10 Common Violations During Umrah and Hajj Pilgrimages
Assalamu Alaikum, a blessed pilgrim. As you plan for Umrah or Hajj, you start learning the duas, and learning all the rituals about it is essential to know some crucial details that can unintentionally invalidate your pilgrimage. Take a moment and know the rules and make a list of things to avoid.
Let's learn about these common Hajj and Umrah violations and penalties that must be paid, like Fidya, sacrifices, and fines, to make your journey as smooth and accepted as possible.
Penalties for Rule-Breaking: Fidyah, Sacrifices, and Fines
Performing Hajj and Umrah correctly is a primary goal for everyone. If any one rule gets violated during pilgrimage, these prescribed penalties are the means to seek forgiveness and complete the pilgrimage in an accepted manner.
Classification of Penalties
Sadaqah: This is a charity like Sadaqah al-Fitr; this sadaqah is meant for minor infractions.
Damm: It is a sacrifice of an animal like a sheep or goat for more serious violations or omissions.
Fidyah (Badanah): It is a compensation in the form of sacrifice of big animals like cows or camels.
Common Ihram Violations During Umrah and Hajj
Violations of rules of rituals will not invalidate your Hajj or Umrah. Allah (SWT) is Al-Gaffoor; He, by His mercy, provided you with an alternative to expiate for the Hajj and Umrah violations.
Wearing stitched garments or covering the head (for men)
Ihram marks the beginning of the pilgrim's sacred journey. And the restrictions during Ihram help pilgrims to practice self-discipline and increase spiritual growth.
During the state of Ihram, men have to avoid wearing clothes that are stitched or tailored to fit their body shape, like shirts, trousers, vests, jackets, etc. Instead, they can wear simple, loose garments like an Izaar (lower wrap) and a Ridaa (upper wrap).
Penalties for Wearing Stitched Clothing
Successive days: A second Damm penalty is applicable after one or two days of wearing the same clothes for successive days.
Multiple stitched garments: There will be a penalty of one Damm for wearing many stitched garments.
Unconventional use: There will be no penalty for unconventional use like using a cloak as a loincloth.
Rule for Covering Head
Men in Ihram: Covering the head with things like caps, hats, or turbans is not permissible for men. Using umbrellas or sitting in shade is okay.
Women in Ihram: Women should cover their head with a headscarf. They Shouldn't cover their face; either use a loose veil if needed around non-mahram men.
Applying perfumes or scented products
Prior to the Ihram intention: No penalty is applicable if perfume is applied before the Ihram niyyah.
During Ihram: Using perfumes or scented products during the state of Ihram is prohibited.
Washing off fragrance: Washing off fragrance after applying it in Ihram doesn't waive the penalty.
Removing fragrance: It is best if a non-Muhrim washes it off; otherwise, pour water without touching.
Cutting hair or nails prematurely
In Ihram, you're restricted from cutting/shaving the hair or nails without valid reasons. It may incur a penalty (Damm).
Penalty for Natural Loss: If hair falls naturally, because of illness, or during sleep, it incurs no penalty.
Penalty for removal: Removing hair intentionally, forgetfully, forcefully or shaving head incurs a penalty.
Crossing the Miqat Without Entering Ihram: Consequences and Expiation
Miqat is the fixed boundary point for donning Ihram. Any pilgrim crossing this boundary without Ihram, is considered a violation.
In case you enter Haram premises without donning Ihram for Hajj or Umrah, go back to any of the Miqat points and enter the state of Ihram again.
Offer Sacrifice if Not Returned: If you don't go back to Miqat, you must offer a sacrifice (damm) in Makkah for the poor.
Tawaf and Sa'i Mistakes That Invalidate Your Pilgrimage
Tawaf rules vary depending on the type of Tawaf.
Tawaf al-Umrah
Rules and Penalties
Major ritual impurity, menstruation, or without wudhu: Damm.
