Q 3: A man performed Hajj with his paralyzed mother who cannot move without a wheelchair. They were among a group with a guide. However, they postponed Tawaf-ul-Ifadah (final obligatory circumambulation of the Ka`bah in Hajj) to be performed with Tawaf-ul-Wada` (circumambulation of the Ka`bah on leaving Makkah). When they went to perform Tawaf-ul-Wada`, they found that pilgrims who are carried and those who move by wheelchairs were prevented from entering Al-Haram (The Sacred Mosque in Makkah) The group was time-bound and they feared missing their group. The man asked a scholar in Al-Haram about that and he told them that there is nothing wrong with them traveling to their country at the time but it is obligatory to return to perform Tawaf-ul-Ifadah (final obligatory circumambulation of the Ka`bah in Hajj) thereafter. He said that they will remain in a state of Ihram (ritual state for Hajj or `Umrah) and they are prevented from sexual intercourse until they perform the Tawaf. The woman returned a week later and offered Tawaf-ul-Ifadah and this was her first Hajj. Is this permissible? What about her son's Hajj? It should be mentioned that he offered the obligatory Hajj a year ago and he could not offer Tawaf-ul-Ifadah because of the conditions of his mother. He traveled to his country and could not return to Makkah. He is married and has children. Answer us, may Allah reward you with the best! May Allah keep (Part No. 10; Page No. 224) you for Islam and Muslims and guide your steps!

A: If the woman who left before offering Tawaf-ul-Ifadah (final obligatory circumambulation of the Ka`bah in Hajj) returned to Makkah and performed it, then she has done what is required of her, praise be to Allah. If she stayed in Makkah after offering this Tawaf, she would have to offer Tawaf-ul-Wada` (circumambulation of the Ka`bah on leaving Makkah) and if she didn't do it, she would be committed to a Fidyah (ransom). Yet, if she traveled immediately after offering Tawaf-ul-Ifadah, there would be nothing upon her. The same applies to her associate who left before offering Tawaf-ul-Ifadah. Also, it is not permissible for him to copulate with his wife until he performs this Tawaf and if he did that, he would be committed to a ransom which is a sheep meeting the same conditions for Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims) or one seventh of a camel or a cow to be slaughtered in Makkah and distributed among the poor.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.