Is it permissible for a pilgrim to perform tamattu' (combining 'Umrah and Hajj with a break between them) even if only an hour and a half remains before Hajj?

The questioner : A person may intend to return, but the time he actually spends is longer. When does the time for entering the state of ihram for Hajj begin? How does one handle this issue?

The Shaykh : Yes, yes.

The questioner : It is better for them to perform tamattu' (combining 'Umrah and Hajj with a break between them) with the remaining time, which is a very good time.

The Shaykh : If it is possible to perform tamattu' (combining 'Umrah and Hajj with a break between them), even for one hour, that is sufficient. But if he arrives after the 'Asr prayer on the eighth day, we say: do not perform tamattu' (combining 'Umrah and Hajj with a break between them). This is because the time for Hajj has entered, and staying in Mina is better than performing tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka'bah). The purpose of tamattu' (combining 'Umrah and Hajj with a break between them) is relaxation, as its name implies. When a person performs tamattu' (combining 'Umrah and Hajj with a break between them), he wears his clothes and commits all the prohibited acts, even if his wife is with him, he may have relations with her.

The questioner : After that, he completes the 'Umrah, then raises his cloak and his hands to his head, and then prays for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

The Shaykh : I mean anger. I hold that if he does not reach Makkah until after the people have left for Mina, he should make it Hajj and be a qarin (one combining 'Umrah and Hajj in one ihram).