The ULTIMATE Q&A: Life Advice, Shirk, AI in Research, Marriage Problems & more..

Special Session | 11/18/25 – Contemporary Questions on Faith, Identity, and Modern Life

In this wide-ranging special session, Shaykh Yasir Qadhi responds to a series of practical, theological, and personal questions that young Muslims commonly grapple with today. He begins by advising those in their twenties and thirties to cultivate self-accountability, avoid rushing adulthood, and make deliberate choices in marriage and finances, stressing the importance of passive income and long-term stability. The discussion then shifts to modern tools and spiritual practice, including the role of AI in research and the nuanced ruling on calling upon the dead. Shaykh Yasir explains that intention determines whether an act crosses into shirk, distinguishing poetic remembrance from actual supplication, and clarifying the etiquette of addressing the Prophet ﷺ at his grave. Throughout, he warns against reckless takfīr, noting that theological disputes that once divided Muslims have little relevance in today’s climate of Islamophobia, where external hostility overlooks internal labels. He urges listeners to avoid rigid sectarian identities, remember that mainstream groups share far more than they differ, and assume good faith in others’ intentions.

The session goes on to address contemporary ethical dilemmas, ranging from gender-appropriate medical treatment to the permissibility of movies. Shaykh Yasir reiterates that the word haram must be used with gravity, cautioning against equating grave sins with everyday concerns. Movies, he explains, are not impermissible but only become problematic when they distract from religious obligations; mindful viewing and adherence to clear conditions safeguard one’s spirituality. Additional questions touch on SAT scores, navigating illicit relationships, investing in retirement accounts connected to unethical industries, studying Islam abroad, the authenticity of the qirāʾāt, following a madhhab, and even the Shaykh’s personal watch.

0:00:00 Introduction
0:00:22 Question 1: What is One Piece of Advice you'd give 20-30 year olds trying to sort out their lives?
0:01:33 Be more judgemental on yourself over others
0:02:38 Don't be too hasty to grow up
0:06:25 Your choice in spouse is the biggest decision you'll make
0:07:00 Invest in Stocks, Mutual Funds, and Real Estate
0:09:18 You need to earn passive income
0:12:27 Question 2: Does the Shaykh use AI in his research?
0:15:09 Question 3: There are groups that call out to the dead, why is this not called Shirk?
0:17:31 the Verdict to calling out to other than Allah is dependent on intention
0:19:32 The Poetic Invocation of a Person's Memory
0:21:07 On Asking Prophet SAW at his grave to make Duaa for You
0:24:17 On Asking The Prophet Directly
0:29:34 Be Careful of Judging those who recite the Kalima of committing Shirk
0:33:29 The Angels bring your Salams to the Prophet
0:37:16 These Debates are of no relevance today
0:38:58 The Current political environment of Islamophobia
0:40:41 The Islamophobes don't care what strand a Masjid follows when they attack it
0:41:25 On the Need for Relevant Theology
0:42:42 When Two Almost Identical Sunnis Takfir each other over a hypothetical
0:44:00 Abandon Identifying Yourself with one of these sects
0:45:40 The Differences between mainstream groups are interesting but exaggerated
0:46:40 What you ascribe to your opponent isn't necessarily held by your opponent
0:47:30 No Group is Intending to Worship other than Allah
0:48:10 Question 4: Is it permissible for a female physical therapist to treat male patients and vice versa?
0:50:23 Question 5: Can you give us a detailed explanation about the Permissibility of Movies?
0:52:42 Trivially using the word "Haram" is numbing the community
0:54:30 Our hearts tremble when the word "Haram" is used in the Quran
0:57:37 The Cheapening of the word Haram
0:58:50 You cannot use the same word for something so serious and something so common
1:00:05 Some Concerns with the Popular Movies
1:01:48 If the entertainment effects your fard rituals, only then does it become Haram
1:02:59 One's Piety will be reflected by the priorities
1:03:20 Obsession negates neutrality
1:04:29 If there is a scene with vulgarity, then your eyes should not see it
1:06:07 When it infringes on the rights between you and Allah, it becomes sinful
1:07:05 Follow these conditions when watching movies
1:08:17 Successful people spend their time wisely
1:09:12 Question 6: What was your SAT Score?
1:10:28 Question 7: Struggling with 2 Simultaneous Haram Relationships, what to do?
1:17:56 Question 8: How can we invest in Roth IRA's when a certain company is an investor in Israeli weapons?
1:20:23 Question 9: Would you recommend studying Islam abroad?
1:23:03 Question 10: Are all the Qiraa'at Authentic?
1:23:16 Question 11: Do you follow a Madhab?
1:23:30 Question 12: Why don't you give a detailed lecture about music?
1:24:02 Question 13: Can you please tell us about your watch?
1:26:09 Outro