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Idhtibaa' in Hajj and Umrah

Question

What is "Idhtibaa'" of a male pilgrim during Tawaaf? When does he do it? What if he does it less than the correct number of times, what is the status of such Tawaaf?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

Idhtibaa' is for a person who is in a state of Ihraam [either for Hajj or 'Umrah] to put the right side of his upper garment under his armpit and put the left side over his shoulder, thus showing his right shoulder. Idhtibaa' is desirable for a pilgrim who performs the Tawaaf (circumambulation around the Ka'bah) when he first arrives to Makkah, as regards the person who is performing 'Umrah coming from the Meeqaat (the place wherefrom he is obliged to assume Ihraam) he has the choice either to do so or not do so; but it is better for him to do it in order to abide by the Sunnah. Ya'laa Ibn Umiyyah  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  him narrated that the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) performed Tawaaf while revealing his right shoulder [observing Idhtibaa']. [At-Tirmithi and Ibn Maajah]

So, a person in a state of Ihraam should make Idhtibaa' when he starts the Tawaaf, and when he finishes the Tawaaf, he should cover his shoulder again. Therefore, the mistake of some pilgrims and those who perform 'Umrah becomes evident, as they observe Idhtibaa' throughout their ritual.

Allaah Knows best.

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