Some forms of Istikharah with Qur'an or prayers are prescribed by our Imams.

Some forms of Istikharah with Qur'an or prayers are prescribed by our Imams. Nawroz: It has one special "Aamaal" after Zohr prayer. This date had coincided with 18th Zilhijja when the Prophet (s.a.w.) declared the Khilafat of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) in Khum. But unfortunately, the Irani Shias imported the Parsee rites and views which have no basis in Sheriat, and are, in fact, against Islamic character. Dates: "Sa'd" and 'Nahs' are sometimes "Qamar dar Aqrab".

Many stars usually cluster together in such a way that they appear to form outlines of some pictures. There is 'Great Bear', 'Small Bear' etc. etc. Likewise, there is a group which form the picture of a scorpion ('Aqrab). The moon (Qamar). while rotating around the earth passes from that group in 2½ days, that period is called "Qamar dar 'Aqrab" (Moon in the Scorpion). According to traditions of our Imams, it is 'Makruh' (Not desirable) to recite Nikah or start journey in that period.

Dates: "Sa'd" and "Nahs' are sometimes based on some Ahadith; sometimes on historical events. The dates in which some good event took place for any Ma'sum is called "Sa'd" (auspicious). The dates in which some tragedy befell on them is called "Nahs" (inauspicious). But they all are governed by the general principle, mentioned in Ahadith, that if you want to do any work on a date or day which has been declared as 'Nahas', you should give some "Sadaqa" and then go ahead.

In short, it is not meant to hinder your progress. Q73: TAKING OUT BLOOD I have also read that there are days (i.e. dates 14, 16, 30) when taking out the blood is beneficial to body, mind, etc. On other Islamic dates this is harmful. Now if we donate blood on "bad days', will it not be harmful? A. These things are meant as a general guidance. They should not be taken as hard and fast rule. Every person has to decide for himself.

Also, it will be a good thing to consult an experienced doctor and to give some "Sadaqa" before donating the blood on such days. Q74: IS 'EUTHANASIA- ALLOWED? Does Islam allow euthanasia (i.e. making it easy for a sick person to die). A. It is not allowed. If the patient commits it himself it is suicide; if some one else does so to him, it is murder. Q75: MERCY KILLING?

If someone suffers from an incurable disease and he prefers to die rather than continue living a painful life; such a patient requests a doctor or physician to give him a medicine to end his life. Can the said doctor or physician acceed to such request? A. No.