Is it permissible for a woman to conclude her marriage without the approval of her family?
No marriage is permissible without the presence of a guardian and two trust worthy witnesses, and the woman whose family had denied her right in getting married to a God-fearing, financially and physically capable man should go to the court.
Has Islam made it incumbent on us to give our children particular names?
No, it hasn`t, but it is desirable that we give them good names.
I have 490 shares in a commercial company, and they have been held for a year. The price of each share is one dinar, noting that the shares are at a loss. I want to know the amount of zakat due on them?
Commercial shares are subject to zakat based on their current market value, even if they are at a loss. The zakat rate is 2.5%. And Allah Knows Best.
What is the authenticity of the supplication: "O Allah, bring it upon us with blessings and faith, safety and Islam, and success in what You love and are pleased with. My Lord and your Lord is Allah"?
On the authority of Talhah Ibn Ubayd Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) who reported that the Prophet (PBUH) would say when he saw the crescent moon: "O Allah, let this moon appear over us with blessings and faith, safety and Islam. My Lord and your Lord is Allah."
This was narrated by Tirmidhi (Hadith no. 3451), who said: "It is a Hasan (good) Hadith."
And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.