Q: The year before last, I intended to perform Qiran Hajj (combining Hajj and ‘Umrah simultaneously). Once I reached Allah's Sacred House, I performed ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) and Tawaf-ul-Qudum (circumambulation around the Ka‘bah on arrival in Makkah) at the same time. I had never visited the Ka‘bah before then. A day after this, I performed ‘Umrah on behalf of my dead mother. Since I had a lot of time before leaving to Mina on the Day of Tarwiyah (8th of Dhul-Hijjah), the people whom I stayed with advised me to start Tahalul (removal of the ritual state for Hajj and ‘Umrah) and I did. On going to Mina, I assumed the state of Ihram (ritual state for Hajj and ‘Umrah) anew and offered two Rak‘ahs (units of Prayer) with the intention of Ihram for Hajj only in Masjid (mosque of) Tan‘im. I then changed my intention from Qiran Hajj (combining Hajj and ‘Umrah simultaneously) to Tamattu‘ Hajj (combining Hajj and ‘Umrah with a break in between). Is there anything wrong with my Hajj even though I slaughtered a Hady (sacrificial animal offered by pilgrims)? Is the Umrah I performed on behalf of my mother valid or is it impermissible to perform two Umrahs during the same Hajj season? Does any sin a pilgrim may commit after Hajj nullify his Hajj, given that to err is human?

A: First: The Hajj you have offered is Tamattu‘ Hajj (combining Hajj and ‘Umrah with a break in between) and you did well when you removed the ritual state for ‘Umrah. (Part No. 2; Page No. 46)  Second: The ‘Umrah which you performed on behalf of your mother after doing ‘Umrah for yourself is valid if you did it after removing the ritual state of ‘Umrah by shaving or cutting your hair after Tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka`bah) and Sa‘y (going between Safa and Marwah during Hajj) Third: Sins do not nullify good deeds as long as the person does not commit an act of major Kufr (disbelief). As for those who mix the righteous deed they make with another that is evil, their sins will detract from their good deeds, unless they repent or Allah pardons them. As for Riddah (apostasy) from Islam - may Allah forbid it! - it renders all good deeds worthless if the person dies as an apostate. But if a person sincerely repents for committing apostasy, their past good deeds will not be nullified, out of the Grace and Mercy of Allah. Allah (Exalted be He) says: And whosoever of you turns back from his religion and dies as a disbeliever, then his deeds will be lost in this life and in the Hereafter, and they will be the dwellers of the Fire. They will abide therein forever. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.