Question:
I’m on my way from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah where I will set my intention for ihram at Qarnul Mazazil. In flight, I’m given a sewn blanket. Can I use it?
Answer:
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his wives, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
Regarding the above question, it is permissible to use the blanket before one reaches Qarnul Manazil. However, as soon as one sets the intention of ihram after reaching Qarnul Manazil, then the blanket can only be used to cover one’s body up to one’s necks without covering the face for women and head for men. The reason is, these are the restrictions of ihram.
The Prophet PBUH prohibits men in ihram from covering their heads. The companions used to ask the Prophet PBUH regarding the rules of clothing in Ihram and the Prophet PBUH answered:
لَا يَلْبَسُ الْقَمِيصَ وَلَا الْعِمَامَةَ وَلَا السَّرَاوِيلَ وَلَا الْبُرْنُسَ وَلَا ثَوْبًا مَسَّهُ الْوَرْسُ أَوْ الزَّعْفَرَانُ
“A Muhrim should not wear a shirt, a turban, trousers, hooded cloaks, a garment touched with (perfumes) of saffron or wars,”
Sahih al-Bukhari (134) and Musnad Ahmad (4482)
In another hadith regarding a person who passed away in the state of ihram, the Prophet PBUH instructs the companions to shroud the person without covering his head. Narrated by Ibn Abbas R.anhuma, the Prophet PBUH was told regarding a man who was riding (his Mount) in `Arafat, he fell down from it (his Mount) and broke his neck (and died). The Prophet (ﷺ) said,
اغْسِلُوهُ بِمَاءٍ وَسِدْرٍ ، وَكَفِّنُوهُ فِى ثَوْبَيْنِ ، وَلاَ تُحَنِّطُوهُ وَلاَ تُخَمِّرُوا رَأْسَهُ ، فَإِنَّهُ يُبْعَثُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ مُلَبِّيًا
"Wash him with water and Sidr and shroud him in two pieces of cloth, and neither perfume him, nor cover his head, for he will be resurrected on the Day of Resurrection saying, 'Labbaik,' (i.e. like a pilgrim)."
Sahih al-Bukhari (1265) and Sahih Muslim (2948)
Furthermore, the Prophet PBUH also prohibits women who are in the state of ihram from covering their faces. The Prophet PBUH said:
وَلَا تَنْتَقِبْ الْمَرْأَةُ الْمُحْرِمَةُ وَلَا تَلْبَسْ الْقُفَّازَيْنِ
“A woman in ihram should wear neither a veil nor gloves.”
Sahih al-Bukhari (1838)
Hence, it is clear that when one is in ihram, then the blanket is permissible to be used to cover oneself up to one’s neck only without covering one’s face for woman and head for man. The reason is, it is included in the restrictions in ihram. However, if he has not reached Qarnul Manazil such as he is still at KLIA, then it is permissible.
May Allah SWT bless us with understanding and knowledge for us in performing His commandments. Amin.