Q: My father died while performing the Hajj rituals at 05: 00 P.M. On Sunday, Dhul Hijjah 11th. 1403. He stood at `Arafah and then threw pebbles at (Part No. 11; Page No. 109) Jamarat Al-`Aqabah and the pebbles of the eleventh day (of Dhul Hijjah) then he returned to throw some pebbles on behalf of his wife, but we do not know whether he managed to do that or not. When he came close to the place of throwing, he heard a woman falling under the feet of the pilgrims and he hurried to help her. However, he died at that very moment beside the Jamarat. I saw my father many times in my dreams wearing a white garment whilst throwing pebbles, and saying Takbir (saying: "Allahu Akbar [Allah is the Greatest]").My question is: What should I understand from this Ru'ya (true dream)? Are there any Hajj rituals left on the part of my father that I should make up for on behalf of him and my mother as well? Kindly give us your Fatwa.

A: If the matter is as you described, then you do not have to make up the Hajj rituals left on the part of your father. This is based on the narration by Al-Bukhari and Muslim in their Sahih on the authority of Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) who said: Whilst a man was standing at `Arafah, he fell off his she-camel and died because his neck broke. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Wash him with water and lotus leaves, and shroud him in his two garments, but do not apply perfume to him or cover his head, for he will be raised on the Day of Resurrection reciting the Talbiyah (devotional expressions chanted at certain times during Hajj and `Umrah). The Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered the man to be washed and shrouded, but he did not order his relatives to make up for the rest of the Hajj rituals on his behalf. Your mother has to throw the pebbles by herself or entrust some one else to do that on her behalf if she is unable. It is not confirmed that your late father threw the pebbles on her behalf or not, and the basic rule is nonexistence. Therefore, if she did not throw the pebbles, she has to slaughter a sacrificial animal in Makkah and give it to poor people there. The good Ru'ya you saw is a good omen for your father. May Allah ascend him to the degrees of the martyrs, as he died due to the crowds of pilgrims, thus, (Part No. 11; Page No. 110) he is similar to a person who died when a building collapses. May Allah bestow abundant mercy upon him.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.