Assalam alaikum. I am in Dubai I have intention to do umra (nafil) this early ramzan. I have got the visa and booked flight and hotel as well. But now that every body is talking about swine flu and country like Iran have also suspended flight and also advising there citizen that not to go this year in ramzan for Umrah. So, what are the guidelines or kaffara for me in the light of quran and hadith, if I also break my intention and do not go to Umrah

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

You are not required to make Kaffaarah (expiation) if you have changed your mind and intended not to go to ‘Umrah. ‘Umrah does not become obligatory on you by intention only without entering into the state of Ihraam. However, we advise you to put your trust in Allaah The Almighty and go to perform ‘Umrah in Ramadan in order to gain its great reward. You may take medicine for this disease.

Furthermore, swine flu is not endemic in Makkah so that a Fatwa would be given to prevent people from traveling to it. We believe that the issue is overstated and the disease is not as dangerous as plague or any other lethal diseases.

Nevertheless, a Muslim who fears for himself and whose Hajj or ‘Umrah is a voluntary one, he is allowed not to travel to Makkah for Hajj or ‘Umrah. He will not be sinful because he is not giving up an obligatory act.

Allaah Knows best.