Using carriage for 4+ circuits without reason: Damm.
Omitting Tawaf completely: Damm.
Entering Ihram for the next Umrah without a hair cut: Damm.
Tawaf al-Qudum
Rules and Penalties
Without wudhu: Sadaqah al-Fitr per circuit.
Omitting 1-3 circuits: Sadaqah al-Fitr per circuit.
Omitting 4+ circuits: Damm.
Major impurity: Damm.
Tawaf al-Nafl
Rules and Penalties
Less than 4 circuits without wudhu: Sadaqah al-Fitr per circuit.
Entire Tawaf without wudhu: Damm.
Omitting 1-3 circuits without reason: Sadaqah al-Fitr per circuit.
Omitting 4+ circuits without reason: Damm.
Using carriage for 4+ circuits without reason: Damm.
Exposing awrah: Sadaqah al-Fitr.
Walking through Hatim: Sadaqah al-Fitr.
Tawaf al-Ziyarah
Rules and Penalties
Less than 4 circuits without wudhu: Sadaqah al-Fitr per circuit.
Entire Tawaf without wudhu: Damm.
Omitting 1-3 circuits: Sadaqah al-Fitr per circuit.
Omitting 4+ circuits: Damm.
Using carriage for 4+ circuits without reason: Damm.
Exposing awrah: Damm.
Walking through Hatim: Damm.
Major impurity (menstruation, etc.): Badanah.
Tawaf al- Wada
Rules and Penalties
Omitting Tawaf entirely: Damm.
Without wudhu: Sadaqah al-Fitr per circuit.
Omitting 1-3 circuits: Sadaqah al-Fitr per circuit.
Omitting 4+ circuits: Damm.
Note: For the above-mentioned penalties, repeating Tawaf properly will waive the penalties.
Rules and Penalties for Sa'i
Omitting all 7 circuits without reason: Damm.
Omitting 4+ circuits without reason: Damm.
Omitting less than 4 circuits: Sadaqah al-Fitr per circuit.
Using carriage without reason: Damm.
Using carriage midway without reason: Sadaqah al-Fitr per circuit.
Note: For the above-mentioned penalties, repeating Sa'i properly will waive the penalties.
Violating Holy Site Etiquette: Respecting the Sanctity of Haram
There are some norms and behaviors that people should follow to show reverence for the holiness of the Haram in Makkah and Madinah.
Haram Etiquette: Show respect and reverence towards the Haram region.
Be mindful of your actions, dress, and behavior within the sacred areas of Makkah and Madinah.
Dress simply and modestly while keeping yourself clean.
Spend most of your valuable time praying, doing supplications, and reciting the Quran.
Do not interrupt other pilgrims in Haram premises.
Comply with the rules and guidelines set for Haram.
Overstays & Unauthorized Participation: Legal Risks During Hajj and Umrah
Overstaying in Saudi Arabia even after the visa expiry or performing Hajj or Umrah without proper authorization or a permit may put anyone at legal risk that may lead to paying a fine.
Rushing Rituals and Losing Spiritual Focus: Pilgrims’ Common Pitfalls
The biggest and most nuanced challenge of the pilgrimage is often within oneself. Even though doing the physical rituals is right, the real struggle is internal—fighting against rushing, getting distracted, and losing the spiritual depth that the journey's meant to nurture.
Takeaway
Follow the rules of Umrah or Hajj, and perform all the rituals peacefully, and try to make it free from errors. May your pilgrimage be accepted by Allah (SWT) and your journey be filled with spiritual remembrance.
FAQs
Is it permissible to apply perfume before donning Ihram?
Applying perfume before niyyah for Ihram has no penalty.
Does cutting hair or nails while in Ihram result in a penalty?
Yes, Penalty is there for cutting hair or nails when you are in the state of Ihram.
What happens if Miqat is crossed without being in Ihram?
You should return to Miqat to enter Ihram. If you don't, you must offer a sacrifice (Damm).
