Submitted by @burqarae From the time the first hajj list was released.. I have had several calls and messages from ladies asking for advice.. word went around that I was heavily pregnant during hajj last year There were ladies who were so confused as to whether they should go ahead or postpone.. places needed to be booked and so perhaps they felt that I could give them their answer.. I am not in a position to tell anyone if they should or should not go.. as I am not a doctor & I feel that the first thing anyone needs to do is consult with their gynae. It was my 3rd child.. and I had no history of pre term labour.. or complications.. or pressure( this is dangerous if you are flying especially in the latter part of your pregnancy) My doctor believed that I was fit enough to embark on the journey and whilst I trusted his decision.. I also read istikhara. Each person is different.. each persons experience will be different. I heard of pregnant ladies fainting.. being hospitalized etc during hajj.. But at the same time even non pregnant ladies and even many men as well needed drips due to dehydration..Alhamdulillah I had the most beautiful journey. I think that your whole mindset plays a big part in this.. I was very determined to do it.. and accepted that yes it will be a challenge as I will be physically restricted to some degree. I also did not want to leave 3 kids behind the next year even though their grandparents would have lovingly seen to them alhamd. Last year there were just 4 other pregnant ladies with me.. who I knew off.. there could have been many more as the number of people who have contacted me this year was quite surprising. We see write ups on hajj and advices been given all over but last year when I was in this situation.. I could not find any that gave advices for those who are pregnant. If you have Already made the decision to go.. here are some of the questions I have been asked & some tips on what helped me through: rom the day I decided to go for Hajj.. knowing that I will be really far in my pregnancy.. I started to read the Dua for unseen help. This dua was read continuously throughout my journey till I returned home. This Dua and strong Yaqeen helped me in many situations along the way Lots of people said to me…how did you travel by plane so far In your pregnancy.. did the airlines allow you.. and so on.. I was 8 months during the 5 days and on return.. I heard of airlines stopping ladies on their local flights.. I was worried.. but i had a letter from my gynae & never needed it. Both going.. and returning.. in fact I felt that the airports officials.. air hostesses etc were all more curtious towards me. First to check in.. first on the bus.. even whilst I walked from our hotel to the Mina camp.. officials right through were so caring Alhamd.. Allah opens up doors for you. How did I manage with the heat. Honestly.. You are not the only one feeling hot.. everyone around you is feeling exactly like you. Temperatures were extreme but this is just part of the sacrifices during hajj and you will be rewarded for your patience. How did I manage with the toilets. This is the biggest worry for most.. Again.. hajj sacrifices.. yes toilets get filthy.. and so on. From my experience last year.. the low pan toilets were much cleaner than the high pan toilets. being so far in my pregnancy I could not use the low pan for obvious reasons. If you won’t be as far as I was then that’s a better option for you…but hey.. I managed. Carry all the stuff advised for you on the lists of things for the 5 days ( elastic or elasticated pants, door hook, rubber gloves) How did I make Tawaaf in the crowd.I did not make many tawaafs during my stay in Makkah. it was just Umrah.. 2 other days.. and then the 2 tawaafs during hajj. For Tawaafuz Ziyaarah, we took a wheelchair with us. I walked half and was pushed half. Tawaaful Widaa I was advised to use the electric cars on the top level- I was already almost 31weeks by then Walking Hajj: Although you will choose to take the bus to Arafat and Muzdalifah.. there is still alot of walking involved during the 5 days. i walked from our hotel in azizia to the camp.. then walks to the jamarat. TTW Special services hotel in azizia is the closest to the Mina camps than any other of the groups. I used a pregnancy belt to support my belly and back which helped me alot On my arrival in Makkah I bought a chair from Bin Dawood which also helped me to take breaks during the walk and to perform salaah in the camp. Sleeping situation : So I’m not sure how non special service mattresses were but in special service the thickness of the mattress was good and very comfortable. For Muzdalifah.. whilst others purchased the flat mats.. I went for something thicker as well. Also from Bin Dawood. Stay Hydrated throughout the journey: I use to mix rehydrate sachets with zam zam water .. the small bottles. This helped greatly Madina Rawdah Mubarak: PLEASE AVOID CROWDS. Stay away from the big groups. I was fortunate here in that a gaurd saw my pregnant stomach and took me into the wheelchair line. I did not have to wait.. she just made a space for me on the green carpet alhamdulillah. So rather show them that you are pregnant if it’s not noticeable as this will be safer for you and baby I think this covers every aspect but if there’s anything you need to know please msg @burqarae I hope this helps all
