During the Hajj journey, many pilgrims are seen entering ihram, going to Makkah, and repeatedly performing Umrah after completing one Umrah. However, there is no acceptable evidence in support of this. Therefore, the rule is not to perform multiple Umrahs in a single journey. Rather than performing multiple Umrahs, it is better to perform tawaf frequently. This is because,
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not perform multiple Umrahs in a single journey.
Neither the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) nor the noble Companions performed multiple Umrahs in a single journey.
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) instructed those performing Tamattu Hajj to remain out of ihram after completing Umrah.[1]
Furthermore, according to one narration, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) performed Umrah a total of four times in his lifetime.[2] However, there is no evidence that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) ever left Makkah for a place beyond the boundary of the Haram in order to perform Umrah.[3]
However, there is evidence of performing Umrah more than once a year at times other than the Hajj season. During the rule of Ibn al-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) in Makkah, Ibn Umar performed two Umrahs each year. Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) performed as many as three Umrahs in a year.[4] It is also narrated from her that she performed two Umrahs in a month.[5] One hadith states, “Perform Hajj and Umrah repeatedly, for these two remove poverty and sins.”[6] Regarding the noble Companions, it was seen that after performing one Umrah, they would perform another only after the hair on their heads had turned black again, and not before that.[7] Therefore, if someone still wishes to perform Umrah, it may be performed after Hajj, as Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) did. However, there is no evidence that the Messenger encouraged her to do so.[8]
[1]. Bukhari: 1568; Muslim: 1216.
[2]. The first time: the Umrah of Hudaybiyah, which he could not complete because he was prevented on the way. Rather, he exited ihram there by shaving his head. The second time: Umrat al-Qada. The third time: from Ji‘ranah. The fourth time: together with the Farewell Hajj.
[3]. Zad al-Ma‘ad: 2/92–95.
[4]. Sayyid Sabiq, Fiqh al-Sunnah: 7/749.
[5] Zad al-Ma‘ad: 2/93.
[6]. Tirmidhi: 810; Nasai: 2630; Ibn Majah: 2887; Musnad Ahmad: 1/25.
[7]. Zad al-Ma‘ad: 2/90–95.
[8]. Zad al-Ma‘ad: 2/92–95.