Wearing The Ihraam Solely To Enter The Mataaf

Honesty and truthfulness are foundational and essential principles in Islam. They hold great virtue in the sight of Allah Ta’aala. It is in this regard that the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu Alayhu Wa Sallam said:

It is obligatory for you to speak the truth. Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man continues striving to tell the truth until he is recorded by Allah Ta’aala as extremely truthful. Lying leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to the Hellfire. A man may keep on telling lies until he is recorded with Allah as a grave liar

Indeed, honesty serves as a virtue and a distinguishing quality of a believer. Guided by truthfulness, individuals are led to perform sincere and virtuous actions. Lying, a blameworthy trait among the characteristics of hypocrites, not only goes against the principles of honesty but also encourages towards a path of evil and indulgence in sins.

When one consistently upholds the truth in words and action, it becomes an integral part of their character, earning them the reputation of a truthful individual even in the Divine court of The Almighty Allah Ta’aala. Steadfast commitment to honesty not only shapes one’s character but also aligns one with the path to Allah Ta’aala’s pleasure, ultimately paving the way to Paradise. Conversely, for those who habitually resort to lying, deception becomes their second nature regrettably not only distancing an individual from acceptance in Allah Ta’aala’s court but also to facing severe punishment in Hellfire. Allah Ta’aala The Most High extolling the sublime nature of those who have become the epitomes of truth commands the believers in surah Yunus:

O you who have believed, fear Allah and adopt the company of those who are extremely true.

In this verse the believers are encouraged to be truthful and keep the company of truthful as this inevitably produces a society filled with honest people. Truthfulness at a communal level brings about great benefits to society, whilst lying is one of the major elements of corruption and the cause of destruction for many nations. Due to the obvious harm that results from lying for both the individual and society it is an obligation upon every Muslim to avoid lying at all costs. From this we understand that a M’umin’s second nature should be trustworthiness and truthfulness in every situation.

Since, through the system in place, individuals are not entirely prevented from performing Tawaaf; but directed to do so from an alternative location, specifically the top floor. Although this may require more time compared to the usual Tawaaf in the Mataaf, it provides an opportunity for individuals to make additional Ibadah, such as reciting various Dua’s, Adhkar, looking at the Ka’bah Shareef for lengthier periods of time etc. Hence, wearing Ihraam solely with the intention of entering the Mataaf would be akin to deceptive behaviour.

As explained above, behaving in a deceitful manner does not behove the status of a believer as Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Salllam has stated:

Whoever deceives, is not from amongst us.

Furthermore, we should consistently, fervently beseech Allah Ta’aala to bestow upon us all the privilege of unhindered access to the Haramain and the Rawdhatul Jannah.

In conclusion, we beseech Allah Ta’aala, seeking His facilitation for all of us to visit the Haramain Sharifain repeatedly, with Aafiyyah, enabling us to honor these blessed lands as they deserve and to receive the continuous torrents of blessings pouring upon them. May He guide the authorities to manage and preserve these sacred lands in a manner most pleasing to Him and comforting to the heart of His beloved Nabi, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam. Ameen.