Are you planning to go on the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage? It is essential to be knowledgeable about the Ihram and its wearing sequences. The Ihram is a sacred garment worn by Muslims during the pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah. Ihram is not merely a cloth; it symbolises purity, equality, sacrifice, peace, and humanity.
Wearing the Ihram is obligatory while undertaking the sacred pilgrimage; without it, you cannot participate in Umrah or Hajj. It’s important to remember that everyone is equal in front of Allah. Continue reading this blog to learn more about wearing the Ihram, including guidelines for both men and women and tips for performing Umrah and Hajj.
What is Ihram?
Before exploring how to wear the Ihram, it’s essential to appreciate its definition and significance in Islam. Millions of pilgrims head to the sacred country of Saudi Arabia to complete their Umrah and Hajj journey. To complete all essential customs, you must wear Ihram, a piece of white unstitched cloth that covers the whole body and helps you be in a special state of spiritual purity necessary to enter the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
The term “Ihram” comes from the Arabic word “harama”, which means forbidden or to be sacred from all evil deeds. Pilgrims must wear two unstitched white cloths called “Ihram”, which is mandatory to wear during the holy pilgrimage, as Allah states everyone is equal.
The primary purpose of wearing the Ihram is to enter a spiritual state and seek Allah’s blessings. Ihram includes a physical garment and a mental commitment to prepare for a pilgrimage.
- For men, Ihram consists of two white, unstitched clothes.
- Women may choose simple, modest attire that sufficiently covers their whole bodies.
Best Way to Wear the Ihram
As discussed above, wearing the Ihram during your Hajj or Umrah journey is a wonderful part of the experience. This simple clothing not only ensures personal hygiene and comfort but also gives you the freedom to be connected with Allah. While the process of putting on the Ihram can vary a bit between men and women, rest assured that the core principles are the same for everyone. Ihram is mandatory, as there is a saying that everyone is the same in front of Allah, irrespective of their financial status.
For Men
Men’s Ihram beautifully embodies simplicity and a lack of decoration. Ihram consists of two pieces, which must stay unstitched, representing the equality shared among all pilgrims. All key guidelines are listed below:
- 1. Prepare by removing pubic hair, trimming the moustache, clipping nails, cleaning navel hair, and shaving underarm hair.
- 2. Before putting on the Ihram, you must take a full shower (Ghusl) to cleanse yourself and perform two Rakats of prayer (Salah).
- 3. The Ihram attire consists of two simple white garments, the izar and rida.
- a. One(izar) is worn around the waist from the navel to the knees, and the other(rida) is draped over the shoulder.
- b. While performing the tawaf, you must keep your right shoulder uncovered and perform all required customs and prayers.
- 4. The cloth must be pure white to symbolise purity. You must ensure your garment is secure and unstitched.
- 5. While wearing Ihram, your izar needs to cover your entire awrah. You should stand and check that it fits your waist perfectly and allows you to move your legs freely.
For Women
Women have more flexibility regarding their clothing, but should adhere to guidelines promoting modesty. Women’s Ihram isn’t tied to a specific outfit, but it should follow Islamic traditions:
- 1. Women will need to perform the Ghusl and offer two Rakat of prayer.
- 2. Allah allowed women to wear modest, loose-fitting, non-revealing clothing that covers the entire body except the hands and face.
- 3. Women are free to choose any colour; however, many pilgrims try to wear white, as many believe this colour is associated with Allah.
- 4. According to the sacred rules, women pilgrims must use a scarf or similar item to cover their hair.
How to Wear an Ihram Properly?
Wearing the Ihram correctly is essential for spiritual readiness. Your Ihram clothing must be clean and free of stains. Keep the cloth snug around your waist to avoid discomfort during your pilgrimage. Ihram consists of two white pieces, one of which is the izar and the other is the rida. Your Ihram needs to be clean, and you will not be allowed to wear any decorative items.
The izar (bottom half) is wrapped around the waist, covering the area from the navel to the feet. You must wear a rida (top half) surrounding the left shoulder, and the right shoulder is exposed during tawaf. While the Ihram is sacred, you don’t wear underwear, socks, or other clothes. You must wear shoes that expose your toes and ankles.
Perform Umrah with Ihram
- Cleanse yourself with Ghusl.
- Wear Ihram for men; select suitable attire for women consistent with Islamic guidelines.
- Make supplications with all customs.
- Pray and repent for any sins.
- Perform the Tawaf around the Kaaba.
- State your Niyyah.
- Walk back and forth between the Safa and Marwah hills.
- Male pilgrims must shave or trim their hair.
- Female pilgrims should cut a small portion.
Prohibited Activities while Wearing Ihram
- Sexual activities
- Trimiung
- Shaving
- Cutting Nails
- Fighting
- Arguments
- Killing or beating anyone
Once you have donned the Ihram, you are prepared to enter the Masjid al-Haram and perform Tawaf, which involves circling the Kaaba seven times. Before beginning Tawaf, you next need to express your intention: “Labbaik Allahumma Umrah.” Begin at the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad), and you must circle in a counter-clockwise direction.
Conclusion:
Prepare yourself spiritually, and may your journey be blessed. Ihram is not just a garment; it symbolises devotion, humility, and unity among Pilgrims. The Prophet states that pilgrims should perform Hajj and Umrah by wearing Ihram, as Allah looks at all pilgrims in one way, irrespective of class, categorisation, grade, and power. With Ihram, you can connect with Allah more spiritually. The sacred journey requires you to wear the Ihram, your intentions and sincerity towards Allah and His Hadiths.
After understanding the culture and procedures for wearing the Ihram, you are ready to complete your sacred rites of Hajj and Umrah. Book your tickets now and save more on your bookings effortlessly. Connect with the Call for Umrah team and enjoy further savings on your Umrah and Hajj journey with all essential amenities through special packages.
You May Read Also: Things Not Allowed to Women in Islam | Different Types of Tawaf in Islam
FAQs
Generally, the Prophet's Hadiths mention that wearing anything beneath the Ihram is unnecessary. The Ihram is merely a garment that serves as a medium to connect your soul with Allah and spirituality.
Men need to wear Ihram, which consists of two sections: one is the rida and the other is the izar. Wrap the izar around the bottom and the rida over the body. However, you must uncover your right shoulder during Tawaf.
Ladies should wear modest clothing, predominantly white, as their Ihram. However, women without a Mahram will not be permitted to perform Hajj or Umrah if they are under 45.
Yes. You must wear the Ihram for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. It is mandatory; otherwise, you will not be permitted to enter the sacred site, Masjid al-Haram.
