Pilgrimage

Is it permissible to say the intention aloud when I want to slaughter a sacrifice on behalf of my deceased father and I say, “O Allah, it is the udhiyah (sacrifice) for my father so-and-so.” Or is it sufficient simply to do the deed without saying anything aloud?

Can a male person wear underwear in ihram?

After performing the Farewell Tawaf, some pilgrims do not turn their backs towards the Ka`bah; rather, they walk backwards with their faces towards it until they exit the mosque. Is this part of the Sunnah ?

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. If one is thinking of going on holiday, and the thought of doing `Umrah comes up, then if he decides not to go to `Umrah, is there anything wrong in this? Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-salamu `alaykum. In sha’ Allah, I intend to go for Hajj this year. I am suffering from urine drops coming out at regular intervals. I read in a book by Mawlana Ashraf `Ali Thanvi Sahib that a person in my situation can keep a piece of cotton at the opening of the organ and unless the urine comes out on the other side of the cotton, the ablution does not break. I have been following it for the past year. But during Hajj and `Umrah, is it OK if I keep the cotton around and put a rubber band over to prevent it from falling? Please advise me. Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-salamu `alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. What is the correct time for throwing the pebbles in Hajj? Some people insist that it should start after zawal  while others say it could be done after Fajr?

Before bathing for ihram are we able to use scented soap, brush our teeth etc. And someone told me that it is ok that we use scented soap as long as no one can smell it. And are we able to use unscented soap shampoo etc. because of bathroom use and after eating etc. And if we use scented soap, shampoo etc. what are the consequences? Will Allah not accept our Hajj? I am currently perfrming hajj and wish I knew the answer to this question before. I hope Allah accepts my hajj I have brought with me unscented soap and shampoo also in case the scented version is not accepted. Thank you

how can we know that our haj is aceepted by Alla?

Firstly is it permissable to change into ihraam whilst on the plane? Secondly can one delay praying the 2 rakah/making intention/reading talbiyah until landing at Jeddah. I understand MEEKAT is reached 20mins prior to landing at Jeddah travelling from London. Lastly what is the best method of locating Hajrul Aswad to commence TAWAAF? JAZAK-ALLAH

Is wudu compulsory for nafli tawaf.  Is it compulsory for tawaf e ziayara (hajj tawaf).  I am not sure if I had wudu for tawaf e ziayara

Assalam Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barkthu, When I performed Hajj Tamattu my parents performed sai that is done on 10/11/12 Dhul Hijjah on the night of 7 Dhul Hijjah before we had to depart for Mina. So on 10 Dhul Hijjah they came to Makkah & peformed Tawaaf Al Ziyarah before going back to Mina.  Please can you advise if it is permitted to perform sai before 10 Dhul Hijjah

assalamu alaikom and thank you for providing this service.  Jazakom Allah khairan. This is in reference to hajj dress code. I was recommended by the "scholar" with my travel agency to wear sneakers or tennis shoes during the saai between safa and marwa.  The reasons given were: a) many people rush and step on the back of the flip flops causing one to fall; and b) that the requirement is to keep the heels uncovered (kaab) and hence a tennis shoe is acceptable. Is that something that coincides with Islamic sharia for hajj? thank you wa jazakom Allah khairan wassalam

Dear brothers/ sisters, I have a very personal issue and would really appriciate if you do not post this question on your website. I went for Hajj this year with some family members. I was doing hajj-e-badal for my mother. We went for Tawaf-e-Ziarat on the 11th of Zilhaj. We got of the bus near the Haram and it was time for Fajr Nimaz to start. Before leaving Mina, I had done wadoo but was not in state of wadoo at that time (passed gas). In a hurry to join the prayer, I did wadoo on the footpath. I was wearing thick cotton socks and my companions said it was OK to do massah over them. I was a little unsure but was stupid enough to submit to the pressure. I did the wadoo but only mussah on my feet, offered Nimaz and did Tawwaf and Saee. To be on the safe side, I gave a Dum for any unknown mistake I might have committed unknowingly in Hajj (sheep or lamb). After comming back I read it was not OK to do mussah over cotton socks according to some Ulema. If that is the case, I was not is wadoo for the Tawaf and tawaf would not be valid. What is the penalty. Is it Dum of a sheep or a camel? I did tawaf-e-wida on the 13th (not a day of Nahr). I am a married woman and have since then had a normal relationship with my husband. I friend of mine thinks I might still be in a state of Ihram and may be committing a sin in my relationship with my husband. Please advice as soon as possible. I am on the verge of getting a nervous breakdown.

