Question

Is it permissible for someone performing Hajj to wrap himself with covers when it is very cold at night?

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.

One who is in the state of Ihraam (ritual consecration) during Hajj is permitted to wrap himself with covers but it is impermissible for him to cover his head, as unanimously agreed upon by the scholars.

Ibn Al-Munthir said,

“The scholars have unanimously agreed that a person in the state of Ihraam is not allowed to cover his head. This is based on the fact that the Prophet (may Allah exalt his mention), forbade one in the state of Ihraam to wear turbans or hooded cloaks [Al-Bukhari]. He also said about a man who was killed by his she-camel while he was in a state of Ihraam: 'Do not cover his head for he will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment proclaiming Talbiyah (the Hajj-related chant)." [Al-Bukhari & Muslim] The Prophet explained that he forbade covering the man's head because he died whilst in the state of Ihraam. Thus, it becomes known that a person in the state of Ihraam is forbidden to cover his head.”

If uncovering the head would cause harm to the person due to the severe cold at night, he may cover it and offer a Fidyah (i.e. expiation) which is one of the following three options:

1- Slaughtering a sheep in Makkah, the meat of which is to be distributed among the poor who live there.
2- Fasting three days.
3- Offering as charity three Saa' of food, which is equivalent to seven kilograms, to be given to six needy persons in Makkah.
Allah Knows best.