Is Tahaarah a condition for visiting graves?

Question 30: What is the ruling on a person who visits Al-Masjid Al-Nabawee (the Prophet’s Mosque in Madeenah) in a state of Wudoo’ (ablution) and visits Al-Baqee‘ and the rest of the sites without Wudoo’. Is there any blame on him for that?

Answer: There is no blame on him; visiting Al-Baqee’ or the Martyrs of Uhud does not require that the visitor has Wudoo‘. It is Mustahab (desirable) to visit graves, but Tahaarah (ritual purification) is not a condition. This is due to the general meaning of the Hadeeth of the Prophet (peace be upon him): Visit the graves for they remind you of the Hereafter. (Related by Muslim in his Saheeh [Authentic Hadeeth Book])… read more here.

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Picture of the Prophet’s room

Question 29: People circulate some pictures of the prophet’s room, which includes the graves of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his two Companions (may Allaah be pleased with them both). Also, there are pictures bearing some Aayaat (Qur’aanic verses) and on the back a phrase expressing that these pictures are made as a Waqf (endowment) for the sake of Allaah on behalf of a particular deceased person. People usually exchange these pictures on some occasions such as ‘Eeds and the New Hijree Year. We would like to hear your Fatwaa’ in this regard in order to enlighten people.

Answer: It is not permissible to distribute these pictures due to the evils which result,such as exceeding proper limits, Tabarruk (seeking blessings) through them, and exposing the Aayaat and Names of Allaah (Exalted be He) to desecration… read more here.

Vowing to visit Al-Masjid Al-Nabawee

Question 28: When my sister became ill, my paternal grandmother vowed that if my sister recovered, she would take her to visit Al-Masjid Al-Nabawee (the Prophet’s Mosque in Madeenah). However, my grandmother died before fulfilling her vow (may Allaah have mercy on her). Should I take my sister to visit Al-Masjid Al-Nabawee to fulfill my late grandmother’s vow, In shaa’-Allaah (if Allaah wills)? If this is not permissible, what should I do? Please advise concerning this. Al-salaamu ‘alaykum warahmatullaah wabarakaatuh (May Allaah’s Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!)

Answer: There is nothing wrong in taking your sister to visit Al-Masjid Al-Nabawee after her recovery to fulfill your grandmother’s vow, as it is a vow to do an act of obedience. It was authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he said: A person who vows to obey Allaah should do so.… read more here.

Visiting Masjid Qubaa’ and Masjid Al-Baqee‘

Question 27: Desirability of visiting Masjid Qubaa’ and Al-Baqee`.

Answer: It is desirable for the person who visits Al-Madeenah to visit the Masjid (mosque) of Qubaa’ and to offer Salaah (Prayer) there because of the Hadeeth related in the Two Saheeh (authentic) Books of Hadeeth (i.e. Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim) on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them) who said: The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to visit Masjid Qubaa’, either mounted or on foot, and would offer two Rak‘ahs (of supererogatory prayer) in it. It is related from Sahl ibn Hunayf (may Allaah be pleased with him)that the Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him) said:  If a person purifies themselves at home then goes to Masjid Qubaa’ to offer Salaah, they will receive a reward equal to that of performing ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage). … read more here.

Hajj performed by a Mushrik

Question 26: A Mushrik (one who associates others with Allaah in His Divinity or worship) performed Hajj and a long time after their return from Hajj, Allaah guided them to the sound ‘Aqeedah (creed) and ‘Ibaadah (worship). They repented to Allaah and became a true monotheist. Will the Hajj they performed while they were a Mushrik suffice them or must they perform another Hajj after correcting their Tawheed (belief in the Oneness of Allaah)?

Answer: If anyone performs Hajj while committing major Kufr (disbelief) and then returns to Islaam, their Hajj will not count as the obligatory Hajj of Islaam. However, if a Muslim apostatizes by committing an act that takes them out of Islaam and then they make Tawbah (repentance to Allaah) and return to Islaam, their Hajj will count as the obligatory Hajj of Islaam… read more here.

Ruling on changing names after Hajj

Question 25: What is the ruling on a person changing their name like most of the Indonesian pilgrims do? Indonesians are used to changing their names when they go to Makkah Al-Mukarramah or Al-Madeenah Al-Munawwarah. Is this an act of Sunnah or not?

Answer:  The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to change the bad names to good ones. If the pilgrims of Indonesia are changing their names for this purpose, not for finishing the rituals of Hajj or their visit to Al-Masjid Al-Nabawee (the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah) to offer Salaah (Prayer) therein, then this is permissible. On the other hand, if they are changing their names because they are in Makkah or Al-Madeenah or for finishing the rituals of Hajj, for example, then this is a Bidd‘ah (innovation in religion) and not an act of Sunnah… read more here.

Celebrating traveling to or returning from Hajj

Question 24: What is the ruling on what some Muslims do nowadays when performing the obligatory act of Hajj at Makkah Al-Mukarramah. Before they leave their homes for Hajj, they slaughter goats etc., and prepare food. They also celebrate lavishly their return from Hajj, especially on the first Jumu‘ah (Friday) Prayer after returning from Hajj. At these celebrations, drums are beaten and people dance, and there is free intermixing of men and women. Does this conform with Sharee‘ah (Islaamic law)? Please enlighten us with your written answer so that we can distribute it among Muslims. May Allaah provide you with all support to protect Islam everywhere.

Answer: All that is mentioned in the question regarding celebrating the occasions of traveling to or returning from Hajj in a way that involves drums, pipes, singing, or free intermixing of men and women is Haraam (prohibited), as it involves many evils and Munkar (acts which are unacceptable or disapproved of by Islaamic law and Muslims of sound intellect)… read more here.