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. The gathering of Muslims during the season of Hajj is a good sign for the unity of Muslims. Despite their differences in race, color, and cultures, they gather in one place and perform the same rituals hoping to please Allah and to have their sins forgiven. How can Muslims make use of this great occasion to restore their lost unity? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

Assalam Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barkthu,I performed Hajj Tamattu this year (January 2006), on 12 Dhul Hijja, we left Mina for Makkha at approx10am.  We did our stoning before Fajr on 12 Dhul Hijja then returned to Mina and left Mina before Zawwal.  Please can you advsie if this is allowed or if a sacrifice needs to be offered.Wa'Salaam

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. I watched scenes of the pilgrims on TV and saw them coming to visit the Sacred House of Allah. I was overwhelmed and my eyes filled with tears when I saw this great scene, and I wished that I could be with them and do this great deed.  My question is this, does this great gathering have any effect on the Muslims and the people of Islam? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

Asalamualuikum My question with regaurds to Hajj is..does a person transform to becomming a better person after he/she has performed Hajj,to perhaps what he/she was previously before Hajj. What significant changes does one find in a person who has completed Hajj?

Can a man be a Maghram for his Mother In-Law (His wife's mother), on a Pilgrimage (Hadj)

Asalamu Alaikum, Does not wearing a beard invalidate Umrah and Hajj?  If you wear the beard during Umrah and Hajj and plan to shave the beard off after successful completion of Hajj, does that invalidate your Hajj? Sorry for the question so close to Hajj and thank you for a quick response. May Allah bless and reward us all and forgive us for any shortcomings! Salam

The author of a book in Urdu says that `Umrah cannot be offered on the 9th, 10th or 11th of Dhul-Hijjah, even if one has performed the pilgrimage. Please comment.

With whome a widow can perform hajj ?  Is it allowed to perform hajj with son in law

May a non-muslim (a Christian, actually) attend the Hajj and observe or engage in some form of limited participation?  Also, how do such non-participants as journalists and photographers attend? Thank you.

Dear Scholar, Asslam Alaikum wa Rahamatullah Can we perform the Hajj to change our name? Pls. be advice as soon as possile. Your early anticipation is highly appreciated. Thanks yours Mushtaque

If after performing Tawaf-e Wida during Hajj, you are in Makkah waiting for departure to jeddah, and it is time for namaz, is it incorrect to perform salat? Some people say that the last Ibadah you do in Makkah should be the Tawaf-e Wida, after which till you are in Makkah, no other Ibadah, including namaz,  can be done.

Does a woman have to wear hijab all the time when she is performing Hajj or in ihram?

assalaam alaykum. Please clarify for me whether or not unperfumed soap can be used for washing hands, taking a shower etc. whilst in ihraam. JazakAllah khairun

Assalamu 'Aleykum, some scholars say that you don't have to put the Ihram in an Airplane which going to Jeddah, if your intention is to go to Medina first, and then to Mekka. Is this OK

Asalamu Alaikum My question is the following:  When you go to Hajj you are forgiven far all of you sins, both major and minor, and it is like you are a brand new baby being born.  Can Hajj be done only one time in your life to become a brand new baby? Thanks for the quick response

My uncle came for Hajj this year and reached madina first. When going to Mecca he wore ihram and had the intenion os umra but did not do the intension verbally  due to forgetfulness. What hs he to do. Will his umra be valid or he has to go to medina or the miqaat and do the niyah or what is other expatiation for this?

My mother-in-law is ill and old. She is not capable to perform her hajj. So, we decided to send my brother-in-law to perform her hajj, who did not perform his hajj due to financial problem. Is it acceptable.

Assalam Alaikum what are the basic essentials of hajj to the first visitor?

As Salamu Alaikum. If somebody misses the main congregation of 'Juhar-Asar' prayers' under one AZAN at Arafat then should he offer the prayers "together combined" with other smaller jamaats in the tents ? Or he should say prayer Johar at Johar's waqt and Asar at Asar's waqt. Then what will be timings for UKUF ? Regards

Assalam O Alaikum I would like to know if its ok to have oil in hair in state of ihram i.e. can i take ghusl for hajj and apply oil (coconut or almond oil) then do the niyaah for hajj. your answer would be really helpful, may allah swt reward you for your service. jazakallah

My name is Lucinda, yes, I'm American, but am Muslimah, MashaAllah, my husband is from Jordan. Anyway, my question about Hajj is what is the signifiance about it, I only know that it is to be done sometime in my life and that the prophet Muhammad t.w.s. traveled to Kaba and that a miracle happened about a spider making a web protecting the prophet may Allah shower blessings on him and peace from some people in that time who did not believe him as a prophet, while they worshipped idols... Thank you, if you can answer my question if not, that is okay too.  I appreciate any help from my muslim friends.

