Performing `Umrah and doubting offering Tawaf-ul-Wada`

Q 2: I went to perform `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) in the month of Ramadan. (Part No. 11; Page No. 338) I performed Tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka`bah) and Tarawih (special supererogatory night Prayer in Ramadan). Being in doubt regarding whether to perform Tawaf-ul-Wada` (circumambulation of the Ka`bah on leaving Makkah) or not, I asked an old man offering Salah (Prayer) beside me from among the people of Najd about it. He gave me the reply that Tawaf-ul-Wada` is not obligatory on me. After performing Salah, I departed from Makkah Al-Mukarramah without performing Tawaf-ul-Wada`. However, shortly after I was taught that I had to perform Tawaf-ul-Wada` and was presented with some Hadith including the Hadith stating: Make the last of your Hajj rituals circumambulating the Ka`bah (Tawaful-Wada`). I hope to be informed about the issue and what I am liable to.

A: If what you have just mentioned is the case, you are liable to nothing for departing without performing Tawaf-ul-Wada`. However, the next time you want to leave after performing `Umrah, you should perform Tawaf-ul-Wada`, which is preferable. In fact, Tawaful-Wada` is only obligatory on a person performing Hajj.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.