Hajj Workshop. Karim Abu-Zaid. Saturday Dec 17 & Sunday Dec :00 am to 12:00 noon PGMA. By:

Transcription

1 Hajj Workshop By: Karim Abu-Zaid Saturday Dec 17 & Sunday Dec :00 am to 12:00 noon PGMA 1

2 Preface Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Universe. May peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, the last of the prophets and messengers, and upon his family and esteemed companions. Hajj is one of the best forms of worship and is one of the most sublime deeds because it is one of the pillars of Islam that Allah sent Muhammad-may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon himwith. A servant's religion is incomplete without it. A form of worship is only acceptable when the following is true. One devotes it to Allah alone, with a desire for the Hereafter. It cannot be done with the intention of being seen among people or for worldly gain. One follows the Prophet's example, in words and deeds. This cannot be accomplished except by gaining knowledge of the Sunnah. Forms of Pilgrimage There are three forms of Hajj: Tamattu', Ifraad and Qiran. Tamattu': A pilgrim wears Ihram for Umrah only during the months of Hajj, which means when a pilgrim reaches Makkah, he/she makes Tawaf and Sa'yi for Umrah. Then shaves or clips the hair. On the day of Tarwiya, which is the eighth of Dhul-Hijja, a pilgrim puts on his Ihram for Hajj only and carries out all of its requirements. Ifraad: A pilgrim wears Ihram for Hajj only. When he reaches Makkah, he performs Tawaf for his arrival and Sa'yi for Hajj. He doesn't shave or clip his hair as he doesn't disengage from Ihram. Instead, he remains in Ihram till after he stones Jamrah Al-Aqaba on the Eid day. It is permissible for him to postpone his Sa'yi for Hajj until after his Tawaf for Hajj. Qiran: A pilgrim wears Ihram for both Umrah and Hajj or he wears Ihram first for Umrah, then makes intentions for Hajj before his Tawaf for Hajj. The obligations on one performing Ifraad are the same as those on one performing Qiran, except that the latter must slaughter whereas the former is not obligated to do so. The best of the three forms is Tamattu'. It is the form that the prophet-may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him encouraged his followers to perform. 2

3 Even if a pilgrim makes intentions to perform Qiran or Ifraad he is allowed to change his intentions to Tamattu'; he can do this even after he has performed Tawaf and Sa'yi. When the Prophet - may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him- performed Tawaf and Sa'yi during the year of the Farewell Hajj with his companions, he ordered all those who hadn't brought sacrificial animals to change their intentions for Hajj to intentions for Umrah. cut their hair, and disengage from Ihram till Hajj. He said, " If I hadn't brought the sacrificial animal, I'd have done what I've ordered you to do." The Umrah If a pilgrim wishes to be ritually pure for Umrah, he should shed his clothing and bathe as he would after sexual defilement, if convenient. He should perfume his head and beard with the best oil he can find. There is no harm in what remains of it after Ihram. Bathing for Ihram is Sunnah for both men and women, including menstruating women and those experiencing postnatal bleeding. After bathing and preparing himself, a. pilgrim, other than those menstruating or experiencing post- natal bleeding, prays the obligatory prayer, if it is time. Otherwise, he makes his intention by praying the two Sunnah Rakass whichare made each time Wudhu is performed. When he finishes his prayer he should say: "Here I am for Umrah-- here I am, Oh Allah, here I am. Here I am. You have no partner. Here I am. Surely all praise, grace and dominion is yours, and you have no partner." [Talbeeyah]. A man raises his voice when saying this and a woman says it so that only one beside her may hear her. One in Ihram should say the Talbeeyah as often as possible, especially when times and places change. For example: when descending or ascending during travel or when day or night approach. He should also ask Allah for His pleasure, for Heaven and seek refuge in Allah's mercy from Hellfire. One should say the Talbeeyah during Umrah, starting from the time he puts on his Ihram till he starts Tawaf. During Hajj he should say it starting from the time he puts on his Ihram till he starts to stone Jamrah Al- Aqaba on the Eid day. 3

