Q: I frequently travel to Jeddah during the school holidays for treatment, vacation, and visiting my relatives. I have a house there. I used to perform `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) on every trip. I used to enter the state of Ihram (ritual state for Hajj or `Umrah) either at the Miqat (site for entering the ritual state for Hajj or `Umrah) or in Jeddah after residing there (Part No. 10; Page No. 80) for a week, more, or less. During these years, the members of my family became thirteen. Therefore, I used not to enter the state of Ihram except in Jeddah. Some friends told me that it is permissible to do so while others contested this ruling. It should be known that my intention is to perform `Umrah after staying in Jeddah for some time.

A: It is impermissible for those who come to Makkah intending to perform `Umrah or Hajj and pass by one of the Miqats specified by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) to pass the Miqat without entering the state of Ihram even if they want to go to Jeddah or any other place before performing the rituals. If they pass the Miqat in this state and enter the state of Ihram after passing it, they must slaughter a Fidyah (ransom) in Makkah to be distributed among the poor of Al-Haram (all areas within the Sacred Sanctuary of Makkah). If they cannot slaughter a Fidyah, they have to observe Sawm (Fast) for ten days. If they come to Makkah without intending to perform `Umrah and then decide to perform `Umrah after passing the Miqat, they should enter the state of Ihram at the place of intention whether it is in Jeddah or any other place beyond the Miqat. Hence, you have to offer Fidyah in return for passing the Miqat without entering the state of Ihram while you intend to perform `Umrah. There should be a Fidyah for every time you did so. Any member of your family who did the same as you has to offer a Fidyah too.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.