22. Bleeding

As a precautionary measure, a pilgrim in the state of ihrām is prohibited from causing an unnecessary loss of blood, be it by blood-letting, extraction of a tooth, scratching a wound or the like. However, there is no objection to brushing one's teeth, even if that causes gum bleeding. The kaffārah incurred by causing unnecessary bleeding consists of a sheep; this is a precautionary measure (ahwaṯ-ul-awlā).