/Liquid Assets) − $60,000 (Mortgage Payments for the Next 12 Months) = $40,000 (Net Zakatable Assets). Thus, Zakat Liability: $1,000 (2.5%)

Second Position: The more traditional view (that we have used):
This is the stricter classical opinion, historically supported by many scholars, including positions found among Maliki and Shafi jurists. According to this view, a mortgage is Dayn Muajjal (deferred debt). Since the full amount is not immediately due, it is not deducted from the zakatable amount. As long as the wealth remains in the owner’s possession, Zakat is due on the full amount.
Example: $100,000 (Total Cash/Liquid Assets) − $0 (No Deduction) = $100,000 (Net Zakatable Assets). Thus, Zakat Liability: $2,500 (2.5%)
So what should one do?
One should look at their specific situation: one can use Position I if things are financially tight, then gradually move toward Position II for greater religious precaution as their financial circumstances improve. Both are correct opinions. Look at your position and act accordingly.
Allah Certainly Knows Best.

March 7, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

401K

Question:
If my spouse held a 401(k) for only six months, how does the Hanafi Zakat anniversary affect its calculation?

Answer: In the Hanafi* school, Zakat is calculated based on your total wealth on your established Zakat date (e.g., the 10th of Ramadan). The fact that the 401(k) was opened recently does not change your Zakat anniversary. What matters is whether your total zakatable wealth meets or exceeds the Nisab on your anniversary. Even if your overall wealth dipped below the Nisab during the year, you still pay Zakat on your anniversary as long as the total wealth—including the 401(k) balance that is accessible—meets the Nisab on that date. (If you never paid Zakah ever, then you still have 6 months more to go before you pay, because your cycle of giving has not started.)

If you eligible to give Zakaah — since retirement funds are not fully accessible, Zakat is paid only on the cashable portion. So after accounting for early withdrawal penalties and estimated taxes and other fees associated with this account, whatever is left, you would pay only on that amount. Example: If the 401(k) balance is $200,000, but if penalties and taxes reduce the accessible amount to $98,000, you would pay 2.5% of $98,000, which equals $2,450, on your established Zakat date, even though the account has only been open for six months.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

*We use the phrase Hanafi, because you will see differing opinions on this as it relates to Zakah amount to be given