The Prophet (along with his companions) reached Mecca in the morning of the fourth of Dhul-Hijja assuming Ihram for Hajj only. So when we arrived at Mecca, the Prophet (ﷺ) ordered us to change our intentions of the Ihram for `Umra and that we could finish our Ihram after performing the `Umra and could go to our wives (for sexual intercourse). The people began talking about that. Jabir said surprisingly, "Shall we go to Mina while semen is dribbling from our male organs?" Jabir moved his hand while saying so. When this news reached the Prophet (ﷺ) he delivered a sermon and said, "I have been informed that some peoples were saying so and so; By Allah I fear Allah more than you do, and am more obedient to Him than you. If I had known what I know now, I would not have brought the Hadi (sacrifice) with me and had the Hadi not been with me, I would have finished the Ihram." At that Suraqa bin Malik stood up and asked "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Is this permission for us only or is it forever?" The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, "It is forever." In the meantime `Ali bin Abu Talib came from Yemen and was saying Labbaik for what the Prophet (ﷺ) has intended. (According to another man, `Ali was saying Labbaik for Hajj similar to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)'s). The Prophet (ﷺ) told him to keep on the Ihram and let him share the Hadi with him.
Book: Sahih al-Bukhari - Partnership
Hadith References: Sahih al-Bukhari 2505, 2506
Contextual Background
This narration from Jabir ibn Abdullah describes the Prophet's Hajjat al-Wada (Farewell Pilgrimage) and addresses the permissibility of tamattu (combining Umrah and Hajj). The companions initially entered ihram for Hajj only but were commanded to change to Umrah, causing confusion about ritual purity.
Legal Ruling on Tamattu Hajj
The Prophet's instruction to change from Hajj to Umrah demonstrates the validity of tamattu form of pilgrimage. His response to the companions' concerns establishes that sexual intercourse after Umrah but before Hajj rites does not invalidate the pilgrimage when following proper procedure.
Prophetic Wisdom in Legislation
The Prophet's statement "If I had known what I know now..." shows divine revelation unfolding progressively. His humility in acknowledging he would have chosen differently without sacrificial animals illustrates how divine wisdom sometimes manifests through circumstances rather than direct revelation.
Permanent Legislation
Suraqa's question and the Prophet's response "It is forever" establish this ruling as enduring Islamic law, not temporary concession. This confirms the perpetual validity of tamattu Hajj for all Muslims until the Day of Judgment.
Case of Ali ibn Abi Talib
Ali's arrival from Yemen with different ihram intentions demonstrates individual circumstances in pilgrimage. The Prophet's instruction to share sacrificial animals shows flexibility in ritual requirements and the importance of unity in worship.