Niqab/Purdah while in Ihram
The blow are from muftionline.co.za – kindly consult your local aalim for further info [As received] Kindly note, that this is not my Fatwa, its just what i gathered through my research. Please note that this is according to the Hanafi Madhhab. I checked a few kitaabs namely: Fatawa Darul Uloom Zakariyya (Mufti Radha’ul Haq D.B) – mentions regarding the Sahabiyaat hanging their cloths over their faces from their heads so it doesnt touch all the time as mentioned in many ahaadeeth. This is what the sahaabiyaat used to do (in today’s times it would equal the cap parda). Nonetheless, some ahaadeeth mention that sometimes when many men were around they used to wear their pardas and as soon as they were gone, they used to remove. So Basically Mufti Sahib says, Try using the cap method, but if you cant then wearing parda is fine as long as its not for a full day (not 12 hours). And when you get to the camp you can remove. Dham will only come when worn for a full day. Ahsanul Fatawa (Mufti Rashid R.A of Pakistan) : very brief fatwa wherein he says, If worn for a full hour, then approx Fitrah amount of Sadaqah is necessary. Muftisaab also said, we have to look at situations, if there is fear of fitnah, its fine to wear and give some sadaqah later. Fatawa Mahmoodiyah (Mufti Mahmoodul Hasan Gangohi R.A): mentions not to wear the parda because of Ahaadeeth mentioning not to wear. Muftisaab mentions very sternly that like men go through difficulty wearing the 2 pieces of cloth, likewise for us to wear the cap method. And Muftisaab mentions that this difficulty is beloved to Allah. 💓 As can be seen, there’s different opinions, each is correct and according to the times of the Mufti. We should consult our Muftis that we follow and ask which is the best path to tread. Hajj is about a little difficulty, but its reward is equally great. And Allah knows best Discussion on @journeytohajj Instagram
Toothpaste while in Ihraam
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. It is Makrooh (severely disliked) to brush one’s teeth using toothpaste whilst in Ihraam. Hence, one must try his best to avoid its use. If one does use it, then he should make Istighfaar. No Sadaqah or Dum will be necessitated.[1] And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Nabeel Valli Student Darul IftaaLusaka, Zambia Checked and Approved by,Mufti Ebrahim Desai. www.daruliftaa.net [1] Fatawa Raheemiyyah, Vol 7, Pg. 104 ( Daar al-Ishaa’at) Mu’allim al-Hujjaaj, Pg, 268, (Idaarah al-Qur’aan) Source: http://askimam.org/public/question_detail/30789 Discussion on @journeytohajj Instagram
Is a Haajis Duas accepted for 40 days?
Question: People have been saying that when one returns home from having completed Haj or ‘Umrah, their dua’s are accepted for forty days. I have never come across this before and am questioning its authenticity. Please can you enlighten me on this matter? Answer: I have come across the following narrations regarding the du’as of a haji: 1) Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:“When you meet a haji then greet him, shake hands with him and ask him to seek forgiveness on your behalf before he enters his home, for verily he is forgiven”(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 2 pg. 69 with a weak chain. Refer: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 4 pg. 16) 2) Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:“O Allah, forgive the sins of the haji and forgive the sins of the one for whom the haji seeks forgiveness”(Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 1 pg. 441, Sahih ibn Khuzaymah, Hadith: 2516, Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 3817) Imam Hakim (rahimahullah) has authenticated the above Hadith and Hafiz Dhahabi (rahimahullah) concurs with him. 3) Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) says:“The haji will be forgiven, and all those whom the haji seeks forgiveness on behalf of, for the remainder of Dhul Hijjah, Muharram, Safar until the tenth of Rabi’ul Awwal.”(Musannaf ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith: 12800 with a weak chain. Refer; footnotes of Musannaf ibn Abi Shaybah. Also see Al Ajwibatul Mardiyyah, vol. 1 pg. 61) Note: I have not come across a narration which specifically states the Haji’s du’a being accepted for forty days, nor have I come across a narration which states that the du’as of one returning from ‘Umrah are accepted for forty days. The last narration I cited, mentions that the Haji’s du’a for forgiveness is accepted till the 10th of Rabi’ul Awwal, which is approximately 90 days from the day of ‘Arafah. And Allah Ta’ala Knows best. Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar Taken from https://jamiat.org.za/the-dua-of-a-haji-hadith/ Discussion on @journeytohajj Instagram
7 Healthy Practical Tips On Hajj
