Can I perform umrah before hajj even though hajj is farz for me?
I am from dhaka. I have wealth for perform hajj but suffering from lumber stenosis which results pain during walking, standing or sitting within 20 minutes. Doctor advised me exercise and physiotherapy. Can I perform umrah before hajj as it is farz to me ?
Answer
Assalāmuʿalaykum Wa Raḥmatullāhi Wa Barakātuh
Though it will be permissible to perform ʿUmrah before the performance of your Farḍ Ḥajj, we advise you to perform the Ḥajj instead, since there exist many means of transportation during the Ḥajj season which reduces the walking distances significantly. It is also an option that you hire a wheelchair and have someone push you around where transport becomes useless.
Remember, if Ḥajj has become binding upon you, then Allāh ﷻ will question you with regard to it in the case where it had not been fulfilled without a valid reason. ʿUmrah on the other hand, though great in reward, one will not be answerable for the non-performance of it.