Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a sacred journey performed within a set of rules. A Muslim who intends to perform Hajj or Umrah enters Ihram within the boundaries of the Miqat and begins this act of worship.
Ihram is not merely a garment of two pieces of cloth; it is also a sacred state that expresses purification in spirit and body. A person who enters the state of Ihram is prohibited from a range of behaviours.
These prohibitions aim both to preserve the spiritual value of the act of worship and to ensure that pilgrims act with a sense of equality and taqwa. What Are the Prohibitions of Ihram?
The acts prohibited for a person in Ihram can be classified into general prohibitions covering both men and women, and specific prohibitions applying only to men or only to women. 1.
Hunting and Killing Game Animals: A person in Ihram is prohibited from hunting, frightening or killing any land animal. This prohibition includes not only direct hunting but also assisting in hunting.
However, hunting and consuming seafood is permissible (Al-Ma'idah, 5/96). 2.
Cutting Hair and Nails: A person in Ihram cannot remove or cut any hair or nail from the body. This prohibition means interfering with the body's natural state and emphasises that Ihram is to be observed in simplicity and naturalness.
In case of necessity, expiation is required. 3.
Using Fragrance: The use of any product containing a pleasant scent, such as perfume, soap, cream or deodorant, is prohibited in the state of Ihram. Fragrances applied to the body or to the Ihram garment are included in this prohibition.
Although applying fragrance before entering Ihram is permissible, such practices after entering Ihram are considered forbidden. 4.
Sexual Intercourse and Intimacy: For a person in the state of Ihram, sexual intercourse, kissing with sexual desire, touching, and looking with lust are strictly prohibited. Such acts can have serious consequences, including invalidating the Hajj.
In particular, sexual intercourse before Arafat causes the Hajj to be invalid and requires expiation. 5.
Contracting Marriage and Acting as an Intermediary for Marriage: A person in Ihram cannot contract a marriage, propose marriage to another person, or act as an intermediary in this process. This emphasises the seriousness of Ihram and that the state of worship should not be mixed with worldly affairs.
6. Wearing Clothes and Head Covering (for Men): Men are prohibited from wearing stitched clothing, using underwear, covering their heads, and wearing shoes that cover the heels.
The feet must remain uncovered and the head must not be covered. Women enter Ihram in their normal clothing, but they cannot wear a face veil or gloves.
7. Killing Lice, Flies and Pests: A person in the state of Ihram cannot deliberately kill even small pests.
This prohibition is based on the principle of not harming living beings and deepens the spiritual purification dimension of Ihram. 8.
Engaging in Rough, Offensive or Argumentative Behaviour: The Holy Quran commands avoiding foul speech, quarrelling and sinning during Hajj (Al-Baqarah, 2/197). This rule requires the person in Ihram to act patiently, humbly and gently.
9. Harming Trees and Plants (Within the Haram Area): Cutting trees or harming greenery within the Haram area of Makkah is prohibited.
This is a measure aimed at preserving the sanctity and natural texture of Makkah. --- Prohibitions Requiring Expiation: Some Ihram prohibitions require expiation if violated.
These expiations may take the form of giving charity, fasting or offering a sacrifice. In particular, some deliberate violations can result in both expiation and the need to repeat the act of worship.
Finally, Ihram is both a garment and a state of consciousness. This state aims for the pilgrim to be purified materially and spiritually and to detach from the world and egoistic desires.
Observing the prohibitions of Ihram is extremely important for the validity of Hajj and Umrah and for them to be accepted by Allah. Aspiring pilgrims should learn these prohibitions well before entering Ihram and apply them carefully.
