Covering the head

Q: I want to perform Hajj In Sha’a-Allah (if Allah wills). My problem is that I am a bald man and my skin is very sensitive. Any sunlight affects my health and causes a severe rash on my scalp, and it makes the veins stand out on my head in general and on my face in particular. As you know, covering the head is one of the prohibited acts during Ihram (ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah). Please, advise me in this case, knowing that I am a short man, and I cannot carry an umbrella, because it will harm the people around me. May Allah protect and grant you success.

A: If the matter is as you describe, then you may cover your head whilst you are in Ihram, and expiate for that by sacrificing a sheep and giving it to the poor in Makkah or by feeding six poor people in the sanctuary, giving each one half a Sa` (1 Sa`=3 kg. Approx.) of dates or some other staple food, or you may fast for three days. This applies to Ihram for Hajj. Similarly, if you enter Ihram for ‘Umrah, you must offer another expiation.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.