4 When a pilgrim enters the Holy Mosque he puts forth his right foot first and says: "In the name of Allah, may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. Oh Allah, forgive me my sins and open to me the doors of Your mercy. I seek refuge in Allah the Almighty and in His Eminent Face and in His Eternal Dominion from the accursed Satan." He approaches the Black Stone, touches it with his right hand and kisses it. If this isn't possible, he should face the Black Stone and point to it. It is best not to push and shove, causing harm and being harmed by other people. When touching the Stone, a pilgrim should say the following: "In the name of Allah, Allah is the greatest. Oh, Allah, with faith in you, belief in Your book, loyalty to you, compliance to the way of your Prophet Muhammad--may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him." A pilgrim must walk, keeping the Ka'bah on his left. When he reaches the Rukn Al Yamani he should touch, but not kiss it, and say: " Our Lord, grant us good in this life and good in the hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Hell-fire. Oh Allah, I beg of You for forgiveness and health in this life and in the Hereafter." Each time he passes the Black Stone he should say: "Allah is the Greatest." During the remainder of his Tawaf he may say what he pleases of supplications, mentioning Allah, and recitation of Quran. This is because Tawaf, Sa'yi, and Stoning the Jamrah have been devised for the purpose of mentioning Allah. During this Tawaf it is necessary for a man to do two things: Al-ldhtebaa' from the beginning of Tawaf until the end. Al-ldhtebaa' means placing the middle of one's Reda' under his right arm and the ends of it over his left shoulder. When he is finished performing Tawaf, he may return his Reda' to its original state because the time for Idhtebaa' is only during Tawaf. Al-Raml during the first three circuits. Al-Raml means speeding up one's pace with small steps. A pilgrim should walk at a normal pace during his last four circuits. When he completes seven circuits of Tawaf, he approaches Maqam Ibrahim and recites: "And take ye the station of Abraham as a place of Prayer" Chapter 2, Verse 125 [2:125]. He prays two short Rakaas, as close as conveniently possible, behind Maqam Ibrahim. During the first Rakaa he recites Surah Al-Kafirun [Chapter 109] and during the second one Surah Al- lkhlas[chapter 112]. When he completes 4

5 the two Rakaas he should return to the Black Stone and touch it, if convenient. He goes out to the Mesa'a and when he nears As-Safaa he recites: " Verily As- Safaa and Al-Marwah are among the shrines of Allah" [2:158]. He ascends As-Safaa until he is able to see the Ka'bah. Facing the Ka'bah and raising his hands, he praises Allah and makes any supplications he chooses. The Prophet--may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him--prayed thus: "There is no Deity but Allah alone," three times, supplicating in between. He descends As-Safaa and heads for Al- Marwah at a normal pace until he reaches the green marker. He should then run fast until the next green marker. He continues toward Al- Marwah at a normal pace. When he reaches it, he ascends it, faces the Qibla, raises his hands and repeats what he said on As-Safaa. He descends Al-Marwah heading towards As-Safaa, taking care to walk where walking is designated, and run where running is designated. He continues this procedure until he completes seven laps. Going from As-Safaa to Al-Marwah is a lap and returning is another lap. During his Sa'yi he may recite what he wills of supplications, recitation of Qur'an, and mentioning Allah. In completion of Sa'yi he shaves his head. A woman clips her hair the length of a finger tip. Shaving is preferable, except when Hajj is near and there isn't sufficient time for hair to grow back. In this case it's best to clip so that hair will remain for shaving during Hajj. With that, Umrah is completed. and a pilgrim is free to dress in other clothing, wear perfume and engage in marital relations, etc. The Hajj In the forenoon of the eighth day of Dhul-Hijja, a pilgrim purifies himself once again by bathing as he did before Umrah in the place in which he is staying, if convenient. He puts on his Ihram and says: " Here I am for Hajj. Here I am, oh Allah, here I am. Here I am. You have no partner. Here I am. Surely all praise, grace and dominion is yours, and you have no partners." If he fears that something will prevent him from completing his Hajj he should make a condition when he makes his intentions, 5

