What is Ihram and what are its main rules?
When pilgrims enter the Ihram state it is before Hajj or Umrah, and the state begins at the Miqat, and it continues until completion of the rituals. The main nine things forbidden in Ihram are for men: wearing stitched garments; for women: covering the face/hands; using perfume; cutting hair; trimming nails; hunting, having sexual relations, getting married and arguing/fighting. The majority of the violations are made up through either a sacrifice of a sheep or feeding 6 poor people or fasting for three days. Sexual intercourse before Halq is considered as an invalidation of Umrah, and is given the highest sharia punishment.
Each rule is explained clearly here, so you don't make any mistakes on your pilgrimage.
The 9 Ihram prohibitions
1\. Stitched clothing (men only). The men wear unstitched lower parts of their clothes called Izar and upper parts of their clothes called Rida'. No shirts, pants, underwear or socks. These clothes will not be sewn.
2\. Covering face/hands (women only). Women's hands and face should be uncovered in Ihram. Niqab is removed. Others say that it is OK to drape a cloth over the face when a man passes — it's not face-covering, it's a separate thing.
3\. Perfume on body or clothing. Soaps, deodorant, Ihram or perfume which are scented is not allowed. Before Ihram used unscented soap.
4\. Cutting hair. From any part of the body. No hair – not on the body, and not on the head or face – can be intentionally cut.
5\. Trimming nails. The same goes for it, no clipping.
6\. Hunting. It is illegal to kill land animals or wild birds. Defensive killing of insects that harm may be done (mosquitoes, flies).
7\. Marriage contracts. Is not allowed to perform Nikah (marriage contract) by himself or another person during Ihram. Current marriages are valid.
8\. Sexual relations. Prohibited – between spouses during Ihram. Even kissing, hugging or sexual contact is not allowed.
9\. Arguing and fighting (rafath, fusooq, jidal). Do not have heated arguments, immoral speech, and quarrels. Maintain spiritual focus.
Fidya — penalties for violations
Fidya means compensation. The exact penalty is dependent upon the violation:
| Violation | Fidya |
|---|---|
| Deliberate haircut (3+ hairs) | Sacrifice sheep, feed 6 poor, or fast 3 days |
| Nails cut (3+) | Same as above |
| Perfume is prohibited | Same as above |
| Apparel with stitching (men) | Same as above |
| Covering face (women) | Same as above |
| Hunting | Equivalent value of the animal, donated to Haram of the poor |
| Sexual relations after Tahallul | Sheep |
| If sexual relations occurred before Halq | Then Re-do Camel + complete Umrah |
If the violation was not intentional (for example, a single hair falling, or briefly touching shoulders with the wrong cloth), then no fidya is to be performed.
Common Ihram mistakes BD pilgrims make
- Wearing perfumed Ihram cloth. A lot of BD stores sell Ihram with perfumes. Rinse well with plain soap prior to use.
- Using scented soap or shampoo at hotels. Bring unscented toiletries. Un-scented varieties are sold in Saudi pharmacies.
- Insulating clothes with socks. If it's cold, wear no shoes, cover in a blanket while in Ihram. Sandals cannot extend above the ankle bone.
- The use of stitched belts while wearing Ihram. Money belts should be made of unstitched leather or cloth loops. Many BD pilgrims wear underwear that is sewn by them that is not ihram.
- Touching face or hair during Tawaf. Men accidentally cover their face or scratch their head, removing hair — be conscious.
- With regard to Ihram, the wife's intimacy with her husband is permissible until they enter Halq. One of the frequently made errors by the newlywed pilgrims performing Umrah. Wait until Halq is completed, even before Halq, a kiss is considered Fidya.
What you CAN do in Ihram
- Eat halal food
- Take baths, showers (use no scented water/products)
- Replace Ihram cloths as may be necessary (such as washing original cloths)
- Bring a watch, eyeglasses and hearing aids
- Sleep and rise, read the Quran, recite duas
- Travel by bus, airplane, or on foot.
- Talk to other people, do gift exchange
- Protect yourself against harm
How to renew Ihram if cloth is lost or torn
Many pilgrims who wear Ihram feel concerned when their Ihram material rips, and ask, “If my Ihram is torn, am I still in Ihram?” Yes, Ihram state will be extended. Change the cloth, pay the fidya if it was deliberately cut or changed.
If both are stolen and you don't have anything else to replace them with, cover yourself with any clean cloth (towel, blanket) until you can replace, then pay no emergency fidya.
Special situations
The Ihram for children under puberty: It can be given to them simplified Ihram, or he/she can only take the spirit of Ihram. If they commit a violation, there is no need for them to pay fidya.
Sick pilgrims: If the need for medicine is due to sickness, and the medicine has a scent (such as an antiseptic cream or soap), then the necessity allows it. If there is a possibility to recover, pay the fidya.
Women's menstruation: Doesn't break Ihram. Carries out all rituals (except Tawaf and Salat) in Masjid al-Haram. Sa'i can be done during the menstruation period.
Bleeding from cut: Doesn't break Ihram. Bandage as usual, keeping wounds clean.
When does Ihram end?
For Umrah: After Halq or Taqsir (cutting hair). Now it's time to return to your everyday life.
For Hajj: Two stages — Tahallul al-Awwal (after stoning the Jamarah on day 10 OR after Tawaf al-Ifadhah). All prohibitions (besides marital relations) are lifted with Tahallul al-Thani (after Tawaf al-Ifadhah).
Real-world Ihram rule examples
| Situation | Permitted? | Fidya needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking food in Ihram | Yes | No |
| Drinking Zamzam | Yes (encouraged) | No |
| Mosquito bites you, you swat | Yes | No (defensive) |
| You comb hair, hair falls | Yes | No (incidental) |
| You forget and wear your watch | Yes | No |
| You forget and apply scented hand sanitizer | Yes (forgetfulness exempts) | No on first instance, fidya on repeat |
| You deliberately put cologne | No | Yes — sheep/feeding 6/fast 3 |
