Forbidden Acts of Ihram

It is obligatory to refrain from certain deeds from the moment ihram is worn until the end of ihram which are called prohibited acts of ihram.

There are twenty two things forbidden in ihram, out of which some are forbidden only for men/women. The prohibited acts will be discussed in general, followed by rules and issues regarding them. Forbidden acts during ihram are as follows:

Wearing sewn clothes by men;
Wearing footwear that covers upper part of the foot for men;
Covering the head for men and covering the face for women;
Spreading shadow over the head during the day while moving and traveling for men;
Using perfumes and things of good smell;
Looking into a mirror;
Wearing a ring;
Using henna;
Applying oil to the body;
Removing body hair from oneself or from others;
Applying kohl;
Clipping the nails;
Making a part of body bleed;
Fusuq (telling a lie, using bad names and boasting);
Jidal means saying: la wa-Allah (No by God!) and bala wa-Allah (Yes by God!);
To kill those creatures that live on the body;
Uprooting trees or plants in Haram;
Carrying weapons;
Hunting wild animals of the desert;
Sexual intercourse and getting any sort of physical pleasure from one's spouse such as watching (lustfully), kissing and touching;
Marriage; and
Masturbation.

Some of these acts are forbidden even in normal state and their prohibition will be stricter in state of ihram.

Wearing Sewn Clothes (for Men)

Wearing sewn dress such as stitched clothes, shirt, gown, trousers, coat, long coat, underwear, and clothes similar to it as well as dresses with buttons that appear like shirt when the buttons are fastened are forbidden for men in state of ihram. It makes no difference whether dresses are woven or sewn.

There is no objection in carrying sewn objects that are not classified as clothing such as belts, purses, or wallets for keeping money. Similarly, using a hand-watch band is also permitted. Sitting and sleeping on sewn sheet or clothes/dresses that are prohibited to wear are not objectionable. Covering shoulders with a duvet cover or a blanket and the likes that have sewn edges is not objectionable either. There is no objection if edges of clothes of ihram are sewn.

If a person wears sewn clothes intentionally, he must slaughter a sheep as kaffara. In the same way, if a person wears more than one piece of cloth such as pants, coat, shirt or underwear, he must slaughter a sheep for every dress as kaffara. If a person in state of ihram becomes compelled to wear sewn clothing due to cold, sickness, or any other valid reason, he is allowed to do so but based on caution they should slaughter a sheep as kaffara.

Women are allowed to wear all kinds of sewn clothes without any kaffara; however, wearing gloves are not allowed for them.

Wearing Footwear that Covers all the Upper Part of the Foot (for Men)

Men should not wear socks in ihram. On the basis of obligatory caution, they should avoid wearing anything that cover the upper part of foot such as boots, shoes etc. There is no harm in wearing open slippers and shoes with wide leather bands provided that they do not cover the whole upper part of the feet. Covering the feet with a duvet and a covering sheet (and items similar to it) while sitting or sleeping is not objectionable. There is also no problem if dress of ihram is long in such a way that it covers the feet.

If a man is compelled to wear shoes or something that covers the upper part of the feet, he is allowed to do so but on the basis of obligatory caution, he should cut it from upper side. Wearing slippers and socks or other items mentioned above does not require kaffara. However, in case of wearing socks, he slaughters a sheep, as a recommended caution.

The above mentioned rule is related to the men (wearing shoes, socks, etc.). However, as a recommended caution, women act upon it as well.

Covering the Head for Men and Covering the Face for Women

It is not allowed for a man in state of ihram to cover his head with a cap, turban, a handkerchief, a towel or the like. By obligatory caution, a man should avoid placing anything that covers his head such as henna, soap foam, carrying a luggage on his head and the like. The ear is a part of head and therefore covering it in state of ihram is not allowed. Covering a part of the head in such a way that it could be called a covering like putting a small hat in the middle of the head is impermissible. On the other hand, placing a copy of the Holy Qur'an on the head or drying a part of head gradually with a towel is not objected, though it is better to avoid this act. Immersing the whole head in water is prohibited for both men and women, in state of ihram, however, there is no kaffara for it. By obligatory caution, kaffara of covering the head is slaughtering a sheep. For a person who covers the head due to forgetfulness or ignorance, kaffara is not obligatory.

It is forbidden for women in state of ihram to cover their face as hijab against non-mahram or to hide their identity. Therefore, covering a part of face so that it is said that the face is covered like covering the cheeks, nose, mouth, and chin as hijab against non-mahram or to hide one's identity is ruled as covering the whole face and is forbidden. Wearing mask during the state of ihram in order to cover nose and mouth is not forbidden for women.

