Question
The merits and rewards of performing Umrah are innumerable and well known. However, under the current adverse conditions, economically and otherwise, which the Ummah is undergoing throughout the world, is it prudent and appropriate for Muslims who are able to afford to go for Umrah under the present conditions where millions of Muslims are in dire straits of suffering of many kinds? Shouldn't those who were fortunately saved from the ravages of the very severe trials of the past two years rather help the brothers and sisters who are really struggling financially? The question is more relevant and apropos, given the very exorbitant prices of airline tickets and accommodation which a brother indicated to me is around R140,000.00 for a couple for a 2 week trip. Perhaps I am missing the perspective. Kindly elaborate.
Answer
We have repeatedly advised abstention from Nafl Umrah and Nafl Hajj. It is not permissible in the present prevailing conditions to undertake such journeys. People are wallowing in self-deception. They camouflage their touring and holidaying desires with the false veneer of Umrah. Allah Ta'ala says in the Qur'aan Majeed:
"In fact, man has insight of his nafs although he puts forth excuses (to justify his haraam and evil)."
Muslims have become extremely selfish and oblivious of the suffering of the Ummah world-wide. Yet, Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
"Muslims are like one man. If the head pains the whole body is affected. If the eye pains, the whole body is affected."
In addition to the huge amounts of money wasted, thereby becoming Ikhwaanush Shayaateen (Brothers of Shaitaan) according to the Qur'aan, these journeys are aggravated by indulgence in sin – fisq and fujoor – from the moment people leave their homes until they return. It is just one long chain of sin. In the airports, in the planes, in the hotels and right in the Haramain Shareefain, the predominance is sin.
Never can Nafl Umrah and Hajj be permissible in such shaitaani scenarios.
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- Al-Haq Bulletin No. 65
- PDF page
- 4
Appears under UMRAH? SELF-DECEPTION! (approximate).