Performing Umrah in Shawwal is permissible and carries great reward. The Prophet performed his Umrahs outside of Shawwal, but his companions performed Umrah in Shawwal. A pilgrim who performs Umrah in Shawwal and then performs Hajj in the same season is considered a mutamatti' (performing Hajj tamattu') and must offer a sacrifice.
Performing Umrah in Shawwal is permissible, virtuous, and was practiced by the Companions. Shawwal is one of the designated Hajj months (Shawwal, Dhul Qa'dah, and the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah), and performing Umrah during these months is the Sunnah of the Companions. A pilgrim who performs Umrah in Shawwal and intends to perform Hajj in the same year becomes a mutamatti', performing Hajj tamattu', and is required to offer a sacrifice (hady).
Sheikh Ibn Baz stated that Umrah in Shawwal is one of the best forms of Umrah because it falls within the Hajj months and can be combined with Hajj as tamattu'. He mentioned that the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded his companions during the Farewell Hajj to convert their Hajj to Umrah and then perform Hajj separately — this occurred in the Hajj months, demonstrating the virtue of this practice.
Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen explained that if a person performs Umrah in Shawwal and then returns to his country before coming back for Hajj, scholars differ on whether he is still considered a mutamatti'. The majority hold that returning home between Umrah and Hajj breaks the tamattu' connection, meaning he would not owe a sacrifice. However, if he remains in Makkah or performs Hajj without returning home, the tamattu' connection remains and the sacrifice is obligatory.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'An Umrah in Ramadan is equal (in reward) to a Hajj — or a Hajj with me.'
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'An Umrah in Ramadan is equal (in reward) to a Hajj — or a Hajj with me.'
The Prophet (peace be upon him) told his companions to make their Hajj into Umrah (during the Hajj months), and he said: 'If I had known beforehand what I know now, I would not have brought a sacrificial animal, and I would have made it an Umrah.'
The Prophet (peace be upon him) told his companions to make their Hajj into Umrah (during the Hajj months), and he said: 'If I had known beforehand what I know now, I would not have brought a sacrificial animal, and I would have made it an Umrah.'
Scholars from different schools of Islamic jurisprudence offer varying perspectives on this matter.
Umrah in Shawwal is valid and carries the same reward as Umrah in other months. If followed by Hajj, the pilgrim is performing tamattu' and owes a sacrifice.
Al-Hidayah: Umrah in the Hajj months followed by Hajj constitutes tamattu'.
Umrah in Shawwal is permissible. The Maliki school actually considers Umrah in the Hajj months to be makruh for those not intending Hajj, as it was not the frequent practice of the Prophet.
Al-Mudawwanah: Imam Malik disliked Umrah in the Hajj months unless followed by Hajj.
Umrah in Shawwal is permissible and valid. If followed by Hajj in the same year, it is tamattu' and the pilgrim owes a sacrifice.
Al-Majmu' by al-Nawawi: Umrah in the Hajj months is valid and may constitute tamattu'.
Umrah in Shawwal is recommended, especially if the person intends Hajj in the same year. Tamattu' is the preferred form of Hajj in the Hanbali school.
Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudamah: tamattu' (Umrah then Hajj) is the best form of Hajj.
This is a scholarly summary, not a personal fatwa. Consult your scholar for personal rulings.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'An Umrah in Ramadan is equal (in reward) to a Hajj — or a Hajj with me.'
Sahih al-Bukhari #1863 (sahih)The Prophet (peace be upon him) told his companions to make their Hajj into Umrah (during the Hajj months), and he said: 'If I had known beforehand what I know now, I would not have brought a sacrificial animal, and I would have made it an Umrah.'
Sahih al-Bukhari #1568 (sahih)