Question
I went for Umrah from Egypt and wore my Ihram clothes from home. When I arrived at the hotel, I took off these clothes to rest a little and then get up for the Fajr prayer, after which I would perform my Umrah. However, I wore other clothes that were not the ones I was wearing. Is my Umrah valid?
Answer
I say, and with God's success: The Ihram clothing is specific to men after entering the state of Ihram, not before. If you have entered Ihram, it is required that you do not wear anything else. If you wear something else for a day or a night, you are required to sacrifice a sheep in the sacred area. If it is less than that, you are required to give charity equivalent to half a sa' (a measure of volume). Thus, the deficiency in Umrah is compensated, and it is valid. And God knows best.