Advice for the one who goes to Makkah in Ramadan and neglects his children

Question : This questioner, Honorable Shaykh, has used the letter A as a code for his name. He says: Some people take their children to Makkah and strive in worship, but they neglect their children, and some religious errors may occur on their part. So what is your guidance, Honorable Shaykh Muhammad?

Answer : Our guidance is that one who does what the questioner mentioned—going to Makkah in Ramadan, striving in his personal worship, and neglecting his family and children—is closer to sin than to reward. He has neglected an obligatory duty, which is caring for his family and children, and he has performed a recommended practice. It is well known that a person of sound mind cannot perform a recommended practice while dropping an obligatory duty upon him. So my advice to these people is to go to Makkah, perform the 'Umrah for one or two days, and then return to their countries. This is the best course. May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh, and may Allah bless you.