The fifth question of Fatwa no. 845
Q 5: Why does Algeria begin fasting a day before Morocco
every year? What constitutes the "ability" to perform Hajj? Is there
a greater reward in a person’s setting out to Makkah to perform Hajj or in
returning home after performing it? Is there a greater reward in returning to one’s
homeland, or in remaining there in Makkah?
A: The fact that Algeria begins fasting a day before Morocco
every year in Ramadan should be referred to the officials in both countries, so
that the answer is based on the status quo of both countries, as they know it better.
This question should be directed to them, provided that the questioner is sure
that it is recurs every year.
As for the ability to perform Hajj, it means that a person
must be healthy and have a means of transport to Allah’s Sacred House. One may
travel by plane, car, pack animal, or hiring whatever means of travel he can
afford (each according to their ability), has enough provisions for the
journey, back and forth, that are above what he needs to support his dependents
until he returns from his Hajj. A woman must have her husband or a Mahram
(unmarriageable male relative) in her travel to Hajj or ‘Umrah.
As for the reward of Hajj, it is according to a person’s
sincerity to Allah, the rites they performed, the prohibitions they avoided for
perfect performance of Hajj, the money they spent,
(Part No. 11; Page No. 31)
and the effort they made, whether they return to their
homelands, remain there, or die before or after the completion of Hajj. Allah
knows best their status, and it is He who rewards them accordingly. A Mukallaf
(person meeting the conditions to be held legally accountable for their
actions) should strive to do their best, search their own deeds to make sure
they have been acting according to the Shari‘ah (Islamic law) outwardly and
inwardly, as if they are seeing their Lord, for although they cannot see Him,
He surely sees them. One must not investigate into the matters whose knowledge
is reserved to Allah, for Allah is Merciful to His servants. He multiplies
their rewards and forgives misdeeds. He is never unjust to anyone. Therefore,
you should mind your own self and leave the matters related to Allah, as He is
the Just, Merciful Judge.
May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon
our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!