Q: I, along with my father, performed `Umrah. Performing Sa`y (going between Safa and Marwah), we started from Al-Safa. We would count going from Al-Safa to Al-Marwah as half a round, i.e. we considered a complete round as going between Al-Safa and Al-Marwah to and fro beginning and ending with Al-Safa, which actually constitutes two rounds. Accordingly, the total rounds we made was fifteen rounds. Are we sinful for doing so, bearing in mind that we did not know the proper practice and that I later performed two `Umrahs carrying out Sa`y properly? Give us fatwa, may Allah reward you!After finishing the rites of `Umrah, I clipped some of my hair equal to the length of only one or two fingertips. Afterwards, I wore my regular clothing. However, on returning home I was told that clipping only a small amount of hair is not sufficient, bearing in mind that I had not known it before. Am I liable to any penalty for doing so? If so, must I slaughter a sacrificial animal as a Fidyah (compensation) and may I slaughter it in Mina ?

A: First: Hopefully, you are pardoned for performing extra rounds of Sa`y out of ignorance, as you have an excuse. However, the first seven rounds only will be counted. (Part No. 11; Page No. 220)  Second: It is obligatory to have the hair of one's entire head clipped during Hajj or `Umrah. Thus, your clipping only the hair in front of your head out of ignorance is not sufficient. However, we hope that Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) pardons both you and us. Moreover, once you receive this Fatwa, you must take off your regular clothing and wear the loincloth with your head uncovered till you cut or clip the hair of your entire head with the intention of Tahalul (removal of the ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah). In addition, if you have had sexual intercourse with your wife during this period, you must slaughter a sacrificial animal in Makkah. However, it suffices to slaughter an Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims) to be distributed among the poor of the Haram (Sacred Mosque). If you do not have the financial ability to do so, you will have to observe Sawm (fast) for ten days.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.