I am a 16-years-old boy. I talked to a Christian girl of 14-years-old from America and I convinced her that Islaam is the right religion but she is not ready to embrace it because her school is very strict in religious teachings and she also fears what the whole community will say. She says if she did not have these problems she would have joined me. What should I say to her to convince her that she should give first priority to Islaam? MY second question is: Is Du'a necessary in Witr? My third question is: my 16-years-old friend has made I'tikaaf Waajib on himself, can he sit or should he wait for later years? Please answer these questions.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

1.     We ask Allaah to reward you well for you concern and efforts to spread Islam and to convey the religion of Allaah to the people. May Allaah increase your zeal in doing good.

Know that talking with an alien woman has many dangers which may lead to seduction or other great sins if one does not take all precautions. Therefore, we are of the opinion that only women should propagate Islam among women. It is better for you to avoid this girl and ask some good women from Muslim organizations that follow the methodology of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah (the Sunni mainstream) to contact the girl. They may explain to her the merits of Islam and that it is the only way of salvation in both lives. If a person does not give up things which would lead to his prosperity in worldly matters, then not giving up matters which lead to his prosperity in the Hereafter is even worthier.

One should keep in mind that being away from a bad environment helps one to accept Islam and to be steadfast. A bad environment adversely affects the faith and the religion of a person, so one should try his best to reside in an Islamic community.

2.     Supplicating in the Witr (the last odd-numbered prayer at night) prayer is a Sunnah; it is not compulsory, it is desirable to be done in Witr throughout the year. It is also preferable that it is done in the last Rak’ah (unit) after rising from the Rukoo' but doing it before the Rukoo' is also permissible.

3.     If the vow taken by your friend is limited to a given time, then he has to fulfill it in that time. If he fails to fulfill it in that given time without any legal reason, such as being sick and the like, then he commits a sin. Hence, he has to repent for breaking his vow and has to expiate. If the vow is not limited to a given time then it is preferable to fulfill it as soon as possible to become free from the obligation, but to delay it is allowed.

Allaah Knows best.