QUESTION:
I have a question pertaining to Damm:
There is a website called “Hajj Solutions” (https://hajjsolutions.com/)
On this website, amongst other services, one is able to “order an animal” for the purposes of fulfilling one’s Damm. After reading through the website, as per my understanding, the animal ordered for Damm will be slaughtered within the boundaries of Makkah, and is thereafter distributed to the needy people of Makkah. Upon completion of the Damm, one will receive an email to say that the slaughtering has been completed.
Q1. I’d like to know if it is permissible for one residing in South Africa, and who has the obligation of Damm to fulfill, to utilize this service for the payment of one’s Damm?
A1. If you are convinced that it is a reliable service and the Damm will be carried out with certainty, then there is no harm in using the service.
Q2. If the above is permissible, then what is the ruling in the instance whereby one utilizes the service and thereafter, or after some time, realizes that the website was not legitimate but, in fact, a scam? Will one’s Damm still be discharged or, would one have to repeat the discharging of Damm?
A2. If it is later discovered that it was a scam, then one will not be absolved of his, or her, responsibility. The Damm will remain outstanding.
Q3. If it is not permissible to utilize the above service, then how should one who resides in South Africa, discharge one’s Damm?
A3. Appoint a reliable person that is undertaking a journey to Haramain Sharifain to have an animal slaughtered on your behalf within the boundaries of the Haram. Or, if you are aware of a reliable person living there, then such a person may be appointed to have the animal slaughtered. There are too many scams hence one should exercise caution.
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date:- 11 Rabi-ul-Aakhir 1445 / 27 October 2023