There is no problem for women in covering around the face (the top, down or sides of head) like what they do while wearing maqna'as in a usual method or while covering the head during prayer which is not considered as covering the face — whether or not during the prayer. It is forbidden for women to cover their face with a hand-fan, paper, newspaper, etc. However placing hands on the face is not objectionable. A woman in state of ihram is allowed to let her abaya or what she has put over her head hang over her face until the upper part of the nose. However, there is a caution not to do so unless a non-mahram is looking at herو it goes with caution that veil should not touch her face. Covering the face does not cause kaffara. However, it is more compatible with caution to pay kaffara.

Shading Over the Head (for Men)

Spreading shadow over the head in state of ihram while moving (e.g. going from miqat to Mecca, from Mecca to 'Arafat, etc.) is not allowed. This rule does not apply to situations where pilgrims stop at a place on their way or upon entering a house or a restaurant. Accordingly, traveling with a roofed bus is impermissible. However, after reaching the holy city of Mecca, shading the head while walking in the residence, restaurants and the likes, is not objectionable. On the basis of caution, a person who is in state of ihram, after reaching the holy city of Mecca and before performing rites of 'umra, 'Arafat, and Mina, should refrain from going under the moving shadow of roofed buses and umbrellas.

The above mentioned rulings are confined to days. Therefore, transportation in a roofed bus during the night is allowed, though observing caution for this matter is better. Riding in roofed buses during cold and rainy nights (so as to avoid cold and rain) should be avoided in state of ihram.

Passing through the shadow of a wall, tree and fixed roofs like a tunnel or a bridge in the daytime is allowed. Prohibition of shading is specifically for men. Therefore, this issue does not include women. The kaffara of shading is slaughtering a sheep. If a person is going under a shadow due to illness or a genuine excuse, he may do so but he must slaughter a sheep as a kaffara.

A person who shades himself in state of ihram has to pay kaffara only once during each ihram, even if the person shades himself more than once. Therefore, if one shades several times during 'umra, he is to pay only one kaffara.

Using Fragrance

Using any kind of fragrance like perfume, incense, rose water and other common fragrances is forbidden in state of ihram. It is impermissible to wear a previously perfumed dress as long as the smell remains. On the basis of caution, using scented soap/shampoo is not allowed in state of ihram.

On the basis of obligatory caution, a person who is in state of ihram should avoid smelling anything that is scented even though it is not considered as perfume such as flowers, vegetables and scent of fruits. Eating a food that is mixed with saffron is forbidden during ihram. There is no objection in eating fragrant fruits like apple and oranges etc. However, as an obligatory caution, one should avoid smelling them. A person in state of ihram is not allowed to avoid unpleasant smell by covering his nose. However, passing through/going out of a place with unpleasant odor is no problem.

On the basis of obligatory caution, one should slaughter a sheep as a kaffara if he uses fragrances intentionally whether these are utilized in food like saffron or any other medium (clothing or body parts).

Looking in a Mirror

It is haram to look in a mirror for sake of adornment. A person's looking in the mirror for other purposes such as a driver looking in incense the mirror of car is no problem. Looking into crystal clear water or polished smooth objects in which one can see his/her reflection has the same ruling as looking in the mirror, as long as it is carried out for the purpose of adornment. If a person is living in room that has a mirror and if he knows that h she may look in it unintentionally, there is no problem to stay there but it is better to take the mirror out of the room or cover it.

Wearing glasses is not objectionable if it would not be for beautification. There is no problem in taking photos with camera in state of ihram.

Looking in a mirror does not result in kaffara but on the basis of obligatory caution one should say talbiya after looking in it.

Wearing a Ring

On the basis of obligatory caution, a person in ihram should avoid wearing a ring if it is considered as adornment. If wearing a ring is not for the purpose of adornment rather as a Mustaḥabb act or for other purposes, it is not objectionable. Wearing a ring in the state of ihram does not result in kaffara.

Applying Henna or Dying One's Hair

On the basis of obligatory caution, a person in state of ihram should avoid using henna or dying hair if they are considered as adornment. Furthermore, one should refrain from anything that is considered as adornment. If a person applies henna on his/her hands, feet, nails, or dyes hair before entering into the state of ihram and its effect remains until the time of ihram, there is no problem. Dying hair and applying henna do not result in kaffara.

Applying Oil to Body

It is not permissible for a person in state of ihram to apply oil to his/her body or hair whether it is scented/used for adornment or not. Scented oil should not be applied before entering into the state of ihram if the scent remains at the time of ihram. There is no problem in consuming scentless cooking oil and fat.

