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Questions & Answers

Ihram

What actions are prohibited while in the state of Ihram?

The prohibited acts are as follows:

(1) Removing or cutting hair, and cutting the fingernails and toenails. However, if some hair falls out forgetfully or unintentionally while scratching the body, there is no problem.

(2) Perfume must not be used after entering ihram.

(3) Sexual intercourse with one’s wife, engaging in sexual activity, looking at her with desire, touching her, kissing her, caressing or embracing her, or speaking of such matters are prohibited.

(4) Contracting or arranging a marriage, or even making a marriage proposal, is prohibited. Whether for oneself or for someone else, both are prohibited.

(5) Hunting or killing land animals is prohibited. Do not assist in it. However, you may catch fish from the water. Hunting animals within the boundaries of the Haram is prohibited even for those who are not in ihram.

(6) Wearing stitched clothing is not permitted. However, you may use a watch, ring, glasses, hearing aid, belt, wallet, etc.

(7) Women may wear stitched clothing.

(8) Covering the head is prohibited. Do not cover the face either. The head must not be covered with the ihram cloth, a turban, cap, towel, gamcha, or any other cloth. However, you may sit under the shade of an umbrella, tent, vehicle roof, or the roof of a house. If the head is covered forgetfully or unintentionally, the covering must be removed as soon as one remembers. Women shall keep their heads covered.

(9) Women shall not wear gloves. They shall not cover their faces with a niqab. If veiling is necessary, they shall cover with their headscarves.

(10) Do not quarrel.

(11) Whether in ihram or not, no one may cut any naturally growing tree or green vegetation within the boundaries of the Haram in Makkah Sharif.