By Shaykh Salim Ghisa

The rule for contraception is different depending on the type of contraception used.

The basic ruling for contraception identifies two types:
1) Permanent Contraception
2) Temporary Contraception

1) Permanent Contraception

Any permanent form of contraception such as permanent sterilisation, the removal of ovaries, vasectomy etc is not permissible unless there is a risk of serious illness or death if it is not performed. The reasons for this are as follows:

1. A person is taking an unnecessary risk to their health by having such an operation or procedure.
2. A person is permanently changing the nature of the body from what Allah has created.

By Fatima Khonat

So there we were, doing all those laborious tasks the Editor had demanded us to do when only one of the most talented Nasheed artists walked into the media room. Hearts pulsing and trying to keep the ecstatic smiles hidden of our faces we managed to grab a few words with him...without leaving him thinking of The Revival team as freaks.

By Alveena Salim

You've been through uni, you've got your education out the way, you don't fancy anyone and the chances of meeting someone have become increasingly slim so you've agreed to go through the meat market and meet a number of eligible bachelors/bachelorettes personally hand-picked by your parents. And in this incredibly socially awkward get together, in presence of your nearest and dearest over a cup of PG tips, you have to decide whether or not you can spend the rest of your life with the one introduced to you by your parents. No pressure eh?

By Alveena Salim

Now if you had a massive migraine and went to your GP and he gave you foot cream for the cure you’d probably think he's either lost the plot or a dodgy geezer who's really a plumber but only got the job coz his dad owns the surgery!

If you wanna get the best out of Ramadan and achieve its purpose which is to gain Taqwa (God-Consciousness) then instead of 'killing time' here are some important things to do every day in Ramadan:

SALAH (Prayer)

Five daily prayers - Try to read them in congregation (Jamaat) if possible. If you don't normally pray then this is the best month to start.

Qadah Salah (Missed Prayers) - Try to make up for as many missed Salah as possible i.e. all those you have missed over the years!Try reading Qadah Salah after each prayer if you can.

There are many words we read and hear but aren’t too sure what they mean. So The Revival attempts to define some Islamic terms used in this issue:

Ansar - means the 'Helpers.' They are the Muslims of Madina who helped the Muhajireen (immigrants) of Makka in the process of settling down in the new environment in Madina.

Fitnah - trial or tribulation; also refers to any period of disorder or the period of time before the end of the world or any civil strife.

Istighfar – to ask the forgiveness of Allah (swt), especially by saying, ‘Astaghfiru’llah’ (I seek the forgiveness of Allah (swt))

Q. So much is said these days about the rights parents have over their children, but what rights do children have over their parents and what protections and duties do their parents owe them?

A. In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent and Merciful.

As with all humans, each person has some sort of rights, and children are no exception. Children are an Amana (trust) which are given to parents to look after and bring up with the best of their abilities. If brought up correctly, children are a joy and their blessings bring sustenance, mercy and an abundance of reward.

Allah says: ‘Wealth and Sons are allurements (joys) of the life of this world…’[Quran 18:46]

Q. Is your Wudhu or Ghusl accepted when you have human hair extension weaved in your hair?

Answer by Shaykh Salim Giza

A. In the name of Allah the Most Beneficent and Merciful.

Wudhu or Ghusl is accepted when a person has human hair extensions as long all the obligations are fulfilled.

The four obligations for Wudhu, according to the Hanafi Madhab, are:

1. Washing the whole face once
2. Washing both of the hands/arms up to and including the elbows once
3. Wiping one quarter of the head with wet fingers
4. Washing both feet up to and including the ankles once

The three obligations for Ghusl, according to the Hanafi Madhab, are:

1. Washing the whole of the body, head to toe, once so no part is left dry