Q 1: ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) is prescribed to be performed only once in one’s lifetime, so is it permissible to do it any time during the year, or only during the months of Hajj?

A: It is permissible to perform ‘Umrah at any time of the year including the months of Hajj. If a Muslim performs it in the months of Hajj before the rites of Hajj, then they have performed what is called Tamattu‘ Hajj (`Umrah during the months of Hajj followed by Hajj in the same year with a break in between). If they incorporated the rites of ‘Umrah and Hajj, this is called Qiran Hajj (combining Hajj and `Umrah without a break in between). (Part No. 11; Page No. 317) Both the Mutamatti‘ (pilgrim performing Tamattu‘ Hajj) and Qarin (pilgrim performing Qiran Hajj) should offer Hady (sacrificial animal offered by pilgrims) meeting the same conditions of Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims), if they are not residing at Al-Masjid Al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah), i.e. non-resident of Makkah. If the pilgrim performs ‘Umrah in Dhul-Hijjah after the Days of Tashriq (11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah), it is valid and no Hady is required.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.