Visiting and praying in Al-Masjid Al-Aqsaa, if possible

Question 23: Under the current agreement between the Arabs and Jews, is it permissible to visit Al-Aqsaa Mosque and offer Salaah (Prayer) in it, in the case of the approval of the Arab countries?

Answer: Visiting Al-Aqsaa Mosque and offering Salaah in it is an act of Sunnah (supererogatory act of worship following the example of the Prophet) to be done if this is possible. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: No journey should be undertaken except to three Masjids: Al-Masjid Al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah), this Masjid of mine (Al-Masjid Al-Nabawee (the Prophet’s Mosque in Madeenah)), and Al-Aqsaa Mosque.  (Agreed upon by Imams Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)… read more here.

Women visiting the grave of the Prophet: Is it permissible?

Question 22: Is it permissible for women to visit the grave of the Prophet (peace be upon him)?

Answer: It is not permissible for them to do so because of the Hadeeths which forbid women from visiting graves and indicate that they are cursed for doing so. It is known that there is a difference of opinion among scholars concerning women visiting the grave of the Prophet (peace be upon him), but avoiding this is safer and closer to the Sunnah… read more here.

Visiting Al-Masjid Al-Nabawee, the Seven Masjids and al-Qiblatayn (2) Masjids

Question 21: Some people believe that if a pilgrim is not able to visit Al-Masjid Al-Nabawee (the Prophet’s Mosque in Madeenah), their Hajj is incomplete. Is this true

Answer: Visiting Al-Masjid Al-Nabawee is a Sunnah (supererogatory act of worship following the example of the Prophet), not Waajib (obligatory). It is not connected with Hajj; it is a Sunnah to visit Al-Masjid Al-Nabawee at any time of the year, not only at the time of Hajj, according to the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): No journey should be undertaken except to three Masjids: Al-Masjid Al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah), this Masjid of mine (the Prophet’s Mosque), and Al-Masjid Al-Aqsaa (the Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem). (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)… read more here.

Trading in Hajj season although the main intention is Hajj

Question 20: There are some trees about 80 kilometers from my region. We call these trees Al-Rakah, meaning, Arak tree. My question is: Is it permissible for me to make Miswaaks (tooth-cleansing sticks) out of these trees and sell them in Makkah and Al-Madeenah during the season of Hajj bearing in mind that my intention is originally to perform Hajj and not to sell the Miswaaks?

Answer: It is permissible for you to sell the Miswaaks in Makkah. This will not affect the validity of your Hajj even if you initially intended to sell them. This is based on the generality of the Saying of Allaah (Exalted be He): There is no sin on you if you seek the Bounty of your Lord (during pilgrimage by trading).… read more here.

Ascending to Hiraa’ Cave

Question 19: Some pilgrims have accidents while ascending Al-Noor Mountain and descending the Cave (Hiraa’). Therefore, some people suggested establishing stairways that lead to the Cave, along with blocking any other ways leading to it by iron grids, to prevent anyone from going there except through the specified route for ascending and descending.

Answer: Ascending the mentioned Cave is neither of the Hajj rituals, nor of the Sunnah (supererogatory acts of worship following the example of the Prophet) acts in Islaam; rather, it is a Bidd‘ah (innovation in religion) and is one of the means leading to Shirk (associating others with Allaah in His Divinity or worship)… read more here.

Ruling on Tawaaf-ul-Wadaa‘ in Hajj

Question 18: I used to tell those who were performing ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) that they have to perform Tawaaf-ul-Wadaa‘ (circumambulation around the Ka‘bah on leaving Makkah) when leaving the Sacred City (Makkah) but I heard that there is no Tawaaf-ul-Wadaa‘ for ‘Umrah. I hope you can give me a detailed explanation about this issue.

Answer: Performing Tawaaf-ul-Wadaa‘ is obligatory upon whoever makes a pilgrimage to Allaah’s Sacred House when they want to leave. Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with them) said: “The people were commanded that the last thing they should do is to circumambulate the House, but an exception was made for menstruating women.” (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim) He also said: The people used to return from every path, so the Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him) said: ‘None among you should depart until the last thing they do is to circumambulate the House.’ (Related by Ahmad and Muslim) Based on the context, this is a command to the pilgrims performing Hajj, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said it at the end of Hajj, directing the pilgrims performing Hajj… read more here.

Menstruating on the day of stoning the largest Jamarah

Question 17: A woman began menstruating while performing the rites of Hajj on the day of stoning the largest Jamarah (Jamraat-ul-‘Aqabah: the closest stone pillar to Makkah). What is the ruling on her performing Tawaaf-ul-Ifaadah (final obligatory circumambulation around the Ka‘bah in Hajj) and Tawaaf-ul-Wadaa‘ (circumambulation around the Ka‘bah on leaving Makkah)?

Answer: After stoning Jamraat-ul-‘Aqabah and trimming her hair, everything is permissible for her except having conjugal relations with her husband. However, she is still obliged to perform Tawaaf around the Ka‘bah (Tawaaf-ul-Ifaadah) that can only be performed in a state of Tahaarah (ritual purity). Accordingly, if Allaah wills that she becomes pure before leaving Makkah, then she can perform Tawaaf-ul-Ifaadah. If this is beyond her ability, and she must leave for her country, she may return again then perform it. However, her husband must not approach her until she performs Tawaaf-ul-Ifaadah. On the other hand, if she performed Tawaaf-ul-Ifaadah and then menstruated before performing Tawaaf-ul-Wadaa‘, then she is exempted from performing it, because Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with them both) stated… read more here.