6 saying: " If I am prevented by any obstacle my place is wherever I am held up." If he has no such fear, he doesn't make this condition. A pilgrim goes to Mina and there prays Dhuhr, Asr, Magrib, Isha and Fajr, shortening his four unit prayers so as to make them two units each, without combining them. When the sun rises, he goes to Arafah and there prays Dhuhr and Asr combined at the time of Dhuhr, making each one two units. He remains in Namira Mosque until sunset if possible. He remembers Allah and makes as many supplications as possible while facing the Qibla. The Prophet-may the peace and blessing of Allah be upon himprayed thus: "There is no Deity but Allah alone. He has no partner. All dominion and praise are His and He is powerful over all things. If he grows weary it is permissible for him to engage in beneficial conversation with his companions or reading what he can find of beneficial books, especially those concerning Allah's grace and abundant gifts. This will strengthen his hope in Allah. He should then return to his supplications and be sure to spend the end of the day deep in supplication because the best of supplication is the supplication of the day of Arafah. At sunset he goes from Arafah to Muzdalifah and there prays Magrib, Isha, and Fajr. If he is tired or has little water, it is permissible for him to combine Magrib and Isha. If he fears that he will not reach Muzdalifah until after midnight, he should pray before he reaches it for it is not permissible to delay prayer until after midnight. He remains there, in Muzdalifah, making supplications and remembering Allah till just before sunrise. If he is weak and cannot handle the crowd during Ar-Ramy, it is permissible for him to go to Mina at the end of the night to stone the Jamrah before the arrival of the crowd. Near sunrise, a pilgrim goes from Muzdalifah to Mina. Upon reaching it he does the following: He throws seven consecutive pebbles at Jamrah Al-Aqaba which is the closest monument to Makkah, saying: "Allah is the Greatest," as he throws each pebble. He slaughters the sacrificial animal, eats some of it, and gives some to the poor. Slaughter is obligatory on the Mutamati and Qiran. He shaves or clips his hair; shaving is preferable. A woman clips her hair the length of a finger-tip. 6

7 These three should be done in the above order if convenient, but there is no restriction if one precedes another. With that, one is allowed to come out of Ihram. He can wear other clothing and do everything that was lawful before Ihram except engaging in marital relations. He goes to Makkah to perform Tawaf Allfadha and Sa'yi, also for Hajj. It is Sunnah to put perfume on before going to Makkah. With the completion of this Tawaf and Sa'yi, a pilgrim is allowed to do everything that was lawful before Ihram, including engaging in marital relations. After performing Tawaf and Sa'yi, he returns to Mina to spend the nights of the eleventh and twelfth days there. He stones the three Jamrah in the afternoon of both the eleventh and twelfth days. He starts with the first Jamrah, which is furthest from Makkah, then the middle one, and lastly Jamrah Al-Aqaba. Each one should be stoned with seven consecutive pebbles accompanied by Takbeer. He stops after the first and middle Jamrah to make supplications facing the Qibla. It is not permissible to stone before noon on these two days. It is best to walk to the Jamrah, but riding is permissible. If he is in a hurry after stoning on the twelfth day, he leaves Mina before sunset. But if he wishes to prolong his stay, which is best, he spends the night of the thirteenth in Mina and stones that afternoon in the same manner as on the twelfth day. When he is ready to return to his country, he makes Tawaf Al- Wadaa, which is seven circuits around the Ka'bah. Menstruating women and women experiencing postnatal discharge are not obligated to perform Tawaf Al -Wadaa. 7

8 Visiting The Prophet's Mosque 1. A pilgrim goes to Madina before or after Hajj with the intention of visiting the Prophet's mosque and praying in it. Prayer there is better than a thousand prayers elsewhere except in the Holy Mosque in Makkah. 2. Upon reaching the mosque he prays two Rakaas of salutation or performs any obligatory prayer that is due. 2. He goes to the grave of the Prophet -may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him - and he stands before it. He greets him saying the "May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you, oh Prophet. May Allah grant you a good reward on behalf of your people. " He takes a step or two to his right to position himself before Abu-Bakr and greets him saying : "May the peace, mercy, and blessing of Allah be upon you. oh Abu-Bakr, Caliph of the Messenger of Allah. May Allah be pleased with you and grant you a good reward on behalf of Muhammad's people." Then he takes a step or two to his right to position himself before Umar and greets him saying: " May the peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you, oh Umar, Prince of the believers. May Allah be pleased with you and grant you a good reward on behalf of Muhammad's people." 3. In a state of purity, he goes to pray in Qubaa Mosque. He goes to Al- Baqee to visit Uthman's grave- may Allah be pleased with him. He stands before it and greets him saying: "May the peace, mercy and blessing of Allah be upon you, oh Uthman- Prince of the believers. May Allah be pleased with you and grant you a good reward on behalf of Muhammad's people." He greets any other Muslims in Al-Baqee. 4. He goes to Uhud and visits the grave of Hamza- may Allah be pleased with him- and the other martyrs there with him. He greets them and preys to Allah to grant them forgiveness, mercy, and pleasure. 8

