Q. We were travelling from Madina to Makka in Ihraam to perform Umrah and the Saudi officials did not allow us to proceed to Makkah to perform Umrah because of the coronavirus outbreak. So, we had to return to Madina, reschedule flights and return home. What happens to our Umrah?
A. In the state of Ihraam, if one is prevented from performing Umrah (Tawaaf & Saee’), due to the coronavirus outbreak, one would have to first slaughter a small animal (Damm – sheep/goat) within the boundaries of the Haram of Makkah, and then shave/clip one’s hair before exiting and abandoning the Ihraam of Umrah before returning home.
If one returned home without slaughtering a small animal within the boundaries of the Haram, one will remain in the state of Ihraam until it is done. During this time, if any acts which are prohibited in the state of Ihraam are committed, it will attract additional penalties.
In either case, a Qadha of the abandoned Ihraam/Umrah will become necessary. (Al-Asl 2/462 – Shaami 2/591)
Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ismaeel Bassa