Is it permissible for a pilgrim—male or female—to cover themselves for warmth?

It is not permissible for a male person in ihram for 'umrah to wear anything that is sewn or encircles the body parts they cover such as shirts, trousers, shorts, footwear that covers the heel bones and the like. However, there is no harm in covering a body part with anything that has not been specifically designed for this purpose i.e. wrapping a shirt or blanket around his body to keep warm, cover his nakedness and so forth. The opinion concerning the obligation of making fidya for wearing sewn garments concerns wearing them in the manner for which they were intended and not merely for covering the body with them.

It is impermissible for a pilgrim in a state of ihram for 'umrah or hajj to cover all or part of his head, even the area behind his ears with anything that clings to it, whether it is sewn and circles the head such as caps and hats; not sewn such as turbans or the izar; and everything that is generally considered a covering. There is no harm if he covers his head with a pillow, puts his hands on his head, or uses an umbrella even if it touches his head. There is a scholarly debate on the permissibility of a pilgrim carrying something on his head; therefore, it is preferable not to do this to avoid making fidya according to the opinion of those scholars who prohibit this.

The ihram for a woman in ihram for hajj or 'umrah, is confined to her face and hands both of which must remain uncovered. She may wear whatever she pleases and cover her head with whatever she pleases.

The ruling

There is no harm if a pilgrim on hajj or 'umrah covers himself for warmth provided he does not wear anything that accentuates his body parts or covers his head.