Many religious questions attract the attention of Muslims, especially those related to daily life and Islamic rulings. Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta and Al-Azhar Global Center for Electronic Fatwa have clarified several important issues, including the imam’s position during funeral prayer, the ruling on fraud in buying and selling, and whether it is permissible to reveal a suitor’s flaws during consultation.

Where Should the Imam Stand During Funeral Prayer?

The Ruling on the Imam’s Position During the Funeral Prayer

Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta received a question about the correct position of the imam during funeral prayer after a disagreement occurred among worshippers regarding where the imam should stand.

Dar Al-Ifta explained that the preferred opinion among many scholars is that the imam stands near the head of the deceased man during funeral prayer and near the middle of the deceased woman. It clarified that this is a recommended Sunnah reported from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and is not a condition for the validity of the prayer.

The authority emphasized that differences among scholars regarding this matter should not be a reason for Muslims to criticize one another, as it is a matter of legitimate Islamic scholarly disagreement.

Differences Among Scholars Regarding the Imam’s Position

Scholars have differed regarding the imam’s position during funeral prayer. Some Hanafi scholars stated that the imam should stand near the chest of the deceased, whether male or female.

Maliki scholars held that the imam should stand near the middle of the man and the shoulder area of the woman, while Shafi’i and Hanbali scholars stated that the Sunnah is for the imam to stand near the head of the man and the middle of the woman.

Dar Al-Ifta stressed that this disagreement concerns the recommended practice of the prayer and is not one of its essential pillars. Therefore, the funeral prayer remains valid regardless of the imam’s position.

Islamic Ruling on Fraud in Buying and Selling

Al-Azhar Fatwa Center: Deception in Trade Removes Blessings

The Al-Azhar Global Center for Electronic Fatwa addressed the dangers of fraud and deception in business transactions, emphasizing that hiding defects in goods or excessively increasing prices is not a form of business skill, but rather a violation of honesty.

The center explained that unfair profit gained through misleading customers or providing false information violates people’s rights and may lead to a loss of blessings in wealth.

Is Hiding Product Defects Forbidden?

Al-Azhar emphasized that sellers must clearly inform buyers about the true condition of products and must not hide any defects that could affect the buyer’s decision.

It cited the Quranic verse:

“ O you who believe, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly.” (Quran 4:29)

It also cited the saying of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:

“A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. It is not permissible for a Muslim to sell something to his brother while hiding its defect.”

The center confirmed that honesty in trade is not only good behavior but also a responsibility that protects rights and increases blessings in livelihood.

Is It Permissible to Reveal a Suitor’s Flaws During Consultation?

The Ruling on Asking About a Potential Spouse

Dar Al-Ifta stated that choosing a life partner requires careful consideration and verification because marriage in Islam is based on affection, mercy, and good choice.

It explained that a guardian may ask trusted people about a potential suitor in order to verify his character and reputation, especially since people may show their best qualities during the early stages of acquaintance.

Guidelines for Mentioning a Suitor’s Flaws

Dar Al-Ifta explained that anyone consulted regarding marriage carries a great responsibility and must provide honest advice while avoiding defamation or harm.

It confirmed that mentioning certain flaws when necessary is not considered prohibited backbiting if the purpose is to protect the other party and prevent harm.

The authority added that answers should preferably remain brief and general if that is sufficient to achieve the purpose. However, if the benefit cannot be achieved without mentioning specific details, they may be stated only as much as necessary.

Balancing Advice and Protecting People’s Rights

Dar Al-Ifta concluded by emphasizing the importance of balancing sincere advice with preserving people’s dignity. The goal of consultation is to build a stable family based on honesty, trust, and proper choice.

Where should the imam stand during funeral prayer?

The Sunnah is for the imam to stand near the head of the deceased man and the middle of the deceased woman, although scholars have different opinions.

Does the imam’s position affect the validity of funeral prayer?

No. The imam’s position is not one of the essential pillars of funeral prayer.

Is fraud in buying and selling forbidden?

Yes. Hiding defects and deceiving buyers contradicts Islamic principles of honesty.

Is it permissible to mention a suitor’s flaws during consultation?

Yes, if the purpose is sincere advice and preventing harm, while avoiding exaggeration or defamation.

What are the criteria for choosing a life partner?

The choice should be based on religion, good character, and compatibility in understanding and emotions.