Is it permissible for a person in the state of Ihram to wash their head and body?
Chapter on What the Muhrim Must Avoid and What is Permissible for Him
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
It is permissible for the person in Ihram to gently wash their head and body. This practice was done by Umar and his son. Alī, Jābir, Saʿīd ibn Jubayr, Al-Shāfiʿī, Abū Thawr, and the companions of Ra'y permitted it. Evidence for permissibility is found in the action of Ibn Abbās who reported that Umar sometimes challenged him regarding who could hold their breath longer underwater while in Ihram, and that he would wrestle with Umar in Al-Juḥfah while both were in Ihram. Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) washed his head while in Ihram, as narrated by Abū Ayyūb Al-Anṣārī, who described the Prophet moving his head with his hands back and forth while water was poured over it.
Supporting text
Imām Mālik disliked the person in Ihram immersing their head fully in water, likely considering it equivalent to covering the head. However, the correct view is that immersion is permissible as it is not considered covering (satr) and does not substitute for the covering required in formal prayer.