Q 7: Where is the Miqat (sites for entering the ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah) for the people of Makkah to perform 'Umrah?

A: A person who is already in Makkah should enter Ihram (ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah) for `Umrah from outside the Haram. When `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) to perform `Umrah on its own after doing Qiran Hajj (combining Hajj and `Umrah without a break in between), he ordered her brother `Abdul-Rahman to go with her to Al-Tan`im to enter Ihram for `Umrah. This was the closest place to Makkah outside the Haram. Had it been permissible to enter Ihram for `Umrah from Makkah or from any place inside Al-Haram, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would not have made it difficult for him, for `Aishah and for her brother whom he ordered to go with her to Al-Tan`im to enter Ihram for `Umrah. Moreover, he would not have chosen that option especially for they were burdened with travel during the night; he would not have had to wait for them and permitted her to enter Ihram from her house at Al-Bat-ha', Makkah. This is supported by the fact that (Part No. 11; Page No. 128) the Prophet (peace be upon him) was never given the choice between two things but he always chose the easier option, so long as it was not a sin. The fact that he did not choose the option of entering Ihram for `Umrah from Al-Bat-ha', Makkah. Indicates that Al-Haram is not the Miqat for entering Ihram for `Umrah. Thus, this report qualifies the Hadith: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) defined the Miqat for the people of Al-Madinah as Dhul-Hulayfah; that of people of the Levant (the region covering Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine) as Al-Jahfah; that of the people of Najd as Qarn Al-Manazil; that of the people of Yemen as Yalamlam. And he said: “And these Miqats are for the people at those very places, and besides them for those who come through those places with the intention of performing Hajj and 'Umrah; and whoever is living within these boundaries can enter Ihram from the place he starts, and the people of Makkah can start from Makkah. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.