Al-Rawd states: “Repeating ‘Umrah in Ramadan is recommended, for it is equivalent to Hajj.” This is not correct, because the early generations’ disapproval of repeating it applies generally, in Ramadan and at other times.

But does it have especially virtuous times? Yes. In Ramadan, it is equivalent to Hajj, as is authentically reported from the Prophet (1). The sound view is that this applies generally, contrary to those who held that this hadith concerned the woman who had been left behind when the Prophet went for Hajj, and to whom he said: “An ‘Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to performing Hajj with me.” (2) Some scholars maintained that this was specific to that woman, intended to console her; but the correct view is that it is general.

It is also recommended during the months of Hajj—Shawwal, Dhu al-Qa‘dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah—because the Prophet performed ‘Umrah during them. Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, was undecided as to which is better: ‘Umrah during the months of Hajj or ‘Umrah in Ramadan. What appears to be the stronger view, however, is that ‘Umrah in Ramadan is better, because of his statement, “It is equivalent to Hajj,” and because the Prophet repeatedly performed ‘Umrah during the months of Hajj in order to abolish the belief of the people of the pre-Islamic period, who regarded performing ‘Umrah during the months of Hajj as among the most heinous forms of sin. They would say: “When the tracks have faded, the saddle-sores have healed, and Safar has entered, then ‘Umrah becomes lawful for whoever wishes to perform it”—so that people would come to Mecca outside the months of Hajj, resulting in an economic revival.

Issue: Is it permitted on the day of Eid?