Finally, you are set to perform your first Umrah ever. The thoughts of seeing the Holy Kabah, praying in the Haram, and visiting places like Rawdah, Hatim, and Maqam-e-Ibrahim, all send shivers. But have you prepared regarding wearing Ihram? Ihram is the most important component of Hajj Umrah preparation. Read more to discover all the details about Ihram.

Significance of Ihram

Assuming Ihram is the first step in Umrah. It is the state of spiritual and physical purity Ihram is not only a piece of clothing. It is a state of devotion to Allah. It is the declaration that we are nothing but humble servants of Allah. Muslims from all over the world wear the same white piece of plain cloth to signify unity. There are certain rules and prohibitions pilgrims must adhere to in Ihram.

Certain conditions are the same for men and women in Ihram. These include the prohibition of shaving or cutting hair, trimming nails, using fragrances, sexual activity, or marriage. Hunting or killing animals is also not allowed in Ihram.

Difference between Men’s and Women’s Ihram

When men assume Ihram, they are forbidden to wear stitched clothes. They wear two pieces of plain white cloth. The cloth for the upper body is called Rida, while for the lower body is called Izar. Men are not allowed to wear anything beneath Ihram. So they must wear a thick towel-like garment that would sufficiently cover their body and absorb the sweat in the harsh weather of Makkah. Many pilgrims also wear the Ihram belt in which they keep their ID documents and money. Lastly, a pair of sandals that do not cover the toes or top of the feet is part of Ihram for men. Men are not allowed to wear socks beneath sandals. Also, they must not clever their heads tightly with a turban, cap, or hat in Ihram. They may cover their heads with a loose-fitting Arabic sunshade.

Women are required to wear modest clothes that sufficiently cover their bodies. They must not cover their faces. The headscarf should be loose enough allowing the face to be visible. Similarly, their hands must also remain uncovered. Women must not wear makeup, fragrance, or anything that makes them attractive. The idea is to embrace simplicity and keep all the focus on worship rather than embellishing oneself.

How to Wear Ihram for Hajj and Umrah

Before wearing Ihram, one must perform a ghusl. Make the intention to purify oneself before assuming Ihram. Then clean your whole body, shave the unwanted hair, and trim your nails. Those performing Umrah or Hajj for the first time can follow this guideline about how to wear Ihram.

• Spread your legs wide apart to facilitate walking once in Ihram.
• Take the thicker cloth and place it half in front of you and half behind you. Wrap it around your lower body until the two sides of the cloth meet each other.
• Now very firmly pinch the two sides of the cloth together. Make sure this cloth reaches beneath your knees and the top should be above your navel.
• Hold the pinched part bringing the ends of the two halves in front of you and fold them together over the front of your body. You may need to do it multiple times in case the cloth is lengthy.
• To ensure that your Ihram holds firmly, roll and tuck in the top of the wrapping in the downward direction. Make sure your navel is covered in the process.
• To cover the upper body, take the second piece of cloth and hold it behind your body, spreading your arms.
• Let the cloth rest on your body by bringing the two sides of each of your shoulders.
• Let the right side be longer than the left one so that you may use the extra cloth to wrap around your body.
• Throw the longer side of the cloth on your left shoulder.
• To prevent it from falling, let it cover your back completely and bring it back to your right shoulder.

Once you have assumed Ihram, you must offer two Rakahs Salah al-Ihram. Preferably recite Surah Al-Kafiroon and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the two Rakahs.