Question
Is it necessary for the validity of Ihraam or for starting the rituals that a pilgrim must be in a state of Tahaarah (ritual purity), perform ablution and Ghusl (ritual bathing), then, pray two Rak‘ahs (units) after the intention? Would Ihraam be valid if a Muslim intended to carry out the rituals of Hajj or ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) in the state of Janaabah, then, wore clothes for Ihraam and entered Makkah on the 8th of Thul-Hijjah?
Fatwa
All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger.
It is not required for the Muslim, in order to assume Ihraam for Hajj or ‘Umrah, to perform ablution, Ghusl, be in a state of Tahaarah, or pray two Raka‘hs. All these actions are recommended matters which are preferable for the pilgrim to do before assuming Ihraam. He is recommended to clean himself, perform Ghusl and ablution, and pray two Rak’ahs, then, assume the state of Ihraam after praying the two Rak‘ahs. It is not necessary for a person to be in a state of Tahaarah from the major Hadath (impurities on one’s body or clothing) or menstrual period. Thus, if a person who is in a state of Janaabah commences his Ihraam, then his Ihraam is valid. However, if he was able to assume Ihraam after Tahaarah and before he passes beyond the Meeqaat, it would be disliked to assume Ihraam in the state of Janaabah, as stated by some Muslim jurists.
A Muslim in the state of Janaabah is required to perform Ghusl in order to perform prayer and make Tawaaf (circumambulation of the Ka’bah), because Tahaarah from the major and minor Hadath is a prerequisite for the validity of prayer and Tawaaf.
And Allah knows best.