Is there any chance to use mask in Ihraam? If mask is used, then what will be its ruling? Because of swine flu, is there any special concession for the Hajis?
 

One among the prohibitions which come into effect in Ihram, for both men and women,is that cloth should not touch the face at all. If the face is covered when in Ihram, then it is not only a sin, but also makes expiation (Kaffara) compulsory. If it is covered with a valid reason, it will not be a sin, but still the expiation has to be met. First of all, the Hajis should place absolute trust in Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) that Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) will surely grant them the blessings of the health-giving and invigorating atmosphere of the Haramain, the purity of which in itself removes our difficulties. Still, if someone uses a mask, which covers either 1/4th or the entire face, the Fuqaha (Islamic Law Experts) have described the same ruling for both. There are 2 kinds of people who will use the mask: The first, who are completely sure that they will not get the disease, but still want to use the mask as a precaution. For them there are 3 cases: 1. If the mask is used for less than 1 hour, then a handful of grain should be given in charity. 2. If the mask is used for less than 24 hours, then 1 Sadqa Fitr becomes Wajib. 3. If the mask is used for more than 24 hours, no matter how many days, then 1 Dam (sacrifice of a goat or such) becomes Wajib. The second, who are not so sure, but still have a doubt that he/she may get affected by a contagious disease like swine flu, then this becomes a valid reason, for which there is no blame on them of any kind. Here also, there are 3 cases: 1. If the mask is used for less than 1 hour, then a handful of grain should be given in charity. 2. If the mask is used for less than 24 hours, then they have a choice, they may give 1 Sadqa Fitr or fast for 1 day. 3. If the mask is used for more than 24 hours, no matter how many days, then they may choose between 3 things: either a Dam (sacrifice of a goat or such) r they may give 1 Sadqa Fitr to 6 needy (Miskin) each or they may fast for 3 days. As given in Raddul Muhtaar, Kitab Ul Haj, in Babul Jinayat fil Haj.