Q 1: I am from the residents of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah. When I wish to perform `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage), I make the intention for `Umrah from my house, then I put on the Ihram clothes and I go to the Miqat (site for entering the ritual state for Hajj or `Umrah) of Abar `Aly. I perform two Rak'ahs (unit of Salah) and then I go to Makkah. However, some people said to me: If you put on the Ihram clothes while in your house, it will suffice you and you need not to go to the Miqat, because you are from the residents of Al-Madinah. What is the legal opinion regarding this?

A: Ihram should be made from the Miqat which was specified by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). The Miqat for the people of Madinah is Dhul-Hulayfah known as Abar `Aly. Ihram means the intention of starting the rituals. But the act of bathing oneself and putting on the Ihram clothes devoid of the intention is not Ihram; rather, it is sign of getting ready for Ihram. Therefore, you are allowed to bathe yourself before you set out from Al-Madinah and put on the Ihram clothes. When you arrive at the Miqat, you make the intention for Ihram (Part No. 10; Page No. 115) and make Talbiyah (devotional expressions chanted at certain times during Hajj and `Umrah). It should be noted that praying two Rak'ahs before Ihram is optional according to the view of some scholars, and it is not an obligation. Thus, if you offer them, you get the reward; and if you do not, there is no sin on you and your Ihram will be valid, Allah Willing.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, upon his family and his Companions.