Q: Is performing Tamattu‘ Hajj (‘Umrah during the months of Hajj followed by Hajj in the same year with a break in between) limited to a definite period of time? Is it permissible for a pilgrim of this type to enter Ihram (ritual state for Hajj and ‘Umrah) for Hajj before the Day of Tarwiyah (8th of Dhul-Hijjah)?

A: Ihram for Tamattu‘ is limited to a definite period of two months and ten days, namely Shawwal, Dhul-Qa‘dah, and the first Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah. These are the months of Hajj. Therefore, a pilgrim is not permitted to enter Ihram for Tamattu‘ Hajj before Shawwal or after the night of ‘Eid-ul-Adha (the Festival of the Sacrifice). It is preferable for a pilgrim of this type to enter Ihram for ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) only. After completing the rituals of ‘Umrah, they enter Ihram for Hajj only. This is the complete form of Tamattu‘. If they enter Ihram for performing both Hajj and ‘Umrah, they fall under the category of Mutamatti‘ (pilgrim performing Tamattu‘ Hajj) and Qarin (pilgrim performing Qiran Hajj [combining Hajj and ‘Umrah without a break in between]). In both cases the pilgrim will be required to offer Damm (sacrificial animal offered as an atonement), known as Damm of Tamattu‘, which is a sacrificial animal that fulfills the conditions of Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims), or one seventh of a she-camel, or a cow. This is based on the Ayah (Qur’anic verse) in which Allah (Exalted be He) says: Then if you are in safety and whosoever performs the ‘Umrah in the months of Hajj, before (performing) the Hajj, (i.e. Hajj-at-Tamattu‘ and Al-Qirân), he must slaughter a Hady such as he can afford [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 196] If the pilgrim is unable to offer Damm, they have to fast for ten days, three observed during Hajj and seven upon returning to their family.

(Part No. 17; Page No. 92)

 If the pilgrim enters Ihram for ‘Umrah at the beginning of Shawwal, and then performs Tahallul (removal of the ritual state for Hajj and ‘Umrah) after finishing the ‘Umrah, there will be a long period between the ‘Umrah and entering Ihram for Hajj on the eighth of Dhul-Hijjah. Therefore, it is preferable for the pilgrim performing Tamattu‘ Hajj to enter Ihram for Hajj on the eighth of Dhul-Hijjah, as the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) did it, following the directions of the Prophet (peace be upon him). The Prophet (peace be upon him) directed them to remove their Ihram when some of them came with the intention of performing Ifrad Hajj (performing Hajj only), whereas some with the intention of Qiran Hajj. The Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered both categories to remove their Ihram, except those who brought the Hady (sacrificial animal offered by pilgrims) with them. So, they made Tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka‘bah), Sa‘y (going between Safa and Marwah during Hajj and ‘Umrah), shortened their hair, and then made Tahallul. By doing so they became Mutamatti‘s. When it was the Day of Tarwiyah (8th of Dhul-Hijjah), the Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered them to enter Ihram for Hajj from their places of sojourn, and this is the best. However, it is sufficient and valid for the pilgrim to enter Ihram for Hajj on the first days of Dhul-Hijjah or before this. But it is preferable to enter Ihram for Hajj on the eighth of Dhul-Hijjah, as the Sahabah did in compliance with the command of the Prophet (peace be upon him).