Resolutions of Iftaa' Board



Resolutions of Iftaa' Board

Resolution No.(213): “Ruling on Teaching Hajj Rituals through Shapes Simulating the Ka`bah and other Places“

Date Added : 05-10-2015

Resolution No.(213)(3/215) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies:

“Ruling on Teaching Hajj Rituals through Shapes Simulating the Ka`bah and other Places“

Date:25/ Jumadah Al-Akhirah/1436 AH, corresponding to 15/4/2015 AD.

 

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.

The Board reviewed in its fourth session held on the above date the following question:

We are a public service company, and we would like to establish an educational project that aims at teaching the pillars of Hajj to school students through simulating the Hajj rituals such as the Ka`bah, sai` between Safa and Marwa, Arafaat Moutain, Mina, and the Jamaraat, to whoever desires to learn how to perform this obligatory act of worship. What is the ruling of Islamic Sharia on that?

Knowledge is prescribed in Sharia; particularly, that which is useful in worldly life and saves from Hellfire in the Hereafter, and this applies to teaching the rituals of Hajj and Umrah. Allah Says {what means}: “O ye who believe! When ye are told to make room in the assemblies, (spread out and) make room: (ample) room will God provide for you. And when ye are told to rise up, rise up God will rise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees), those of you who believe and who have been granted (mystic) Knowledge. And God is well- acquainted with all ye do.” {Al-Mujadilah/11}. Also, Allah`s Apostle said regarding the virtue of being knowledgeable in the rules of Sharia: “If Allah wants to do a favor to somebody, He bestows on him, the gift of understanding the Quran and Sunna.” {Bukhari}.

Teaching Hajj rituals through creating shapes and images of holy sites that simulate those in real Hajj is permissible, rather, it is a good deed that helps people understand the correct way of performing Hajj and Umrah, for it was reported that Allah`s Apostle used to teach his companions through signs and demonstration. Abdullah Bin Masoud narrated: “The Prophet drew a square and then drew a line in the middle of it and let it extend outside the square and then drew several small lines attached to that central line, and said, "This is the human being, and this, (the square) in his lease of life, encircles him from all sides (or has encircled him), and this (line), which is outside (the square), is his hope, and these small lines are the calamities and troubles (which may befall him), and if one misses him, an-other will snap (i.e. overtake) him, and if the other misses him, a third will snap (i.e. overtake) him.” {Bukhari}.

However, it is imperative to warn visitors of these educational sites that the images and shapes simulating the Ka`bah, Safa and Marwa, Arafat, Mina, and the Jamaraat are mere educational representations, so it isn`t allowed to turn to them or glorify them, because this is restricted to the private nature of the sacred sites. It was stated in the book: “Facing the Ka`bah is intended for honoring it.” [Al-Moheet Al-Borhani vol.5/pp.396]

Moreover, it is worth stressing two points:

First: It is impermissible to belittle these images and shapes, or make them a subject of mockery.

Second: They  shouldn`t be a meticulous copy of the real sites in Hajj, rather, they should be of smaller size and hold signs that indicate their educational nature. On its part, the Board recommends that such project is supervised by the Ministry of Religious Endowments. And Allah Knows Best.

 

 Board of Iftaa`

Grand Mufti of Jordan , Sheikh Abdulkareem Khasawneh

Dr. Hayil Abdulhafeez       Sheikh Sae`id Hijjawi

Dr. Yahia Al-Botoosh         Dr. Mohammad Khair Al-Essa

Dr. Wasif Al-Bakhri             Dr. Mohammad Al-Qhodaat

Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalayleh   Dr. Mohammad Al- Zou`bi

 

Decision Number [ Previous | Next ]


Summarized Fatawaa

What is the virtue of Laylat al-Qadr?

It is enough to know its great status that Allah revealed an entire surah about it—Surah Al-Qadr. Moreover, the Quran was first revealed on this night.
Allah says {what means}:
"We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power: And what will explain to thee what the night of power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission, on every errand: Peace!... This until the rise of morn!" [Al-Qadr/1-5]
The Prophet ﷺ taught us to observe I‘tikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan, seeking Laylat al-Qadr. Whoever worships Allah and revives this night will receive the reward of worshiping for a thousand months—excluding Laylat al-Qadr itself.

What is the wisdom behind legislating the Udhiyah?

The Muslim must know that through the Uḍḥiyah, he complies with the command of Allah, the Exalted, and performs a worship that brings him closer to Allah and distances him from the Fire.
 
The Uḍḥiyah holds profound wisdoms and noble meanings, including:
 
1-Reviving the Sunnah of Abraham, peace be upon him: He complied with Allah's command when He ordered him to slaughter his son Ishmael. Abraham, peace be upon him, succeeded in the test, and when he was about to slaughter his son, Allah sent down a ram to ransom Ishmael and commanded him to slaughter it instead. Allah, the Exalted, says {what means]: "And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, 'O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.' He said, 'O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.' And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, We called to him, 'O Abraham, You have fulfilled the vision.' Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, this was the clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice." [Al-Ṣāffāt/102-107]. Thus, the sacrificial offering became an enduring Sunnah until the Day of Judgment, and Muslims offer their wealth as sacrifices, drawing closer to Allah, the Exalted, reviving this great Sunnah.
 
2-Providing abundance for people on Eid day and the Days of Tashrīq: Among the wisdoms of the Uḍḥiyah is that the Muslim provides generously for his family, neighbors, relatives, and the poor during these days. The Muslim is encouraged to eat from his sacrifice, give charity from it to the poor, and gift from it to his wealthy neighbors. Thus, goodness spreads throughout the entire community. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The Days of Tashrīq are days of eating and drinking." (Narrated by Muslim). Allah, the Exalted, says {what means}: "And the camels and cattle We have appointed for you as among the symbols of Allah; for you therein is good." [Al-Ḥajj/36]. This good includes the good of both this world and the Hereafter.

What is the ruling on praying while wearing shoes?

Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our Master, the Messenger of Allah.

There is no sin for a Muslim to perform prayer while wearing their sandals or shoes, provided they are free from any impurities (najasa). It was narrated that Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked: 'Did the Prophet ﷺ pray in his sandals?' He replied: 'Yes.'" (Related by Al-Bukhari).

It is stated in Fath al-Bari (Vol.1/P.494) by Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him): "Regarding the phrase 'praying in his sandals,' Ibn Battal said: 'This is understood to apply as long as there is no impurity on them; furthermore, this is considered one of the legal concessions (rukhas)." And Allah the Almighty knows best.

Is it enough to say Tasbeeh (Saying Subhaana Rabbiya Al-‘Atheem during Rukoo`, and saying Subhaana Rabbiya Al-A‘laa during Sujood ) once, or twice during Rukoo`(Bowing in prayer) and Sujood (Prostration)?

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds                                                                                                                                                                  Yes, saying Tasbeeh once during Rukoo` and Sujood is enough, provided that the worshiper`s attentiveness of the heart isn`t undermined during each. As regards the recompense, it depends on the number of Tasbeeh. And Allah Knows Best.