Is it permissible to enter Ihram in Jeddah?

Q: I accompanied one my relatives from Riyadh to the city of Jeddah to re-visit his doctor, and before I left the city of Riyadh, I intended to perform `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) after finishing with the re-examination. While I was staying at one of my relatives' house in Jeddah, I asked him about the way to Al-Sayl to enter Ihram (ritual state for Hajj or `Umrah) from there. My relative who lives in the city of Jeddah advised me to enter Ihram from his home, for he said that it is permissible to enter it from his home in Jeddah. Accordingly, my friend and I entered Ihram from Jeddah. Is the `Umrah that my friend and I performed valid? Please answer us. May Allah benefit you.

A: If the case is as mentioned, you should have entered Ihram from the Miqat (site for entering the ritual state for Hajj or `Umrah), which, in your case, is Al-Sayl. You mentioned that you entered Ihram from Jeddah; consequently, you have left out a rite, namely Ihram from the Miqat. Therefore, you have to offer Dam (atonement required of a pilgrim for a willful violation of a prohibition or obligation while in the ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah), which is a sacrificial animal meeting the same conditions for Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims) (Part No. 10; Page No. 108) to be slaughtered in Makkah and distributed among the poor and needy there. If you are unable to do that, you should observe Sawm (Fasting) for ten days.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.