Question
I heard a notable Shaykh talking about an issue related to the pilgrim who performs Tamattu‘ Hajj: when the pilgrim intends to perform ‘Umrah, he must say upon assuming the state of Ihraam (ritual consecration) from the Meeqaat (designated place for assuming Ihraam), “O Allah, I am answering your call to perform ‘Umrah [during the months of Hajj] followed by Hajj.” However, I also read that the pilgrim should say, “O Allah, I am answering your call to perform ‘Umrah,” and that when the time of Hajj comes on the 8th of Thul-Hijjah, he should then say, “O Allah, I am answering your call to perform Hajj.” What is the ruling if the pilgrim says the second formula? Will his Hajj be valid? May Allah reward you.
Fatwa
All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger.
Assuming the state of Ihraam is making one's intention to perform the rituals, and it is not obligatory on the Muslim assuming the state of Ihraam to say, “O Allah, I am answering your call to perform Hajj,” or, “O Allah, I am answering your call to perform ‘Umrah.” Indeed, it is only recommended to say that. Therefore, if the pilgrim did not say that, he bears no sin. A pilgrim who intends to perform Tamattu‘ Hajj may say either , “O Allah, I am answering your call to perform ‘Umrah,” only, or he can say, “O Allah, I am answering your call to perform ‘Umrah [during the month of Hajj] followed by Hajj.”
And Allah knows best.