9 Notification The following is incumbent upon the Muhrim for Hajj or Umrah: That he be committed to Allah's religious obligations upon him such as prayer in its time (in congregation for men). That he avoids what Allah has prohibited such as obscenity, inequity, and disobedience. if anyone undertakes Hajj therein. Let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling during Hajj ~ [2:197]. That he avoids harming the Muslims with words or actions within the Masha'ir or elsewhere. That he avoids all of the restrictions of Ihram: He shouldn't cause the loss of any of his hair or nails. A prick by a thorn and the like is unobjectionable, even if there is bleeding. He shouldn't perfume himself, his clothing, his food or his drink after entering Ihram. He should also abstain from cleansing himself with scented soap. There is no harm in what remains of the effect of perfume used prior to Ihram. He shouldn't touch, kiss, etc. his spouse out of passion and, even worse, shouldn't have sexual intercourse. He shouldn't be wed or propose to a woman for himself or others. He shouldn't wear gloves, although there is no harm in wrapping the hands in cloth. This ruling goes for both men and women. The following pertains specifically to men: He cannot cover his head with something that touches it, although there is no harm in the use of an umbrella, the roof of a car or tent for shade. There is also no harm in carrying his baggage atop his head. He cannot wear a shirt, turban, hooded cloak trousers, or shoes. Only if he is unable to obtain an Ezar or sandals can he wear trousers or shoes. 9

10 He cannot wear anything with the same qualities of the above mentioned such as an Abea', Qubaa, hat, undershirt, etc. It is permissible for him to wear sandals, rings, glasses, a hearing aid. a watch, worn on his wrist or hung from his neck, or a speech aid. It is permissible for him to cleanse himself with unscented cleansers and to wash and scratch his head and body, even if some of his hair falls unintentionally. In such a case there is no obligation on him because of it. A woman cannot wear a Niqab or Burqa'. The Sunnah is for her to uncover her face except if men not related to her might see her, in which case it is obligatory for her to cover her face during Ihram and otherwise. Allah is the giver of success. May His blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and all of his family and companions. By the needy before Allah, Muhammad As-Salih Al-Uthaimeen Glossary Abaya' cloak-like, woolen wrap. Abu Bakr first Muslim Caliph. Al-Baqee' a place in Madina. Al-ldhtebaa placing the middle of the Reda' under the right arm and the ends of it over the left shoulder during Tawaf. Al-lkhlas Chapter 112 of thequr'an(purity of Faith). Al-Kafirun Chapter 109 of the Qur'an ( Those who reject Faith). Al-Marwah name of the hillock where a Muslim begins Sa'yi. Al-Raml walking quickly but with small steps during the first three circuits of Tawaf. Arafah the most important stop during Hajj, located beyond Muzdalifah. Ar-Ramy The Stoning. As-Safaa name of the hillock where a Muslim ends his last lap of Sa'yi. 10

