Q.1. If a person is required to slaughter 7 sheep for mistakes done during the pilgrimage, is it sufficient for him to slaughter a cow or a camel?
A.1. No, it is not permissible to combine atonements in this way, even though it is permissible for seven people to share in the sacrifice of one cow or one camel instead of sacrificing seven sheep. In the latter case, the sacrifice is made to express gratitude to God for enabling us to do the pilgrimage (Haj) and the Umrah in the same season. In compensatory sacrifice, this is made in atonement for mistakes or omissions. Hence, the better option is preferred, and seven sheep provide more meat to the poor than one camel or one cow. Hence, it cannot be combined.
Q.2. I want to accompany my mother during her pilgrimage. Will it be necessary for me to perform the pilgrimage myself, or can I travel with her in my ordinary clothes, as I have already done my pilgrimage?
A.2. You may choose to accompany your mother without offering the pilgrimage yourself. However, it is infinitely better for you to offer the pilgrimage as this would count as a Sunnah pilgrimage. You will be accompanying your mother throughout, attending at all places, and taking her to do all her rituals. You may just as well fulfill the same duties at the same time. If your mother requires extra care and you will be better able to look after her if you do not do the pilgrimage, you are better advised not to do the pilgrimage.
Q.3. It is said that God descends to the nearest heaven late in the night. This means that He remains there round the clock as midnight occurs at every moment in one spot or another. Why is it said that God descends, instead of saying that He is always there?
A.3. We do not know how God descends or comes near to the lowest heaven. What we know is that time and place do not apply to God, because He transcends these. All that is related to God belongs to the realm that is beyond the reach of human perception. However, it is expressed in terms that we can understand. We accept them as they are, but we do not actually know how they happen. Therefore, it is wrong to say that God is always close to the earth, because this means that a place or space applies to Him. However, He is always close to us, watching over us, and watching us. He says that He is closer to everyone of us than our jugular veins.
Q.4. Since it is permissible to give interest given by one’s bank to poor people, can one give it to an imam, or to an Islamic school teacher if they are very poor?
A.4. If the imam or the teacher are poor as you say, then it is permissible to help them with the interest paid by the bank in addition to helping them with sadaqah and zakah.
Q.5. Some questions are given different answers in Arab News and in another SRPC daily, which leads to confusion. Please comment.
A.5. Everyone gives his answers according to his knowledge. When our two sister papers differ on a question, it is because the person replying gives his answers to the best of his knowledge. Scholars have always differed. Although this may be confusing to the reader, if he chooses to read both papers, it shows the richness of Islamic jurisprudence. As for the reader, he should look at the evidence supporting each view, and takes the view which he feels to be better supported. I am not aware of what is written in the publication you refer to, because I do not read it.
(All questions from S. Akhtar, Jeddah)
Arab News Islam 30 December 2002