Can I Wear Stitched Footgear, Belts, or a Backpack While in Ihram?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: According to the Hanafi madhab, while in ihram,  can one wear stitched sandals as long as the bone on top of the foot is exposed? Also, how about carrying stitched back packs and money belts?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

I pray this message finds you in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.

[1] Yes, it is permitted to wear stitched footwear as long as the middle bone (where the shoelace is normally tied) is left uncovered. Footwear is not included in the general prohibition of wearing clothing.

[2] Yes, it is permitted to wear belts, and bags to carry your money or possessions in.

[Usmani, Hajj:: Merits & Precepts; Ibn `Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

And Allah alone gives success.

Wassalam,

Tabraze Azam