11 Asr the afternoon prayer. Burqa' a face veil like a Niqab. Dhul-Hijja the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. Dhuhr the noon prayer. Eid celebration for Muslims. Ezaar lower cloth of Ihram. Fajr dawn prayer. Hajj official Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah. Hamza one of the Prophet's uncles and a martyr during the battle of Uhud. Ifraad isolated form of Hajj. Ihram the ceremonial state of making Hajj or the Hajj garments themselves. Isha night prayer. Jamrah Monument in Mina. Jamrah Al Aqaba-the monument closest to Makkah. Ka'bah the house of Allah in the Holy Mosque in Makkah. Magrib dusk prayer. Maqam Ibrahim the stepping stone of the prophet Abraham. Mes'aa the stretch between As- Safaa and Al - Marwah. Masha'ir ceremonial shrines. Mina one of the ceremonial shrines, a valley near Makkah. Muhammad the last of the prophets, the prophet of Islam. Muhrim a person in Ihram. Mutamati a pilgrim performing Hajj Tamattu'. Muzdalifah one of the ceremonial shrines of Hajj, between Mina and Arafah. Namira mosque in Mina. Niqab a face veil revealing the eyes through slashes Qiran a pilgrim performing Hajj Qiran. Qibla the direction Muslims face to pray. Qiraan Accompanied form of Hajj. Quba a mosque in Madina, used to be on the outskirts. Qur'an the Book of Allah. Rakaa a unit of prayer. Reda' the upper cloth of Ihram. Rukn Al Yamani-the corner of the Ka'bah which faces Yemen. Sa'yi the walk made between As-Safaa and Al -Marwah. 11

12 Sunnah way of the Prophet. Surah a chapter of the Qur'an. Takbeer saying "Allahu Akbar ("Allah is Greatest") Talbeeya the supplication a Muslim recites once he is in Ihram and has made his intention. Tamattu' enjoyable form of Hajj. Tarwiyya the eighth of Dhul-Hijja. Tawaf circumambulation of the Ka'bah Tawaf Al-lfadha tawaf for Hajj. Tawaf Al-Wadaa farewell Tawaf. Uhud the name of a mountain in Medina and the site of the battle by this name. Umar the second Muslim Caliph and first Prince of the believers. Umrah-minor Hajj the combination of Tawaf and Sa'yi. Uthman the third Muslim Caliph and second Prince of thebelievers. Wudhu ablution. 12

13 Hajj/ Questions and Answers Is it permissible for a person to borrow or take out a loan through a bank and use the money to go for Hajj or Umrah? Question: Is it permissible for a person to borrow or take out a loan through a bank and use the money to go for Hajj or Umrah? Also, if the person has 80% of the money for Hajj or Umrah, can the person make a loan through a bank for the remaining 20% of the money so that the person can perform the Hajj and Umrah? Answer: It is not permissible for a person to take out a loan and go for Hajj. Firstly, he would have to go to a bank and would therefore pay interest on that amount, be it how small. Secondly, if the person is able to pay towards the loan he may delay this trip save the money and proceed for the Hajj. In this way, not owing anyone any money. Is a step-son considered as a Mahram to his step-mother? Question: My mother died and my father re-married. I am 20 years old. Can I take her for hajj/umra alone? 2. Can a disabled man (ie. blind) be a mahram to his wife on a journey for Hajj/Umra? Answer: 1)Yes, a stepson is considered a mahram for his stepmother. However, if there is a fear of fitna, than it should be avoided. 2)The condition of a mahram for travel has been instituted by the shariah for various reasons. Amongst them are the rooting out of any possibility of fitna or evil taking place and that the man be of assistance to the woman because of her being weaker biologically. Considering that a blind man may not be able to perform these functions effectively, we advise that he be considered only in absence of any other able mahram and a pressing need for travel exists. Performing Hajj with gifted Money from your wife. Question: My Father-in-Law give me some money as the share of my wife. I would like to perform Hajj with my parents using this money. Will our Hajj be valid? Answer: If she is alive, why is the money given to you? Is it for your wife or you? If it is for your wife, then it belongs to her. You cannot use her money without her consent. 13