If a person is going on Hajj can someone else pay for their sacrifice, or is it incumbent on them to pay for it themselves. Thank you, Latifa Lipton

Assalaamu aleikum. I want to go for Hajj in the next few years insha Allah. My problem is my feet, I have plantar fasciitis and possible nerve damage which means my feet hurt *constantly* and I cannot walk barefoot or in stocking feet for any length of time. I wear special house shoes at home. My concern is doing tawaaf as I imagine people have to remove their shoes in the Mosque. I can walk fine if I am wearing my shoes with orthotic inserts, but I cannot see myself walking 7 times around with no shoes, on a hard marble floor, as I would end up in agony. What advice can you offer? Jazakum Allah khayran.

as-salamu alaikum my question is there is alot of controversy about the mikat from nigeria, of course the route is through the red sea and the mikat is around the sea. so what is the best way to put it? from point of travel or as many do, go to medinah do the ziyarah then wear ihram from there. ma assalam. 2) my second question has to do with which day or night is more blessed between arfat and lailatul qadr? 3)my question is about zakkat ? my business is in oil marketing so most of my income is always moving without ever staying for a year. my intention is to calculate my total income for the year and remove zakkat from it, but some learned people said that it has to stay for a year before zakkat is permissable on the money. but most business nowadays hardly will money stay for a year without being used or spent. 3)

It is my brother and I intention to perform the Hajj this year in shaa Allah. My brother is a handicap, and he wears and artificial leg on his left leg and a filler on his right foot. What are the rules for him in state of Ihram, I understand that he can be on wheel chair during the tawaf and so force, but what about when he is at the hotel for example and needs to go to the bathroom, or go to eat....etc, can he wear his artificial leg, which requires him wearing socks and shoes?

Could you please tell me some of the dua's the prophet recited whilst doing tawaf (apart from rabana atina fid dunia) as insha allah i hope to make hajj this year.

Salaam alikoem Is a woman allowed to go on pelgrimage if her husband doesn't allow her to? I would like to have some references to the  quran and the hadieths. wa djazaka laahoe gajran...

Respected scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. Is it permissible for a woman to enter the sanctuary of Madinah when she is menstruating? What should she do if she is menstruating and she enters the city of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. I passed the miqat (a fixed place at which pilgrims enter ihram) without declaring the intention of ihram, although I was wearing the special clothes and prayed the two rak`ahs of ihram. I delayed the intention, deciding to declare it at the miqat, but I forgot to declare it until I had passed about 10 kilometers from the miqat. I was in `Umrah, so what do I have to do in this case? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

When and how do the male and female Muslims put on ihram attire?

Respected scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. Is it permissible to do `Umrah on behalf of living people who are able to do it? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

As Salaamu Alaikum.  Can you please confirm what are the minimum requirements when performing Hajj?  My husband will be going insha Allah this year and a lot of people are saying he must go for a full month but he can not do this due to work commitments.  We have known people to go for 6 days.  What is the minimum number of days you can do it in so that it counts.  Is it compulsory to go to see the Prophets grave?  When is the last date you can enter Mekkah and when is the first date you can leave the country.  May Allah bless you for your assistance.  Thank you.

Respected scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. I want to perform Hajj on behalf of my mother. Is it permissible for me in the viewpoint of Islam to perform Hajj on her behalf before performing `Umrah for myself? Or am I required to perform the `Umrah first? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

My question is regaring risks of infections and other diseases in pregnancy during hajj.I shall be 4 month pregnant at haj 2006.genraly i have good health and have no history of any illnesses or medical conditions.plz advice me if i can perform hajj as i am v much concerned.Also tell me about the vaccinations (pregnancy safe)that r necessary and other precautions that i have to take during  hajj

Respected scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. If a person does not throw the Jamarat (the pebbles) on the twelfth day of Dhul Hijjah, thinking that this is what is meant by hastening, and he leaves without doing the farewell Tawaf, what is the ruling in this case? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

Won't people will sin round the year,do all the prohibited things like drink alcohol,have drugs,commit others sins and at the end just go for Hajj. How does it work....are those people forgiven their sins,coz then it doesnt make sense to me. I know of so many muslim brothers and sisters who are not very religious round the year and drink and take drugs but during ramadan they clear up their act and fast,hoping that they will be forgiven for all the wrong things they did during the year.And then the day Ramadan is over they start again. If that is so cant everybody do that.is this a loophole ? or am i wrong and have missed something.Please can u clear my confusion on this one.

