Q 7: Is it permissible for the women to wear Burqu` (face veil) while in the state of Ihram (ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah)? My wife wore it during the Hajj and when she returned from Hajj she was told that her Hajj is invalid because she wore the Burqu`. Is it permissible for the woman to apply perfume while in the state of Ihram? Is it permissible for the woman to take contraceptive pills to stop menstruation during Hajj? Is it permissible for her to hold the hand of a man who is not a Mahram (spouse or permanently unmarriageable relative) of the people in their company for Hajj because of it being over-crowded and lest she gets lost? Is it permissible for her to assume Ihram while wearing her gold jewels?

A: A- It is not permissible for the woman to wear Burqu` while in the state of Ihram. This is according to the saying (Part No. 11; Page No. 191) of the Prophet (peace be upon him): A woman in the state of Ihram should not cover her face, or wear gloves. (Related by Al-Bukhari) If the woman did not know that wearing Burqu` in the state of Ihram is not allowed, her Hajj is valid. B- It is not permissible for the pilgrim, whether a man or a woman, to apply perfume after assuming Ihram. This is based on the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): Do not wear any clothes that have been touched by saffron or yellow dye. Also, what was reported from `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her): I perfumed the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) for his Ihram (ritual state for Hajj and ‘Umrah), before he assumed it; and for his Tahallul (coming out of the sacred state of Ihram), before he performed Tawaf (circumambulation) around the House (Ka`bah). Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said about the man who died in the state of Ihram: Do not perfume him. Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim. C- It is permissible for the woman to take contraceptive pills to avoid menstruation during Hajj. (Part No. 11; Page No. 192)  D- It is permissible for a woman to hold the garment or the cloak of a non-Mahram (spouse or permanently unmarriageable relative) during Hajj if it is necessary for her to avoid the troubles of it being over-crowded. E- It is permissible for the woman to wear a gold bracelet, rings or the like while in the state of Ihram and she should hide this from non-Mahrams (any one other than spouse or unmarriageable relative) to avoid being a source of temptation.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.