Fiqh of Umrah: Common Questions Answered by Scholars

Pilgrims often have Fiqh questions before and during Umrah. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions: **Q1: I forgot to cut my hair after Umrah. What should I do?** Hair cutting (Halq or Taqsir) is Wajib (obligatory). If omitted, you must pay a Dam (sacrifice a sheep) and cut your hair as soon as you remember. Do not remove Ihram until you cut hair. **Q2: Can I perform Tawaf without Wudu?** The majority of scholars (Hanafi, Shafi'i, Hanbali) consider Wudu obligatory for Tawaf. The Maliki school considers it strongly recommended. Play it safe: always perform Tawaf in a state of Wudu. **Q3: What if my Wudu breaks during Tawaf?** Leave, renew your Wudu, and continue from the Black Stone (beginning a new round). The rounds already completed count. **Q4: Can I use scented cream during Ihram?** No. Any scented product is forbidden during Ihram. Use unscented soap, shampoo, and cream. If you accidentally use it, make Tawbah (repentance). **Q5: What is the Fidyah for cutting nails during Ihram?** Cutting nails (or shaving hair) deliberately during Ihram requires a Fidyah: fasting three days, or feeding six poor people, or sacrificing a sheep. **Q6: Can a woman on her period perform Umrah?** She cannot perform Tawaf while menstruating. She can perform Sa'i and all other acts. When she becomes pure, she completes Tawaf. **Q7: Can I perform Umrah on behalf of a deceased person?** Yes. You can perform Umrah on behalf of a deceased Muslim who had intended but was unable to perform it. Make the intention: 'Labbayk Allahumma Umratan an [name].'