Show questions and answers
Spoilers: every answer and explanation for all 7 questions.
1. Does a parrot’s saying “al-salamu ‘alaykum” require a response?
·Yes, because every sound of salam must be answered.
✓No, because the parrot does not intend the greeting. (correct answer)
·Yes, if the parrot belongs to a Muslim.
·Yes, if the parrot says it clearly.
Why
Returning salam is connected to an intentional greeting. A trained parrot merely repeats what it has been taught and does not possess reason or intend the greeting, so its words do not require a response.
2. Is it acceptable to end a letter with the shortened phrase “wa’l-salam”?
✓Yes, because the writer intends the full phrase. (correct answer)
·No, it must always be written in full.
·No, it must be replaced with “Jazakum Allahu khayran.”
·Yes, but only in letters to family members.
Why
There is nothing wrong with ending a letter with “wa’l-salam,” because the writer intends the complete expression. However, writing “wa’l-salamu ‘alayka” or “wa’l-salamu ‘alaykum” at the end is better.
3. Is it permissible to say “good luck” as a way of wishing someone well?
✓Yes, when it is meant as a supplication and good wish. (correct answer)
·No, it is always prohibited.
·Yes, even if it means events happen outside Allah’s decree.
·No, unless it is said only about worldly matters.
Why
Saying “good luck” is allowed when it is meant as wishing someone good or making du’a for them. But it is not allowed to connect good or bad fortune to stars, numbers, days, or anything outside Allah’s will and decree.
✓When it is pride in religion, obedience, and belonging to people of righteousness. (correct answer)
·When it is based on wealth and status.
·When it makes someone look down on others.
·When it is based on lineage and ancestry.
Why
Pride connected to religion, obedience, and being saved from sin is praiseworthy. Pride based on lineage, ancestry, wealth, position, or looking down on others is blameworthy.
5. What is the difference between self-confidence and arrogance?
·Self-confidence means not needing Allah’s help.
✓Self-confidence means recognizing Allah’s blessings and striving for good, while arrogance comes from misusing those blessings. (correct answer)
·Self-confidence means ignoring advice from others.
·Arrogance means being aware of one’s weak points.
Why
Self-confidence means recognizing the good qualities Allah has given and using them to strive for benefit. If those blessings are misused, they can turn into arrogance and self-admiration.
·Only turning toward a certain direction outwardly.
·Only giving up worldly possessions.
✓Belief, prayer, zakah, fulfilling promises, patience, and giving to those in need. (correct answer)
·Good intentions without righteous actions.
Why
True piety includes correct belief, worship, giving wealth to those in need, fulfilling covenants, and patience during hardship. It is not limited to outward direction or appearance.
7. What is the correct ruling on visiting the sick?
✓It is a communal obligation. (correct answer)
·It is only permissible, with no special importance.
·It is obligatory only for close relatives.
·It is required every day for every sick person.
Why
The correct view given is that visiting the sick is a communal obligation. This means it is not obligatory on every individual, but Muslims are obliged to ensure that the sick are visited.
These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.
