Is It Allowed to Delay Exiting Ihram after `Umrah?

When Is It Permissible to Delay Exiting Ihram after Umrah?

It is permissible for the one who is doing `Umrah, after he has circumambulated the Ka`bah (Tawaf) and gone between As-Safa and Al-Marwah (Sa`i) to delay shaving his head or cutting his hair, on condition that he does not do any of the things that are prohibited while in the state of Ihram, such as covering his head, putting on perfume, trimming his nails or any of the other prohibited actions, until he exits Ihram following `Umrah by shaving his head or cutting his hair.

Exiting Ihram: Shaving or Cutting Hair

But if he has shaved his head or cut his hair, then he has in fact exited Ihram following his `Umrah, regardless of whether or not he has changed out of his Ihram garments, and it is permissible for him to do all of the things that had been prohibited to him because of Ihram.

Changing Clothes after Exiting Ihram

With regard to hastening to change his clothes or otherwise, that depends on his circumstances and what is easiest for him. However it is preferable for him to take off the Ihram garments and put on his usual garments, so that he will be able to offer his prayers and go about all of his business comfortably, with no difficulty.

Sunnah Acts on Friday

The Sunnah on Friday is for the Muslim to do Ghusl, put on perfume, and wear his best clothes, because the Prophet (lettings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever does Ghusl on Friday, puts on his best clothes, puts on perfume if he has any, then comes to Jumu`ah and does not step over the people`s necks, then prays what Allah has ordained for him, then listens attentively when his Imam comes out, until he has finished the prayer, it will be expiation for whatever came between it and the previous Jumu`ah.” (Narrated by Abu Dawud, 290. Classed as sound by Shaykh Al-Albani in Sahih Sunan Abu Dawud)

Preparing for Jumu`ah after `Umrah

Based on that, it is better and more appropriate, if there is no great difficulty involved, for him to hasten to exit Ihram following his `Umrah, and to prepare for Jumu`ah prayer by doing Ghusl, putting on perfume, and putting on his best clothes.

The Reward of Attending Jumu`ah Properly

It is recommended for the worshipper to be close to the Imam during his Khutbah, because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever does Ghusl and causes his wife to do Ghusl, then comes early, walking and not riding, and sits close to the imam, then he listens and does not engage in idle speech, for every step he will have the reward of one year`s fasting and praying Qiyam.” (Narrated by Abu Dawud, 292; classed as authentic by Al-Albani in Sahih Al-Jami`6405)

Ibn Qudamah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: It is recommended to be close to the Imam because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever does Ghusl and causes his wife to do Ghusl, then comes early, walking and not riding, and sits close to the imam, then he listens and does not engage in idle speech, for every step he will have the reward of one year`s fasting and praying Qiyam.” (End quote from Al-Mughni, 2/103)

Shaykh Ibn `Uthaymin (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Undoubtedly sitting close to the imam, in Al-Masjid Al-Haram or elsewhere, is better than being far away from him. (End quote from Majmu` Fatawa Ibn `Uthaymin, 13/30)

Based on that, being close to the Imam is better than being close to the Ka`bah.

One Prayer in Makkah Equals 100,000

One of the unique characteristics of Al-Masjid Al-Haram , is that it is the best of mosques and the greatest in reward for the one who prays in it, because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “One prayer in Al-Masjid Al-Haram is equal to one hundred thousand prayers offered elsewhere.” (Narrated by Ibn Majah, 1396; classed as authentic by Shaykh Al-Albani (may Allah have mercy on him) in Sahih Ibn Majah)

Another of its unique characteristics is that Allah has made it secure, as He, may He be Exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning): {And (remember) when We made the House (the Ka`bah at Makkah) focal point for mankind and a place of safety.} [Al-Baqarah 2:125].

There are other rulings having to do with Al-Masjid Al-Haram and the Haram (sanctuary) area in general, which the scholars have discussed in their books on the basis of the texts which speak of that.

For more information, see the book entitled Ahkam Al-Haram Al-Makki by Shaykh Sami ibn Muhammad As-Suqayr, in which he discusses issues and rulings having to do with the sanctuary of Makkah and Al-Masjid Al-Haram.

Curious to learn more? See these answers: (109292, 269212, 40512, 145751, 188346, 33738, 148814)

And Allah knows best.