Ruling on not spending the night in Minaa for two or three days

Question 16: What is the ruling on a person who does not spend the night in Minaa on the 10th, 11th, 12th or 11th and 12th for those who hasten to leave; should they offer a sacrifice for every day they missed in Minaa or does he have to offer only one sacrifice for the whole three days in which he missed in Minaa. Could you explain and mention the proof?

Answer: Whoever does not spend the night in Minaa during the Days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th and 13th of Dul-Hijjah) without excuse, has abandoned a rite which the Prophet (peace be upon him) prescribed by sayings and actions; which is additionally supported by the concessions which he (peace be upon him) gave to the people having excuses such as shepherds and people providing water to pilgrims. Rukhsah (concession) can only be granted in connection with matters where there is Azeemah (obligation); therefore, spending the night in Minaa during the days of Tashreeq is considered one of the obligations of Hajj according to the more correct of the two opinions of the scholars… read more here.

Traveling before stoning Jamraat and appointing a proxy instead: Is it permissible?

Question 15: A Muslim employee was forced by the nature of his work to leave Minaa after standing at `Arafah and throwing pebbles at the Jamraat (stone pillars at which pebbles are thrown during Hajj). After dawn on the Day of Sacrifice (10th of Dul-Hijjah), he deputized someone to stone the remaining Jamraat and perform the slaughtering. He then left Minaa to go to Makkah. He performed Tawaaf-ul-Ifaadah (final obligatory circumambulation around the Ka‘bah in Hajj) and Sa‘ee (going between Safaa and Marwah during Hajj) after offering the Jumu‘ah (Friday) Prayer.Then, he went to his work, which was 1,270 kilometers away from Makkah, so he could arrive at his work after the Duhr (Noon) Prayer on Saturday, the second day of ‘Eed (the Festival of the Sacrifice), as his manager had told him to do so and warned him that he would be punished if he was late. The people he worked with were astonished at him returning early and claimed with confidence, that he had not fulfilled the conditions or pillars of Hajj. He would like to ask whether what they say is true or not. They criticize him without taking into consideration that he was forced to do so to obey his Saudi manager, who had assured him before he went to Hajj that doing so would be sufficient to fulfill the obligation.

Answer: If the reality is as you mentioned, then deputizing someone else to throw the pebbles on your behalf was not correct, because you mentioned that your manager had made it conditional on you to be at work on Saturday, the second day of ‘Eed, after the Duhr Prayer and that he had threatened to punish you if you were late, and this is not a lawful excuse that allows you to travel and deputize someone to throw the pebbles on your behalf… read more here.

Giving a part of Ud-hiyah to non-Muslim neighbors

Question 14: If a neighbor is a Kaafir (non-Muslim), but he never disturbs me with regard to ‘Ibaadah (worship); is it permissible to give him from the Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims) and from the ‘Aqeeqah (sacrifice for a newborn)? Respected Shaykh, we hope you will clarify this issue for us.

Answer: It is permissible to give a Kaafir from the meat of an Ud-hiyah or ‘Aqeeqah, as a way of showing kindness to the neighbor and fulfilling our Islaamic duty as neighbors… read more here.

Days to offer sacrifice

Question 13: I see some people slaughter their Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims) at noon, or at the time of ‘Asr (afternoon), and others at anytime. Is all this valid?

Answer: It is permissible for a pilgrim to slaughter during the day or the night, whether it is Hadee (sacrificial animal offered by pilgrims) of Tamattu‘ (`Umrah during the months of Hajj followed by Hajj in the same year with a break in between), Qiran (combining Hajj and `Umrah without a break in between) or Ud-hiyah. The days of sacrifice are: the Day of ‘Eed-ul-Ad-haa (the Festival of the Sacrifice), and the three days following it which end with the sunset of the thirteenth day (of Dul-Hijjah), after ‘Eed… read more here.

Ruling on delaying Jamraat to the last day and throwing all the pebbles at one time

Question 12: Is it permissible for the pilgrim to stone the Jamraat (stone pillars at which pebbles are thrown during Hajj) of the Days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th and 13th of Dul-Hijjah) all in one day, being the first or the last of the Days of Tashreeq or the Day of Nahr (Sacrifice, 10th of Dul-Hijjah, when pilgrims slaughter their sacrificial animals) then spend the night in Minaa for two or three days without throwing the pebbles at the Jamraat as they are to be thrown in one day? Or should the throwing be done in order, each day separately? Kindly point this out to us, supporting your answer with evidence.

Answer: Stoning the Jamraat is one of the obligations of Hajj and should be done on the Day of ‘Eed (Day of Nahr) and the following three Days of Tashreeq for those who are not in a hurry to leave Minaa on the 12th of Dul-Hijjah and the first two Days of Tashreeq for those who are in a hurry. Throwing the pebbles should be done each day after midday. This is based on the action of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his saying: Learn your (Hajj) rituals from me except on the day of Nahr which is all fit for throwing, though it is better to do it after sunrise, except for those who have excuses who are permitted to stone Jamraat-ul-‘Aqabah on the 9th of Dul-Hijjah after 12:00 p.m… read more here.

Leaving Muzdalifah in the last part of the night: Is it permissible?

Question 11: At what time should a pilgrim leave Muzdalifah to go to Minaa? Is it permissible to throw the pebbles on behalf of women despite their capability of throwing for fear of crowdedness?

