Q: I’m planning to perform Umrah after my wedding in December, and I’m considering two scenarios:
**Scenario 1:** I take a flight from Pakistan to Jeddah, make the intention for Umrah and enter Ihram before crossing Miqat during the journey, and then travel directly from Jeddah to Makkah to perform Umrah on the same day.
**Scenario 2:** I fly from Pakistan to Jeddah but stay there for two days and two nights to explore the city and do some sightseeing. After that, I travel from Jeddah to the Miqat, enter Ihram, make the intention for Umrah, and then proceed to Makkah to perform Umrah.
My main question is whether the second scenario is Islamically permissible.
I want to clarify that *my primary purpose of visiting Saudi Arabia is to perform Umrah.* Staying in Jeddah first would be purely for sightseeing and exploring the city. There is no work-related reason, necessity, or compulsion involved. It would simply be my personal preference.
Since our return flight will be from Madinah, we won't have the opportunity to explore Jeddah on our way back. That's why I'm considering visiting Jeddah before performing Umrah.
Could you please guide me on whether the second option is permissible according to Shariah, or whether we should enter Ihram before crossing Miqat and perform Umrah directly upon arrival?
A: Both options are permissible. However, in the second option you do not have to go back to the miqaat to put on your ihraam. Instead, you can put on your ihraam in Jeddah and from Jeddah you can go straight to Makkah Mukarramah to perform Umrah.
Nevertheless, you should bear in mind that even though the second option is permissible, you will not receive the full reward of your umrah which you will receive through practising upon the first option.
Rather, you will be compromising the reward of your Umrah by going for sightseeing, exploring etc. during this blessed journey before performing your Umrah.
Allah Ta‘ala grants the servant rewards according to his intention, his focus of his heart, the importance and respect which he shows towards fulfilling the obligation of Allah Ta‘ala.
Therefore, when the purpose of this journey is to come to the House of Allah Ta'ala for Umrah, then why go for sightseeing, exploring etc. before coming to Makkah Mukarramah.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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