14 Do I make Umrah if sent on a business trip? Question: My company is sending me to Saudi Arabia (Jeddah) on a two week business trip. Do I have to make Umrah first before attending to the business? If not, can I make Umrah after the business and what would be my niyyat? Answer: If you are going on a business trip to Jeddah, you do not have to perform Umrah first. You could go to Jeddah without Ihraam and perform Umrah after your business. Is it necessary for a man to shave all his hair once he has completed umrah? Or does he only have to have a small amount cut? Answer: According to the Shari ah, a person completing Umra or Hajj have two options of removing the hair; a) Halq (shave) and, b) Qasr (shorten) Halq is when the entire head is shaved. This is the Sunnah of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam]. However, it is permissible to make Qasr, i.e. to shorten the hair. If you have a wet dream(ihtelaam) Can we remove Ihram and do ghusl? Question: I did Haj-e-Qiran. After performing Umrah on 7'th Zil-Hajj, I did not remove Ihram. I slept. I faced wet dream(ihtelaam). I removed the Ihram (completely naked) took the ghusul and put new Ihram. Did I do any mistake? Please guide me? Regardless of wet dream, Can a person in Ihram state take ghusul by completely removing Ihram? Answer: If one has a wetdream in the state of Ihraam, then Ghusl is compulsory. You had to make Ghusl and you do not do anything wrong. It is permissible to change one s Ihraam towels irrespective of the towels becoming impure or not. What would happen if a woman were to start her menses during hajj? Question: 1) What would happen if a woman were to start her menses during hajj? 2) Is there anytime during the Hajj that a woman can be on her menses? 3) Why is it that men and women are allowed to pray together 14

15 during hajj without segregated areas whereas they have to be separate when praying everywhere else? Answer: If a woman happens to get her menses during the days of hajj she must continue to do all the acts of the hajj except for the Tawaaf (circumbulation) of the Kabaa and the Sa'ee(running between mount Safaa and Murwaa. She can only do this act once she is clean of her menses had her ghusal then she can do the tawaaf and the sa'ee. As for the second part of the question which was put to the authorities in the Kingdom and the answer was that because of the crowds that are too large they leave the haram open and trust the people to ensure that there is separation between the males and females. However this becomes very difficult with people that are not very well educated and families want to stand together. Our view is that the authorities must return to their previous rulings of the segregation of sexes. Is it allowed for somebody to go on Haj while owing money to banks for home loans, car loans, etc? Question:: A person is heavily indebted to the bank by way of overdraft and to private business houses. Is Hajj compulsory upon him? If not, can he perform Hajj? Answer: It is forbidden to engage in any interest bearing transactions. As long as a person is involved in an overdraft, he will be incurring sin. Hajj is compulsory on a person who has the financial means to travel to Makkah Mukarramah and be able to maintain himself there and his dependants (if any) at home. As for other debts, if a person is heavily indebted and his liabilities exceed his assets, Hajj is not compulsory upon that person. If he fulfils his monthly commitments and his creditors do not have any arrears claim against him, he will not be infringing on the rights of his creditors by performing Hajj on condition that he is sincere in fulfilling the remaining amount according to the commitments. If the creditors have arrears claims against him, he will be infringing on their 15

16 rights by performing Hajj. Hence, he cannot perform Hajj unless he receives the prior consent of his creditors claiming arrears from him. Q: What does the Quran say about Hajj? A: In the Quran, Islam s revealed text, God says: "Thus We settled Abraham at the site of the House (the Ka aba) [saying]: Do not associate anything with Me, and purify My house for those who walk around it, and those who stand there (praying), and those who bow down on their knees in worship. Proclaim the pilgrimage among mankind: they will come to you on foot and on every lean (beast of burden); Let them come from every deep ravine, to bear witness to the advantages they have, and to mention God s name on appointed days..." Chapter 22, verses Q: What do Muslims believe they gain from Hajj? A: The main benefit of Hajj for many people is the sense of purification, repentance and spiritual renewal it instills. After his Hajj, Malcolm X wrote in his autobiography: "...I have eaten from the same plate, drank from the same glass, and slept in the same bed (or on the same rug) - while praying to the same God - with fellow Muslims whose eyes were bluest of the blue, whose hair was blondest of the blonde and whose skin was whitest of the white. And in the words and in the actions and in the deeds of the white Muslims, I felt the same sincerity that I felt among black African Muslims of Nigeria, Sudan and Ghana...In the past I permitted myself to be used to make sweeping indictments of...the entire white race...because of the spiritual enlightenment which I was blessed to receive as a result of my recent pilgrimage to the Holy City of Mecca, I no longer subscribe to the sweeping indictments of any one race. I am now striving to live the life of a true Muslim." Q: Why does Hajj begin on a different day each year? A: Because Dhul-Hijjah is a lunar month, it begins about eleven days earlier each year. Q: Why do Muslims sacrifice a lamb or other animal during the festival of Eid ul-adha? 16

