Question:
Asalamu alaykum Sidi,
May I please ask you a few short questions. InshaAllah.
Q1: As a Shafi to touch non-mahram breaks ones wudhu. Living in a non Muslim country (Australia) sometimes this can be difficult. Especially when shopping etc & paying for products & receiving change from non mahram shop employees/workers etc.
Is there an exception for this in anyway?
Q2: As a Shafi when one makes ghussil, is it fardh, wajib, or sunnah to rub the skin? Once the genitalia & wudhu is made in the ghussil, can one simply hose down ALL area thoroughly with detachable shower head on hose?
Q3: As a Shafi when musafir we have 72 hrs not included day of arrival or departure in which salat can be shortened & combined. If not sure if he may exceed by one day, he will extend the 72 hrs by an extra 24 hrs. Can he still combine & shorten until he knows for certain & resume as normal from then on (ie; I am going away interstate and not sure I will exceed by an extra day until I get there.)?
Q4: Is it true that as Shafi it is harram to give and reply to salams to non mahram(opposite sex)? Please clarify this in detail. As many do not know this ruling & some take offence when I do not reply salams to other woman or give them salams.
Jazakullah Sidi. I hope you are in good health and high spirits.
Barin Allahu Fiq. Wasalam
Answer:
Alaykum Salam,
1. I do not know of an exception in the Shafii madhhab.
2. Dalk (rubbing) is sunna in the Shafii madhhab. After wudu yes, water hose is enough.
3. Yes, when unsure you can combine and shorten indefinitely.
4. Incorrect in absolute terms, see http://spa.qibla.com/issue_view.asp?HD=3&ID=3843&CATE=274
Taher Siddiqui
