Question: What if I am elderly or ill?

Answer: If you are physically able to perform the rituals yourself—even with normal assistance such as a wheelchair or helper—Hajj is obligatory. However, if you have a permanent illness or disability with no hope of recovery and cannot perform the rituals, Hajj is not obligatory. If Hajj had already become obligatory in the past and you delayed it, you must appoint a proxy (na’ib).

Question: When am I considered financially able, such that Hajj becomes obligatory?

Answer: You must be able to afford travel expenses (round trip), accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, the cost of sacrifice, and other necessary Hajj expenses. In addition, your family’s living expenses during your absence must be secured. After returning, your normal life should not fall into hardship. If going to Hajj would cause serious financial difficulty, you are not considered financially able

Hillary Clinton has slammed Donald Trump for orchestrating a “cover-up” over the Jeffrey Epstein files, demanding full public disclosure, saying Republicans have been manipulating the scandal to shield the US president while targeting political opponents.

The former US secretary of state told the BBC in Berlin that the Trump administration is deliberately withholding information related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

“Get the files out. They are slow-walking it,” Clinton said in her interview published Monday, denouncing Trump for suppressing transparency.

The Justice Department recently released more than three million documents, photos and videos tied to its investigation into Epstein, who died in custody in 2019 in what authorities ruled a suicide.

Despite this release, the Department of Justice claims it has no additional files to publish, a stance lawmakers have criticized, noting the absence of internal memos, notes and emails.

Clinton and her husband, former president Bill Clinton, are scheduled to give closed-door depositions before the House Oversight Committee, which is examining Epstein’s ties to powerful elites and the handling of information about his crimes.

Clinton objected to the secrecy of the process, stressing, “We will show up but we think it would be better to have it in public.”

“I just want it to be fair. I want everybody treated the same way,” she added, emphasizing that “we have nothing to hide. We have called for the full release of these files repeatedly.”

The Clintons' names have also appeared frequently in the files. Bill Clinton has acknowledged flying on Epstein’s plane in the early 2000s for humanitarian work connected to the Clinton Foundation but denies visiting Epstein’s private island.

Hillary Clinton has claimed that she had no meaningful interactions with Epstein, never flew on his plane and never visited his island, though she admitted meeting Ghislaine Maxwell — later convicted of conspiring with Epstein to sexually abuse minors — “on a few occasions.”

Hillary Clinton also lashed out at Republicans for attempting to redirect scrutiny away from Trump, whose name also appears multiple times in the files, saying, “Look at this shiny object. We're going to have the Clintons, even Hillary Clinton, who never met the guy.”

Trump has so far rejected the allegations, declaring he had been “totally exonerated,” while insisting that mere mention in the files does not prove wrongdoing.

Hillary Clinton is set to testify on February 26, followed by Bill Clinton on February 27.

Press TV’s website

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution has responded to repeated US military threats against Iran, saying that the weapons that can sink the American carriers are "more dangerous" than the warships.  

“The American president [Donald Trump] repeatedly says that their military is the strongest in the world. The strongest military in the world, however, can sometimes be struck so hard that it cannot even get back on its feet,” Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday while addressing thousands of people from East Azarbaijan Province.

“They keep saying, ‘We have sent an aircraft carrier toward Iran.’ Fine—an aircraft carrier is certainly a dangerous piece of equipment. But more dangerous than the carrier is the weapon capable of sending it to the bottom of the sea,” he added.

Press TV’s website

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has praised the Iranian people for a massive nationwide turnout during the Islamic Revolution anniversary rallies, saying the demonstrations left the enemies disappointed.

“On 22 Bahman (February 11) this year, you accomplished a great deed; you brought honor to Iran,” Ayatollah Khamenei said in a televised message delivered Thursday evening.

"As always, by supporting the Islamic Republic you increased its strength, and the enemies who, in their statements and plans, sought the surrender of the Iranian nation became disappointed," he added.

He described the reward of this great public movement as greater dignity, stronger authority, and fuller independence for Iran, adding: “Let us all strive to preserve this connection and national cohesion, which is very valuable and precious.”

