Sewing velcro onto Ihraam

Question:-

Kindly advise me on the following:

1. Can I sew velcro onto my Ihraam?
2. Can I sew a hem around the edges of my Ihraam?

Answer:- 

It is recorded in Binaaya, which is a commentary of Hidaayah, that the two cloths of Ihraam resemble the Kafn. When one wears the Ihraam, it is as though he is separating himself from this temporary world and from his relatives and going for Hajj, just like the deceased person who departs from the world in two pieces of cloth. It is for this reason that it is prohibited to sew the Ihraam, as sewn clothing is used for adornment. [Re:- Al-Binaaya Pg.36 Vol.5 / Umdatul Manaasik Pg.196]

Further, it is recorded in Hidaayah that the Ihraam consist of two pieces of cloth viz. the upper cloth and the lower cloth, as Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam wore the lower cloth and the upper cloth as Ihraam. Hence, we too, are prohibited from wearing sewn clothing. We should rather wear two pieces of cloth as Ihraam. However, concealing the Satr and repelling heat or cold is necessary. [Re:- Hidaayah Pg.216 Vol.1]

It is recorded in Mabsoot Sarakhsi,

ولا باس ان يلبس الخز والبرود اذا لم يكن مخيطا (مبسوط سرخسي ص126 ج4)

There is no harm that he (i.e. the Muhrim) wears clothing made of silk and cotton thread and striped clothing, if it is not sewn.  

Based on the above, it is clear that sewn clothing cannot be used as Ihraam as the Ihraam should resemble the Kafn. Also, sewn clothing is used for adornment. Now, if a person hems the cloth or attaches velcro to the Ihraam, then this is primarily done due to neatness. In other words, the Ihraam must look neat and presentable which is also considered as adornment, although at a minimal level. The person in Ihraam should resemble one in a pitiable state, so that he attracts the mercy of Allah when crying and supplicating on the plains of Arafaat, Mina, Muzdalifah and at the Ka’aba Sharif. Hence, in conclusion, it will not be permissible to hem the Ihraam or attach a Velcro to the Ihraam. One should simply use two pieces of unsewn cloth.

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 24 Rajab 1444 / 15 February 2023