Ihram is more than a special garment, it is the first step a pilgrim must take before performing Umrah or Hajj. Assuming the state of Ihram has spiritual, emotional, and physical importance for a Muslim and signifies their submission to the will of Allah. Pilgrims should keep a pure intention called a niyyah before dressing up to perform Umrah or Hajj. Ihram for men consists of two pieces of white, unstitched cloth, while Ihram rules for ladies include wearing loose-fitting, modest clothes that cover their bodies. Pilgrims with ihram are expected to maintain the highest moral conduct and continuously remember Allah through talbiyah, dhikr, and dua.

Ihram for men consists of two simple, unstitched white garments made of light and airy cotton. These can be purchased online or from Islamic retail outlets.

• Lower Garment (Izar): This rectangular shaped piece of cloth resembles a lungi and is worn above the waist. It should be tightly wrapped around the waist but not too tight to be uncomfortable and must reach the ankles for full coverage.
• Upper Garment (Rida): A bigger cloth that is wrapped around the upper body, covering one shoulder, and tucked under the opposite arm. The rest of the fabric may be left hanging or thrown over the other shoulder for better coverage.
• Ihram or Money Belt: Cloth belts are recommended for holding the lower garment securely. Leather belts must be avoided.
• Sandals: Casual sandals or slippers that do not cover the ankles and toes are recommended.

Ihram rules for men

Many of the pilgrims are worried about the permissibility of using stitched attire in Ihram. The scholars have explained this issue, among them is Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymin who says that stitched items such as belts and sandals are permissible, given they do not fit to the body the way usual clothes would. They should not be tailored to fit the body, a way of dressing that the Shari'ah forbids.

Unlike men, there is no specific Ihram rules for ladies while performing Umrah. However, ladies can wear loose-fitting light and airy garments that provide coverage from head to toe. On the other hand, one of the common Ihram restrictions for women is to avoid any kind of scented toiletries, sanitizers, perfumes, or makeup during Ihram. According to new guidance released by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on September 12, 2023 regarding dress code, females are advised to dress in wide, loose clothes without an decoration and should keep a head covering on and maintain modesty. These rules make sure that the attention of a person remains focused on the spiritual journey and also follows the Islamic principles of modesty.

Since there is no specific ihram for kids, boys can wear two white garments like their fathers and girls can dress in any modest outfit, abaya or jilbab like their mothers.

Ihram is an essential part of Umrah or Hajj as it reflects devotion and purity. The following steps will assist you to wear the Ihram correctly:

• Step 1 : Make the Right Niyyah Stand comfortably with your feet apart and say the words of talbiyah, with the genuine intention niyyah to perform Umrah. Also, remember to complete ghusl before preparing to wear the Ihram.
• Step 2 : Wear the Ihram Men: Take the larger piece of the cloth and wrap it in your waist to cover the body from the navel to below the knees. You may tie this with just a simple knot, tuck it inside, or use an Ihram belt for extra safety. Hold the top of the garment and start rolling it down with tight folds around your waist for a fit that does not come off easily. Take the other piece of cloth and cover both shoulders, but make sure that the right side is longer than the left.
  Women: Wear your modest, loose fitting clothing and a headscarf. Avoid any decorative elements, makeup or perfume.

Are you confused as to when does state of ihram start? Muslims must enter the state of Ihram at designated places called Miqat before proceeding to perform Umrah. There are five main Miqat points based on the direction the pilgrim is travelling from.

• Al-Juhfah (Rabigh): This Miqat is meant for the people who approach from the Syrian direction.
• Dhat Irq:For pilgrims coming from Iraq direction.
• Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali):This is one of the Miqats that lies northwest of Makkah for those coming via Madinah.
• Qarn al-Manazil:The pilgrims who approached from the east (countries such as the UAE, Oman, and Qatar) make use of this Miqat.
• Yalamlam (Al-Sadiah): Pilgrims coming from the direction of Yemen or travelling by sea travel must wear their Ihram here.

When travelling by plane to perform Umrah it is recommended to wear the Ihram before reaching the actual Miqat because of the flying speed. Pilots generally announce the passengers 30 minutes before reaching the Miqat giving them ample time to get ready. Pilgrims must keep the niyyah, wear their ihram, perform two sunnah rakats if possible and start reciting the talbiyah. If the pilgrim has already worn the Ihram, then they must start reciting the talbiyah. The most important part is to be in a state of Ihram before passing the Miqat, as long as there is not any intentional delay.

What is Talbiyah?

It is the supplication that is to be made when a Muslim intends to enter the Ihram for Hajj or Umrah. Since there is no specific dua prescribed, it is how the pilgrim answers the call of Allah to demonstrate humility, surrender, and solidarity with every fellow Muslim. After reaching the miqat and keeping the niyyah, of performing Umrah or Hajj—it is Sunnah for him to glorify Allah (Tasbih), declare the oneness of Allah (Tahlil), and proclaim Allah's greatness (Takbir). The Talbiyah must be continuously recited until they reach the masjid and start performing the Umrah. This is a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Talbiyah

❁ – لَبَّيْكَ اَللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ – إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ

Transliteration: Labbayka Llāhumma labbayk, labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk, inna l-ḥamda wa n-ni'mata, laka wa l-mulk, lā sharīka lak
Translation: "At Your service, Allah, at Your service. At Your service, You have no partner. Truly all praise, favor, and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner."

Prepared to embark on your holy pilgrimage with confidence? Whether it is Umrah or Hajj, awareness of Ihram itself and its observance paves the way for a spiritually satisfying experience. Continue reading our blog for more tips, and advice to help you with your pilgrimage. Book your Umrah or Hajj pilgrimage with My Umrah Tours and travel worry free to the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah.