Question:-
Kindly advise on meeting family / friends that are leaving for Hajj.
Answer:-
A person intending Hajj should sort out all his matters before proceeding for Hajj. For example, if he had hurt people, then he should meet such people and seek forgiveness, or, if he has an outstanding debt, then it should be settled, or, if he usurped the wealth or property etc. of another person, then these should be returned to their respective owners and forgiveness should be sought from them. A person should appear before Allah Ta’ala, the Ka’aba Sharif, and in Arafaat, with a clean slate. If one meets friends, family and others to clear up and resolve his matters, then it is meritorious and in fact, encouraged.
However, it is not necessary to meet friends and family simply because one is proceeding for Hajj. Some even go to the extent of having huge family gatherings and farewell parties, where huge amounts of money are spent in merry-making which include various impermissible practices such as intermingling between males and females, talking and joking with Ghair-Mahrams etc. The funds (spent on such gatherings) can be spent on feeding the poor locally, or in the blessed lands of Makkah Sharif and Madinah Sharif, who will appreciate every cent spent on them and in fact, make Dua for the donor.
One should also discourage family and friends from coming to the airport, as various impermissible practices occur at the airport such as intermingling, photography, hugging and embracing Ghair-Mahrams etc. Due to being occupied with friends and family, even one’s Salaah is missed, whereas one should be continuously occupied in the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala and be connected to Him. In conclusion, due to such incorrect practices one commences his journey of Hajj on a wrong footing hence, it should be discarded.
However, there is a narration in Musnad-e-Ahmed that states, “When you meet the Haji (on his return) then make Salaam to him and make Musaafaha (shake his hands), and command him to seek forgiveness for you before entering his home, for verily he has been forgiven.” This is a narration in regards to meeting the Haji on his return.
عن عبد الله بن عمر قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: ” إذا لقيت الحاج فسلم عليه وصافحه، ومره أن يستغفر لك قبل أن يدخل بيته، فإنه مغفور له (مسند احمد)
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 08 Dhul Qa’dah 1443 / 09 June 2022
