What is the ruling on entering Makkah without entering the state of ihram for one who is not performing Hajj or 'Umrah?

The questioner : The question says: Some reports have come that it is not permissible to enter Makkah except in the state of ihram. Are these reports authentic or not? And what is the ruling on entering Makkah without entering the state of ihram?

The Shaykh : We do not know of any authentic hadith from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that prevents a Muslim from entering Makkah unless he is in the state of ihram. This is the first point.
And the second point: It is established that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) entered Makkah wearing a war helmet. If he had entered it in the state of ihram, he would have entered with his head uncovered, as you know. Therefore, the scholars used the Prophet's (peace be upon him) entry into Makkah wearing this helmet as evidence that he entered it in a state of permissibility, that he entered it not in the state of ihram. From this, the answer to the last question is derived: What is the ruling on entering Makkah without entering the state of ihram? It is permissible, except for one who intends to perform Hajj or 'Umrah, for whom it is forbidden to pass the miqat, let alone enter Makkah while not in the state of ihram. One who intends Hajj and 'Umrah must enter the state of ihram. As for one who does not intend Hajj or 'Umrah, his entry into Makkah is like his entry into al-Madinah, and there is no difference.