An Analysis of Istizlal at Night Based on Islamic Jurisprudential Perspectives

Men’s Istizlal at night at the time of Ihram (state of pilgrim sanctity) in Hajj (pilgrimage) and Omreh is an issue that its legitimacy or illegitimacy is not clearly obvious from the perspective of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh). This subject has not been surveyed comprehensively. So it demands a comprehensive study. Disagreements of the Islamic jurists on the concept of men’s Istizlal and on interpreting its meaning, has led to different judicial decisions. The different views go so far that some jurists believe the lack of sunlight at night can be as an evidence of meaninglessness of men’s Istizlal at night. However, based on a robust theory and legitimate evidence, Istizlal can be defined as the covering the head from coldness, rain, and sunlight. Thus, Istizlal from light and heat for Mohrem men (consecrated pilgrims) during the day is just one of evidence of Istizlal for men. Accordingly, if Istizlal from rain and coldness would take place at night, it could be considered Istizlal at night. Seeking to identify the opinions and perspectives held by Islamic jurists and determining the scope of related evidence and explicating the duties of men in Istizlal at night, the present article, using a library-based method, analyzes and describes the statements declared in the jurisprudence of Islamic sects.