A Unique Dress Code Unveiled for Female Umrah Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has introduced a new Umrah Dress Code for women while performing Umrah in August 2023. It is not unique but a simple loose-fitting dress that covers the entire body and prevents wearing any jewellery during the sacred state (Ihram). It’s believed that this new update from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will welcome more who want a more dignified environment while performing the rituals of Umrah.
Reason to introduce the new Umrah dress code for women in August 2023?
Introducing this new Umrah Dress Code for women is to guide women concerned about the Ihram during Hajj and Umrah. The demand for this new update came as observations over the years have shown that the proportion of women wearing tight or revealing clothing during Umrah is increasing. The increase in the rate of this inappropriate clothing was now a cause for concern. This concern came from 70 to 89.9 percent of Muslims worldwide who believe that wearing such dress is an insult to the holy places in Islam.
This new Umrah dress code also ensures that all are equal in Islam, whereby all women will dress modestly and respectfully while performing Umrah. The government believes this will help create a more dignified and focused environment for Hajj and Umrah.
What does the new dress code say?
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah officially said in the above tweet using the hashtag_ #Makkah_in_Our_Hearts.
Here, such a new dress code calls for loose-fitting and non-transparent clothing that covers the entire body except for the face and hands but is free of jewellery or cosmetics.
This new Umrah dress code for women does not specify any specific type of clothing, such as two unstitched white sheets for men. Men are not allowed to choose anything other than white for their Ihram, but women are independent in their clothing and colouring. But there is a restriction on the vivid colour.
Opponents of the new dress code say that the previous dress code for women was already modest. In their opinion, it is going to be inappropriate for women. In the tweet, as mentioned above, the authorities did not clarify that the choice of Ihram for women has been limited. Instead, it indicates that a woman is still free to pick what to wear from her wardrobe, but this freedom will not be the same as selecting to go to a party.
What do women think of the new Umrah dress code?
Since the announcement of the new Umrah dress code, a recent survey has shown that (85%) of women vote in favour of the new dress code and (15%) oppose it.
According to 85% of ladies here, it will create a more comfortable and dignified atmosphere while performing Umrah, which will cause them to focus on completing the rituals of Umrah. On the contrary, according to 25%, this new Umrah dress code will cause more difficulties and discomfort.
Frequently Asking Questions:
Q. Why did Saudi Arabia introduce a new Umrah dress code for women performing Umrah?
A. Introducing a new dress code for women performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia to provide a more unified and respectful environment for all pilgrims (male and female). This step will prove helpful in protecting women from harassment and unwanted attention during religious ceremonies.
Q. What are the specific requirements of the new Umrah dress code for women?
A. The following are the specific requirements:
- Loose-fitting dress and non-transparent
- Avoid decorative elements – use of jewellery and cosmetics, etc.
- Full body coverage except the head, face, hands, and feet
Q. Will a new Umrah dress code for women affect the Umrah season?
A. The ratio of 85% of women indicates that this new Umrah dress code will positively impact the Umrah season. The Saudi Kingdom expects around 10 million Muslims to perform Umrah in the current season. After 1.8 million Muslims came for Hajj in 2023, it has become possible to consider this figure.
References:
https://www.constructionweekonline.com/news/saudi-arabia-new-umrah-dress-code-for-women-announced
https://www.tbsnews.net/worldbiz/middle-east/saudi-arabia-sets-dress-code-women-performing-umrah-702078
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