Follow-up: How is the reconciliation achieved between the fact that the term "path" (al-sabil) is sometimes used in the plural and sometimes in the singular in the Qur'an, given that the path leading to Allah is one?

The Shaykh : In the singular, yes. If it is in the plural, it must be qualified by reference to Allah. As for when it is not qualified by reference to Allah, it refers to the paths of misguidance. The path qualified by reference to Allah the Exalted is singular because it is one path that leads to Allah, which is Islam. The paths of misguidance are plural because they are scattered: this is a Christian, this is a Jew, this is a communist, this is a Ba'athist, this is an atheist, and so on. Thus, they are scattered paths, and all of them are misguidance. As for the plural usage of the path qualified by reference to Allah the Exalted, it is pluralized due to the variety of acts of worship that constitute the path of Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He. This is prayer, this is zakah, this is fasting, this is Hajj, this is jihad, this is enjoining good and forbidding evil, and this is calling to Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He. Therefore, there is a reason for its pluralization, and there is another reason for its singularization. As for the paths of misguidance, they are scattered, so they can only be plural. Yes.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. There are some people who stipulate a deferred mahr (bridal gift).

The Shaykh : Yes, yes.

The questioner : There are some people who stipulate a deferred mahr (bridal gift), but with the condition of divorce.

The Shaykh : Repeat, repeat.