Answer: It is permissible for a pilgrim to leave Muzdalifah in the last half of the night, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave Rukhsah (concession) to women, the weak and those accompanying them to leave. As for powerful men who do not have their families with them, it is better for them not to hasten to leave Muzdalifah; rather, they should offer Fajr (Dawn) Prayer in Muzdalifah, stay there until daylight, and mention and supplicate Allaah a lot because the Prophet (peace be upon him) did so and said… read more here.

Rituals performed by pilgrims on ‘Eed day

Question 10: There is a Hajji (pilgrim to Makkah) who stood on Mount ‘Arafah, stayed at Muzdalifah and headed in the morning for Minaa on the day of ‘Eed-ul-Ad-haa (the Festival of the Sacrifice). There he stoned Al-‘Aqabah, had his hair shaved and took off Ihraam while still in Minaa. Later, he went to Makkah where he performed Tawaaf-ul-Ifaadah (final obligatory circumambulation around the Ka‘bah in Hajj). Is this permissible? In fact, someone told me that it is not permissible to have one’s hair shaved and to take off Ihraam in Minaa except after performing Tawaaf-ul-Ifaadah.

Answer: It is permissible to shave the hair before or after performing Tawaaf-ul-Ifaadah. Moreover, the way you performed rites on the Day of ‘Eed-ul-Ad-haa, throwing pebbles, having your hair shaved and then performing Tawaaf-ul-Ifaadah, is the Sunnah (action following the example of the Prophet)which was practiced by the Prophet (peace be upon him) in his Farewell Hajj… read more here.

What is the ruling on Ud-hiyah?

Question 9: I am married, praise be to Allaah, and I have children. I live in a city other than the city in which my family lives, but on holidays I go to the city where my family is. On ‘Eed-ul-Ad-haa (the Festival of the Sacrifice), my children and I came five days before the ‘Eed but we did not offer the Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims) even though I am able to, praise be to Allaah.

Is it permissible for me to offer Ud-hiyah? Is my father’s Ud-hiyah valid on behalf of myself and my wife and children? What is the ruling on Ud-hiyah for the one who is financially able? Is it obligatory on the one who is not able? Is it permissible to take a loan in order to offer the Ud-hiyah? A.A.Sh. Rafha’ the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Answer: The Ud-hiyah is a Sunnah (supererogatory act of worship following the example of the Prophet), not Waajib (obligatory), and one sheep is sufficient on behalf of a man and the members of his household, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to sacrifice two-horned rams that were white speckled with black, every year; one on behalf of himself and the members of his household, and the other on behalf of those among his Ummah (nation based on one creed) who believe in the Oneness of Allaah.If you, dear questioner, are living in a separate house, then the Ud-hiyah offered by your father on behalf of himself and the members of his household is not sufficient for you, because you are not living with them in the same house. It is prescribed for you to offer Ud-hiyah on behalf of yourself and your family. There is nothing wrong with a Muslim taking a loan to offer Ud-hiyah if he is able to repay it… read more here.

Ruling on pilgrims and non-pilgrims fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah

Question 8: Respected Shaykh, many people think that observing Sawm (Fast) on the Day of ‘Arafah (9th of Dul-Hijjah) is to be accompanied by observing Sawm on the eighth of Dul-Hijjah; please advise?

Answer: The Day of ‘Arafah can be fasted separately, which has a great merit as Allaah (Exalted be He) expiates by it the sins of the year before and after it. As for pilgrims, it is impermissible for them to observe Sawm on the Day of ‘Arafah because the Prophet (peace be upon him) stood on that day without observing Sawm… read more here.

Habit of sacrificing on the Day of ‘Arafah

Question 7: What is the Islaamic ruling on people who slaughter a sacrificial animal on the Day of `Arafah (9th of Dul-Hijjah) on a regular basis, even when they are not performing Hajj? They call this sacrifice, “I‘rafah” and perform the slaughter with the intention of doing so on behalf of one of their deceased relatives, such as a parent, a son, a daughter, or a sibling.

Answer: The habit of slaughtering a sacrifice on the Day of `Arafah as an act of drawing closer to Allaah is not permissible, because it is a Bidd‘ah (innovation in religion), whether the people intend to dedicate the Thawaab (reward from Allaah) for it to their deceased relatives or any others. This is because there is no Shar‘ee (Islaamic legal) evidence for such a practice and the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Anyone who does an action which is not in accordance with this matter of ours (Islaam) will have it rejected.… read more here.

The Sunnah is to assume Ihram on the eighth day before noon

Question 6: Some pilgrims stay on the eighth day in Makkah without assuming Ihraam (ritual state for Hajj and ‘Umrah) and thus abandon acts of Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) to be done on the Day of Tarwiyah (8th of Dul-Hijjah). Thus, they remain in their houses until the ninth day on which they go to`Arafah justifying doing so on the pretext that acts to be done on the Day of Tarwiyah are only supererogatory and that Hajj is `Arafah. What is the opinion of Your Eminence on this act?

Answer: It is unobjectionable to do so. However, the Sunnah is to assume Ihraam on the eighth day of Dul-Hijjah before noon and then head for Mina where one should offer Duhr (Noon), ‘Asr (Afternoon), Maghrib (Sunset), ‘Ishaa’ (Night) and Fajr (Dawn) Prayers, shortening but not combining them.One should then head for `Arafah after sunrise as the Prophet (peace be upon him) did so and ordered his Sahaabah (Companions) who ended their state of Ihraam for ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) to do so… read more here.

Is combing hair permissible for one intending to offer Ud-hiyah?

Question 5: Can Muslim women who want to offer Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims) use a comb to arrange their hair?

