[Q 160] Covering the face with cloth in the state of Ihram

Question

During the state of Ihram, how long must a cloth remain attached to the face for it to require Damm or Sadaqah?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب بعون الملك الوهاب اللهم هداية الحق والصواب

Answer

In the state of Ihram, if the full face or at least a quarter of the face of a man or a woman is covered by a cloth, and they remain in this state continuously for four paher (i.e. 12 hours), then Dam becomes obligatory.

If the time spent in this state (with full face or quarter of the face covered) is less than four paher (12 hours), even if it’s just for a second, then Sadaqah becomes obligatory.

If less than one-fourth of the face is covered, then continuous covering for four paher (12 hours) will result in Sadaqa.

Covering (less than a quarter of) the face for less than this time (i.e. 12 hours) does not result in any Kaffarah (expiation). However, intentionally doing so would be a sinful act, necessitating repentance.

Note: The meaning of four paher is the duration of one whole day or one whole night. For example, from sunrise to sunset or from sunset to sunrise, or from noon to midnight, or from midnight to noon. In simple terms, the duration of ‘four paher’ is equivalent to 12 hours.

Sadr-ush-Shariah Mufti Muhammad Amjad Ali A’zami رحمۃ اللہ علیہ, states:

“If a man or a woman covers the entire front part of the face or one-fourth of it, or if a man covers his entire head or one-fourth of it, then continuous covering for four paher (12 hours) or more obligates Damm, and less than that obligates Sadaqa. If less than the fourth part was covered (for four paher i.e. 12 hours or more), then Sadaqa (will be necessary).

There is no Kaffarah (expiation) for less than four paher (12 hours), but it is considered a sin.”

(Bahar-e-Shariat, Vol. 1, Part 6, p. 1169, Maktaba-tul-Madina, Karachi)

Diagram to summarize this ruling:

Original Urdu Fatwa:

Ahram Ki Halat Mein Chehre Par Kapra Chupakne Ke Mutaliq Tafseel (daruliftaahlesunnat.net)

Answered by: Darulifta Ahlesunnat

Translated by: Muhammad Bilal Sadiq Attari

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