QUESTION:
I would like to know the ideal ruling with regards to performance of Umrah and Tawaaf in Makkah. A lot of intermingling takes place in the Haram. is it a form of sin as it is unavoidable? If intermingling is impermissible in functions, shopping centers or anywhere, then what is the ruling with regards to the intermingling in the sacred blessed Haramain Sharifain?
ANSWER:
It is permissible for women to go to the Haram Sharif to perform Umrah, Tawaaf of the Ka’abah Sharif, and to go to Madinah Sharif to make Ziyaarat of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. However, it is of utmost importance that when a woman goes to the Haram Sharif, then she should be dressed appropriately, avoid intermingling to the best of her ability and fulfil all the commands of Shariah.
The Kitaabs of Fiqh state that whilst making Tawaaf it is incumbent that one is conscious of Allah Ta’ala and protects one’s gaze. This indicates that women are permitted to come to the Haram for Tawaaf, hence the command to protect one’s gaze. Now, it is left to an individual to adopt Taqwa and avoid casting evil glances and refrain from intermingling to the best of one’s ability. [Re: Umdatun Naasik Pg. 317] Any person with Imaan and Hayaa will never dare to disobey Almighty Allah at Ka’aba Sharif. However, if one who is spiritually sick intentionally draws close to the opposite gender or bumps into them with the intention of taking enjoyment then indeed it is a terrible sin. In fact, such a person should be fearful, as it is possible that the punishment of Allah Ta’ala could descend immediately upon him. In conclusion, it has always been the norm for men and women to make Tawaaf together from the time of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. In fact, both males and females were present during the final Hajj of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam as well.
The analogy of intermingling in the malls being Haraam being applicable to the Ka’ba Sharif is baseless as Shariah permits both males and females to make Tawaaf jointly. On the other hand, Shariah hasn’t permitted females to leave their homes and frequent the malls except due to necessity. In conclusion, the analogical deduction cited by you is baseless.
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Maulana Abdul Kader Fazlani
Date: 28 Safr 1446 / 02 September 2024
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb
