However...

However, there are two exceptions: i) If a pilgrim has made a vow (nadhr) to wear ihram before the Meqat, it is valid to do so, it is not necessary to renew it at the Meqat, or pass through it. Indeed, it is permissible to proceed straight to Makkah without passing through any Meqat. In this regard, there is no difference between an obligatory and an optional pilgrimage or Umrat-ul-Mufradah.

However, if the ihram is for an obligatory pilgrimage, then it is necessary that he should wear the ihram in the season of the pilgrimage, as has already been discussed. ii) If a pilgrim wishes to perform Umrat-ul-Mufradah in the month of Rajab, and fears that the month will elapse before he proceeded to the Meqat, it is permissible to wear the ihram before the Meqat and it will count as the Umrah of Rajab, even if the remaining ceremonies were performed in Sha’ban.

In this regard, it does not matter whether the Umrah is obligatory or optional. Rule 2: It is obligatory for the pilgrim to be certain that he reaches the Meqat and wears the ihram there. He must be satisfied or have shari’a proof that the place is the Meqat. It is not permissible to wear the ihram if there is doubt whether the Meqat has been reached. Rule 3: If a pilgrim had made a vow to wear ihram before Meqat and contrary to it wears ihram at the Meqat, his ihram is not invalidated.

However, he must pay kaffarah for infringing the vow, if he did so deliberately. Rule 4: Just as it is not permissible to wear an ihram before reaching Meqat, so is it not permissible to delay wearing it. It is not permissible for a person who intends to perform a pilgrimage or Umrah or to enter the Haram or Makkah to pass by the Meqat, by choice, without wearing an ihram there, even if there is another Meqat ahead.

If a pilgrim passes by a Meqat, he must, if possible, return to it to wear the ihram. There is one exception for those who pass Thul Hulaifah to Johfa, without excuse. In such a case, it is evident that wearing the ihram from Johfa is sufficient, albeit he is sinful. As a matter of precaution, it is not permissible to pass any place which is parallel to one of the Meqats without wearing an ihram, although one can ignore this precaution because there is another Meqat ahead or parallel.