What is the consequence of sexual intercourse before completing the rites of Umrah (Tahallul)?

Chapter on the Description of Hajj

Al-Mughni

Book of Hajj

Book 11 · Issue 1 · Bab 5

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Sexual intercourse performed before achieving completion (Tahallul) of Umrah invalidates the Umrah, and the perpetrator is obligated to offer a sheep (shāh) in expiation in addition to making up the missed Umrah (Qadā'). This ruling is held by the statement being analyzed, which implies the position of Shafi'i's opponents. The rationale is that while intercourse is a prohibited act during Ihram, Umrah lacks the standing (wuquf) element present in Hajj, thus negating the requirement of a camel sacrifice (badanah) as required in Hajj.

Supporting text

Al-Shafi'i holds that the consequence is making up the Umrah and offering a camel (badanah) because Umrah includes Tawaf and Sa'i, thus resembling Hajj. Abu Hanifa maintains that if intercourse occurs before completing four circuits of Tawaf, the ruling is the same as the primary opinion (invalidity and a sheep); however, if intercourse occurs after completing four circuits, only a sheep is due, and the Umrah is not invalidated.