17 A: The sacrifice commemorates the Prophet Abraham s readiness to sacrifice his son, identified in Islam as Ishmael, at God s request. This is not a blood offering. In the Quran God states: "Neither their meat nor their blood ever reaches God, but heedfulness on your part does reach Him." (Chapter 22, verse 37) The meat is distributed to relatives and to the needy. Q: Is Hajj an obligation on all Muslims? A: Yes, but only for those who are physically and financially able to make the trip. Q: What are the most visually striking aspects of Hajj? A: All pilgrims must do tawaf, or circling the Ka aba. This obligation creates a stunning scene as thousands of people circle the building at all times of the day and night. Also, the standing at Arafah on the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah presents a scene in which several million people all dressed alike and with the same intention to worship God, gather on a barren plain. Q: How should non-muslim friends and co-workers interact with someone who is going on Hajj or celebrating at home? A: Hajj is a high point in a Muslim s life. Questions are welcome and congratulations are in order. Most communities welcome visitors at Eid ul-adha prayers. Just ask a Muslim friend to act as an escort and guide. Acknowledgement: This article is based on Council on American Islamic Relations' Hajj Publicity Kit of Question: Is going for Hajj a must? Answer: Hajj is compulsory upon a Muslim once in his lifetime. If he has the financial ability to travel and stay there until his stay. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best 17

18 Question: Can you elaborate on the well being of those Muslims who died while performing the Hajj? Is it true that they are actually selected by Allah SWT? Answer: Person who passes away while performing Hajj is selected by Allah and indeed very fortunate. Such a person will be rewarded with Hajj till the day of Qiyaamat. Question: Can my dad be wali for my elderly grandmother in law for Umrah or Hajj. Can he be wali also for my mother's sister's grand daughter who is baligh? My grand mother in law is also my mothers aunt. Answer: Your dad is not a Waliy for your grandmother-in-law and your aunt's granddaughter. Question: I am disabled and need my brother to accompany me for Umrah. I am in the U.S.,he is in Yemen, is it a must that I pay for his ticket and expenses for Umrah? Answer: It is not a prerequisite for the validity of Umrah that you finance your brother`s expenses. You may finance your brother`s expenses if you wish. Question: Can parents go for Haj with money given to them by their adult children who have not performed haj themselves? Answer: Yes, parents may perform Hajj with money given to them by their children. 18

19 Question: Son will perform Hajj first or father/mother? Please explain in the light of Hadith? Answer: It is permissible for you to perform haj before your parents perform haj. Hajj before marriage with parents and Hajj after marriage with husband. Question: My wife has been to hajj with her parents in her age of maturity. This year insh.all. We wish to go for hajj. Will it be hajje badal for her? if yes, please let me know the priorities for whom it should be done?. Answer: It is more virtuous to perform Haj-e-Badl than nafl Haj. If Haj was fardh on any one parent and he/she did not fulfill the obligation, then Haj-e-Badl should be performed on his/her behalf. Question: Ihram for Women. Do women have to cover their faces in Ihraam for Hajj or not? Should they? Answer:Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, "A female's Ihraam is her face." (Nisbur Raaya Zailee vol.3 pg.27; Dabhel). Just as it is prohibited for a male to cover his head during Ihraam, so too it is prohibited for a female to cover her face in the state of Ihraam. (Mishkaat pg.236, Karachi). In order to avoid evil glances of strange males, a female should wear a veil without it touching the face. Due to unavoidable circumstances, for example, medical reasons, she will be excused for not wearing the veil. However, at all times she should avoid being where there are strange males. Question: Can haj be performed for a deceased person more then once. 19