Answer: The basic rule is that if a Muslim wants to offer the sacrifice for oneself or their family, one must not trim the nails or cut the hair once the month of Dul-Hijjah has started. As for using a comb, there is nothing wrong in this, but one must try to use it gently in a way that does not result in breaking off any hair… read more here.

Time-unrestricted Takbeer from the beginning of Thul-Hijjah

Question 4: I hear some people reciting Takbeer (saying: “Allaahu Akbar [Allaah is the Greatest]”) after each Salaah (Prayer) during the Days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th and 13th of Thul-Hijjah) until the ‘Asr (Afternoon) Prayer of the third day. Is this correct or not?

Answer: It is prescribed to recite an unrestricted [in terms of time. Ed] or a restricted Takbeer during ‘Eed Al-Ad-haa (the Festival of the Sacrifice). The unrestricted Takbeer can be recited at any time from the beginning of Thul-Hijjah until the last Day of Tashreeq. The restricted Takbeer should be recited after the Obligatory Daily Prayers starting from the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer of the Day of `Arafah until the ‘Asr Prayer on the last Day of Tashreeq. The evidence for the permissibility of doing this is the Ijmaa‘ (consensus of scholars) and the practice of the Sahaabah (Companions of the Prophet, may Allaah be pleased with them)… read more here.

A guide to Hajj and ‘Umrah

Question 3: Book on Hajj Rituals:

1- It is Waajib (obligatory) on every free Mukallaf (person meeting the conditions to be held legally accountable for their actions) Muslim, who is able, to perform Hajj and ‘Umrah once in a lifetime.

2- It is Waajib to perform Hajj straightaway if the person is able, according to the more correct of the two opinions maintained by scholars.

3- Performing Hajj is Waajib upon an indebted person who can pay off the debt and perform Hajj.

4- It is better not to borrow money to perform Hajj.

5- Anyone who abandons Salaah (Prayer) or does not offer Salaah regularly, their Hajj is not valid. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The covenant that is between us and them (the hypocrites) is Salaah. Anyone who abandons it has committed Kufr (disbelief). (Related by the Five Compilers of Hadeeth (Imaams Ahmad, Aboo Daawood, Al-Tirmidee, Al-Nasaa’ee and Ibn Maajah) through an authentic Isnaad [chain of narrators]) He (peace be upon him) also said: Verily, between a person and Shirk (associating others with Allaah in His Divinity or worship) and Kufr (disbelief) is the negligence of Salaah. (Related by Muslim in his Saheeh [Authentic Hadeeth Book])

6- Hajj performed with ill-gained money is valid because the rituals of Hajj are physical, however, a person must repent of having unlawful earnings… read more here.

Stepping beyond the Meeqaat without Ihraam

Question 2: Last spring holiday I took my wife and children to visit my sister in Al-Taa’if, and to perform ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) and get some medical treatment in Jeddah. This was my original intention. However, what happened was that we stayed in Al-Taa’if for a day, then we went to Jeddah passing through Makkah, but we did not enter Ihraam (ritual state for Hajj and ‘Umrah) from Al-Sayl, because I thought that there was nothing wrong with that, as we were delaying ‘Umrah until our return journey from Jeddah. After we had finished in Jeddah, we entered Ihraam for ‘Umrah. However, we forgot to offer two Rak‘ahs (units of Prayer) after Ihraam, and I thought there would be a Meeqaat (site for entering the ritual state for Hajj and ‘Umrah) on the road between Jeddah and Makkah, but there was not. We continued on our way to Al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah) and performed ‘Umrah. When I came back to work, I told some of the teachers in the National Institute for Teaching Knowledge of the Sharee‘ah (Islaamic law) what had happened, and they said to me that I have to offer Dam (atonement required of a pilgrim for a willful violation of a prohibition or obligation while in the ritual state for Hajj and ‘Umrah), for we should not have passed through Makkah without entering Ihraam for ‘Umrah from the Meeqaat. I hope that your Eminence can tell us what is correct and what are the consequences of what we have done? May Allaah protect you!

Answer: A person who intends to perform ‘Umrah then passes by the Meeqaat should enter Ihraam from that point, and it is not permissible for them to pass it without entering Ihraam. As you did not enter Ihram from the Meeqaat, then each of you must offer Dam (atonement required of a pilgrim for a willful violation of a prohibition or obligation while in the ritual state for Hajj and ‘Umrah), which is slaughtering a sheep that meets the conditions for Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims); it should be slaughtered in Makkah Al-Mukarramah and its meat should be distributed among the poor there. Moreover, you should not eat any part of it. There is no blame on you for forgetting to offer two Rak‘ahs after wearing the clothes of Ihraam…read more here.

Non-pilgrims who intend to sacrifice: Avoid cutting hair and nails

Question 1: Concerning the Hadeeth which states that anyone who wants to offer an Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims), either to be done by them or on their behalf, must refrain with the onset of Dul-Hijjah from cutting anything from their hair, skin or nails until they have offered the Ud-hiyah. Does this prohibition apply to all the members of a household, old and young, or does it apply to the adults only and not the children?

Answer: The wording which we know for this Hadeeth is not as mentioned by the questioner. The wording which we know to be authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) is the one narrated by five out of the six Compilers of Hadeeth (Muslim, Ibn Maajah, ‘Aboo Daawood, Al-Tirmidee and Al-Nasaa’ee; except Al-Bukhaaree) on the authority of Ummi Salamah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him) said: When you see the new moon of Dul-Hijjah, and one of you wants to offer an Ud-hiyah, let them refrain from (cutting anything) from their hair or nails.… read more here.