If a person is compelled to apply oil for treatment so as to avoid harmful sun rays or preventing perspiration that may affect the skin adversely, there is no objection. On the basis of caution, the kaffara of applying scented oil is slaughtering a sheep and in case of applying scentless oil, kaffara is feeding a needy person. It is not remote to say that kaffara is not obligatory in both cases.

Removing Hair

In state of ihram, removing, shaving, cutting, or plucking hair (even very small quantity) from any part of body or head is forbidden. There is no difference in the ruling whether a person is removing hair from his/her body or removing hair from head/body of others. If hair is removed unintentionally during the course of doing wudu', ghusl, or tayammum, there is no objection to it. If a person is compelled to remove hair such as a bothering hair under the eyelid or hair of the head if it causes pain in the head, there is no objection.

In state of ihram, if a person shaves his head intentionally, he must slaughter a sheep as kaffara. But, if a person commits this act due to ignorance or unintentionally, there is no kaffara for him. If a person is compelled to shave his/her head, its kaffara is giving twelve mudds (1 mudd = 750 gram) food to six needy persons, or keeping three fasts or slaughtering a sheep. In state of ihram, if a person cuts his/her hair with scissors or machine, he should slaughter a sheep as a kaffara on the basis of obligatory caution.

In state of ihram, if a person touches his/her head and any of his hair falls down, on the basis on Mustaḥabb caution, he/she should give a handful of wheat, flour, or the like as alms.

Applying Kohl

In state of ihram, if applying kohl is considered as beautification, it is not allowed. Similarly, eyeliner (black or any color) used by women is prohibited.

Cutting Nails

Cutting nails is haram for a person who is in state of ihram whether he cuts his nails of hand/foot partly or completely. There is no difference in the ruling whether the act is done using a clipper, scissors, or other means. If one is compelled to cut one's nails such as when a part of the nail is broken and the remnant causes pain, there is no objection to it.

Cutting others' nails is not objectionable.

Kaffara of cutting nails is as follows:

If a person clips one or more nails of the hand or foot, he must give one mudd (750 gm.) of food to a needy person for each nail.
If all the nails of both hands/feet are clipped, the kaffara is a sheep.
If a person clips all fingernails and toenails in one turn, he will have to slaughter a sheep. But if he/she clips all fingernails in one turn and all toenails in the other, he should slaughter two sheep as kaffara.

Bleegin From Body and Extracting Teeth

On the basis of obligatory caution, a person in state of ihram should not do anything that may cause bleeding. There is no objection in getting injection in state of ihram. However if it results in bleeding, one should avoid doing so except for urgent situations. On the basis of obligatory caution, in state of ihram one should refrain from extracting one's tooth if it causes bleeding; emergency situation is an exception. Bleeding does not result in kaffara, however it is Mustaḥabb to slaughter a sheep.

Fusuq

Fusuq refers to

telling a lie,
using rude/offensive language (cursing/swearing)
boasting

The degree of prohibition of lying and cursing during ihram is worse than normal conditions whereas boasting is not forbidden in normal conditions but it is prohibited during ihram.

Fusuq has no kaffara. Nevertheless one should seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty.

Jidal

It is forbidden for a person in ihram to take an oath by the name of Allah Almighty, such as saying 'la wa-Allah' [no, by Allah] or 'bala wa-Allah' [yes, by Allah] in a conflict. On the basis of obligatory caution, one should avoid swearing by the translated names of Allah in other languages, such as God in English. It is also an obligatory caution that one should avoid swearing by the other names of Allah, Almighty such as al-Rahman [the Most Gracious], al-Rahīm [the Most Merciful], al-Qadir [the Powerful], etc. Swearing by other sacred things is not forbidden during the state of ihram.

If a person swears truly, he/she must ask forgiveness from Allah Almighty. However, if the act is committed once/twice, then there is no kaffara. But, if the act is committed more than twice, then kaffara would be slaughtering of a sheep. If a person swears falsely once/twice, he/she should slaughter a sheep as a kaffara. On the basis of caution, he/she should slaughter two sheep for the second time. But, if a person commits this act more than twice, he should slaughter a cow.

Killing Those Creatures That Live on the Body

On the basis of caution, killing lice which live on the human body in state of ihram is not allowed. Similar ruling holds for other insects like fleas.

