Question:
Salaam to all,
I am a 23 year unmarried female. My heart is longing to go Medina/Makkah very soon InshaAllah. 3 Issues – 1) I have a student loan that depends on my income. Can I still carry out Umrah or Hajj. Or do I wait til fully paid back. I have enough money to go on Hajj/Umrah saved. 2) I have always said to myself I would want to do Hajj after I have made up for all my missed prayers and fasting. Is that compulsory, or can I make up for them on my return inshaAllah. 3) I am a weak individual, a bad Muslim – I miss my prayer, become so weak. Should I wait til I become a stronger practising Muslim and then do Hajj and for now carry out Umrah? Forgive me and Please advise. Your time and effort is very highly appreciated.
Answer:
wa `alaykum salam,
1) Hajj is from the 5 obligations of faith so it has greater weight. If you have enough for Hajj/`Umrah already and can also pay up your loan, then you may seek permission from Mawlana Shaykh Nazim to perform either Hajj or `Umrah.
2) It is preferred that you do them prior to Hajj. However you can still make up your prayers during the free times you have in the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah.
3) You may go for `Umrah first if you are not ready for the rigours of Hajj. Usually you would be better prepared – mentally, physically and spiritually – after experiencing `Umrah first hand.
Abdul Shakur
