The Ruling on Performing Hajj Alone and 'Umrah on Behalf of Another

Question:
The questioner asks: Is it permissible for me to perform Hajj alone (ifrad), then perform 'Umrah, and dedicate the reward of the 'Umrah to my brother who instructed me to do so, because he is unable to go to the two sacred sanctuaries? And is a sacrificial animal required of me after that, or not, if that is permissible?

Answer:
It is permissible for a person to enter the state of ihram for Hajj alone (ifrad) and then perform 'Umrah afterwards, but this is contrary to the Sunnah. The Sunnah is to begin with 'Umrah: enter ihram for 'Umrah, then enter ihram for Hajj. This is how the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) instructed his Companions when they arrived for the Farewell Pilgrimage. Some of them had entered ihram for 'Umrah, some for Hajj, and some for both Hajj and 'Umrah. When they arrived, he (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered them to exit the state of ihram by making their Hajj into an 'Umrah: they would circumambulate, perform the sa'y, shorten their hair, and exit the state of ihram. This is also the case for the one who enters ihram for both Hajj and 'Umrah together. He was ordered to circumambulate, perform the sa'y, shorten his hair, and exit the state of ihram, except for the one who had a sacrificial animal with him. He was ordered to remain in his state of ihram until he slaughters his sacrificial animal. So, the one who comes tomorrow for Hajj in the month of Dhul-Hijjah, or in the last ten days, the Sunnah for him is to make it an 'Umrah. Even if he is informed about the Hajj, he should circumambulate, perform the sa'y, shorten his hair, and exit the state of ihram, unless he has a sacrificial animal with him—camels, cattle, or sheep that he has marked for sacrifice. In that case, he remains in his state of ihram. When he exits the state of ihram, he circumambulates, performs the sa'y, and shortens his hair, and he remains in a state of permissibility. When the Day of Arafah comes, he responds to the call for Hajj. This is the Sunnah, this is the best, and this is what is prescribed, except for the one who has a sacrificial animal—camels, a she-camel, a cow, or sheep—that he slaughters. He has marked it with him. This is called a hady. He remains in his state of ihram until he slaughters his hady. If he performs 'Umrah after Hajj, there is no obligation on him regarding Hajj. If he entered ihram for Hajj alone (ifrad) and remained in his state of ihram for Hajj alone, without making it an 'Umrah, he remains in his state of Hajj, and there is no obligation on him regarding Hajj, even if he performs 'Umrah after Hajj. As for performing 'Umrah on behalf of another, if the other person is unable, such as an elderly person who cannot perform Hajj due to his advanced age or an illness that is not expected to end, and you perform 'Umrah on his behalf, it is beneficial. Or you perform Hajj on his behalf, or if he is deceased. However, it is better for you to begin with 'Umrah in the months of Hajj: you circumambulate, perform the sa'y, shorten your hair, and complete the 'Umrah. Then you enter ihram for Hajj with the people on the Day of Arafah, and by doing so, you are performing Hajj Tamattu'. And a sacrificial animal is required of you: one animal, or a share of a camel, or a share of a cow. If you are unable, you fast for ten days: three days during Hajj before 'Arafah, and seven days when you return to your family. And if you fast them in Makkah or elsewhere, it is valid. Yes.