Celebrating when going to or returning from Hajj

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Q 1: What is the ruling on the practices followed nowadays by some Muslims making Hajj. Before they leave home for Hajj, they slaughter goats and other sacrificial animals, and prepare food. They also lavishly celebrate their return from Hajj, especially on the first Jumu‘ah (Friday) Prayer after their return. (Part No. 2; Page No. 215) During these celebrations, drums are beaten, people dance, and there is free intermixing of men and women. Does this conform with Shari‘ah (Islamic law)? Please enlighten us with a written answer in order to distribute it among Muslims. May Allah provide you with all support to protect Islam everywhere.

A: All that is mentioned in the question regarding celebrating the occasions of traveling to or returning from Hajj in a way that involves beating drums or playing pipes, singing, or freely intermixing is Haram (prohibited), because it entails many evils and Munkar (acts which are unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.