Q: In our country, Morocco, there is a man who teaches the people rituals of Hajj in a practical way; he made a black-colored wood frame resembling the Ka`bah, Maqam Ibrahim (the Station of Ibrahim), Al-Safa and Al-Marawah and Zamzam, in addition to other rituals related to Hajj. The training is performed by people bringing and wearing their Ihram (clothing worn during the ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah) and performing the rituals starting from `Umrah until the end of Hajj. Moreover, they raise their voices collectively, performing Talbiyah (devotional expressions chanted at certain times during Hajj and `Umrah) in the Masjid (mosque). This phenomenon has started to spread in all of the areas of Morocco; if you enter some Masjids, you find a wooden frame resembling the Ka`bah and everything related to the rituals of Hajj throughout the year. (Part No. 11; Page No. 14) I hope you will clarify the ruling of the Shari`ah (Islamic law) in this regard, taking into consideration that this training of the rituals of Hajj was shot by camera, and videotapes are distributed among the people.

A: Making shapes of wood or similar materials for the Ka`bah, Maqam Ibrahim, Jamarat (stone pillars marking the pebble-throwing area) and so on to be used in teaching the rituals of Hajj and `Umrah in the way mentioned in the question is not permissible; rather, it is an abominable Bid`ah (innovation in the religion). The reason is that it may lead to falling into the dangers warned against by Shari`ah such as the hearts' clinging to these shapes - even after a period of time - and exposing them to abuse and so on, although there is no need for this method. Explaining and illustrating orally along with using illustrative writings are quite enough to convey the Shar`y (Islamic legal) meaning to the people in general. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: Anyone who does an action which is not stated in this matter of ours (Islam) will have it rejected. (Related by Muslim in his Sahih [Authentic Hadith Book])May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.