It is essential for a pilgrim to learn the rulings related to Umrah before setting out for pilgrimage to avoid falling into mistakes, and to perform the Umrah in accordance with the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) as Allah pleases.
Many pilgrims fall into mistakes, that make their pilgrimage imperfect, and might require a damm or fidyah. Amongst such mistakes are:
Entering Ihram after crossing the Miqaat
Many pilgrims miss the obligation of assuming Ihram from the miqaat.
Some delay entering Ihram until they reach Jeddah, wrongly assuming that Jeddah is a miqaat. While others are completely unaware of this obligation, and assume Ihram upon reaching Makkah.
In some cases, the pilgrim delays entering the Ihram until they reach miqaat. However, their plane crosses the miqaat while they are asleep, or simply no announcement is made, and they miss out on this important obligation.
Each of the above scenarios consists of leaving out this wajib, which requires a recompensation in the form of damm.
Forgetting to Shave/Trim hair after completion of Sai’y
At times, pilgrims complete their Sa’iy, return to their hotel and change into their normal clothes while having forgotten to shave/trim their hair to exit the Ihram.
If a person remembers a short while after, then they must get back into Ihram clothes and shave/trim their hair.
If a few days or a month has passed, then one might require to offer a damm due to missed obligation in the Umrah.
Leaving the Umrah incomplete upon facing difficulty
Some pilgrims assume Ihram to perform an Umrah. However, upon reaching the Haram, they leave their Umrah incomplete due to exhaustion or crowdedness, and think that by simply removing the Ihram clothes, they have exited the Ihram. However, firstly, this is not permissible until they are genuinely unable to complete the rites, even after a few days. Secondly, if they must exit the Ihram, they are required to first offer Hady (damm) and then shave/trim to exit the Ihram.
Wearing stitched clothes (for men)
Some male pilgrims are at times found wearing a vest inside the Ihram, or socks in their feet. Wearing stitched clothes in Ihram is impermissible for men, and they must also avoid wearing socks in their feet, and instead must wear sandals.
If the abovementioned is worn intentionally, then a fidyah must be offered along with it.
Wearing mask (for women)
Similar to the previous mistake, many women wear surgical masks, to avoid getting infected with diseases. However, women are prohibited from wearing niqab, and the surgical mask is akin to niqab.
If the mask is worn intentionally, then a fidyah must be offered along with it.
In case of any of the above scenarios, you can consult our scholar for free in order to determine whether a damm is actually required in your case or no.