Putting paper in saffron water after reciting Qur’aan on it and selling as a Ruqyah

Question 280: What is your opinion concerning reciting the Qur’aan over saffron water, dipping some papers in it, drying them, putting some water on them, and then drinking this water?

Answer: Reciting the Qur’aan over saffron water, dipping some papers in this water, and selling them for people to use them as a cure is not permissible. This should be forbidden, as it involves devouring people’s money unlawfully. It is not a legitimate Ruqyah (reciting Qur’aan and saying supplications over the sick seeking healing) declared by some scholars to be permissible, which is writing Aayaat on paper or any Taheer (ceremoniously pure) substance, and then washing this writing and drinking the water... read more here.

Performing Ruqyah by listening to on tape

Question 279: Upon performing the Ruqyah (reciting Qur’aan and saying supplications over the sick seeking healing), is it permissible for the person who does it to put his hand on the patient,while playing a cassette tape containing Qur’aan, as there are four tapes in the market that contain supplications and certain Soorahs for healing by the Qur’aan and warding off envy and the like?

Answer: The general rule is that the person who carries out the Ruqyah should recite the Qur’aan himself and should blow his breath over the patient with his own saliva. Doing so is reported in the Saheeh (authentic) book of Hadeeth on the authority of ‘Aboo Sa`eed Al-Khudree (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said... read more here.

Writing the word “Allaah” and washing it with water as Ruqyah

Question 278: Is it permissible for a person to write the Name of Allaah, erase it with water, and then drink the water when asking Allaah (Glorified be He) for a certain need?

Answer: We do not know of any Sharee`ah-based evidence that proves the permissibility of this practice. A person is permitted to supplicate to Allaah (Glorified and Exalted be He) with Islaamically acceptable Du`aa’ (supplications). It is better to refer to the following books for Du`aa’ : Al-Adkaar by Al-Nawawee, Al-Waabil Al-Sayyib by Ibn Al-Qayyim, `Amaal Al-Yawm wal-Laylah by Al-Nasa’ee, and Jaami` Al-Usool... read more here.

Specifying some Aayaat to be recited as Ruqyah

Question 277: We notice that by reciting certain Aayaat (Qur’aanic verses) for patients, they tend to be affected by them. Should we recite these Aayaat even if it has not been reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him), his Sahaabah (Companions of the Prophet), or any of the Salaf (righteous predecessors) ever did this, or should we only adhere to authentic reports in this issue?

Answer: All the Noble Qur’aan provides guidance and remedy. Allaah (Exalted be He) says: Say: “It is for those who believe, a guide and a healing.” He (Glorified be He) says: And We send down of the Qur’aan that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe (in Islaamic Monotheism and act on it) The preposition “of” mentioned in this Aayah, for expressing kind, denotes that the Qur’aan itself is remedy and mercy. It does not denote here just some or parts of its whole. Based on this, seeking healing by any Aayaat is permissible, yet this does not oppose the fact that some Aayaat, as stated in authentic Hadeeths, have special merit and influence.... read more here.

Slaughtering animal regularly on the day of `Arafah

Question 276: What is the Islaamic ruling on people who slaughter a sacrificial animal on the Day of ‘Arafah (9th of Dul-Hijjah) on a regular basis, even when they are not performing Hajj? They call this sacrifice “I‘rafah” and perform the slaughter with the intention of doing it on behalf of one of their deceased relatives, such as a parent, a son, a daughter, or a sibling.

Answer: The habit of slaughtering a sacrifice on the Day of ‘Arafah as a Qurbah (a good deed by which Allaah’s Pleasure is sought) is not permissible, because it constitutes a Bid‘ah (innovation in religion), whether the people intend to dedicate the Thawaab (reward from Allaah) for it to their deceased relatives or any other people. There is no Shar‘ee (Islaamic legal) evidence for such a practice, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Anyone who does an action which is not in accordance with this matter of ours (Islaam) will have it rejected.... read more here.

Slaughtering in a place where animals are slaughtered for other than Allaah

Question 275: On slaughtering a sacrificial animal, some people turn their sacrifice to the direction of the west. They may also slaughter at places where other people slaughter their sacrifices for other than Allaah. Is it permissible for us to eat from the meat of their sacrifices?

Answer: Slaughtering an animal is an act of worship that must be devoted sincerely for the Sake of Allaah Alone. It is not permissible to slaughter an animal for other than Allaah, or in places where others slaughter their animals for other than Allaah. Therefore, Allaah prohibits eating from the meat of the animals slaughtered on Nusub (stone-altars) even if Allaah’s Name has been mentioned before slaughtering them. Also, Allaah forbids the believers to do this, as Nusub were stone-altars round the Ka`bah where the Arabs used to slaughter their animals for other than Allaah. Subsequently, it is not permissible for the believer to slaughter animals in the places where other people slaughter theirs for other than Allaah. This implies acting like them and, you may be influenced by their false beliefs. The meat of the sacrifices slaughtered at these places is unlawful and it is not permissible for you to eat from it... read more here.

Slaughtering an animal to ward off the evil eye from the new house or car

Question 274: It is customary for our fellow Bedouins that when someone builds a new house or buys a new car, he slaughters an animal. It is believed that this will protect the house or the car against destruction or envy. When we advise people, they say it is charity.

Answer:  It is not permissible to slaughter an animal with such intention. Moreover, if the person slaughters it intending to draw closer to the Jinn to ward off their harm, it will be considered an act of major Shirk (associating others with Allaah in His Divinity or worship that takes the Muslim out of Islaam). Allaah (Exalted be He) states, Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): “Verily, my Salaah (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allaah, the Lord of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists). He has no partner.... read more here.