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said “A strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer”. We are quick to think of this only in a spiritual sense, but we tend to forget that this also encompasses the physical strength. Hajj is an ultimate test of physical strength, miles and miles of walking, harsh conditions, unknown terrain, hot weather, etc. If you are consumed with bodily feelings, such as aches and pains and discomforts, it’s going to take away from your ibadaa, or your worship and ultimately test your sabr or your patience. If your strong enough to maintain these intense, physical tests, then inshAllah you won’t have physical discomforts to consume your thoughts, and you will be able to focus on your worship. Nadoona has prepared a list of practical tips for preparation for Hajj, during Hajj, and post Hajj. Think of Hajj as if you are going on a hike in the wilderness. You will have uncontrollable conditions, unknown circumstances, and a lot of walking. You must be prepared: Focus on eating as clean as possible. Eat small meals throughout the day, like your preparing for an athletic event. Give your body the best of what you can now. Eliminate the things you know you shouldn’t be eating. Get walking. Walking outside would be the best, if you cant, use a treadmill, but use an incline. Total Body Resistance training or strength training. Put emphasis on lower body exercises such as lunges and squats. Strengthen your muscles. Hydration is normally important under most cases, but my understanding is that the restrooms are one of the last places you want to visit on Hajj. Hydrate when you know you have access to facilities. If you can, hydrate morning, afternoon, and night. Then when you get back from Hajj, you can recover with proper hydration. Proper shoes are key. Shoes made for hiking are the best. Keep in mind, your feet well swell at least one size up. So if you are a size 9, then consider buying size 9.5 or 10. Eat just enough to satisfy you to keep you going. Everyone’s Hajj package is different, if your meals are laid our for you and know what you will be served, then choose a protein, carb and fat to make a balanced meal. If you only have access to one meal, your morning meal most important. Lubricate the inside of your thighs. Putting baby oil or Vaseline between your legs from the rubbing in order to prevent chaffing or rash. Remember, our ultimate goal at Hajj is to focus on ibadaa, worship of Allah swt. The less you have to worry about these bodily things, the better you can worship Allah swt the way he deserves to be worshiped. Remember when you get back from Hajj, keep these health and fitness efforts going with proper nutrition and a fitness routine. We are all ultimately on a pilgrimage, on a journey back to Allah swt. Let us all return back to Allah swt with not only strong hearts, but strong bodies. I pray that those who have been blessed to go on Hajj this year have an easy, fruitful and accepted Hajj, and I pray that those who haven’t been granted Hajj yet, be granted it soon. Source: m.zahid Discussion on @journeytohajj Instagram
Hanafi Ladies performing Salaah in Haram
As salaamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa barakatu I would to query whether ladies following hanafi madhab should follow imams of both harams, Makkah and Madinah, for salaah. What would be best for us to do? JazakAllahAssalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa BarakaatuhRespected Brother/Sister in IslamIs it better and more rewarding for a woman to perform Salaah in the privacy of her home or hotel room in Makkah and Madinah as well. She would require to go to the Haram for Tawaaf in Makkah and for Salaam in Madinah. When she does go she may perform Salaah in the Haram in the area designated for females. (Fatawa Darul Uloom Zakariyyah vol 2 page 259)She may perform the Janazah Salaah behind the imaam as well when she is in the Haram at that time.Whenever she goes out she should strictly adhere to the laws of Hijaab.And Allah Knows Best.Wassalaam. Fatwa Department (Mufti) Taahir Hansa Discussion on @journeytohajj Instagram
Black or White Ihram
Peachwool, Nida and Bon Bon are some of the suggested materials to use for a ladies ihraam.Here are some pros and cons of using either colour. Black Pros No need to wear double layer as it is not see through Dust etc wont be easily visible Cons might attract more heat White Pros Looks beautiful seeing a see of white Reminds one about wearing a white kafan after passing away Cons Dirt etc can be easily visible (note for ladies who get their menses to avoid wearing white) A double layer of clothing may need to be worn as material might be see through Its a personal preference which colour to wear. In the end, we make duaa to Allah that our hearts become white and pure after performing Hajj – Aameen Discussion on @journeytohajj Instagram Second Discussion on this post View this post on Instagram Based on your experience – what would you recommend? . DM your response if ud like to remain anonymous . See highlights "Black or White" for more responses . #ihraam #ladiesihram #hajj #journeyofalifetime #hajjinspired A post shared by Journey to Hajj (@journeytohajj) on Jan 22, 2020 at 10:18pm PST