Q: Last Ramadan in 1415 A.H, I went on `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) with my family that consists of 15 members. We entered Ihram (ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah) from the Miqat (site for entering Ihram). Before we performed our `Umrah, news reached us of the death of one of our relatives. Due to our shock, we all removed our Ihram and returned to the place where we live (Part No. 10; Page No. 383) to attend the burial and condolence gatherings. Please take into account that we did not make a condition at the time of entering Ihram. We would like to know the ruling on our action and what we must do. I asked a number of shaykhs on this matter and received different answers, all of which confused me. I hope Your Eminence will clarify the ruling on this, taking into account that we removed our Ihram and returned home unknowing the ruling. May Allah reward you with the best.

A: What you did was wrong and you all must wear Ihram (clothing worn during the ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah) once again. You are to desist from doing any of the things that violate the conditions of Ihram and return to Makkah to perform the `Umrah for which you entered into Ihram. At the same time you must make Tawbah (repentance to Allah) for what you did. This is because whosoever enters into Ihram for Hajj or `Umrah must perform them, based on Allah's Words: And perform properly (i.e. all the ceremonies according to the ways of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), the Hajj and ‘Umrah (i.e. the pilgrimage to Makkah) for Allâh. It is impermissible for you to deny this.Whoever engaged in sexual intercourse during this period, must resume their `Umrah until they finish it as mentioned above and then return to the Miqat from which they assumed Ihram. They should not enter into Ihram for another `Umrah, making up for the `Umrah they nullified by engaging in sexual intercourse. You are to offer a Fidyah (ransom) of offering a sacrificial sheep meeting the same conditions for Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims). It is to be slaughtered in Makkah and its meat distributed among the poor of the Haram. (Part No. 10; Page No. 384) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.