What is the ruling on offering Salaah while led by a person who sacrifices animals for other than Allaah?

Question 273: Is it permissible to pray behind a person who eats the meat of animals slaughtered for anyone other than Allaah and yet claims to have pronounced the Name of Allaah at the time of slaughtering?

Answer: Offering Salaah behind a person who slaughters animals for anyone other than Allaaah such as Jinn is not valid, even if he mentions Allaah’s Name when slaughtering the animals. This is an act of Shirk (associating others with Allaah in His Divinity or worship) and this person’s Salaah is not valid, because he is a Mushrik (one who associates others with Allaah in His Divinity or worship) and so is the Salaah of any person who slaughters animals for other than Allaah (Exalted be He), even if they mention Allaah’s Name before slaughtering. Allaah (Exalted be He) informs us of this in His Statement: …on which Allaah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering). According to the statement of the Prophet (peace be upon him), The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. This person has slaughtered the animal to draw closer to the Waliy, Jinn or any other being, such as angels, idols and the like... read more here.

What is the ruling on slaughtering an edible animal for a guest?

Question 272: What is the ruling on slaughtering a sacrifice for a guest since Allaah (Exalted be He) says, …and that on which Allaah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering, (that which has been slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allaah ?

Answer: Slaughtering a sacrifice for a guest is lawful as long as Allaah’s Name is mentioned on slaughtering it. The idea that it is offered to others besides Allaah is totally wrong, as the slaughterer does not intend to slaughter it to get nearer to the guest, but he slaughters itand Allaah’s Name is mentioned while slaughtering just to offer it as food to the guest. It is like the animal you slaughter to feed your family.... read more here.

Performing Hajj on behalf of someone who used to slaughter animals to other than Allaah

Question 271: I had an uncle whose father died a long time ago. My uncle says his father would offer Salaah and observe Sawm, but he used to slaughter sacrifices for people other than Allaah. His father fell ill three months before his death. There was a deep cut in his pubes which caused him to be confined to bed. During those three months, he would not offer Salaah. He died at the end of those three months. He did not know that a sick person is not exempt from offering Salaah. My uncle wants to know whether it is permissible for him to offer Hajj for the sake of his dead father or not?

Answer: If the father of your uncle died without repenting of slaughtering for people other than Allaah and not praying during his illness, he will be regarded as a Mushrik (associating others in worship with Allah in His Divinity or worship) and it will not be permissible to perform Hajj for his father. This is because Allaah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says, But if they had joined in worship others with Allaah, all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to them. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said, The step right before becoming a Kaafir (disbeliever) and a Mushrik is the abandonment of Salaah (prayers).... read more here.

Vowing to slaughter sheep or a bull for other than Allaah

Question 270: A person made a vow to slaughter a sheep or a cow for others besides Allah. It is known that such vow is made for Allaah. When this person slaughtered the sheep or cow, he said “In the Name of Allaah”; is it permissible for us to eat from the meat of such an animal or not? After mentioning the Name of Allaah on slaughtering such an animal, does its meat become pure or impure as he intended to offer it as a sacrificial animal to others besides Allaah? Give us the ruling on this question, may Allah increase you in knowledge!

Answer: It is prohibited to make a vow to slaughter a sheep or a cow for others besides Allaah. Also, a Muslim should not fulfill such a vow, as it is an act of disobedience to Allaah. It was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Anyone who vows to obey Allaah should obey Him; and anyone who vows to disobey Allaah should not disobey Him. As for the animal offered as a sacrificial animal to others besides Allaah, it is not permissible for a Muslim to eat from its meat even if the Name of Allaah is mentioned on slaughtering it, as it was slaughtered for others besides Allaah... read more here.

Saying: “Glory be to You wherever You are.”

Question 269: On supplicating in the Qunoot (supplication recited while standing after bowing in the last unit of Prayer), the Imaam says: “Glory be to You wherever You are”.When he was asked about this supplication, he replied that it is uttered by the angels on praising their Lord. What is your opinion on this matter?

Answer: The supplication “Glory be to You wherever You are” is not mentioned in any authentic supplications or formulas of Dikr (Remembrance of Allaah) reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him). This supplication entails both a real meaning, which is “Glory be to You wherever You are with Your Knowledge” and a false meaning as adopted by those who believe in the Hulool (a Sufi term meaning indwelling). Therefore, this supplication should be shunned, as it is known in Allaah’s Purified Shar` (Laws) that a Muslim should avoid the utterance of supplications that may entail both a real meaning and a false one as a protection of our religion. It is worth mentioning that in the Qur’aan and the Prophetic Sunnah there are supplications and formulas of Dikr that one can say without using fabricated ones. As reported from the Prophetic Sunnah, one can say, “Glory be to my Lord, the Exalted,” “Glory be to my Lord, the Greatest,” “Glory be to the King and the Sacred,” and other supplications mentioned in Qur’aanic Ayaat (verses) and Prophetic Hadeeths... read more here.

Seeking the help of the Prophet or one’s parents on getting up by saying, “Oh, my parents!” or “Oh, our Prophet”

Question 268:  It is common in our societies that some people, particularly the elderly,on rising or sitting down they say, “Oh, my parents!” or “Oh, our Prophet” appealing to them for help; is the person who utters such words regarded as a Mushrik (associating others in worship with Allaah)? What should be done with those people? May Allaah bless you for it.

