Sistani

Ayatollah Sistani, Iraq's top Shiite cleric, has a webpage in English where he gives people good advice on Islamic matters. (Thanks to Ilkka for the link.)

Sistani is rather liberal:

Question:Is playing a chess allowed?
Answer:It is absolutely unlawful.

Question:I want to ask about talking to ones fiancee on telephone, is it permissible or not?
Answer:If talking is free of provocative words and if there is no fear of falling in sin, there is no objection.

Hey, as long as they are not talking about chess...

Question:What is an orgy?
Answer:It's forbidden.

Question:Is oral sex by husband or wife allowed?
Answer:It is permissible provided no liquid out swallowed.

Question:Is it permissible to talk to a non-Mahram girl with the intention for seeking consent to marry her in future?
Answer:Due to probably committing sins is not permissible.

Question:If my wife wants me to masturbate in front of her, is it then allowed?
Answer:You are not allowed to do it with hand, but your wife is.

Question: Is anal intercourse permissible.?
Answer:Permission is bound to wife’s agreement, but it is strongly undesirable.

Question:Can a Muslim Listen to music?
Answer:It is permissible to listen to music which is not fit for diversion and play.


Hmm, which artists would that be...

Sistani also informs readers that, unlike the sinful chess, cricket is quite OK, that one can use perfume that contains alcohol, own a dog, have cosmetic surgery, donate blood, eat in a restaurant that has non-Moslem employees (under certain circumstances), eat mushrooms, drink milk in India, kiss children, marry a Sunni (as long as there is no fear of being misled) or marry a Jewish or Christian woman temporarily, but not permanently. OTOH, it's not allowed to be friends with women (if one is a man), use silverware or wear trousers that instigate strangers.

The most psychedelic entry:

Question: Whether men and woman are allowed to work together in the same organization?
Answer: This is not permissible. He who steals government property will be indebted for the electricity bill. However, if the person is compelled to do, he may refer to the next “most knowledgeable” Mujtahed.