My husband and I have planned to perform Hajj but he now has a second wife who will come to live with us later this year. Do we have to bring her along when we have already planned for only the two of us to go on Hajj?

salaam i have one doubt after performe UMRA compulsory vidaie tawaf or not please let me know. becasue one of my friend sending his wife to vacation he ask me question i have to performe vidai tawaif or not, that way i have dobut.

Asslam-o-Alaikum Inshaallah, I will be going for Umrah in couple of weeks. The Plan and booking is to go to Madina first and then return to Mecca for Umra after two days. I was thinking to make Niyyah and put on the Ihram in Madina before I leave for Umra. Can I do that? Please advise in your earliest convenience. Jazak Allah

Dear Brothers, Assalam alai kum warahmatulahi wabarkatuhu. My question is with regards to my intentions to perform umrah this ramadhan. Is it acceptable by Allah that his follower performs umrah with a certain amount of debt. i have to pay a small amount of money to my brother. my brother has conveyed to me that i can go ahead with my intentions and i can give him this amount later during the year. Can i still perform umrah in such situations. jazakala khair

When one goes into Ihraam and on Arafah, do you have to remove your false teeth

Dr. Monzer Kahf, a prominent economist and counselor states:”I believe that working in a conventional bank is not Haram. What is Haram is to write, sign or be a witness of a Riba contract. Working in the IT department is not part of this. Going for Hajj is InShaAllah ok and will be acceptable by

Respected scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. If I want to perform extra Tawaf while performing `Umrah, should the Tawaf be completed with Sa`i or could the Tawaf stand on its own? If so, must I finish the seven rounds or can I do any amount of extra Tawaf? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

I want to know when was Hajj made obligatory.

I want to go for Hajj, but my hair is very short. Can passing scissors over my short hair (without cutting) substitute for shaving my head? If somebody does not cut the hair short or shave, what must he do?

I did Hajj with my son and he paid for all the expenses of Hajj, but I wanted to pay for my Hajj with my own money. Does this have any effect on the validity of my Hajj ?

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Is Sa`i between Safa and Marwah an essential part of Hajj? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. If someone faints and remains unconscious until he leaves `Arafah, is his Hajj valid? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Can my mother, who is performing Hajj in a wheelchair and is suffering from bladder problems, wear diapers during Hajj?

What is the ruling if a person enters the state of ihram without specifying which of the three kinds he intends to do?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. What is the ruling if a person has a real desire to perform Hajj but some circumstances prevent him form performing it, for example, he does not find a seat on a flight or can not get the visa, and then he died? Will he be questioned for the obligation of Hajj?

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. While performing Tawaf around the Ka'bah, can a pilgrim recite a part of the Qur’an? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Some people start Tawaf from the door of the Ka`bah, not at the Black Stone. Is their Tawaf valid?

As-Salamu `alaykum. My husband (may Allah have mercy on him) passed away, and I want to delegate someone to do Hajj on his behalf this year. Is it correct for the one who does Hajj on his behalf to accept money for his efforts apart from the money that he will take for transportation and other expenses?

On `Eid Al-Adha, is there a different way of sacrificing without killing an animal?

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. A man performed Hajj Tamattu` but he did not complete the Tawaf of `Umrah, that is, he performed only four circuits after which he performed Sa`i, cut his hair and had intercourse with his wife, then he completed his Hajj. Is his Hajj valid?

A person travels from Riyadh to Makkah and does not intend to perform Hajj or `Umrah. After arriving in Makkah he wants to perform Hajj, so he assumes Ihram from Jeddah for the (Qiran) type of Hajj. Is his Ihram acceptable from Jeddah or does he have to sacrifice an animal? Also, does he have to go to one of the known miqats?

I am planning to perform `Umrah (minor Pilgrimage) with my husband in the coming Ramadan, insha’ Allah, but I fear that I will get my menstrual period when performing `Umrah. What should I do if it happens?

What should a woman do if she gets her period while performing Hajj?

Scholars of Islam, As-Salamu `alaykum. A Muslim does not have enough money to perform Hajj, would it be ok for him/her to borrow money to perform Hajj?

