What Expiation is Due for My Ihram Contraventions?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

When I went to do Umrah, during the Tawaf I forgot about the scent or didn’t think about it and I  touched the Yemeni corner with both hands. I might have kissed it too. They perfume that area.

Also I fear other things in the Umrah like I think some of my hair fell out when doing wudu and one time I may have put the white cloth on top of my head briefly not to wear as a cover but I remember it being on top for a very brief time maybe seconds.

My question is what expiation is due from me regarding the touching which perfume would have come on and the other incidents, if I had touched perfume more than one time during the Umrah would that mean there are 2 expiations, how about if it was one in one Umrah and then another I’m another though about this latter I’m not sure if it occurred.

Answer

I pray you are well.

Expiation for Ihram Contraventions

You need to have a sheep sacrificed in the Haram for each incident where you touched the perfumed Yemeni corner. The sacrifice must be performed there.

For the other smaller contraventions, such as covering your head momentarily, give some charity there. Something like £5 for each incident is sufficient. Make a good guess about how many times it occurred. If you’re not sure if it occurred assume it didn’t. (Maydani, al Lubab)

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, ”Leave that which causes you to feel uncomfortable for that which does not.” (Tirmidhi) The default is that you would not have committed a contravention, so relax.

I advise you to thoroughly study the fiqh of Hajj and ‘Umra before you go again to prevent similar experiences. May Allah facilitate it for you.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital. He was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.