Q. When we went for Umrah recently, I was in my monthly period. Knowing that I finish my period within 5 days of its start, I proceeded with my relatives. On the fifth day, I took a shower and performed the Umrah. However, I later noticed some traces of blood. Is my Umrah valid?
I.S.P., Riyadh
A. It seems that my lady reader was too hasty, assuming that she has finished her period on the basis of her habit, rather than waiting to make sure. In matters of worship, we should always try to ascertain the situation first, because we address our worship to God, and we should make sure that what we are offering may be presented to Him.
From what the lady tells me, I am not sure whether her action can be treated as a genuine mistake. It appears to be that in her haste, she more or less deliberately overlooked the fact that she could still have been in her period when she did her tawaf. Needless to say, that this could not be done because tawaf is considered in the same way as prayer. As for the sa’ie, there was no problem because it is only the tawaf that may not be performed by a woman when she is in her period.
If it was a genuine mistake, it would fall under the pardon God has given for things that are done by mistake, through forgetfulness or under compulsion. But in this case, it seems the conditions do not apply. The lady herself can tell whether her action qualifies as a genuine mistake or not. According to what she has written, I feel it does not. She was aware of her period, and she did not ascertain that the period was over. As such, her Umrah was not valid. She should go back and complete it, and sacrifice a sheep in compensation.
Wearing a charm
Q. May I ask whether it is permissible to read and blow Qur’anic verses on black threads, and then wear them around one’s wrist or neck.
A. Khan
A. Why would anyone want to do that? The Qur’an is a book to read, understand and implement. When we read it, we perform an act of worship, and when we conduct our lives in accordance with its teachings, we earn God’s pleasure. But if we treat it as words for blessing or protection from physical evil, we give it a status much below that which God wants for it. It simply becomes like a pill one takes for an illness, or a glove one wears to protect his hands from cold. To do with the Qur’an what the reader has described is to make a charm of it and wear it. This is strictly forbidden in Islam. A charm has no use in our faith. If one wears it for any reason, then he should be sure that he will not get what he has worn it for. This is due to the fact that the Prophet has prayed to God not to grant the purpose of anyone who wears a charm or a talisman or any object he thinks to be of benefit to him or to prevent harm from him.
In the light of the foregoing, my advice to my reader is not to resort to anything like he has described. If he wants to benefit by the Qur’an, then the way is to read, understand and implement it.