What is the ruling regarding killing lice (Qaml) for a person in Ihram?
Chapter on What the Muhrim Must Avoid and What is Permissible for Him
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
There are two differing opinions regarding the permissibility of killing lice for a person in Ihram. One established opinion permits killing lice because they are a pest causing significant harm, analogous to permitting the killing of harmful creatures like fleas. The principle inferred from the permission to kill five types of vermin (Fawāsiq) in the Haram suggests a broader permission to eliminate all harmful elements to human life and property. The opposing view holds that killing lice is prohibited, viewing its removal as a form of pampering (tarafah), similar to cutting hair. This is supported by the incident where the Prophet, peace be upon him, commanded Ka'b ibn 'Ujrah to shave his head instead of addressing the lice directly, implying that removing the lice was not the primary permissible remedy.
Supporting text
If lice are removed by dropping them on the ground or killing them with mercury, the prohibition covers all means of removal due to the concern over pampering. Combing the hair (tafali) to remove lice is prohibited. However, scratching the head gently is permissible, provided it is done carefully to avoid cutting hair or killing a louse. If hair is found in the hand after scratching, it is preferable, as a precaution, to offer expiation (Fidyah) if the person is certain the hair was plucked, but it is not obligatory unless certainty is established. If a person inadvertently plucks hair or kills a louse, no expiation is due, as evidenced by Ka'b ibn 'Ujrah, whose expiation was solely for shaving his head, not for the lice destroyed in the process. Some scholars state that lice have no monetary value and are akin to gnats and fleas, and their killing is not considered hunting or the consumption of food.