Answer: Appealing to the Prophet (peace be upon him) or to one’s parents for help on rising and sitting down is not permissible, as it is a form of appealing to the dead and the absent persons for help. It is worth mentioning that asking for help is an act of worship by which no one should be appealed to but Allaah (Exalted be He), as appealing to other than Allaah (Exalted be He) for help is a form of Shirk. Therefore, one should avoid the utterance of such words and enjoin others not to utter them. It is better for a Muslim on rising to say, “Oh, Allaah! Help us and make all our affairs easy!” or “Oh, Merciful! Help us and make all our affairs easy!” and so on. This is because it is Allaah Alone Who is Able to do all things... read more here.

Invoking the dead and appealing to them for help when visiting their graves

Question 267:  Some people invoke the dead when visiting the graves of Al-Baqee` and ‘Uhud and throw money there for their sake. What is the ruling on this practice?

Answer: Invoking the dead and appealing to them for help when visiting their graves is regarded as a form of major Shirk (associating others with Allaah in His Divinity or worship that takes the Muslim out of Islaam) which draws a person out of the religion of Islaam. This is because supplication is the highest kind of all acts of worship. Allaah (Exalted be He) says, And whoever invokes (or worships), besides Allaah, any other ilaah (god), of whom he has no proof; then his reckoning is only with his Lord. Surely! Al-Kaafiroon (the disbelievers in Allaah and in the Oneness of Allaah, polytheists, pagans, idolaters) will not be successful. Also, throwing money on the graves of the dead and offering sacrifices for their sake are the worst types of major Shirk... read more here.

Ruling on seeking help from the dead

Question 266:  What is the ruling on people who put some money as charity in vow boxes that are placed inside the domed sepulchers of some righteous dead people, or seek blessings from the graves, or from the buried people through sprinkling musk, or circumambulate the graves to obtain blessings from them? Also, while the music is being played, some people sing poems with words such as: “Give me strength, O Shaykh `Abdul-Raheem” or “Give me strength, O Shaykh Ibraaheem”?

Answer: Tabarruk (seeking blessings) from the dead is an act of major Shirk (associating others with Allaah in His Divinity or worship that takes the Muslim out of Islaam), and a path to Shirk if it is intended as means for obtaining blessings from Allaah (Exalted be He). 

Likewise, making a vow to the dead is an act of major Shirk. Vowing is an act of `Ibaadah (worship); therefore, anyone who dedicates it to any other than Allaah (Exalted be He) is considered a Mushrik (one who associates others with Allaah in His Divinity or worship). Also, it is not permissible to offer Salaah (Prayer) behind an Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) who asks for blessings from the graves, makes vows or offers sacrifices to them, or seek the help of those buried in them. Such a person is a Mushrik.

Songs and music are Haraam (unlawful), because they are forbidden forms of amusement. If songs include words that appeal to the dead for help and provision, singing such songs is regarded as a form of major Shirk... read more here.

What is the ruling on invoking the sun?

Question 265: When a person removes a tooth, he throws it into the sun and says, “Oh Sun! This is the tooth of a donkey, give me the tooth of a deer!”

Answer: Invoking the sun and appealing to it are kinds of major Shirk (associating others with Allaah in His Divinity or worship that takes the Muslim out of Islaam). What is mentioned in the question is a type of such major Shirk... read more here.

What is the meaning of the word “Islaam”?

Question 264: Religions are usually named after their prophets, but Islaam does not follow such rule, so what is the meaning of the word “Islaam”?

Answer: Islaam is submission to Allaah through Tawheed (belief in the Oneness of Allaah/ monotheism),resignation to Him through obedience, and disavowal of Shirk (associating others with Allaah in His Divinity or worship) and its people…. read more here.

Is it permissible for non-Muslims to call to preach their religions?

Question 263: If Muslims have the right to call others to Islaam, why do non-Muslims not have the right to call others to their religions?

Answer: Calling people to Islaam and to worship none but Allaah (Exalted be He) is the mission of Allaah’s Messengers and the Muslims coming after them. The Muslims after the mission of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) undertake this task, as they are those who follow the revelation sent down by Allaah (Exalted be He). That is why they call people to the right path as a way to worship Allaah (Exalted be He) and to follow the footsteps of their Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the preceding prophets (peace be upon them). Furthermore, the practice of calling people to Islaam is mercy for all creatures and sympathy for them regarding the chastisement set by Allaah (Exalted be He) for the disobedient. Also, calling people to Islaam signifies the establishment of the call which is dear to Allaah (Exalted be He) to leave its opponents with no excuse of ignorance... read more here.

What is the reality of man’s origin?

Question 262: What is the reality of man’s origin? Is it true that the “ancient man” who lived on earth millions of years ago had a tail? How can we refute the claim of some Western scientists on this issue?

Answer: The claim that man evolved from an ape is falsehood that conflicts with religious texts which prove otherwise. It is a fact that the father of humanity is Aadam (peace be upon him), who was created from clay... read more here.

What is the ruling on Darwin’s Theory of Evolution?

Question 261: We studied something about the theory of Evolution and all that relates to creation as this forms a part of our educational curriculum. The more I read on this subject, the more I become convinced that Allaah is the Only One Who created this universe and all that it contains. Nevertheless, I was greatly astonished to come across a book written by a Muslim author approving the theory of Evolution and supporting it by the Qur’aan! Moreover, one of my Muslim teachers asked me: “Since Islaam forbids a man to marry to his sister; how could brothers and sisters amongst the offspring of Aadam and Eve get married to each other?

Answer: The theory of Evolution which is renowned as the theory of Darwin contradicts the Qur’aan, Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet), and Ijmaa` (consensus of scholars). There are thus proofs from the Qur’aan and authentic Sunnah stating that Allaah (Exalted be He) created Aadam from soil then created Eve from Aadam... read more here.