Ayatollah Khamenei praised the people’s presence in the streets and their unified slogans, saying they demonstrated their identity and character to adversaries.

"I thank the entire Iranian nation and extend my abundant greetings to each and every person present at this great, million-strong gathering across the country,” the Leader said.

Tens of millions of Iranians poured into the streets across the country on Wednesday, marking the 47th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution with one of the largest nationwide turnouts in recent years. 

From Tehran to more than 1,400 cities, towns and villages, vast crowds gathered despite forecasts of rain and snow, presenting a sweeping display of unity following months of military confrontation, riots and intensified foreign pressure.

The 2026 anniversary came in the aftermath of a 12-day imposed war in June 2025, during which Israel, backed by the United States, launched attacks against Iranian interests. 

The war ended at the desperate entreaties of the aggressor and was followed by attempts to maintain a “no war, no peace” environment aimed at obstructing Iran’s progress through the activation of sanctions mechanisms, intensified economic pressure and a cognitive or media war as part of broader efforts to weaken the country.

Tensions further escalated in January 2026, when armed incidents by trained agents linked to Israel’s Mossad and the US CIA engaged in acts of terrorism and anti-human takfiri violence. 

While segments of the public had legitimate economic grievances, the population quickly distanced itself from violent actions once foreign involvement became apparent.

Against this backdrop, the anniversary rallies this year were both a commemoration and a response.

Press TV’s website 

Qur’an – Surah Luqman (31:14)

أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيْكَ ۖ إِلَيَّ الْمَصِيرُ

Translation:

Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the final return.

Explanation:

The Qur’an places gratitude to parents immediately after gratitude to God. This highlights that honoring parents is part of faith itself. True gratitude is not limited to words; it is expressed through service, attention, respect, and care. Even simple acts, such as spending time with them or checking on their well-being, can fulfill this command in practical ways.

Qur’an – Surah Luqman (31:15)

وَإِن جَاهَدَاكَ عَلَىٰ أَن تُشْرِكَ بِي مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا وَصَاحِبْهُمَا فِي الدُّنْيَا مَعْرُوفًا

Translation:

But if they strive to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them; yet accompany them in this world with kindness.

Explanation:

Even in matters as serious as faith, if parents demand something wrong, obedience is not allowed. However, kindness remains obligatory. The Qur’an draws a clear boundary: moral independence does not cancel respectful conduct. Disagreement must never lead to cruelty or disrespect. Ethical treatment of parents is constant, even when perspectives differ.

Qur’an – Surah Al-Isra (17:24)

وَقُل رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا

Translation:

And say, “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they raised me when I was small.”

Explanation:

The Qur’an reminds us not to forget the sacrifices our parents made during our childhood. Supplicating for them is an act of gratitude and spiritual loyalty. This prayer is not limited to after their death; it is equally important during their lifetime. It strengthens the emotional and spiritual bond between child and parent and acknowledges their nurturing role as a reflection of divine mercy.

Qur’an – Surah Al-Isra (17:24)

وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُل رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا

Translation (first part):

And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy.

Explanation:

The Qur’an uses a powerful metaphor: lowering the wing, like a bird gently sheltering its young. This indicates that humility toward parents should come from sincere compassion and love. Especially as they grow older and may become physically weaker or more emotionally sensitive, our patience and kindness should increase. Respect is not merely formal; it must be rooted in mercy.

Qur’an – Surah Al-Isra (17:23)

وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا

Translation:

Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you show excellence in conduct to your parents. If one or both of them reach old age with you, do not say to them even “uff,” nor repel them, but speak to them a noble word.

Explanation:

The Qur’an prohibits even the slightest expression of annoyance toward parents. The word “uff” represents the smallest sign of irritation. This teaches that respect must be maintained at the highest level, even when we feel tired, frustrated, or disagree with them. True righteousness includes not only obedience, but also maintaining gentle speech and preserving their dignity at all times.