Hajj & Umrah

Q: I came to Jeddah for some work. I have two lady friends from Saudi Arabia and they are ready to come with me for umrah. Can I perform umrah without a mahram?

Q: My father in law is very ill since the past 6 months. We have a joint family system where my mother in law, sister in law, brother in law, his wife and kids all live together. I, along with my husband want to go for Hajj this year. Is it permissible for us to go? Or should we delay our plans of performing this life time obligation keeping in view the condition of my father in law?

Q: Is it permissible to write names on the Kabah and Jabal-e-Rehmat? I have seen many people writing their names on the Kabah and Jabl-e-Rehmat. Isn't it shirk?

Q: I'm a married women who has worked and saved some money. I have two brothers and a sister. My parents are elderly now and they have never travelled anywhere. My father has some debt. Can I take them with my money for hajj?

Q: I am in Nikah with my wife but we haven't done the rukhsati till now but are planning and willing to go to perform Umrah. Please tell me if it is alright to do so or not. 

Q: Should we change our Abaya (the abaya which we are wearing) when we tie ihram for Umrah or Hajj?

Q: Are the following permissible in the state of Ihram:

1. Toothpaste?

2. Scented/unscented oil, soap, shampoo, etc?

3. Food with a nice smell?

4. Chewing gum (flavoured or unflavoured)?

5. Applying creams or lotion on the body?

Q: A close relative of mine is planning to go for Hajj this year with her younger sister's husband as a Mahram. When I informed her that her sister's husband is NOT her Mahram, she responded by saying that she has already enquired from some Ulama and has been informed that he is her mahram. Please clarify this.

Q: We would like to send our mother (60 years old) to Hajj this year but would like to know if it's okey to send our mother (widow) with our Paternal uncle's son as he is planning to go for Hajj with his wife? Can he be considered as Mehram for my mother?

Q: If one's hair goes very thin towards the end then when doing qasr where do they cut from and how much?

Also, can one cut it themselves?