wide; for if he removes it from above, his head will necessarily be covered, whereas a person in ihram must not cover his head.

For this reason, some scholars said: If he wishes to remove the shirt in which he entered ihram, he should remove it from below if the neck opening is wide enough; otherwise, he should tear it. He must not remove it from above, because doing so would cover his head.

However, this view is weak, because tearing the shirt ruins it, and the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, forbade “wasting wealth” (1). Moreover, covering the head in this case is unintended, just as when one carries his luggage on his head. Carrying luggage would generally take longer, whereas this takes but a moment.

The correct view, therefore, is that he should remove it in the normal manner. He need not tear it, nor pull it off from below.

Question: What is the ruling if a person in ihram cannot find an izar?

Answer: The Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, stated that if he cannot find an izar, he may wear trousers. If he wears trousers, must he offer an expiation?

He does not have to, because this is a legislated substitute; the same applies to leather socks. But if he cannot find a rida, he remains as he is, because a person may remain wearing only an izar among people, and may remain so while praying. He is not in dire need of a rida.

If he says, “I cannot remain with my chest and back exposed;”