When the pilgrims reach Mecca, the governor’s authority over any of them who will not be returning with him comes to an end, and he no longer has authority over that person. Those who will be returning remain under his authority and are bound to obey his directives. Once the people have completed their Hajj, he should allow them the number of days customarily needed to settle their affairs and pack their belongings. He should not pressure them to leave in a manner that would cause them harm.

When he sets out with them on their return, he should take the route to Medina so that they may visit the grave of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, out of regard for its sanctity and in fulfillment of the rights entailed by obedience to him. Although this is not one of the obligatory rites of Hajj, it is among the recommended acts of the Sacred Law and among the commendable customs of pilgrims. Umar narrated that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “Whoever visits my grave, my intercession becomes obligatory for him.”

As he returns with them, he remains bound by the duties toward them that he undertook at the outset, until he reaches their homeland with them. His authority over them then ends when he returns there. If his authority is specifically over conducting the Hajj, then in this respect he is like the imam in leading the prayer.