There are many purposes of Hajj in Islam, some of which are: 1- Hajj is the symbol of Tawhid; 2- Hajj is a reminder of the Hereafter; 3- Hajj is a symbol of unity; 4- Hajj trains him to be content with modest clothing and accommodation.

Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) i’tikaf was moderate and not harsh. He spent all his time remembering Allah and turning to Him in worship, seeking Laylat al-Qadr.

I’tikaf should be observed in a mosque in which congregational prayers are held. During i’tikaf, you are not allowed to visit any sick person, or accept any invitation, or attend to your family’s needs except those which cannot be avoided.

I’tikaf is Sunnah, not compulsory, unless one made a vow to do it, in which case it becomes obligatory. For more, please see the detailed answer.

It is not possible for anyone to be certain that a particular night is Laylat al-Qadr, especially since we know that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) wanted to tell his ummah when it was, then he told them that Allah had taken away that knowledge.

Taraweeh prayer is a recommended Sunnah and comes under the heading of qiyam al-layl. Whoever prays Tarawih in Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.

• How can Tarawih prayer be a Bid`ah when the Prophet encouraged us to do it and the Muslims unanimously agreed that it is recommended!? • The Prophet prayed Tarawih in congregation with his companions for many nights, then he stopped doing that lest it be made obligatory upon the Muslims. • The time for Tarawih prayer is from after `Isha’ prayer until dawn comes and there is no specific number of rak`ahs for Tarawih prayer.

Whoever does not fast some days of Ramadan has to make up those days before the next Ramadan comes. For more, please see the detailed answer.

It is not permissible to delay making up missed Ramadan fasts until the next Ramadan comes without an (valid) excuse. If a person delays that, then he must offer the fidyah: feeding one poor person for each day.

Zakat al-fitr is obligatory upon every Muslim who is self-supporting, if he has one sa` or more than he needs of food for himself and his family on the day and night of ‘Eid. It is acceptable to give a sa` of the local staple food such as rice etc.