Entering the state of Ihram is a sacred covenant where certain normally permissible actions become strictly forbidden. Learn the exact prohibitions, gender-specific rulings, Dam penalty expiations, and common misconceptions for Pakistani pilgrims.
These five actions invalidate or penalize the Ihram of both male and female pilgrims equally:
خوشبو، معطر صابن یا لوشن کا استعمال
Once in Ihram, you cannot use Itr, perfume, scented wet wipes, scented soaps, scented shampoos, or scented deodorants on body or clothing.
بال کاٹنا، مونڈنا یا نوچنا
Do not remove hair from anywhere on your head, beard, mustache, armpits, pubic area, or body. Avoid rough scratching that causes hair to fall.
ناخن تراشنا یا کاٹنا
Do not trim or cut fingernails or toenails while in the sacred state of Ihram. If a nail breaks painfully, you may cut off the broken piece without penalty.
جماع اور شہوانی حرکات
Direct intercourse, foreplay, sensual touching, proposing marriage, or performing a Nikah ceremony are strictly prohibited by the Quran (Al-Baqarah 2:197).
شکار کرنا یا حدود حرم کے درخت و گھاس کاٹنا
Pilgrims cannot hunt or assist in hunting wild land animals, nor pluck green plants or cut trees inside the sacred boundaries of Makkah and Madinah.
Specific jurisprudence governing clothing, footwear, and coverings for brothers and sisters:
Men cannot wear sewn clothes tailored to limbs: shirts, trousers, underwear, stitched vests, tracksuits, or socks. Two unstitched sheets (Izar and Rida) must be worn.
Caps, hats, turbans, hoods, or resting a folded sheet directly on the head/forehead are prohibited. Carrying an umbrella overhead or sitting under a vehicle roof is 100% permitted.
Men must wear open footwear (sandals, flip-flops) that leaves the ankle bone and the raised mid-foot bone uncovered. Closed shoes, boots, and sneakers are prohibited.
Women cannot wear a stitched Niqab tied to the face. The Prophet ﷺ said: "A woman in Ihram should not wear a face veil or gloves." (Bukhari). She may drape a scarf over a cap/visor to conceal her face from non-mahram men without fabric pressing directly onto her skin.
Women cannot wear hand gloves. They may pull their abaya sleeves down over their hands if needed.
Unlike men, women wear ordinary modest stitched clothing (Abaya, Salwar Kameez, Hijab, socks, and normal closed walking shoes). There is no specific color requirement (black, white, or navy are all permissible).
Many pilgrims unnecessarily burden themselves due to cultural misinformation. These actions are 100% halal in Ihram:
If done out of forgetfulness or ignorance, immediately wash off the fragrance with unscented water and seek Allah’s forgiveness (Istighfar). According to Hanafi and Hanbali scholars, if removed promptly without intent, no Dam penalty is incurred.
No. Men cannot wear stitched underwear, boxers, or briefs under the Izar. The lower sheet must be wrapped securely. To prevent chafing, use unscented Vaseline or medicated anti-chafing powder.
Yes! A woman can either clip 1 inch of her own hair or have another female pilgrim or her Mahram clip it for her once Sa’i is completed.
Yes, using a natural fresh Miswak is Sunnah. Unscented toothpaste is permitted. Scented flavored toothpaste should be avoided unless necessary, ensuring no bleeding of the gums occurs.
Connect with our resident scholars and Muallims for immediate fiqh rulings and Dam clarification.
