Imam Zaid Shakir has just uploaded an audio file where he addresses questions he received at the Reviving Islamic Spirit Convention 2007. Due to time constraints, he could not attend to these questions at the event. With usual generosity with his time, Imam Zaid has taken time out of his busy schedule to answer important social, community, personal, environmental and religious questions relevant to today’s Muslim.

Here is a brief outline of what Imam Zaid addressed:

• Tattoos - Can I get one? Are they allowed? Permissible?
• Is it true that a large portion of the Muslim population do not follow a madhhab? (In fact, many Muslims follow a madhhab, only the Arab heartland has a tendency of not following a major school of thought)
• A lot of harmful images bombard us in the media, how do we overcome this? (Lower the gaze)
• Can we follow any of the 4 school of thoughts rulings as long as there are no conflict? (Yes but not a good idea for the average practicing Muslim)
• As a teacher, how do we intervene if we feel that a student is getting abused at home? (In light of the recent Aqsa Parvez tragedy in Canada)
• Pollution from driving, should we stop driving?
• Leadership in our communities, to be a leader or to stay away from positions of leadership?
• Unity in the community. Uniformity is a key virtue.
• Imam Zaid touches upon moonsighting and the beginning of the lunar months. (See this post for 3 important points for the next moonfighting session)
• About the day of ‘Arafah.
• Hadith: Warning believers not to imitate the disbelievers. How do we heed this warning? (Adapt and ‘Islamize’ our customs. Being comfortable with our deen)
• Reminder about walking in front of a person who is praying.
• What advice to give to a Muslim who has been involved with fornication?
• The issue of slavery
• The meaning of traditional Islam
• Hadith: No crying for the deceased
• Hijab & Niqab - Mandatory?
• Halal/Zabihah meat. Can we eat meat from people of the book? (Importance of organic milk due to the hormones)
• Calling people to Islam
• How to make Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) a priority in our lives? (Fully assume one’s religious responsibilities, individually and communally. Perform regular dhikr)
• How to find a shaykh, teacher or guide?
• Brief synopsis of Imam Zaid’s CD - Purification of the Soul: Treatise on the seekers of guidance. General Islamic teachings to improve one’s spiritual growth
• Views on RAND Report
• Leaders like Sayyidina Abu Bakr, Sayyidina Umar, Sayyidina Uthman and Sayyidina Ali (may Allah be please with them all) in our times.
• Bayah - oath of allegiance
• Adoption advice

To listen to the questions and Imam Zaid’s answers, please visit: Questions from “Reviving The Islamic Spirit” Conference.

To learn more from Imam Zaid, please register for Zaytuna Institute’s Distance Learning Program:

Living The Quran

Getting Right with Allah 

Note: Thanks to Sidi Adnan Tariq for posting this on his blog.

Disclaimer: I am the Zaytuna Distance Learning Program Manager and a blog admin on Imam Zaid’s blog. Please help to support my endeavors by registering on those sites.