Five Things Forbidden in Ihram to Remember

Are you ready to embark on Hajj? Have you gone through the requirements and prohibitions of Ihram? Missing out on this part can cost you heftily. To make your Hajj valid, you must have perfect knowledge about the things forbidden in Ihram. We have covered the five most important ones in this article.

What is Ihram?

Ihram is more than a garment. It is the state of purity a pilgrim must enter when he intends to perform the Hajj or Umrah. Men wear a plain, white two-piece cloth that symbolizes unity, purity, and simplicity. Women wear regular and modest clothes.

The pilgrims must be careful about the prohibitions of Ihram. Violating them can cause various levels of penalties. In the worst scenario, the pilgrimage may be null and void. Therefore, a thorough knowledge about the things forbidden in Ihram is crucial.

Five Prohibitions During Ihram

Here are the five most important prohibitions of Ihram.

1. Using Fragrance

This is one of the most significant prohibitions of Ihram for both men and women. Any kind of scent, be it in the form of perfume, shampoo, or soap, is forbidden in Ihram. The pilgrims must use unscented shampoo and soap. 

The objective of Ihram is to detach one from the world and submit exclusively to Allah. Fragrance distracts the pilgrims. Moreover, it is part of self-grooming, a forbidden concept in Ihram.

The penalty for applying fragrance includes feeding the poor, sacrificing an animal, or fasting. The penalty depends on whether the usage of the fragrance was intentional or unintentional. Also, the duration for which the pilgrim applied the fragrance influences the severity of the penalty.

2. Beautifying Oneself

Ornamenting oneself contradicts the spirit of Ihram and Hajj. The use of make-up and jewelry, flashy clothes, and anything else to make one attractive while in Ihram is forbidden. When a person performs a pilgrimage, he cares for nothing but Allah. He dedicates himself completely to please Allah. Therefore, the pilgrim must refrain from unnecessary embellishments.

3.  Killing Animals and Insects

Islam is a peaceful religion. Hajj sums up all the teachings of Islam. This condition emphasizes respect and care for all living things. Hence, in Ihram, killing or hunting animals or insects is prohibited. One must not kill even lice in Ihram. The pilgrim must not harm any living thing. However, in situations where the animal might be dangerous for the pilgrim’s life, for example, a scorpion or a snake getting close, then it is allowed to kill.

If a person kills an animal, they must compensate by sacrificing an animal, fasting, or feeding the poor. The penalty depends on the type of animal killed and the intention of the pilgrim.

4. Cutting Hair or Nails

Trimming of hair or clipping of nails is prohibited in Ihram. These are also acts related to beautifying oneself. They interfere with the pilgrim’s spiritual journey. Therefore, acts like plucking hair from any part of the body and trimming nails are prohibited.

To avoid such negligence, the pilgrim must cut nails and remove unwanted hair before he enters Ihram. Comb your hair lightly with your hands to avoid hair falling off. Penalties for cutting hair or trimming nails include feeding the poor or sacrificing an animal. The penalty gets lighter in case of an unintentional act.

5. Participating in Marital Affairs

Participating in any sort of activity related to marriage is strictly forbidden in Ihram. One must not be thinking of, flirting with, or propose to someone for marriage while in Ihram. Similarly, one cannot marry in Ihram. For married couples, they cannot have physical relationships in Ihram.

Ihram is a state of purity. Such acts and thoughts interfere with this state. Hence, one must refrain from any impure thoughts or actions while in Ihram.

This is such a strong prohibition that if a pilgrim engages in a sexual relationship, his Hajj becomes invalid, and he will have to perform again. Other acts of intimacy, such as kissing, will lead to penalties like sacrificing an animal.

To avoid such a situation, one must maintain decorum and self-control. Focus on prayer and worship, and do not let your thoughts go wayward.

Finally

Adhering to the conditions and prohibitions of Ihram is very important. They help establish a firm and close relationship with Allah, which is the ultimate objective of the spiritual journey. Hence, be careful about the things forbidden in Ihram for a fulfilling Hajj.