FAQs & Common Issues
Grouped by topic for clarity. These are based on real scenarios, common concerns, and fiqh opinions from major scholars.
🧕 Ihram & Clothing
Section titled “🧕 Ihram & Clothing”Q: Can I wear sandals with stitches in Ihram (men)?
A: Yes. The restriction is on stitched garments, not sandals. The ankles and upper foot must remain uncovered.
Q: Can I use scented lip balm or creams in Ihram?
A: No. Anything scented is forbidden unless it wore off before donning Ihram.
Q: Can I cover my head with a hood or scarf (men)?
A: No. Men must keep their head uncovered in Ihram.
Q: Can women wear socks and gloves in Ihram?
A: Socks yes; gloves no. Face and hands must not be covered.
Q: Can I wear a belt or money pouch?
A: Yes, as long as it doesn’t resemble stitched garments like shirts or trousers.
💈 Hair, Nails, and Hygiene
Section titled “💈 Hair, Nails, and Hygiene”Q: Can I cut nails or hair in Ihram?
A: No. It’s prohibited unless done out of necessity.
Q: What if I lose hair while scratching?
A: Unintentional loss is excused. No penalty.
Q: Can I brush my teeth in Ihram?
A: Yes. Avoid using toothpaste with a strong scent.
Q: Can I shave before leaving Makkah?
A: Only after stoning and sacrifice (on 10th Dhul Hijjah).
🧼 Hygiene & Menstruation
Section titled “🧼 Hygiene & Menstruation”Q: Can I apply deodorant in Ihram?
A: No, unless it is fully unscented.
Q: What if menstruation starts before Tawaf al-Ifadah?
A: Delay the tawaf until after ghusl. It can be performed any time afterward.
Q: Can I still do Sa‘ee if I’m menstruating?
A: Only if you’ve already done Tawaf. Sa‘ee itself doesn’t require purity.
Q: Can women take pills to delay periods?
A: Yes, after consulting a doctor.
Q: Can I shower in Ihram?
A: Yes, with unscented products.
🕋 Tawaf & Sa‘ee
Section titled “🕋 Tawaf & Sa‘ee”Q: If I lose wudu during Tawaf, must I restart?
A: Yes, wudu is required. Repeat that round after regaining purity.
Q: Can I touch the Black Stone if crowded?
A: Not necessary. Point towards it with your hand and say “Allahu Akbar”.
Q: Do I need to pray after Tawaf?
A: Yes, two rak‘ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible.
Q: Do I have to run in Sa‘ee?
A: Men jog between the green lights. Women walk normally.
💬 Du‘a & Worship
Section titled “💬 Du‘a & Worship”Q: Are specific du‘as required during Tawaf?
A: No. Say any du‘a, dhikr, or Qur’an. No fixed text is required.
Q: What’s the best du‘a at Arafah?
A: “Lā ilāha illa Allāh, wahdahu lā sharīka lah…” Hadith in Tirmidhi 3585.
Q: What if I don’t feel spiritual?
A: Hajj is an act of obedience, not emotion. Stay sincere and patient.
🪨 Rami (Stoning)
Section titled “🪨 Rami (Stoning)”Q: Can someone throw pebbles on my behalf?
A: Yes, for valid excuses (sickness, elderly, pregnant women).
Q: Do I need new pebbles each day?
A: Yes. Collect fresh pebbles daily (preferably from Mina or Muzdalifah).
Q: I threw only 6 instead of 7 stones. Is my Rami valid?
A: Try to make it up. If not possible, scholars differ — some allow it with a penalty.
Q: Can I do Rami before Dhuhr?
A: Sunnah is after zawāl (sun’s zenith), but flexibility exists for valid reasons.
🕌 Tawaf al-Wada’ (Farewell Tawaf)
Section titled “🕌 Tawaf al-Wada’ (Farewell Tawaf)”Q: Is Tawaf al-Wada’ mandatory?
A: Yes — unless you’re menstruating. Do it just before leaving Makkah.
Q: What if I did Sa‘ee after Tawaf al-Wada’?
A: Then it no longer counts as the farewell. You must repeat Tawaf.
🧳 Leaving Makkah & Madinah
Section titled “🧳 Leaving Makkah & Madinah”Q: Can I leave Makkah without Tawaf al-Wada’?
A: Only if menstruating. Others must perform it.
Q: Can I combine Madinah visit with Hajj?
A: Yes. It’s recommended but not part of Hajj.
Q: Do I make a new Ihram for Madinah?
A: No. It is a regular visit, not ‘Umrah.
♿ Elderly & Disabled
Section titled “♿ Elderly & Disabled”Q: Can I use a wheelchair in Tawaf?
A: Yes, with no penalty.
Q: Can someone push me for Sa‘ee?
A: Yes. Assistance is permitted.
Q: Do I get the same reward if I cannot walk?
A: Yes. Allah rewards according to intention and ability.
❌ Mistakes & Penalties
Section titled “❌ Mistakes & Penalties”Q: What if I broke a rule out of ignorance?
A: Ignorance may waive penalty depending on the issue. Consult a scholar.
Q: What are common penalties?
A: Dam (sacrifice), fasting, or feeding the poor — depending on the mistake.
Q: Can I delay a rite due to health issues?
A: Yes. Islam allows for ease in hardship.
🧠 Intentions & Doubts
Section titled “🧠 Intentions & Doubts”Q: I forgot my niyyah — is my Ihram valid?
A: As long as you’re acting on the rites, the intention is assumed.
Q: I mixed up the days — is my Hajj valid?
A: Depends on what was missed. Critical errors (e.g. missing Arafah) may invalidate Hajj.
📱 Practical Tips
Section titled “📱 Practical Tips”Q: Can I use my phone during Hajj?
A: Yes, but use it sparingly. Stay present in your worship.
Q: Can I take photos/videos?
A: Not prohibited, but avoid showing off. Respect others’ privacy.
Q: Can I sleep in Haram?
A: Yes, but be mindful of Salah times and cleaning staff.
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