Thursday 18 Ramadan 1445 - 28 March 2024
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He is bald and the sun harms him – can he cover his head whilst in ihraam?

Question

I want to do Hajj in sha Allaah. My problem is this: I am a bald man, with no hair on my head, and my skin is very sensitive. Any ray of sunlight affects my health and causes a severe rash on my scalp, and it makes the veins stand out on my head in general and on my face in particular. As you know, one of the things that is forbidden in ihraam is covering the head. I hope you can advise me in this case, knowing that I am a short man, and I cannot carry a parasol or umbrella, because it will disturb the people around me. May Allaah take care of you and guide you.

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

If the matter is as you describe, then you may cover your head whilst you are in ihraam, and expiate for that by sacrificing a sheep and giving it to the poor in Makkah, or by feeding six poor persons in the sanctuary, giving each one half a saa’ of dates or some other staple food, or you may fast for three days.

This applies to ihraam for Hajj. Similarly, if you enter ihraam for ‘Umrah you must offer another expiation.

And Allaah is the Source of strength. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.

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Source: Standing Committee for Academic Research and Issuing Fatwas, Fataawa al-Lajnah, 11/181