The Ruling on Taking Children on 'Umrah and Placing Them in Ihram

Question:
From the questions of the sister, there remain two questions. The first question is about entering the state of ihram for 'Umrah for their children. She says: They are five years old and seven years old. Should we take them with us for 'Umrah, or should we leave them at home?

Answer:
If you take them, meaning if you travel with them for 'Umrah, or if you leave them at home with someone, both are permissible. However, if you travel with them and intend to perform 'Umrah for them, you must keep them away from the prohibitions of ihram. You enter them into the state of ihram. A child who has reached the age of discernment forms the intention for himself, whereas one who has not reached the age of discernment has his guardian form the intention on his behalf. You keep them away from the prohibitions of ihram, and you perform the rituals with them, such as tawaf, sa'y, and shaving or shortening the hair. You do for them what you do for yourselves in 'Umrah. If you leave them without entering into ihram, considering the hardship it causes you, there is nothing wrong with that. Yes.