Q 4: Where should the people of Makkah assume Ihram (ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah) for `Umrah? Also, if they spend their summer holidays in al-Huda resort beyond Al-Miqat (sites for entering the ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah for Hajj and `Umrah), where should they assume Ihram for `Umrah?

A: The people of Makkah should assume Ihram from a point outside Al-Haram (the Sacred Zone) such as Al-Tan`im. If they stay in Al-Huda during the summer, then they should assume Ihram for `Umrah from that place. This is according to the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him) when he specified the Miqats: and whoever lives within these places should assume Ihram from his dwelling place, and similarly the people of Makkah can assume lhram from Makkah. (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). It is reported in the two Sahih Books (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) told `Aishah when she wanted to perform `Umrah from Makkah that she should assume Ihram from her place of residence. (Part No. 11; Page No. 130) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.