Q:
I would like to perform ‘Umrah in Ramadan and combine it with Hajj.
What should I do until Hajj as I am an employee and I cannot take leave (Part No. 11; Page No. 164) from work, except for Hajj or ‘Umrah in Ramadan? Is it permissible to travel from one place to another? I am also indebted to the government in the sum of 100,000 Riyals, which is being repaid in monthly installments from my salary. Is it permissible for me to perform Hajj?
A: Firstly:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged performing ‘Umrah in Ramadan, however, this is not the ‘Umrah that is combined with Hajj. Tamattu‘ Hajj (combining Hajj and ‘Umrah with a break in between) is when the ‘Umrah is performed during the months of Hajj, which are Shawwal, Dhul-Qi‘dah, and the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, and then Hajj is performed in the same year.
Secondly:
If the situation is as you mentioned, that you cannot take a leave for Hajj or ‘Umrah, it is not permissible for you to leave work without the consent of your manager.
Thirdly:
The debt owed to the government that you mentioned does not prohibit you from performing Hajj.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.