Ihram is more of a state of absolute purity. Without it, no pilgrim can perform the holy rituals. Let it be Umrah or for Hajj.
All of the pilgrims entering Makkah with Cheap Umrah Packages UK for holy rituals must wear Ihram. It not only carries religious significance but also social benefits.
Here’s what you need to know about wearing Ihram.
What is Ihram?
The word Ihram means to make something forbidden for oneself. In the religious concept, pilgrims assuming Ihram do the same. When a pilgrim enters Ihram, certain things become prohibited for him/her. Though these things are Halal otherwise, one cannot do specific acts while in Ihram as it becomes Haram. Such as;
- Wearing scents or fragrances. In fact, using scented toiletries is not ideal.
- Sexual intimacy with spouse.
- Trimming or shaving hair.
- Hunting or killing any animal or insect.
- Clipping nails.
- Harming plants or crops.
- Excessive self-beautification and makeup.
Ihram is more than the clothing worn for the holy rituals. It’s a state of complete purity—physical, mental and spiritual.
A pilgrim in the state of Ihram detaches himself from all of the materialistic things and worldly pleasures. His only purpose is to seek the pleasure of Allah Almighty, leaving oneself behind.
Ihram Clothes
For men, Ihram clothes are specific. Male pilgrims cannot wear anything else for the Ihram except for two simple sheets of white colored cloth.
- One of them covers the lower part of the body, i.e. from navel to down below the knees.
- The other one is for covering the upper half of body. It is draped over the shoulders like a shawl.
Men cannot wear anything stitched in the state of Ihram, not even undergarments. Similarly, the ankles and feet of male pilgrims must remain uncovered at all times. That’s why pilgrims in Ihram wear sandals or walk barefoot.
For women, Ihram is their ordinary clothes. Unlike men, women can wear anything (stitched) for their Ihram as long as it remains simple and modest. There’s no restriction of a specific color or type of clothing for women to wear as Ihram. However, wearing unstitched clothes is forbidden for them. That’s why many women arriving with Ramadan Umrah Packages 2025 prefer wearing an ‘Abaya’. It helps to avoid all confusions related to state of Ihram.
Covering face and hands is not permissible for female pilgrims in Ihram. however, their heads and feet must remain covered at all times.
When Should a Person Wear Ihram?
A pilgrim should wear Ihram for Umrah or Hajj before crossing Meeqat boundary. Meeqat is the specified boundary outside of Makkah. Crossing this boundary after wearing Ihram is obligatory for all the pilgrims of holy pilgrimages. If anyone crosses Meeqat boundary without having entered Ihram, a Dam (penalty) is due for him/her.
There are a total of five Meeqat stations, covering all corners of Makkah. It is essential that every pilgrim of Umrah Packages 2025 knows of the Meeqat station particular to his/her region of travel. Namely;
- Dhul Hulayfah (for pilgrims of Madinah).
- Al-Juhfah (for pilgrims of North America, Europe, Turkey, Syria, Egypt, Algeria, Sudan and other African countries).
- Yalamlam (for pilgrims of South Africa, Nigeria, etc.)
- Qarn al-Manazil is (for pilgrims of Najad, U.A.E, Oman, Pakistan, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore etc.)
- Dhat Irq (for pilgrims from Iraq, Iran, China, Russia etc.)
Every pilgrim must assume Ihram from their designated Meeqat station and then enter Makkah for holy rituals.
Before you enter Ihram
Before you enter Ihram, a pilgrim must do certain acts as a preparation. Such as clipping nails, trimming unnecessary body hair and then performing Ghusl. It is the Sunnah way. However, if anyone want to do Wudhu and he/she is not in a state of any major physical impurity, it’s permissible. After that, you can wear Ihram clothes, offer Salat-al-Ihram and then make Niyyah for Umrah or Hajj.
Make sure that your Ihram clothes are neat and clean. It is not necessary to buy new Ihram clothes every time. However, there should be no impurity present on them.
A person can change Ihram clothes if they become dirty. There’s a misconception that once you assume Ihram and wear Ihram clothes, you cannot take them off before completion of holy rituals. It’s completely wrong. You can change your Ihram clothes and even do Ghusl in state of Ihram (if necessary). However, be careful of plucking your hair or using fragrant toiletries while doing so. For the pilgrims travelling soon through Ramadan Umrah Packages 2025 these are the basics of Ihram and when you should wear it.
