The white Ihram dress means to make everyone look the same, signifying that there is no difference between a prince and a pauper before God. Ihram also contributes to the sense of unity. Here you get the knowledge “Why do we wear Ihram?”

There is only one thumb rule for pilgrims to wear Ihram. Before crossing the miqat, it is necessary to wear this unity dress. Hence, pilgrims can wear it at their homes, airports or other places.

Tip: When going for Hajj and Umrah, always include 2 Ihram in your travel luggage and book Hajj Packages and Umrah Packages from the best review holder travel agency.

What is Ihram?

The word Ihram is used for three meanings:

1. Two pieces of cloth were worn by male pilgrims.
2. The act of starting Hajj or Umrah by intending that one is now starting Hajj or Umrah and saying Talbiyah.
3. The state of sanctity in which pilgrims are during Hajj or Umrah. After putting on Ihram and intending Ihram (another meaning), pilgrims automatically enter the state of Ihram, which requires them to abstain from certain things.

Ihram is necessary for Umrah

Ihram generally refers to the uniform of two white sheets worn by male pilgrims on Umrah to the Kaaba. It should be noted that while performing Umrah in the holy city of Makkah, all Muslims must wear Ihram. 

Ihram during Hajj or Umrah

Muslims stop at a specific station to perform the rites associated with putting on the Ihram. It is an obligatory prerequisite for Hajj and Umrah, which are performed in a holy state of mind and body. The importance of Ihram during Hajj is to create peace, equality, and humility and to remind believers of the Day of Judgment.

Before starting Hajj or Umrah, pilgrims must complete their Ihram by reciting Talbiyah, which indicates their intention to perform Hajj or Umrah. 

Ihram rules for men and women

There is a certain difference between the Ihram clothing worn by men and women. While both garments use two sheets of unstitched white cloth, part of the man’s body is exposed while the woman’s Ihram garment covers the entire body, leaving only her face and hands exposed. During Hajj or Umrah, women are not allowed to cover their faces, and wearing anything covering the face, including the burqa and niqab, is prohibited.

Read also: Umrah The Islamic Devoted Prayer

Conditions of Ihram

There are three types of actions during Ihram. These are as follows:

Permissible Actions

The permissible actions during Ihram are as follows:

• Bathing or showering, whether necessary or not, unless perfumed products are used.
• Wash your head and body gently, even if the hair falls out.
• Changing Ihram dress (can be done as needed).
• Use of money belt/waist/pouch/string which helps to make the lower garment of Ihram more secure.
• The use of a safety pin to prevent the garment above the ihram from constantly falling or unravelling.
• Killing potentially harmful animals/insects such as snakes, scorpions, flies and cockroaches.
• Injections / vaccinations.
• Treatments where blood is removed from the body, such as cupping.
• Socks and gloves (women only, not men).
• Applying a plaster or bandage to cuts and sprains.
• Use of miswak (the use of toothpaste is debated because it leaves a strong fragrance in the mouth).

, etc.

Disliked Actions

These actions, although undesirable, do not carry a penalty. Disliked actions during Ihram are as follows:

• Rubbing the body to remove dirt
• Washing the body with unscented soap.
• Combing the hair.
• Scratching the body in such a way that the hair falls out.
• The deliberate smell of the fragrance
• Applying cosmetics/make-up.
• Cleaning the nose with a cloth.
• Eating strong-scented sweets.
• Smoking

Etc.

Forbidden Actions

Forbidden actions during Ihram are as follows:

• Entering Miqat without Ihram.
• Covering the head or face.
• Shaving, cutting, trimming or removing hair from any part of the body.
• Harming an animal.
• Killing lice or locusts.
• Cutting trees or grass within the boundaries of the Haram.

, etc. 

Ihram erases the difference between rich and poor, black and white, Arab and non-Arab. Islam is the only religion which promotes unity and brotherhood more than others. But some fraudsters try to cheat Muslims by offering cheap Hajj packages and cheap Umrah packages, but in reality, they are unable to provide the basic facilities of both holy pilgrimages. Always trust agencies that are certified by the Saudi authority, like Labbaik Hajj Umrah.