Q: In His Ever-Glorious Qur'an, Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) ordains that whosoever performs `Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage) in the months of Hajj before performing the Hajj, i.e. Tamattu` Hajj (`Umrah during the months of Hajj followed by Hajj in the same year with a break in between) or Qiran Hajj (combining Hajj and `Umrah without a break in between) should offer Hady (sacrificial animal offered by pilgrims) if they can afford it. If they cannot afford it, they should observe Sawm (Fast) for three days during Hajj and seven days after returning home. However, if a person can neither observe Sawm or offer Hady, can such a person come under the ruling on those concerning whom Allah says: And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskîn (poor person) (for every day). So, can they feed a Miskin (needy) person for each day? Guide me, may Allah reward you with the best!

A: If a person performs the `Umrah in the months of Hajj before performing Hajj and is not a resident of Makkah, (Part No. 10; Page No. 406)  they should offer the Hady that Allah ordains in the Ever-Glorious Qur'an. This is a sheep meeting the same conditions for Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims) that should be slaughtered in Mina or Makkah, or one seventh of a cow, or one seventh of a camel. If a person is unable to afford it, they should fast for three days during Hajj and seven days after returning to their families. If they cannot fast, the Hady will remain required of them and this obligation will not be discharged by feeding the Miskins, for there is no evidence to support this point. Therefore, we cannot draw Qiyas (analogy) between this person and the person who is permanently unable to fast during Ramadan because the `Illah (effective cause) is different in the two rulings.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.