Permissible and Avoidable Things During Hajj
Hajj is the last divine pillar of Islam which strengthens faith, perseverance and comprises practices that reinforces commitments towards Allah Almighty. Hajj is a veneration that symbolizes the core dogmas of Islam i.e. yearning to turn towards Allah wholeheartedly with ardent devotion. It exemplifies equality, which is a re-enactment to the rituals and teachings of Prophet Abraham (AS), a way to commemorate his sacrifice and sheer love for the sole Lord. In Quran Allah says:
“And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham.” [22:78]
The practice of performing pilgrimage unites Muslims through submission to Allah’s will and communal worship. Therefore, the practice and obligation of Hajj ought to be under comprehensive Islamic narratives doing what Allah has asked Muslims to do and avoiding the smaller things that can have greater impact on the sacred obligation of Hajj.
Things a Muhrim Can Do in Ihram
Muhrim is the one who intends to offer Hajj in state of ihram. Apart from offering Salah, making special Duaas and invigorating strong bond between Allah and a Muslim, there are few things that a Mahrim is allowed to do in state of ihram but is oblivion of. Things include:
- Veil and Gloves are Allowed for Women
Most of the Muslim females think that covering their faces and using gloves are not allowed during Hajj that is nothing but their lack of knowledge. Women except in state of ihram are allowed to use veil if they feel uncomfortable from the male clan around and can use gloves for protection and Hijab purposes as narrated by Hazrat Aisha (RA)
“The riders would pass by us while we were with the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) in the state of ihram. When they were next to us, one of us would lower her jilbab from her head over her face, and then when they had passed, she would uncover it.” [Sunana Abu Dawud]
- Cupping And Wrapping Wounds
If a Muhrims is in pain, they are allowed to alleviate their ailments keeping in the limits of Islamic doctrines to ease sufferings. Muhammad (PBUH) even cupped himself when he was in the middle of ihram. As satated in Hadith
“There is no blame upon a Muhrim (one in the state of ihram) if, in case of need, he opens an abscess, wraps a wound, or severs a vein.” [Muwatta Malik]
- Wearing Waist Belt Or Ring
Most of the Muhrims fear that wearing ring or waist money under ihram will invalidate their obligation of offering Hajj but Islamic narratives authenticates that it is permissible to use ring or money belt. Stated Ibn e Abbas that there is no harm if a muhrim wears a ring or a money belt to keep his money.
- Killing Vicious Animals
Muhrims are not allowed to hunt or kill animals unless they are nasty or vicious. Five animals are allowed to kill in the state of ihram and no wrath of Allah would be upon the Muhrim if he/she killed them.
“Five of the animals are vicious and they may be killed in the sacred precincts of Al-Haram: the crow, the kite, the scorpion, the mouse, and the ravenous dog.” [Muslim and Bukhari]
Things Muhrim Should Avoid in Ihram
Muhrim is not allowed to do following things when are in the state of ihram including:
- Use of Scented Soaps and Perfumes
While performing Hajj Muslims should adhere to fact of avoiding scented soaps, lotions and cologne on body and ihram either. It is strictly described in Hadiths that the use of perfumes is not permissible for Muhrim as quoted in Hadith that Prophet asked his followers to not apply perfume on a deceased man who died in state of ihram
“Wash the Muhrim in the two garments in which he entered Ihram, and wash him with water and lotus leaves, and shroud him in his two garments, and do not put perfume on him nor cover his head, for he will be raised on the Day of Resurrection in Ihram.” [Sunan An Nasa’i]
- Sexual Intercourse with Spouse
When in ihram and performing sacred ritual of Hajj, Muslims are actually shunting all their physical and worldly desires for sake of Allah Almighty. They are not permitted to have intimate relations with their spouses in order not to be inflicted upon the anger of Allah as Allah says in Quran:
“… No sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj.” [2:197]
- Shaving Heads for Male
Muhrim men are not allowed to shave their head until they reach the place to offer their sacrifice for Allah as stated in Surah Baqarah
“…And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter.” [2:196]
- Tawaf for Women in Menses
While performing tawaf during Pilgrimage if a woman encounters her monthly days then she is not permitted to do tawaf nor is she allowed to offer her prayers. The best practice for her to do is to listen to Mp3 Surahs and to recite Quran online while avoiding the recitation by touching this holiest book as narrated by Aisha (RA)
“Allah the Almighty has prescribed this for the daughters of Adam, so do what other pilgrims do except tawaf until you take ghusal.” [Bukhari]
Concluding, Hajj is a grand Assembly for which Muslims around the globe gather to reaffirms the oneness of God in unison. Apart from spiritual and obligatory duty, Hajj is a school of training for Taqwa because the pilgrim (Muhrim) gets purified as his all sins are alleviated and purifies like a newborn. In Hadith it is stated that:
“One who performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and therein abstains from obscene acts and words, wickedness and sins, he returns so purified from sins as he was at the time when his mother gave him birth.” [Muslim]
