departure from it may be made only on the basis of established evidence. As for the verse, the wording of the command to “complete” indicates that the duty applies only after one has entered the state of iḥrām (consecration), not before. The rigorously authenticated ḥadīth, “Islam is built on five,” likewise mentions only the hajj, and the Exalted says, “And upon mankind is the pilgrimage to the House for Allah” (3:97).

I say: Some weak reports have circulated that convey the non-obligatory nature of ʿumrah, such as: “O Messenger of Allah, tell me about ʿumrah— is it obligatory?” He replied, “No, but if you perform ʿumrah it is better for you,” recorded by Aḥmad (13877); and the narration, “Hajj is a form of jihad, and ʿumrah is voluntary,” recorded by Ibn Mājah (2980).

Al-Ḥāfiẓ Ibn Ḥajar said: “None of these reports is authentic.” In Subul al-Salām it is stated: “Upon close examination, the proofs do not rise to the level of establishing an obligation whose default state is non-existence.”

I conclude that the stronger view is that ʿumrah is not obligatory—especially for the residents of Mecca—yet the better and safer course is to perform it, and it is an easy, accessible act. All praise and grace belong to Allah.