Can I Tie a Knot in My Lower Garment of Ihram to Secure It?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

Is it permissible to tie a knot in my lower garment of ihram to secure it if other methods, including a belt, are ineffective?

Answer

In the Shafi‘i School, it is permissible to tie a knot in the lower garment (izar) of ihram or secure it with a string, belt, or drawstring to hold it fast. This allowance is based on the principle that the lower garment must remain secure to prevent exposing one’s nakedness (‘awra).

However, it is not permissible to fasten the upper garment (rida’) of ihram by tying it, passing a string through it, or knotting it in any form. Instead, the upper garment may be secured using safety pins or similar fasteners. [Shirbini, Mughni al-Muhtaj]

Key Principle

The permissibility of tying the lower garment is rooted in the need to preserve modesty, while the upper garment must remain untied to maintain the state of ihram.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“Let none of you wear a shirt, a turban, trousers, a burnous, or shoes unless he cannot find sandals; in that case, he may wear shoes but must cut them below the ankles.” [Bukhari; Muslim]

Therefore, you may secure your lower garment of ihram with a knot, belt, or string for practical purposes, ensuring it stays in place.

Allah knows best.

[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.