English - Ma'ariful Qur'an - Mufti Shafi Usmani RA - Vol - 1
Surah Al-Baqarah - 2 : Verses 196 - 203

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Combining Hajj and 'Umrah during Hajj months

Before the appearance of Islam, the Arabs in Jahiliyyah would not combine Hajj and 'Umrah during Hajj months, that is, after the advent of Shawwal. They thought it was a sin. Towards the end of this verse, their misconception was corrected by restricting the prohibition on combining Hajj and 'Umrah during the months of Hajj to only those who live within the limits of Miqat because it is not difficult for them to return for 'Umrah after the Hajj months. But, for those coming from outside the Miqat limits, it was declared permissible because it is not easy for them to make a special trip exclusively for 'Umrah all the way from such distances. Miqat is one of the several stations appointed by Allah Almighty on every route leading to Makkah from all over the world and it has been made obligatory on everyone proceeding to Makkah to wear Ihram at this point to perform Hajj or 'Umrah. Going beyond this appointed place without Ihram is a sin. The verse means just this, that is, combining Hajj and 'Umrah is permissible only for a person whose family does not live within the environs of al-Masjid al-Haram, or in other words, within the limits of the appointed stations known as Miqat.

However, those who combine the Hajj and 'Umrah during the Hajj months are obligated to demonstrate their gratefulness for having been allowed to combine two acts of 'Ibadah. This gratitude is expressed by offering a sacrifice, if one is capable of that. This sacrifice may be offered by slaughtering a goat, cow or camel whichever is easy. But, one who is financially incapable of doing so, he is obligated to fast for ten days, the first three within the Hajj days completing them by the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, the rest of seven fasts he can complete after the Hajj at a place and time of his choice. He could do so while living in Makkah or when he returns home. If a person fails to fast for three days during the Hajj days, for him, in the view of revered Companions, and Imam Abu Hanifah, offering a sacrifice is mandatory. As soon as it is possible, he can have the sacrifice offered in the Haram through someone he knows (Jassas).