Q: I performed Hajj one year but I found out after a long time that I performed the Tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka`bah) within Hijr Isma`il (short semi-circular wall adjacent to the Ka`bah and considered part of it), and not around it. I do not remember whether it was during an obligatory or non-obligatory Tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka`bah). Then, two years later, I went to perform `Umrah (lesser Pilgrimage) and performed Tawaf instead of the Tawaf which I performed in Hajj. What is your opinion? What should I do? May Allah protect you.

A: What you did is sufficient, praise be to Allah. But, if you had sexual intercourse with your wife between the Hajj in which you performed Tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka`bah) within Hijr Isma`il (short semi-circular wall adjacent to the Ka`bah and considered part of it) and the Tawaf you performed instead of it, you are charged with Dam (atonement required of a pilgrim for a willful violation of a prohibition or obligation while in the ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah) to be slaughtered in Makkah and distributed among the poor. The Dam (i.e. a sheep) should meet the same conditions for Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims). This is because it is probable that the Tawaf which you performed inside Hijr Isma`il is Tawaf-ul-Ifadah (final obligatory circumambulation of the Ka`bah in Hajj) which is a pillar of Hajj and it is not permissible to approach your wife until it is done. Also, it is an obligatory act and leaving it requires blood even if it was repeated after traveling.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.