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. I have performed Hajj before for myself and now I am going to Hajj this year and I want to make it on behalf of my uncle who died in a car accident. But I have a doubt that he prayed. Will this be accepted? Jazakum Allah khayran.

I entered ihram for `Umrah of tamattu`. I completed `Umrah and went home, and I did not enter ihram for Hajj. Do I have to do anything?

This month I won a lottery from an American association that has branches for this purpose in some Arab countries. I am thinking to use this money to perform Hajj, and give a part thereof to the poor and the needy. What is the Islamic ruling regarding this?

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Can a pilgrim perform Sa`i while riding? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Undoubtedly, it is impossible to describe the sorrow and pain we all feel about what happened this year and two years before during the throwing of the pebbles during Hajj, and the pushing and shoving that caused hundreds of death. I am a witness to the fairness of the assistance provided by the Saudi government in order to facilitate the Hajj and to insure the safety of the pilgrims, but despite this tremendous effort people still die every year. In your opinion what should be done so as to prevent this repeated tragedy?

I performed Hajj two years ago but I could not pray inside the Ka`bah. Is it necessary for the validity of my Hajj to pray inside the Ka`bah?

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Is Tawaf Al-Ifadah one of the necessary rituals of Hajj?

I perform Hajj every year. I do not spend the night at Muzdalifah, but rather I stay at it for about three hours. Do I have to pay expiation or not?

Can a pilgrim earn money by being involved in work or engaging in business during Hajj?

While performing Tawaf I fainted after the fourth round. I was taken to the hospital, and after recovery I went home without completing the other three rounds of Tawaf. Is my Hajj valid?

On receiving returning hajjis, some people slaughter sheep and ask those pilgrims to step over them. Or they welcome them with banners with phrases like: "May your Hajj be accepted and your efforts be rewarded!" Some people decorate the houses with colored lights to celebrate the safe return of their hajjis. What does Islam say about these practices?

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. If the Iqamah for Prayer is given while I am performing Tawaf or Sa`i, what should I do? Should I complete the Tawaf or pray and then repeat the Tawaf?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Can I enter ihram (state of consecration) at Jeddah airport or do I have to enter ihram at my home in Karachi? The total journey time is about 9 to 10 hours, including 2 hours to the airport, 4 hours from Karachi to Jeddah, 2 hours at Jeddah airport, plus 2 hours to Makkah. Frankly speaking, I am concerned about the cleanliness of the ihram attire after a 10-hour journey. I think I should put on the ihram at Jeddah airport to ensure it is clean on arrival at Al-Masjid Al-Haram. Jazakum A llah khayran.

What are the conditions of Tawaf?

Scholar of Islam, As-Salamu `alaykum. I suffer from a contagious skin disease, and I intend to make Hajj next year, in sha’ Allah, although I may infect other pilgrims. What should I do?

We hastened to leave Hajj early and departed from Mina before sunset, so that we would not have to stay until the third day. After leaving Mina we returned and threw the pebbles after sunset. Is what we did permissible? Is it essential for the one who wants to leave early to throw the pebbles before sunset on the second day, or does the throwing have nothing to do with it, and is leaving before sunset what matters? What should we do if we have made a mistake?

Is it permissible to perform `Umrah during the months of Hajj, on the basis that I will not perform Hajj in the same year? For example, if I go to Makkah about half a month before Hajj and perform the rituals of `Umrah, then leave—is that permissible?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I want to perform Hajj but I feel that even after performing it I might commit sins and make mistakes. Should I perform Hajj or postpone it?

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. What are the mistakes that some pilgrims make during the Farewell Tawaf?

I am wondering if there is a specific size for the pebbles that should be used to throw during Hajj?

As-salamu `alaykum. I have already performed `Umrah. This year, I intend to perform the obligatory Hajj. My question is what type of Hajj should we endeavor to follow as performed by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) in order to obtain Hajj mabrur (accepted Hajj)? Which is the most virtuous type of Hajj: ifrad, iamattu` or qiran?

Did all the Prophets make Hajj to the Sacred House?

What is meant by tamuttu` Hajj and qiran Hajj?

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Is it permissible for those who live in Jeddah to leave the Farewell Tawaf and then return to Makkah and do it when it is less crowded?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I want to know why a woman cannot cover her face while in a state of ihram during Hajj or `Umrah? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Are there any specific du`a’ (supplications) to be made while performing Sa`i between Safa and Marwah? Jazakum Allah khayran.