20 Answer: It is permissible to perform Hajj for a deceased person more than once with the intention of giving the reward to the deceased. (Jawaahirul Fiqh, vol.1 pg.498) I would like to know whether all sins (including kabira/major sins) will be forgived after the Haj? 2. Can we (women) cut our hair just to remove split ends? Question: 1.After Haj, it is known that an haji will be as pure as an newly born child. I would like to know whether all his past sins (like farz namaz,roza,zakat etc. all kabira sins/mistakes) will be questioned on the day of judgement (qayamath) or not? Whether he will be punished for the same or not? If yes, then which type of sins will be forgived after haj. If a person performs haj at a very old age and dies immediatly after haj, does it mean that all the sins he/she done throughout life will be forgived and will not be asked/punished. He will be directly eligible for jannath 2. Can we (women) cut our hair just to remove split ends? Answer: If a person performs his Hajj correctly, then all his sins are forgiven. There is a difference of opinion among the Ulama as to whether this incudes the major sins. Some say that the major sins are also forgiven. Others say that the major sins are only forgiven by Tawbah, i.e. sincerely repenting from those sins. The way to reconcile these two views is that it is only befitting of a true Haaji that he will, during his Hajj, make sincere Tawbah from all sins. Thus, in this way, a person who performs his Hajj correctly, which includes Tawbah, will have his major sins forgiven as well. By having his major sins forgiven does not mean that his duties fall away. If he did not perform Salaat, then he will still have to make Qadhaa of them. Similarly, he will have to make Qadhaa for many missed fasts, and has to fulfil any outstanding Zakaat. If he is permanently unable to fulfil the Salaat or fasts, then he should make a bequest that his heirs should pay the Fidya (monetary compensation) for all outstanding Salaats and fasts. In the same light, if an old person performs Hajj correctly, which includes Tawbah, then all his sins are forgiven. He will, Insha Allah, be eligible to 20

21 enter Jannah. This is provided that he makes a genuine effort to fulfil all outstanding duties such as Salaat, Sawm (fasting), Zakaat, etc. As far as the rights of others are concerned, these will only be forgiven if either one fulfils their rights or he obtains their forgiveness. 2. Women may cut their hair to remove split ends. Question: Does woman allowed to visit Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) Rodha in Madina? Answer: It is permissible for females to visit Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) at his Rodha in Madinah Munawwarah. Females should adhere to strict Hijaab in doing so. If a person unknowingly brushes his teeth while in Ahram. He has to pay Dam or Sadka h? If Sadka h what value and where should he pay in Mecca Mukarrama h or his place? Jazak um llah Question: If a person unknowingly brushes his teeth while in Ahram. He has to pay Dam or Sadka h? If Sadka h what value and where should he pay in Mecca Mukarrama h or his place? Jazak um llah Khair. Was Salaam. Answer: If a person uses toothpase in the state of Ihraam, then he will have to slaughter a goat or sheep as a penalty (dam). The animal must be slaughtered within the boundaries of the Haram. Hajj on Borrowing money Question: Can I send my aged parents for hajj pilgreamage on borrowing money(without interest on the money) from others & later on those borrowings would be repaid back by me through my regular earnings, no other loans would be pending other than this borrowing. Creditors would be giving the permission to carryon the hajj program. Would this hajj would be 21

22 valid. Cos due to agedness we could not guarantee that my parents live for next year s or next to next year s hajj, only allah(swt) guarantee of their living. I want my parents & myself s hajj to be completed within this year, insha allah. Answer: It is permissible for you to send your parents for Hajj with the borrowed money on condition arrangements are made with the creditors as well. Question: is hajj obligatory on a woman who`s husband has the money to cover for both his and his wife`s hajj expenses? Answer: If the woman herself does not own the money, the Haj is not Fardh upon her. However the husband may take her along with him for Haj. If he does so, her fardh Haj will be fulfilled. Question: Is it permissible for women to wear jewellery, socks, or gloves in the state of Ihraam? Answer: It is permissible for women to wear jewellery, socks and gloves in the state of Ihraam but this is undesirable. Women trimming each other's hair in Hajj Question: Is it permissible for women to trim each other s hair in order to come out from the state of Ihraam, i.e. after all the acts of Hajj are complete and only the trimming of the hair remains? Answer: When a person, male or female, completes all the acts of Hajj before coming out of Ihraam, the Muhrim (person in the state of Ihraam) may cut his own hair or another person s hair even though the other person is also a Muhrim. There will be no penalty for that. (Muallimul Hujjaaj pg.205; Idaratul Qur aan) 22