Hajj & Umrah

Sand of Madinah Shareef

Q: The reason for my query is with regards to having sand of Madina sharif in ones possession. A family member came from umrah about two years ago and he gave me a small container with some sand that he brought from madinah sharif. 

A year later I learned that Hazrat Moulana Yunus Patel Saheb mentioned in one of his bayaans that the earth of Madinah sharif cries out if it is removed from the holy land and whoever has brought any sand from there should return it. I therefore would like to know if the sand I have should be returned as it was not collected by myself.

Calling a person Haaji

Q: I was given to understand that Haji/Alhaj denotes a pilgrim in Arabic Language. After one has fulfilled his Haj and removed his Ihraam and returns to his native country he is no longer a Haji, i.e., a pilgrim. But, in my country India,  Hajis after their return from Haj Pilgrimage,
add a mandatory prefix title to their name i.e., Alhaj Umar for example, wherever they include their names whether it be wedding or other social invitations, letters, banners, media, etc. 

  1. Is the usage of this prefix title of Alhaj allowed in Shariah even after a Haji returns from Haj?
  2. Will it not be classified under Riy'aa ?(Showing Off)

Covering the head in the state of Ihraam

Q: My question is regarding dam (penalty) at hajj. On a few occasions during ihram I covered my head with a towel but took it off after I realize that this is against the rules of ihram but it was unintentionally. I asked a maulana about this and he said its ok. Also, during sleep I had my head covered with a towel for I don't know how long and when I woke up, I realized that it was on and took it off right away. Once again, this was unintentional, so I asked the maulana again and he said its ok but just give dam just in case.