Q: There are four of us who work for the Saudi Arabia Red Crescent Society. We were selected to work in the sacred areas during the Hajj season of the year 1408 A.H. We made the intention to perform ‘Umrah when we entered Makkah, (Part No. 11; Page No. 170) but the person who was showing us the way inside Makkah was in a hurry and told us that we were late for work and that we could not assume Ihram (ritual state for Hajj and ‘Umrah) due to the lack of time to get to work. It should be borne in mind that we had offered the ‘Asr (Afternoon) Prayer at the Miqat (site for entering the ritual state for Hajj and ‘Umrah) in the Masjid (mosque) of Al-Sayl Al-Kabir and then went after Salah to the place of work. After work time, we returned to Al-Madinah, where we work, without performing ‘Umrah. What is the ruling on this and what is the Kafarah (expiation) for it? If it is obligatory on us to offer a sacrificial animal, do we have to offer it in Makkah or in Al-Madinah, where we live? Please give us an answer, may Allah reward you with the best!