Question (Q-53)
Is it permissible for a Muhrim (person in the state of Ihrām) to place a cushion beneath his head or cheek? What is the ruling in relation to covering the nose and cheeks especially whilst blowing the nose?
Answer:
It is permissible for a Muhrim (person in the state of Ihrām) to place a cushion beneath his head or cheek, and also to place his own or someone else’s hand on his head or nose.
(Anwār Al Bishārah)
However, it is severely disliked (Makrūh At Tahrīmī) to cover your nose and cheeks etc.
Even though a person’s head and part of his face are covered when he is lying down with a pillow beneath him, this is not disliked (Makrūh), because it is very difficult to avoid.
وإن کان يلزم منه تغطية بعض وجهه أو رأسه إلا أنه رفع تکليفه لدفع الحرج
“Even though it necessitates covering part of his head or nose, the disapproval is lifted to avoid putting him into difficulty.”
(Jadd ul Mumtār, Volume 2, Page 243)
When the nose and cheeks are covered whilst blowing the nose, it does not involve wearing or veiling and therefore is not disliked. It is stated in Manāsik by Mullā ‘Alī Al Qārī (رحمه الله),
لأنه لا يسمي لابسا للرأس ولا مغطيا للأنف
“This is because the person is not described as wearing something over the head nor is he classed to be covering the nose.”
When blowing one’s nose, the main objective is not to cover it. Therefore, to clean the nose with one’s hand or handkerchief is permissible. Similarly, it is permissible for a Muhrim to wipe his face after Wudhū in order to prevent drops of used water dripping onto the Masjid floor.
It is stated in Irshād As Sārī, the commentary upon Manāsik of Mullā ‘Alī Al Qārī, “There is no harm in doing this and there is no penalty in the form of Dam (Sacrifice) or Sadaqah (Charity), when the purpose is not to cover.”
Furthermore, the tip of the nose is less than a quarter of the face.
Allah (تعالى) is Most Knowing.
Written by Muftī Shamsulhudā Khān Misbāhī (Allah preserve him)
