Entering into the state of Ihram in Jeddah

Q: I am a government employee. I am deputized by my work administration in Riyadh to do some work in Jeddah over a period of two-to-four months. On leaving Riyadh to Jeddah, I make the intention to perform `Umrah (the lesser Hajj), without specifying the time to do so, due to my work circumstances...Etc.Our Eminence Shaykh, my question is: Should I enter into the state of Ihram (ritual state for Hajj or `Umrah) before setting out from Jeddah or should I go to the Miqat (site for entering the ritual state for Hajj or `Umrah) and enter into the state of Ihram there. I noticed that many of my work colleagues enter into the state of Ihram while in Jeddah at the place where we live, and then go to Makkah to perform `Umrah. Therefore, I want Your Eminence to answer this question. May Allah add this to the record of your good deeds.


A: Whoever comes to Jeddah with the intention of performing `Umrah, it is obligatory on him to enter into the state of Ihram at the Miqat by which he passes on his way. It is not permissible for the person to go beyond it without entering into the state of Ihram. No one should enter into the state of Ihram in Jeddah except its residents or the one who pass by it while intending to perform `Umrah or Hajj. If one passed the Miqat (site for entering the ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah) on his way to Jeddah without entering into the state of Ihram due to some work or impediments, he should, if he wanted to enter into the state of Ihram for `Umrah, go back to the Miqat by which (Part No. 10; Page No. 106) he has passed while intending to perform `Umrah and enter into the state of Ihram thereat.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


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