Q 1: Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months (i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islâmic calendar, i.e. two months and ten days). It is known that the rituals of Hajj start on the eighth of Dhul-Hijjah and continue for some days. We would like Your Eminence to highlight the meaning of this Ayah (Qur'anic verse) so that we can understand it properly.

A: According to the more correct of the two scholarly opinions, the months prescribed for one who wants to enter Ihram (ritual state for Hajj or `Umrah) to perform Hajj, referred to in the Ayah: The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months (i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islâmic calendar, i.e. two months and ten days). are Shawwal, Dhul-Qa`dah, and the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. (Part No. 10; Page No. 20) This is the view of Ibn `Abbas, Ibn `Umar and Ibn Al-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with them). The same view is held by Al-Suddy, Al-Sha`by, Al-Nakh`y, Imam Al-Shafi`y, and others. Accordingly, it is Mustahab (desirable) for a person who wants to perform Hajj to enter Ihram during these months. Though it is Makruh (disliked) to enter Ihram in other months, it will still be considered as a valid Ihram, and must be continued until the pilgrim finishes the rituals of Hajj.Allah (Glorified be He) has facilitated the way of `Ibadah (worship) for His Servants. Thus, whoever wants to perform Hajj must make intention for Ihram during these appointed months of Hajj, whether it is Tamattu` Hajj (`Umrah during the months of Hajj followed by Hajj in the same year with a break in between), Qiran Hajj (combining Hajj and `Umrah without a break in between) or Ifrad Hajj (performing Hajj only). It is Mustahab on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah, known as the Day of Tarwiyah, for those present in Makkah, who want to perform Hajj, as well as Mutamatti` pilgrims (performing Tamattu` Hajj) who end Ihram following `Umrah, to enter Ihram for Hajj before Zhuhr Prayer from Makkah, Al-Haram (all areas within the Sacred Sanctuary of Makkah), or their place. This is based on the command of the Prophet (peace be upon him), because most rituals of Hajj begin after the Day of Tarwiyah.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.