Entering the state of Ihram at the Miqat of the people of Madinah or that of the people of Yanbu`

Q: Shaykh, I love you for the sake of Allah. I reside in Al-Madinah. I want to visit my relatives in Yanbu`, about 250 kilometers to the west of Al-Madinah, stay for a few days, and then go to Makkah to perform `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage). Do I have to enter the state of Ihram (ritual state for Hajj or `Umrah) at the Miqat (site for entering the ritual state for Hajj or `Umrah) of the people of Al-Madinah or the Miqat of the people of Yanbu`, (Part No. 10; Page No. 83) (i.e. Al-Juhfah)? If it is obligatory to enter the state of Ihram at the Miqat of the people of Al-Madinah, what should I do if I enter the state of Ihram at the Miqat of the people of Yanbu`? May Allah reward you with the best in return for what you do for us and the Islamic Ummah (nation based on one creed).

A: If you leave Al-Madinah intending to perform `Umrah, you have to enter the state of Ihram at the Miqat of Al-Madinah, Dhul-Hulayfah, which is called nowadays Abyar `Aly. It is impermissible for you to pass this Miqat without being in a state of Ihram even if you want to visit your relatives in Yanbu`. You should visit them while you are in the state of Ihram. After specifying the Miqats, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: And these Miqats are for those living at those very places, and for those who come through those places with the intention of performing Hajj and ‘Umrah. Therefore, it is impermissible to pass the Miqat without being in a state of Ihram while you intend to perform the rituals of Hajj or `Umrah, and you have to offer a Fidyah (ransom). The Fidyah is to slaughter a sheep, which meets the same conditions for Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims), in Makkah and distribute it among the poor of Al-Haram (all areas within the Sacred Sanctuary of Makkah). If you cannot slaughter a Fidyah, you have to observe Sawm (Fast) for ten days.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.