Q: There is a person who resides outside Makkah in the southern region and his belongings are in Makkah. When he travels outside Saudi Arabia, he leaves for Makkah to take his belongings. If he has to stay in Makkah for a day or two days, should he enter Makkah in the state of Ihram (ritual state for Hajj or `Umrah)? A: Anyone who wants to enter Makkah for the sake of Hajj or `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage), they must be in the state of Ihram once they pass by the Miqat (site for entering the ritual state for Hajj or `Umrah). Ihram is not obligatory upon those who enter Makkah for the sake of a visit or any other need without intending to perform Hajj or `Umrah. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) specified Miqats, he said: These are meant for those who live at these places (Part No. 10; Page No. 78