Prohibitions and Permissible Acts in the State of Ihrām

Introduction

When entering into the sacred state of Ihrām for Hajj or Umrah, a Muslim undertakes a state of spiritual sanctity that requires avoiding certain acts known as Muḥarramāt al-Iḥrām (prohibited acts during Ihrām). Failing to observe these restrictions can result in the invalidation of the pilgrimage or the obligation to pay fidya (compensatory sacrifice).

This guide outlines the prohibited and permissible acts during Ihrām, along with etiquette for behaviour in the Haram (sacred sanctuary).

Prohibited Acts During Ihrām (Muḥarramāt al-Iḥrām)

These actions are explicitly forbidden while one is in the state of Ihrām:

1. Hair Removal

• Cutting, trimming, plucking, or removing hair from any part of the body is haram.

• If done due to necessity, the person must offer fidya:

  • Feed six poor people (approx. 6.5 kg of grain),

  • Fast for three days, or

  • Slaughter a goat.

2. Clipping Nails

• Cutting nails is forbidden for both men and women during Ihrām.

3. Wearing Stitched Clothing (for Men)

• Men are prohibited from wearing stitched garments, socks, or covering the head.

• Wearing shoes that cover the ankles is also forbidden.

4. Use of Fragrance

• Applying perfume or any scented product is forbidden for both genders.

5. Covering the Face or Wearing Gloves (for Women)

• Women may not wear gloves or face veils (niqāb), though they may drape a cloth over their face in the presence of non-maḥram men, as practised by the wives of the Prophet ﷺ and female companions.

6. Marriage and Proposals

• Engaging in a marriage contract or betrothal is not allowed.

7. Hunting Wild Animals

• Hunting is strictly prohibited within the state of Ihrām.

• If done unintentionally, one must compensate with fidya according to the animal hunted.

Examples of Fidya for Hunting:

If unable to offer an animal, equivalent grain must be donated. For every 2 kg (1 ṣāʿ) of grain, one fast should be observed.

8. Sexual Relations

• Sexual intercourse invalidates the Hajj entirely.

• Kissing or touching with desire is also forbidden and incurs a penalty (dam), though it does not nullify the pilgrimage.

9. Arguing and Disputing

• Engaging in fighting or quarrelling is strictly prohibited.

10. Grooming Activities

• Combing hair is discouraged unless necessary, to avoid unintentionally removing hair.

Etiquette in the Holy Sanctuaries (Adāb al-Ḥaramayn)

While within the boundaries of Makkah or Madinah, additional etiquettes apply:

1. Protection of Flora

• Cutting or damaging naturally growing trees, grass, or vegetation is forbidden.

• Exceptions include:

  • The grass Idhkhir,

  • Dead plants or grass,

  • Vegetation grown by humans.

2. Prohibition of Hunting

• As with Ihrām, hunting in the Haram area is not allowed.

• Domesticated animals, like chickens or goats, may be slaughtered for food.

3. Lost Items

• Items found should not be picked up unless the finder intends to report or submit them to lost-and-found authorities.

Permissible Acts During Ihrām (Mubāḥāt al-Iḥrām)

There are many actions that remain permissible despite being in the state of Ihrām:

1. Ritual Bathing (Ghusl)

• Taking a bath is permissible, whether for cleanliness or cooling off.

• All scholars agree on the permissibility of ghusl during Ihrām.

2. Washing the Head and Body

• Pouring water on the head and rubbing it is allowed.

• If hair falls off unintentionally, there is no sin.

3. Use of Unscented Soap

• Unscented soaps may be used for washing, especially by adherents of the Hanafi school.

4. Accidental Covering of the Head

• Accidental head covering while bathing or diving is excusable.

5. Changing Ihrām Garments

• Ihrām cloths may be changed or washed as needed.

6. Seeking Shade

• It is permissible to sit or walk under shade: umbrellas, trees, tents, or vehicle roofs are allowed.

7. Eye Treatments

• Medicinal eye-drops or surma (kohl) are allowed for necessity.

• Applying surma purely for adornment is discouraged but no penalty is due.

8. Sea Food Consumption

• Fishing in the sea and eating sea creatures like fish is permitted.

9. Accidental Touch

• Touching a woman accidentally without lust carries no blame.

• However, intentional touching with desire is prohibited.

10. Killing Harmful Creatures

• It is allowed to kill dangerous or harmful animals, including:

  • Scorpions, snakes, rats, mad dogs, and crows (black and white).

  • Lions, tigers, wolves may also be killed for safety.

11. Minor Insects

• Flies, mosquitoes, lice, and other insects may be removed or killed if they cause irritation.

12. Covering the Face (Not Head)

• Men may not cover their heads, but may cover the face.

13. Medical Procedures

• Cupping (ḥijāmah), bloodletting, or scratching the body is permitted, even if a hair falls out.

14. Accessories

• Items such as belts, watches, glasses, purses, mirrors, rings (silver for men), and jewellery (for women) are allowed.

15. General Cleanliness

• Removing broken nails, dental treatment, using ointments, and covering the head momentarily when lifting something are all acceptable when done out of necessity.

Conclusion

The sacred state of Ihrām symbolises humility, devotion, and spiritual detachment. By understanding the prohibitions and permissions, pilgrims can ensure that their Hajj or Umrah is valid, rewarded, and free from errors. Observing the sanctity of the Haram and following the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ reflects the true spirit of the pilgrimage.