year old girl, who was my neighbor and also my daughter's classmate and friend, died due to some illness. Can you please explain in detail if can I perform Umrah on her behalf, even though she is just a family friend and is not related to me or my family. Can I also perform obligatory Haj or Umrah on behalf of someone who is still alive but suffering from some chronic diseases or is handicapped? A1. Yes, you can perform Haj or Umrah on behalf of your family friend who died, it is not necessary to be related to the one on whose behalf you want to perform Umrah or Haj. Any Muslim can do it for his brother or sister-in-Islam . In the case of any Muslim who never performed Umrah or Haj before due to chronic sickness or being handicapped and there is no hope that he/she may recover from this condition, then it in that case, it is permissible to perform Umrah or Haj on his/her behalf. But if there is hope of treatment and recovery, then he/she should wait till he/she is able to do it. Regarding performing optional Umrah (nafl) on the behalf of the sick one, there is a difference of opinion among the scholars. Some of them say that it is not permissible to perform optional Umrah on behalf of a living person, others say it is allowed. The most authentic view that was favored by Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen was that it is not allowed. Q2. I heard about a view which said that its not permissible to pay Zakah on used jewellery. Can you please explain. A2. There are different views among scholars regarding the Zakat on the gold and silver jewelry used by women. The majority of scholars say there is no Zakah for used jewelry. Other scholars say it is must to pay the Zakah on gold and silver if it reaches the Nisab (85 grams for gold and 595 grams for silver) regardless if it was kept for saving as investment or kept to be worn or used by women. And the second view is more authentic because of many supportive evidences. Q3. What is the difference between Ifrad and Qiran type of Haj? A3. There are three types of Haj- Ifrad, Qiran and Tamattu. Ifrad is to intend to perform Haj only, but Qiran is to perform Umrah and Haj together in one ihram, so the one who intends to perform Qiran Haj should have the intention of performing Umrah and Haj and the difference between Ifrad and Qiran is only in their intention and to offer a Hady (sacrifice) for the one who chose to perform Qiran Haj. Other than that, both Qiran and Ifrad require the same rituals. Q4. Can you quote a few Qur'anic verses and Hadith which mention the duties of children towards their parents. Is there anything children should do for them if they have passed away? Also, we see people having gatherings for people who passed away such as reading the Qur'an or doing Dhikr for them on specified days. Is this permissible? A4. You raised three questions, but let's start with your last question. What some people are doing in memory of their loved ones who passed away, like gathering and giving food or Sadaqa 40 days after his or her death, or every year or whatever period of time, is an innovation. As for the rights of parents, the Qur'an and Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of taking care of one's parents and their rights, and here are some verses from the Qur'an: “And We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents. His mother carries him in pain and she gives birth to him in pain, and (the period) of carrying him and weaning him is thirty months.” (Qur'an; 46:15) “Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be kind to parents. If one or both of them attain old age with thee, do not say a word of annoyance (literally, “Do not say Uff!, (an expression of annoyance Trans.) to them nor repulse them, but speak to them in gracious words and in mercy lower to them the wing of humility and say, My Lord, bestow Your mercy on them, as they cherished me when I was little..”(Qur'an; 17:23-24) In the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace upon him) there are many Hadith that emphasize the rights of parents, and here are some of them: n Once a man came to the Prophet (peace be on him) and asked, “Who is most deserving of my good companionship?” “Your mother,” replied the Prophet (peace be on him). “Then who?”, the man asked. “Your mother,” replied the Prophet (peace be on him). “Then who?” he asked. “Your mother,” replied the Prophet (peace be on him). “Then who?” asked the man. “Your father,” replied the Prophet. (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.) n Abdullaah Bin Masood (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “The best of actions are prayer at its prescribed time and obedience to (both) parents,” (Muslim). n The Prophet (peace be on him) said “Shall I not inform you about the three major sins?” Those who were present replied, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.” He said,”Associating partners with Allah and disobedience to parents,” and sitting up from the reclining position, he continued, “and telling lies and false testimony; beware of it.” n Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said, “Three persons shall not enter the Garden: the one who is disobedient to his parents, the pimp, and the woman who imitates men.” (Bukhari) Regarding duties after death of one's parents, Abu Usayd (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated: A man asked the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), “Are there any rights of my parents on me which I have to fulfill after they have died?” “Yes,” replied the Prophet (peace be upon him), “To pray for mercy and forgiveness for them, to fulfill the promises they made to anyone, to pay due regard to the bonds of relationship that are from their side and to be respectful to their friends.” Based on the verses of the Qur'an and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), we can summarize our duties toward our parents as the following: n Honoring them and showing great respect toward them. n Taking good care of both parents with kindness and love. n Obeying them unless they requested something which contradicts with the command of Allah. n Remembering them in our Dua'a, especially after they passed away. n Fulfilling their will and being kind to their relatives and friends. n Never hurting their feelings even with a simple word or face expressions. __
