Assuming Ihram for Tamattu` Hajj, falling ill after performing `Umrah, and returning home

Q: I went to perform Tamattu` Hajj (`Umrah during the months of Hajj followed by Hajj in the same year with a break in between) this year. After I performed `Umrah before Hajj, I went to Mina on the 3rd of Dhul-Hijjah, 1400 A.H. After I put off Ihram (ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah) for `Umrah, I felt some pain and swelling in my knees which crippled me. When I consulted a doctor, he advised me to discontinue Hajj. It should be noted that I truly could not walk even one meter further because of the extreme pain resulting from this. Afterwards, I returned to Al-Madinah, where I live, on the 5th of Dhul-Hijjah, 1400 A.H. without performing Hajj. It should be mentioned here that when I intended (Part No. 11; Page No. 356) to perform `Umrah, I did not say: "If a force majeure detains me, I shall assume Ihram wherever I am detained", as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said. Is saying this statement a condition for ending Ihram? I would like your Eminence to tell me if I have to offer a sacrifice or not. If yes, is it permissible for me to nominate someone to offer this sacrifice in Makkah?

A: If the reality is as you have mentioned; that is you put off Ihram for `Umrah then discontinued your performance of Hajj and returned to your country before assuming Ihram, there is no harm on you. This is because your `Umrah has been finished once you performed it and put off Ihram for it. In regards to Hajj, you have not assumed Ihram for it yet.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.