1. Why is Allah referred to in Qur'an by the masculine pronoun, "He", when Allah is neither man nor woman?
Our concept of Allah is that he is beyond any conceivable picture that may be in our minds. In the words of the Prophet, peace b upon him, "Whatever comes to your mind regarding the physical characteristics of Allah, Allah is far from that and that does not express the reality of Allah."
Allah is beyond sense perception. But the Qur'an was revealed in Arabic language and it was speaking about God in the most perfect manner. Masculinity was considered by the Arabs to be of the basic good qualities and this naturally found expression in their language. And when the Qur'an addresses humanity, it uses the language of perfection and completion. The pronoun does not indicate any masculinity or femininity in the person of Allah.
(30 - Qur'an 2)
2. I have been told not to dye my hair using chemical Colourings because they stop water from reaching the hair, and therefore do not allow me to perform a valid Wudhu. Should I take this advice?
I do not think this is good advice. Women are entirely free to colour or shape their hair in any manner liked by themselves for their husbands. This colouring does not prevent the water from reaching the hair or the skull. What is obviously not acceptable is a dye that prevents water from reaching the limbs that are supposed to be wetted during Wudhu or Ghusl. Apart from that it is recommended that we should colour our hair when it becomes grey or white.
The acceptable colour for men is any which does not seek to deceive others into believing the wearer is younger than he actually is. There was an incident during the time of 'Umar when a man presented himself to a family as young having dyed his hair black. However, after marriage the colour started to wear off and Umar started lashing at him, "You deceived people."
(29 - Clothings, Beautification & Hijab 3)
