Forgetting to shave or shorten one's hair while offering `Umrah

Q: I performed `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) during last Ramadan, 1417 A.H., and I forgot to shave or shorten my hair. After I finished Ihram (ritual state for Hajj or `Umrah), I went from Makkah to Al-Ta'if. On the second night, I wanted to perform another `Umrah, but some people told me that this is not permissible, so I entered into Ihram with the intention of performing `Umrah on behalf of a friend of mine. Now, after a year has passed, I send you this message to know the ruling on my first `Umrah, taking into consideration that I am a married person.

A: Your `Umrah is valid, and you have to remove your usual clothes and put on the clothes of Ihram (clothing worn during the ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah) and then shave or shorten your hair with the intention of performing this for the first `Umrah. Besides, you have to offer Dam (atonement required of a pilgrim for a willful violation of a prohibition or obligation while in the ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah) if you had sexual intercourse with your wife before fulfilling the obligation of shortening the hair. The Dam you should offer is slaughtering a sheep that meets the same conditions for Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims), to be slaughtered in Makkah Al-Mukarramah and its meat to be distributed among the poor. (Part No. 10; Page No. 358) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.