American Courts

• Q1 - I have been subject to public defamation (tuhmah) by a certain individual. The defamation has cost me over $100,000 in business. I owe this person $200,000 and I have given him $100,000 in return. An American court has ruled that I am entitled to the remaining $100,000 as it was proven that the defamation cost me $100,000 worth of clients due to the disrepute this person caused me. In light of the judge's decision in favor of me, is the $100,000 that I keep halal according to Islamic law in light of the court's decision? 

  A - Based on the information you have given, if the person purposely sought to damage you/your reputation and caused you loss, and the judges decision was based on the true facts presented, then in that case, you have the right to keep the money. Otherwise, you need to get that persons permission or come to a resolution with his consent.

  
  
  

  MoulanaOnline Aalim Team

• Q2 - I have been married to my relative since four years. We separated during the first year of our marriage as he was a negligent husband and did not fulfill any of his duties as a husband. He was always demanding money from me and my parents.My parents are not allowing me to seek divorce/khulla as they think it is a shameful act. They want me to re-unite with himIf I file a case for Khulla in the court of my city and khulla is granted by the judge without my husband being notified, will it be valid according to shariah ( if he is notified he will approach my parents and they will compel me to re unite with him which i do not wish to.)?? 

  A - Court divorces are not considered Islamic divorces and therefore if the divorce was not performed in Islamic matter they are not considered divorces.

  
  
  

  MoulanaOnline Aalim Team