The Hajj (Arabic: حج, translit: Ḥajj; Turkish:
Hac;
Ottoman Turkish: حاج, Hāc;
Malay:
Haji)
is the Pilgrimage to Mecca in Islam. It is the
fifth of the Five Pillars in Sunni Islam
and one of the ten Branches of religion in Shi'a
Islam. Every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so is obliged to make the pilgrimage
to Mecca at least
once in his or her lifetime.
The government of Saudi Arabia issues special visas
to foreigners for the purpose of the pilgrimage, which takes place during the Islamic
month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Entrance to Mecca itself is forbidden
to non-Muslims, and the entire city is considered a holy site to Islam.
One who does not have a “male relative” is not obliged to
perform Haj
Question: A woman well-known for her piety, in her middle
ages or close to being elderly, wants to make the Haj of Islam. However, she
does not have a mahram. From the same country there is a man who is
well-known for his piety who wants to make Haj and he is travelling with
women whom he is related to. Is it proper for that woman to make Haj with
this man and the women he is travelling with, being among the women with the
man watching over them? Does she have to perform the Haj or is this
requirement dropped from her since she does not have a mahram, even though
she is financially capable? Give us a response, may Allah reward you.
Response: The woman who does not have a mahram is not obligated
to perform the Haj. This is because a mahram, with respect to her, is part of
the necessary aspects of having the means to perform the Haj. Having the
means is one of the conditions for the obligatory nature of Haj. Allah says:
“And Haj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can
afford the expenses.” (Aal-’Imraan 97) It is not allowed for her to travel
for Haj or otherwise without her husband or a mahram.
This is based on what al-Bukhari recorded that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi
wa sallam) said, “It is not allowed for a woman to travel a day and night’s
distance except with a mahram.” Al-Bukhari and Muslim also recorded from Ibn
‘Abbaas that he heard the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) say, “A man
cannot be alone with a woman unless in the presence of a mahram of hers. And
a woman does not travel except along with a mahram.” A man said, “O Messenger
of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) my wife has left to make the Haj and
I have enlisted for such and such expedition.” He said, “Go and make Haj with
your wife.” This is the opinion of al-Hasan, al-Nakhaee, Ahmad, Ishaaq, Ibn
al-Mundhir and the scholars of juristic reasoning (as-haab ar-raee). It is
the correct opinion because it is in agreement with the generality of the
Hadith of the Prophet that prohibits women from travelling without a husband
or mahram. Maalik, al-Shaafi’ee and al-Awzaa’ee have a differing opinion.
They all state conditions for which they have no evidence. Ibn al-Mundhir
stated, “They all abandon the clear, obvious meaning of the Hadith and lay
down conditions for which they have no evidence. [The Permanent Committee for
Islamic Research and Fataawa]
Things to beware of whilst in state of ihraam
Question: What are the things that the
Muhrim needs to be aware of?
Response: The Muhrim (one in state of ihraam) must be aware
of nine things which the scholars have mentioned and these are:
1. Cutting (any) hair;
2. Cutting/trimming the nails;
3. Applying perfume;
4. Wearing (any) stitched garment;
5. Covering the head;
6. Hunting game;
7. Sexual intercourse;
8. Entering into the contract of Nikaah;
9. Touching one’s wife sexually.
All of these are impermissible for the Muhrim until he comes out of the first
state of ihraam (during Haj), whereby all of these are permissible except
sexual intercourse. So, when he comes out of the second state of ihraam,
sexual intercourse becomes permissible. [Shaykh Ibn Baaz – Majmoo’ Fataawa
Samahatu ash-Shaykh Ibn Baaz - Volume 6, Page 97, Fatwa No.49]
Women enter the ihraam in any clothing they wish
Question: Is it allowed for a woman to enter the state of
ihraam in any clothing she wishes?
Response: Yes, she may enter the ihraam in whatever clothing
she wishes. She does not have any specific type of clothing that she must
wear for ihraam as many of the general public think. But it is best for her
to enter the ihraam in clothing which is not beautiful and will not attract
the one who sees it. This is because she is going to be mixing with men, so
her clothing must not be such that it tempts the looker. It should not be
beautiful but should be customary and not a temptation. [Shaykh Ibn Baaz]
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