Expiation for Hajj Mistakes: Performing It in Homeland or Makkah — Complete Shariah Guidance
Source: Fatāwā Arkān al-Islām
If a pilgrim commits some mistakes during Hajj but cannot afford the expiation (kaffārah) until he returns to his home country, can he perform the expiation there, or must it be done in Makkah? If it must be in Makkah, can he appoint someone as his representative (wakīl)?
Alḥamdulillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd!
Before answering, it is important to identify the type of mistake, because the rulings differ according to the violation.
◈ The expiation animal (dam) must be slaughtered in Makkah.
◈ This sacrifice cannot be offered anywhere else, as it is directly related to Hajj rites.
One of the following three expiation options is sufficient:
➊ Feeding Six Poor People
➋ Fasting Three Days
➌ If Marital Relations Occurred Before First Tahallul
◈ The expiation is an equivalent animal, or feeding the poor, or fasting.
◈ Fasting can be done anywhere.
◈ If slaughtering an animal or feeding the poor, it must be done within the boundaries of the Ḥaram, as Allah ﷻ says:
﴿هَدْيًا بَالِغَ الْكَعْبَةِ﴾ (al-Mā’idah: 95)
“Sacrificial animals that reach the Kaʿbah.”
◈ The pilgrim may appoint someone (wakīl) to perform the sacrifice on his behalf in Makkah.
Evidence:
The Prophet ﷺ appointed ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib رضي الله عنه to slaughter the remainder of his sacrificial camels.
(Sunan Abī Dāwūd, Kitāb al-Manāsik, Bāb al-Hadyi idhā ʿaṭaba qabla an yablugh, Ḥadīth: 1764 — graded “munkar” by al-Albānī)
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
(This is my opinion, and Allah knows best what is correct.)
Source: Fatāwā Arkān al-Islām
Question
If a pilgrim commits some mistakes during Hajj but cannot afford the expiation (kaffārah) until he returns to his home country, can he perform the expiation there, or must it be done in Makkah? If it must be in Makkah, can he appoint someone as his representative (wakīl)?
Answer
Alḥamdulillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd!
Before answering, it is important to identify the type of mistake, because the rulings differ according to the violation.
1. If a Wājib (Obligatory Act) Was Omitted
◈ The expiation animal (dam) must be slaughtered in Makkah.
◈ This sacrifice cannot be offered anywhere else, as it is directly related to Hajj rites.
2. If a Prohibited Act (Manhiyyāt) Was Committed
One of the following three expiation options is sufficient:
➊ Feeding Six Poor People
- This can be done in Makkah or in the place where the violation occurred.
➋ Fasting Three Days
- These days can be fasted either in Makkah or in the pilgrim’s home country.
➌ If Marital Relations Occurred Before First Tahallul
- A camel (badnah) must be slaughtered.
- It should be slaughtered where the violation occurred, or in Makkah, and its meat distributed among the poor there.
3. If Hunting Was Done in Ihram
◈ The expiation is an equivalent animal, or feeding the poor, or fasting.
◈ Fasting can be done anywhere.
◈ If slaughtering an animal or feeding the poor, it must be done within the boundaries of the Ḥaram, as Allah ﷻ says:
﴿هَدْيًا بَالِغَ الْكَعْبَةِ﴾ (al-Mā’idah: 95)
“Sacrificial animals that reach the Kaʿbah.”
Ruling on Appointing a Representative
◈ The pilgrim may appoint someone (wakīl) to perform the sacrifice on his behalf in Makkah.
Evidence:
The Prophet ﷺ appointed ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib رضي الله عنه to slaughter the remainder of his sacrificial camels.
(Sunan Abī Dāwūd, Kitāb al-Manāsik, Bāb al-Hadyi idhā ʿaṭaba qabla an yablugh, Ḥadīth: 1764 — graded “munkar” by al-Albānī)
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
(This is my opinion, and Allah knows best what is correct.)
