We say: No. For if you were to count the pilgrims and count the accidents that occur, you would find the proportion to be very small—insignificant in comparison with the large number of vehicles and people. Accidents also occurred in the time of the Messenger—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him. At ʿArafah, a man’s she-camel broke his neck, causing him to fall from it and die. (1) This was an accident involving a camel, akin to a car accident. Thus, accidents existed in the time of the Messenger—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—yet despite this, he did not instruct his Companions to make this stipulation as a general practice.

If someone were to ask: What is the benefit of making this stipulation?

We say: Some scholars have said that it has no benefit, and that it is merely wording used as an act of worship. There is no doubt that this view is very weak.

The correct view is that it does have a benefit: if an impediment arises, the person may exit ihram without any cost. By our saying, “without any cost,” we mean without a sacrificial offering. For whoever is prevented from completing the rite is required to offer a sacrifice, due to the saying of Allah, Most High:

“Complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then offer whatever sacrificial animal is available.” [al-Baqarah 2:196]

Thus, if he had made the stipulation and something arises that prevents him from completing the rite, we say to him: Exit ihram without anything being required of you, free of charge.

But if he did not make the stipulation, he may not exit ihram unless he is prevented by an enemy, according to the view held by many scholars. If he is prevented by illness, an accident, loss of his funds, or the like, he remains in ihram and may not exit it. However, if he misses the standing at ʿArafah, he may exit ihram by performing Umrah, then perform Hajj the following year.