10 Prohibitions During the Hajj Pilgrimage Complete with Sanctions and Penalties

Kapanlagi.com - Performing the Hajj pilgrimage is a sacred aspiration dreamed of by Muslims all over the world. However, this spiritual journey requires not only physical and mental readiness but also adherence to the Sharia rules that have been established. One crucial aspect that is often overlooked by pilgrims is the prohibitions that apply during the state of ihram and the execution of rituals.

These prohibitions are not merely technical rules; they are an integral part of the worship that demands discipline and sincerity. Violating these prohibitions can not only undermine the value of the worship but also potentially incur the obligation to pay fidyah, and may even invalidate the Hajj itself. Therefore, a deep understanding of these prohibitions is essential to achieve a mabrur Hajj.

According to official sources from the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH), there are ten main prohibitions in the Hajj pilgrimage that every pilgrim must pay attention to. These prohibitions cover various aspects, from physical, social, to symbolic matters. Let us review the complete details regarding these prohibitions along with the accompanying sanctions, so that our spiritual journey can proceed smoothly and with blessings.

1. Leaving the Obligation of Hajj

One of the fatal mistakes that often occurs in the implementation of Hajj is neglecting important obligations that, although not part of the pillars, still have serious consequences if left unattended. Obligations such as throwing jamrah, staying overnight in Muzdalifah and Mina, performing tawaf wada', and entering ihram from miqat must be carried out with full awareness. In fiqh, violating any of these obligations without a valid reason requires the pilgrim to pay damm, which is to sacrifice a goat; for those who are unable, there is an option to fast for ten days. This penalty emphasizes the importance of adhering to the rules in Hajj worship so that it is not taken lightly.

Shaving Hair or Body Hair

While in a state of ihram, shaving hair or body hair such as armpits, private parts, mustache, and beard is a violation. This prohibition is explicitly mentioned in the Qur'an: “If any of you is ill or has an ailment in his head (and then he shaves), then he must pay a fidyah...” (QS. Al-Baqarah: 196)

The fidyah referred to can be in the form of fasting, charity, or sacrificing an animal. The purpose of this prohibition is to maintain the symbols of purity and equality during the state of ihram.

This ritual holds a high spiritual value. By not beautifying themselves during ihram, pilgrims affirm their detachment from worldly matters in order to fully devote themselves to worship.

2. Cutting Nails

In the implementation of the Hajj pilgrimage, there are several prohibitions that must be adhered to, including cutting nails and shaving hair. These actions are considered attempts to beautify oneself, which contradicts the spirit of simplicity that must be upheld while in the state of ihram. Violating these rules requires the pilgrims to pay fidyah, as a reminder to maintain the body in its natural state, reflecting humility and submission before Allah. These prohibitions serve as a spiritual exercise, encouraging pilgrims to refrain from everyday habits that may seem trivial but are forbidden during this sacred moment.

Covering the Head (Men) and Face (Women)

When in the state of ihram, men are prohibited from covering their heads with hats or turbans. Meanwhile, women are not allowed to cover their faces with a veil. This is based on a authentic hadith:

“...a woman in ihram does not wear a veil and does not wear gloves” (HR. Bukhari: 1741)

By exposing the head and face, the Hajj pilgrimage serves as a reminder that all humans are equal in the eyes of God, without additional attributes that distinguish them.

3. Wearing Stitched Clothing (Men)

In the implementation of the Hajj pilgrimage, men are required to wear simple ihram cloth, without stitches, and not resembling clothing that shapes the body. This rule aims to emphasize equality before Allah, eliminating social differences between the rich and the poor, so that all pilgrims appear uniform in simplicity. Violating this provision will incur a fidyah, because although it may seem trivial, mistakes in dressing can diminish the solemnity and spiritual meaning of Hajj.

Using Perfume

Perfume and fragrances are prohibited during ihram. This applies not only to the body but also to clothing and personal belongings.

A hadith from Aisha r.a. mentions:

"I once applied perfume to the Messenger of Allah for his ihram, before he entered ihram and for his tahallul..." (HR. Bukhari and Muslim)

With this prohibition, pilgrims are reminded not to get caught up in worldly matters. Purity and solemnity become the main focus of worship, not appearance or aroma.

4. Hunting Land Animals

Hunting land animals is strictly prohibited during ihram as stated in the Qur'an (QS. Al-Maidah: 96). In contrast, sea animals are not included in this prohibition.

This is based on Surah Al-Maidah verse 96:

"Lawful for you is the game of the sea and its food as provision for you and the travelers, but forbidden is the game of the land as long as you are in ihram. And fear Allah, to whom you will be gathered."

If this prohibition is violated, the pilgrim is required to pay fidyah jaza’, which is a penalty equivalent to the animal that was killed.

Engagement and Marriage Contract

Proposing or marrying during ihram is prohibited. Any contract made during the ihram period is invalid and must be repeated after tahallul.

Islam views Hajj as a spiritual moment, not for binding worldly relationships. Therefore, all forms of marriage processes are postponed until after the worship is completed.

Although there is no fidyah for this violation, the marriage contract must be repeated if it occurs in the state of ihram.

5. Jima' (Husband and Wife Relationship)

The relationship between husband and wife during ihram is considered a serious violation. If it occurs before the initial tahalul, the pilgrimage is invalid and the pilgrim must complete the rituals and sacrifice a camel.

If it occurs after the initial tahalul, the pilgrimage remains valid, but the person must pay a fidyah in the form of a goat.

This prohibition aims to maintain focus on worship and avoid worldly temptations during this sacred period.

Kissing One's Partner

Even if it does not lead to intimate relations, kissing one's partner is still prohibited. If it results in ejaculation, the person must sacrifice a camel. If not, a goat is sufficient.

This violation does not invalidate the pilgrimage, but it reduces the spiritual value of the worship. Pilgrims are reminded to maintain boundaries of interaction during the ihram period.

6. Questions and Answers About Hajj Prohibitions

Q: What happens if someone accidentally violates the ihram prohibitions?

A: If it is accidental, the pilgrim still has to pay fidyah according to the type of violation. However, intentional violations can result in harsher penalties.

Q: Do women still have to uncover their faces even if they are wearing hijab?

A: Yes. In the state of ihram, women are prohibited from wearing a face veil or niqab.

Q: What are fidyah and damm in the context of Hajj?

A: Fidyah is a form of compensation for violating the ihram prohibitions, which can take the form of fasting, charity, or the slaughtering of an animal. Damm is specifically for major violations or obligatory Hajj actions that are omitted.

(kpl/mni)