Fatwa ID: 04216

Answered by: Maulana Belaal Ahmed

Question

Regarding my intention for Hajj given the circumstances and uncertainty is it permissible to cancel Hajj this year having made the intention.  The operator has offered to refund the deposit, but not said it’s definitely canceled.

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer

In regards to the question asked due to the current circumstances it has become quite apparent now from the hajj ministry of Saudi Arabia that hajj for foreigners has been canceled, therefore it will be permissible for you to cancel your hajj this year and take back your deposit. However, I would strongly advise that you make a firm intention to go next year and keep the money for the following year.

In terms of Fiqhi rulings a rule which may help in such a situation is the following :

"hardships will bring ease"(1)

Insha Allah if we keep strong in these difficult times Allah will bring easy times. In such days we should ask and beg Allah for mercy and ask Allah not to deprive us in the future.

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Belaal Ahmed

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

1) Al Qawaid Al Fiqhiyyah, Page 40