Definition of the Prohibitions of Ihram

Dr. Ali Gomaa, former Grand Mufti of Egypt and member of Al-Azhar’s Council of Senior Scholars, explains that the prohibitions of Ihram are a set of acts that a pilgrim must avoid during Hajj or Umrah in order to complete their rituals correctly.

These restrictions are intended to create a state of spiritual purity, humility, and detachment from worldly distractions.

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First: Wearing Stitched and Fitted Clothing

A pilgrim may wear stitched clothing if it is not form-fitting. The prohibited type is clothing that is both stitched and fitted, such as trousers or shirts.

Permissible items include:

• Rings
• Watches
• Belts

because they are not considered prohibited stitched garments.

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Second: Removing Hair

It is forbidden for the pilgrim to remove any body hair by any means, including:

• Shaving
• Plucking
• Using creams or similar methods

This includes hair of the head, beard, mustache, and all body hair—even if done unintentionally.

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Third: Using Perfume or Fragrances

It is prohibited for the pilgrim to use perfume on:

• The body
• Clothing
• Food or drink

This includes all forms of scented products.

As for scented soap or shampoo, scholars differ, but it is safer to avoid them to remain cautious.

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Fourth: Covering the Head or Face

A male pilgrim must not cover his head, while a female pilgrim must not cover her face during Ihram.

However, if a woman finds it difficult to uncover her face, she may let a cloth hang loosely without touching it directly.

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Fifth: Combing the Hair

Combing or styling hair is prohibited during Ihram due to the possibility of hair falling out.

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Sixth: Clipping the Nails

Cutting nails is not allowed unless a nail breaks and causes harm, in which case it may be removed.

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Seventh: Hunting

It is forbidden for a pilgrim to hunt wild animals or interfere with them in any way, whether inside or outside the sacred boundaries.

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Eighth: Marriage Contract

A pilgrim is not allowed to marry, officiate a marriage, or act as an agent in a marriage contract. Any such contract is considered invalid.

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Ninth: Marital Intercourse

All forms of sexual intercourse are strictly prohibited and can invalidate Hajj or Umrah if done before the first release from Ihram.

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Tenth: Physical Intimacy

Physical intimacy with desire, such as kissing or touching, is also prohibited during Ihram.

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Expiation for Violations

If a pilgrim commits any of these violations, the expiation is:

• Slaughtering a sheep
• Or fasting three days
• Or feeding six poor people

However, Hajj is only invalidated by sexual intercourse before the first release from Ihram.