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Performing Hajj / ‘Umrah without husband's permission

Question

It is every Muslim's dream to go on Hajj/Umrah as this is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. I am financially unable to go, but someone wants to sponsor me. The problem is: my husband will not let me go. His reason, we have to go together and there is a time for everything. What if I die before that time comes? Should I disobey him and go on Hajj/Umrah? One sister told me (based on what she learned) that I should go and perform Hajj/Umrah. I know that I have to put Allah first in my life. Assuming, I disobeyed my husband and went for Hajj/Umrah. Before going to Makkah, I must straighten myself up in everything. How about me? Before going for Hajj and upon returning home - my husband and I will have a misunderstanding. Please advise. I have a complete family and happily married life.

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

First of all, we ask Allah, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful to make His Obedience easy for you and to reward you for the acts of obedience that make you closer to Allah, which you intend to do.

As for your question, if you are given some money to perform Hajj with and you don’t fear that the person who has given you this money will count it as a favor upon you; then you should accept it provided it is your first obligatory Hajj according to the preponderant opinion of the scholars  may  Allaah  have  mercy  upon  them as this renders you financially able. However, you cannot do so except with the condition that you find a Mahram who would accompany you for Hajj. If you find a Mahram, your husband has no right to prevent you, and it is not permissible for him to prevent you from performing this religious obligation especially if you think that this opportunity will not present itself again. Allah Says (what means): {And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves [i.e. refuses] –then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.} [Quran 3:97].

Allah knows best.

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