Q1. While intending to perform Haj/Umrah, we should supplicate: “Wa in Habasani Habisun Fa Mahilli Haithu Habastani”. Regarding this supplication, my question is whether this option is applicable to a resident of Jeddah who has performed Haj/Umrah may times before? A1. This option is applicable to anyone who intends to perform Umrah or Haj of any type (Tamattu, Qir'an or Ifrad). But some scholars like Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen state that this option is only applicable for someone who has a genuine reason of not being able to finish his ritual such as fear or sickness. Otherwise he should not make this supplication. Q2. I'm a truck driver and travel all the time. Is it permissible for me to postpone my Ramadan fast? A2. As long as you are traveling up to the distance that warrants shortening the prayer, then you have the choice to fast or defer your Ramadan fasts and make up for the missed ones some other time. Q3. I performed Umrah but I didn't cut my hair till I returned to Jeddah. Is my Umrah valid? A3. If you reach Jeddah and stay in your Ihram till you cut your hair, then there is no problem. However, if you did any Mahduraat al Ihram (Ihram restrictions) like wearing your cloth or using perfume, then you have to give expiation. Q4. I would like to clarify the position of people who have come for Umrah from outside Saudi Arabia and wish to perform a second Umrah after about one month before they leave the country. Are they allowed to perform a second Umrah during the same visit? If it is acceptable, what should be their Meeqat? A4. Yes, they can perform more than one Umrah, and their Meeqat depends on the place where they stay at the time when they intend to perform the second Umrah. If they are in a city inside meeqat area like Jeddah, then they can assume their Ihram from their residence. But if they are in a city outside the meeqat area like Madina, then they shouldn't pass the meeqat of the people of Madina (Abyar Ali) without Ihram. And for those who stay in Makkah, they should assume Ihram from Taneem (Aisha Masjid) or Juraana or any place outside the Haram area. Q5. When I entered the mosque to pray Isha, I found people praying Salatual Qiyaam (Taraweeh). Do I have to start a new jama'a (congregation) to pray Isha or can I join the Imam? A5. It is better to join the Imam, and when the Imam concludes his prayer, you complete whatever Raka'as you missed. So if you join the Imam from the beginning, he will pray two Raka'as and then end his prayer, but you need to pray two more. Q6. I have a flight at 1p.m. Can I skip my fast as a traveler from the morning or do I have to wait till the start of my journey? A6. You should start your day by fasting, and when you begin your journey, you have the option of breaking your fast as a traveler, if you wish to. __
