A complete scholarly guide on the prohibitions of Ihram during Hajj and Umrah. Learn the rules for men and women, clothing restrictions, and expiations.
Praise be to Allah, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, and his companions.
When a Muslim enters the state of Ihram for Hajj or 'Umrah, certain everyday actions become impermissible for them to honor the sanctity of the pilgrimage. Allah the Exalted says:
The scholars divide the prohibitions of Ihram (Mahzurat al-Ihram) into categories that apply to both genders, and those specific to men or women.
1. Removing Hair and Clipping Nails: A pilgrim must not shave, pluck, or cut any hair from their head or body. Allah says:
By scholarly consensus, clipping the fingernails or toenails is attached to this same ruling.
2. Applying Perfume: It is forbidden to apply perfume to the body, clothing, or food after entering Ihram. If a pilgrim passes away while in Ihram, they are not to be perfumed. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said concerning a pilgrim whose camel trampled him to death:
3. Hunting Land Game: It is prohibited to hunt, kill, or assist in killing wild land animals. Allah says:
(Note: Cutting down trees is forbidden within the sanctuary/Haram boundaries of Makkah regardless of whether one is in Ihram or not, but it is not a prohibition of Ihram itself).
4. Marriage Contracts and Proposals: A person in Ihram cannot get married, perform a marriage contract for someone else (as a Wali), or propose marriage. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ clearly stated:
5. Sexual Intercourse and Intimacy: Having marital relations invalidates the Hajj if done before the first release from Ihram (At-Tahallul Al-Awwal). Touching one's spouse with desire or kissing is also strictly forbidden under the general prohibition of "Rafath" (sexual relations) mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:197.
6. Wearing "Sewn" Garments (Al-Mukheet) and Covering the Head: Men are forbidden from covering their heads with tight-fitting items (like caps or turbans) and from wearing tailored clothing. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was asked what a Muhrim should wear, and he replied:
A crucial scholarly clarification: The term "sewn garments" used by the jurists does not mean cloth with stitches in it. It means garments tailored to fit the limbs or the body, such as shirts, pants, underwear, and socks. Wearing a patched Ihram or a money belt with stitching is entirely permissible.
7. Wearing the Niqab and Gloves: A woman in Ihram must not wear the Niqab (a face veil tied to the head that leaves only the eyes visible) or gloves. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ commanded:
Instead, she covers her body normally. When non-mahram men approach or pass by, she simply draws a portion of her overhead covering (Khimar or Jilbab) down over her face, as was the practice of 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) and the female companions. It does not matter if the cloth touches her face.
The Islamic legislation is built upon ease and mercy. If a pilgrim commits any of these prohibitions out of forgetfulness, ignorance of the ruling, or coercion, there is no sin upon them, and no expiation (Fidyah) is required.
Allah the Almighty says:
However, the moment the person remembers or is taught the correct ruling, they must cease the forbidden action immediately. For example, if a man wears a cap out of forgetfulness, he incurs no penalty, but he must remove it the instant he remembers he is in Ihram.
And Allah the Exalted knows best.