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ArticlesQuestion:
I have a question about Ihraam. Should I perform two Rak‘ahs after entering the state of Ihraam or are these two Rak‘ahs simply recommended and not obligatory? One more question, if I apply Vaseline before entering the state of Ihraam so as to prevent inflammation, will this invalidate Ihraam, given that the Vaseline remains after bathing and wearing the Ihraam garments. Can I make ‘Umrah while carrying a rucksack on my shoulder, or is that impermissible?
Fatwa:
All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad, 
, is His Slave and Messenger.
, is His Slave and Messenger.As for the two Rak‘ahs to be performed after entering the state of Ihraam, there is no difference among scholars in that they are not obligatory. Scholars differed whether these two Rak‘ahs are recommended or not. An-Nawawi 
said, “It is recommended to pray two Rak‘ahs when he (the pilgrim) wants to enter the state of Ihraam. This prayer is unanimously agreed upon as recommended. After reading the Faatihah chapter, it is preferable that he reads Al-Kaafiroon chapter in the first Rak‘ah and Al-Ikhlaas chapter in the second Rak‘ah.”
said, “It is recommended to pray two Rak‘ahs when he (the pilgrim) wants to enter the state of Ihraam. This prayer is unanimously agreed upon as recommended. After reading the Faatihah chapter, it is preferable that he reads Al-Kaafiroon chapter in the first Rak‘ah and Al-Ikhlaas chapter in the second Rak‘ah.”A group of scholars said that there is no recommended prayer that is specific for Ihraam and that it is recommended, however, to enter the state of Ihraam after finishing an obligatory prayer or a regular voluntary prayer. Other than that, no specific prayer was legislated to be done for Ihraam. Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said, “It is recommended to assume Ihraam right after making a prayer, whether obligatory or voluntary if the time was that when a voluntary prayer can be offered.. According to another statement, a person should assume Ihraam right after making an obligatory prayer. Otherwise, there is no prayer specific to Ihraam, and this is the predominant opinion.”
said, “It is recommended to assume Ihraam right after making a prayer, whether obligatory or voluntary if the time was that when a voluntary prayer can be offered.. According to another statement, a person should assume Ihraam right after making an obligatory prayer. Otherwise, there is no prayer specific to Ihraam, and this is the predominant opinion.”We have already provided An-Nawawi’s reporting of the consensus of scholars on the recommendation of making the two Rak‘ahs of Ihraam. Hence, the correct view is that these two Raka‘ahs are an act of Sunnah. However, it is preferable to assume Ihraam after either an obligatory or a voluntary prayer to avoid the difference in opinion among scholars.
As to Vaseline, it is apparently not perfumed and thus if a person applies it in the state of Ihraam he is not liable to a Fidyah (expiation). However, if the Vaseline prevents the water of ablution or Ghusl (ritual bathing) from reaching the skin, the ablution and/or Ghusl is invalid, unless it was applied for medication purposes. In that case, the ablution and/or Ghusl is valid and it is sufficient to wipe over it.
Finally, it is permissible to carry a rucksack during Ihraam. Doing this is not included in the things that are forbidden to the Muhrim (the one in Ihraam) so that it will be excluded. We do not know of a scholar who forbade it. Also, Muslims have been carrying their luggage on their shoulders without being disapproved of by scholars. The same applies to the luggage that is hanging down from the shoulder.
Allah Knows best.
