Reference: Majmoo’ Fataawa Samaahatu ash-Shaykh Ibn Baaz – Volume 6, Page 96, Fatwa No.48
Question: A man entered the state of ihraam for ‘Umrah, and after that he remembered that it is obligatory to shave the armpits, so he began to shave them whilst in the state of ihraam. Then he proceeded for the ‘Umrah. We request that you explain the ruling [for this] and may you be rewarded.
Response: Shaving the armpits or plucking [its hairs] is not obligatory to enter the state of ihraam. Rather, it is recommended to pluck the hairs or remove them with something clean before entering the state of ihraam, as it is recommended to trim the moustache and nails and shave the pubic hairs if required (i.e. if they have sufficiently grown and need to be trimmed or cut). It is not imperative this be done once having entered the state of ihraam, rather it is enough if he does so before entering the state of ihraam at home or on the way. And there is nothing upon the one who remembers to shave his armpits to do so, since he is ignorant of the Sharee’ah ruling {regarding this]. And similarly, for the one who has entered the state of ihraam then forgetfully does any of that which we have mentioned as Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) says:
{Our Lord, do not take us to account for that which we do forgetfully or mistakenly} [Soorah al-Baqarah, Aayah 286].
For that which has been confirmed on the authority of the Prophet ﷺ, is that Allaah has responded to this supplication.
