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234 questions answered by Sh. Mustafa Umar. Search in your own words or pick a topic.
Should I do more than one ‘Umrah in one trip?
No, you should only do one ‘umrah in one trip and perform as many additional tawaf’s as you want. This was the practice of the Prophet and the Companions.
Should I perform extra Umrahs while in Makkah?
No. Perform prayers and tawaf without exiting and reentering Makkah for Umrah. The Prophet never did this. Aishah only did it since she had her menstrual period at the time and wanted to perform Umrah fully.
Should I fast the 9th of Dhul Ḥijjah when performing Ḥajj?
It is recommended only if it does not weaken you during Ḥajj.
What should I do if I make a mistake in Hajj?
There are times when a person might make a mistake in some parts of Ḥajj for one reason or another. Some mistakes may invalidate the entire Ḥajj, others would require an animal sacrifice in Makkah or giving charity as a penalty, while others would not affect the validity of the Ḥajj. An animal sacrifice consists of slaughtering a sheep, goat, or lamb in Makkah while charity consists of giving away at least six meals to the poor.
How can I know when my animal has been sacrificed, so I can get out of the state of iḥrām?
Since there is no way to verify when the authorities of Hajj slaughtered your animal, you may assume that it was done in the morning on the 10th of Dhul Ḥijjah since that is when they begin slaughtering animals. There are millions of animals being slaughtered and due to the excessive difficulty this places on slaughterhouses, you don’t have to wait to exit the state of iḥrām until several days later.
If someone finds great difficulty in staying at Muzdalifah, can they go straight back to Minā to their tent?
Yes, people who are old, weak, or ill may leave Muzdalifah early after staying briefly at night. If someone is taking care of one of these excused people, they may also leave with them. However, people who are in good health are not allowed to take this exception and will have to sacrifice an additional animal as a penalty if they do so.
Can I wear sandals or shoes during ṭawāf?
When men are performing ṭawāf in the state of iḥrām, they will not be allowed to cover their feet anyways. However, women [or men who are performing ṭawāf without being in iḥrām] may technically wear socks or shoes. Remember, it is important to not make the area dirty, so only wear footing which is very clean.
How can I perform Hajj if I got my period? Can I enter the Sacred Mosque [al-masjid al-ḥarām]?
You will still enter into ihram and do everything but tawaf, sa’y, and prayer until your period ends. This mosque is no different than other mosques in that women should not enter while they are in a state of menstruation or lochia.
If I plan to stay in Jeddah for some business before I head to Makkah, do I have to assume ihram before arriving?
No, because the primary intention of your first journey was to visit Jeddah and not Makkah. Although Jeddah is inside the mīqāt boundary where ihram must be worn, your destination was not Makkah initially. It may be that you must remain in Jeddah for a longer period than you anticipated. Once you intend to leave Jeddah for Makkah, you will be like a resident of Jeddah and will assume iḥrām from where the people of Jeddah normally do.
Can I give meat from the Eid Al-Adha sacrifice [qurbani] to non-Muslims?
Yes, since that would be considered a general charity and is not restricted to Muslims only.
Do I have to perform Hajj if I have debt?
If you owe someone money, and that money is due now, you subtract it from the amount of wealth you possess when deciding whether or not you have the means to perform Hajj. It is necessary to pay off your debts which are currently due, unless the creditor gives you an extension. However, if it is a long term loan such as a student/house/car loan with monthly payments, then you will only subtract the current installment that is due now when determining whether you can afford to undertake the journey of Hajj.
Is performing a sacrifice [qurbani] during Eid Al-Adha required on the husband and wife separately?
Yes. If the husband possesses the minimum amount and the wife does not, he is required to perform it only, and vice versa.
Can a man stop his wife from performing Hajj?
If she has not performed her obligated Hajj then he cannot stop her from going. However, it is better that she try to convince him.
Can I throw the stones during Hajj early or late in order to avoid the large crowds?
That is allowed if you are old, sick, or very weak. If you are young and health then it is disliked. On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah you can do it before sunrise or after sunset [but before dawn]. On the 11th, 12th, and 13th you can do it after sunset [but before dawn].
Do I have to slaughter an animal for Eid al-Adha if I am already slaughtering for Hajj?
If you can pay Zakah they you must perform another slaughter if you have the intention of staying in Makkah for 15 days or more. This sacrifice is not required to be done in Makkah, unlike the sacrifice for Hajj.
Are scented soaps and lotions considered perfume for Hajj and Umrah?
Anything that is generally considered to be like perfume is considered perfume. Lightly scented soap or lotion is usually not, but heavily scented lotion might be.
Can I perform Hajj on behalf of another person, living or deceased?
Technically, you may perform Hajj on behalf of someone deceased. It is prohibited to do that if you have not performed your own required Hajj first. You may not perform it on behalf of someone living if they are able to go.
What should a woman who can afford Hajj but has no close relative [mahram] to accompany her do?
She may go for Hajj as long as she travels with a group of people.
Are non-Muslims banned from entering Makkah or Madinah?
In general, no, but the current government does not allow most of them in due to the school of thought they follow.
Do I have to perform Hajj as soon as I can afford it?
Hajj should not be postponed since no one knows what their circumstances will be like in the future. You may become unhealthy and unable to perform Hajj, or your financial status may change. If you delay it unnecessarily, and then die, you will be sinful. Therefore, Hajj should be performed as soon as possible.
These answers are general guidance. For your own situation, ask a scholar.