Uprooting a Tree or a Plant of Haram

Uprooting, cutting, or breaking trees and plants of the Holy Haram is forbidden whether a person is in state of ihram or not. This ruling is not applied to the plants that are uprooted due to walking or those being utilized as fodder of animal. Uprooting the dry grass and plants has no kaffara, but it is obligatory to seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty. On the other hand, if a tree is uprooted, on the basis of obligatory caution, he will have to slaughter a cow as kaffara.

Carrying Weapons

A person is not allowed to carry weapons in state of ihram. If carrying weapons is required for saving one's life or that of others, it is permissible.

Hunting the Animals of the Desert

Hunting the animals of the desert in state of ihram is prohibited. But, if a person is afraid of their danger and harm, killing them is not forbidden. Hunting birds and locusts is also forbidden. Eating the meat of a hunted animal is also forbidden for a person who is in state of ihram whether he hunted them or they were hunted by another person, irrespective of whether the hunter is in state of ihram or not.

There is no problem in hunting sea animals such as fishes and eating their meat for a person who is in state of ihram. Slaughtering and eating the meat of domestic animals like sheep, goats, and chicken is no problem for a person who is in state of ihram.

Hunting animals within the boundaries of the Holy Haram is not allowed for individuals whether they are in the state of ihram or not.

There are a lot of rules for hunting and kaffara during ihram. As these rulings are not frequently encountered by people, these are not discussed here.

Sexual Pleasure

In state of ihram, sexual intercourse or any other sexual enjoyment with wife for a muhram man or with husband in case of muḥrim women such as patting, kissing, or looking lustfully at her/him is prohibited. Husband and wife are allowed to look at each other or touch each other's hand without lustful intentions. The people who are mahram for a person such as father, mother, brother, sister, uncle, aunt etc. remain mahram even in this state of ihram.

The kaffara of sexual intercourse with one's spouse is slaughtering a camel. In some cases, it results in invalidation of hajj and details of these cases have been mentioned in detailed jurisprudential books. There is a specific kaffara for every form of carnal pleasure and the detail of kaffara have been mentioned in detailed jurisprudential books.

Marriage

It is prohibited for a person in state of ihram to conclude a marriage contract whether for himself/herself or on behalf of another person, irrespective of whether that person is in state of ihram or not. Such kind of marriage contract is void. As far as the above mentioned ruling is concerned, it makes no difference whether the marriage contract is permanent or temporary.

Masturbation

Masturbation is prohibited in state of ihram and its ruling for kaffara is the same as the ruling for sexual intercourse.

In Hajj

Ihram is the very first obligation of hajj. Ihram of hajj is the same as the ihram of 'umra in terms of quality, conditions, rules, kaffara, and prohibited things. The difference lies only with intention i.e. one should become muḥrim with the intention of performing the rituals of hajj. All aspects about ihram for 'umra hold equal validity for ihram of hajj. Ihram starts with making intention and saying talbiya. However, ihram of hajj has its certain characteristics which will be mentioned below.

The miqat of ihram for hajj al-tamattu' is the holy city of Mecca. It is better that a person becomes muḥrim in the holy Masjid al-Haram. To become muḥrim in any place in the holy city of Mecca is valid even in the newly built areas. There is a caution to become muḥrim in the old places of the city. However, if a person doubts whether this place is within the holy city of Mecca or not, it is incorrect to become muḥrim in it.

It is obligatory to become muḥrim early enough to reach the land of 'Arafat on the 9th of Dhu l-Hijja by noon. The best time for wearing ihram is at the noon on the 8th of Dhu l-Hijja (the day of Tarwiya). It is permissible to wear ihram before that time especially for the old and sick people who are afraid of crowd. Those who need urgently to exit the holy city of Mecca may also wear their ihram before the mentioned time.

If a person forgets to wear ihram and goes to Mina and 'Arafat, it is obligatory for him to go back to the holy city of Mecca and become muḥrim. If this is impossible due to shortage of time or any other excuse, he can wear ihram in the place of remembrance and his hajj would be valid. The same ruling applies to a person who is unaware of the rule. If a person forgets to wear ihram and he/she finishes the rituals of hajj, his/her hajj would be valid. The same ruling applies to a person who does not know the rule. However, on the basis of Mustaḥabb caution, they may perform hajj the next year again.

If a person neglects ihram consciously and deliberately until he misses wuquf (stay) at 'Arafat and al-Mash'ar, his hajj is void.

A person, who is allowed to perform the rites of Mecca before the wuquf at 'Arafat and al-Mash'ar, should perform these deeds in state of ihram. In case, they perform them without ihram, they should repeat the acts of worship in state of ihram.