Q 1: I am from Egypt and work in AL-Madinah, Saudi Arabia. I traveled to Jeddah and wanted to perform `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage). However, I did not enter Ihram (ritual state for Hajj or `Umrah) at the Miqat. Is it permissible for me to enter Ihram in Jeddah once I reach it or after I stay there for three (Part No. 10; Page No. 82) days to be like the resident and then perform `Umrah?

A: Anyone who comes from Al-Madinah intending to perform `Umrah must enter Ihram at the Miqat of people of Al-Madinah, i.e., Abyar `Aly. If you have work in Jeddah, this does not exempt them from entering Ihram at the abovementioned Miqat. If the person delays entering Ihram until they do that in Jeddah, they make a mistake and ignore a Wajib (obligatory act) and this necessitates offering Fidyah (ransom). This Fidyah is a sheep or one seventh of a Badanah (a camel or a cow or an ox driven by pilgrims to be offered as sacrifice within the sacred precincts of Makkah) to be slaughtered in Makkah and distributed among the poor there. The person who offers the Fidyah should not eat from it because it is a Kaffarah (expiation) for their deed. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) specified Miqats, he said: These Miqats are for those living at those very places, and for those who come through those places with the intention of performing Hajj and ‘Umrah. If they return to the Miqat through which they passed and then enter Ihram, there is nothing upon them.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.