The author alluded to this because some scholars held that if a person renounces his ihram, it is thereby annulled and he is released from it.

What the author said is correct: a person remains in ihram even if he renounces it—unless he is not legally accountable, such as a child. If a child renounces his ihram, he is released from it, because he is not subject to binding legal obligations.

His statement, “whether he renounces his ihram or not,” apparently indicates that no expiation is due merely for renouncing it, and that renouncing it or not renouncing it are alike. This is correct.

Some scholars said that he must offer a sacrificial expiation for renouncing it, because it is forbidden for him to leave the rite after having entered into it. Thus, if he renounces it and attempts to withdraw, he has committed a prohibited act and must offer a sacrificial expiation.

Question: A man enters ihram for umrah, then renounces his ihram and commits a prohibited act. Must he offer expiation or not?

Answer: He must offer expiation, because his renunciation of ihram and his discontinuing the intention have no effect. The ruling of ihram therefore remains binding upon him, since one cannot leave a rite except through one of three means:

First: completing the rite.

Second: being released from ihram if he stipulated a condition and that condition occurs.

Third: being prevented from completing the rite.

Question: A fasting man renounces his fast and drinks. We say: his fast is invalidated, whether in Ramadan or outside Ramadan. However, in Ramadan he must still refrain from eating and drinking; it is not lawful for him to do so, because he broke his fast without an excuse.