Q: One year, I performed `Umrah during Ramadan. I assumed Ihram (ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah) from the Miqat (sites for entering the ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah ) and then performed all the rituals of `Umrah. However, when I reached Al-Tan`im in Makkah Al-Mukarramah I was in a state of minor impurity. Unfortunately, it was possible for me to perform Wudu (ablution) then. When I entered the Sacred Mosque, I performed congregational Salah. After Salah, I performed Tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka`bah) and Sa`y (going between Safa and Marwah during Hajj) while in a state of minor impurity. After that I cut my hair and removed the state of Ihram. The question now is, what should I do, given that I am now far from the Sacred Mosque? What is the expiation required? I appreciate your advice. May Allah reward you best!

A: First, it is unlawful for you to offer Salah or Tawaf while you are in a state of impurity. Hence, it is obligatory for you to make up for the Salah you offered in a state of impurity, and to repent to Allah (Exalted be He) and seek His Forgiveness for what happened. Second, you have to return to Makkah in the state of Ihram, then perform Tawaf, and Sa`y for `Umrah, because your previous Tawaf in a state of impurity was invalid. After that you should cut or shave your hair. (Part No. 11; Page No. 242) If you had sexual intercourse after your previous `Umrah, it will be invalidated and you have to offer a sacrifice in Makkah and have it distributed among the poor people there along with repeating the `Umrah, as the first `Umrah was invalidated by sexual intercourse. After the first invalidated `Umrah, your Ihram for the second `Umrah should be from the same Miqat as the first `Umrah.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.