Q: We own some buildings that are about 550 meters away from Jamarat-ul-`Aqabah (the closest stone pillar to Makkah) on the western side. During the season of Hajj, the tents are spread on (Part No. 10; Page No. 286) the slopes of the mountains and the sides of the road until they reach these buildings and go past them due to the large crowd gathering inside the area of Mina during the days of Hajj, and it is known to your Eminence. My question is:Is it permissible to stay and spend the night in these buildings during the days and nights of Tashriq (11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah)?I hope your Eminence would give us a legal fatwa in this regard. May Allah reward you with the best and keep your steps on the way of truth and welfare.

A: If it is proved that these buildings where you live are inside the boundaries of Mina, then there is nothing wrong with you staying there during the three nights: the night of the 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, or during only two nights i.e. the 11th and 12th days, when you may hasten to leave Mina on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah if you want to travel from Makkah to any other place. This would be sufficient for you, because your stay at night is actually within the boundaries of Mina. However, if the buildings referred to are outside the boundaries of Mina, then it is unacceptable to spend the night in them during the Days of Tashriq. This is because spending the night in Mina is obligatory and you are bound to spend the night with other pilgrims inside the boundaries of Mina unless you can not find a place there after unsuccessfully endeavoring to find one due to the crowd. Therefore, there is no sin on you in such a case if you spend the night outside the boundaries of Mina for the legal excuse verified and it would be acceptable, In sha’a-Allah (if Allah wills). In addition, no ransom is required from you for not spending the night in Mina because it was beyond your ability to do so. Allah (Part No. 10; Page No. 287) (Exalted be He) says: So keep your duty to Allâh and fear Him as much as you can Allah (Exalted be He) also says: ...and He has not laid upon you in religion any hardship Allah (Exalted be He) also says: Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope. Once it is possible for you to enter Mina and find a place to spend the night there, you must do so.May Allah grant us success. May Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his Companions.