Necessary rules of Ihram

The concept of Ihram is significant when it comes to the holy pilgrimages of Islam i.e., Hajj and Umrah. Though the word Ihram is usually termed as the ceremonial clothing worn by pilgrims traveling through umrah packages 2023 prices for the pilgrimage – it’s actually a state of absolute physical purity assumed by a pilgrim. As a result of assuming Ihram, a pilgrim declares some lawful things as Haram i.e., unlawful on oneself for a specific period of time.

Once the holy rituals of the hajj or umrah pilgrimage are complete, the state of Ihram is denounced by a pilgrim. In simple words, assuming the state of Ihram is necessary for a Muslim pilgrim who intends to perform either hajj, umrah, or both.  Otherwise, the performance of the rituals (without having entered the state of Ihram) isn’t valid.

Here are some of the necessary rules of Ihram to know about.

Preparations to assume Ihram.

Ihram should and can only be worn by a pilgrim after absolute physical purity is obtained. For which one must;

• Clip its fingernails as well as toenails.
• If necessary, get a haircut and mustache trim.
• Remove unnecessary hair from under the armpits and the navel.

Perform Ghusl because it’s a sunnah and recommended act. Though wudhu can also be performed if the person is not in a state of major impurity.

After all of these tasks are done, pilgrims can now wear Ihram clothes that should be neat and clean and then perform Salat-al-Ihram.

Ihram clothing rules for men.

For men, their Ihram only consists of two white-colored sheets of simple cloth; no other piece of stitched clothing can be worn as ihram.

The sheet of cloth used for covering the lower half of the body (from the navel to below the knees) is known as ‘Izar’, while the one used for covering the upper body (draping over the shoulders) is known as ‘Rida’.

Men cannot wear any sort of stitched clothing in their Ihram. In fact, wearing closed footwear i.e., that covers their feet and ankles is also not permissible.

Ihram clothing rules for women.

For women, their ihram can be the ordinary clothes worn by them. There’s no specific dress code to abide by when it comes to Ihram for women for; they can wear anything they desire provided that it remains simple, modest, and as per the teachings of Islam.

It’s not permissible for women to cover their face or hands in Ihram, however, their heads should remain covered at all times.

Miqat; the specific place for assuming Ihram.

The state of Ihram must be assumed by a pilgrim before crossing the Miqat boundary. Otherwise, a penalty is due for such a pilgrim who crosses Miqat without being in Ihram.

There are five different places specified as Miqat regions present at all corners of Makkah. Therefore, the Miqat place would differ for every individual depending upon his/her region of travel.

When a person assumes Ihram, certain prohibitions are imposed as well. It’s necessary to consider those prohibitions because violating any of those would make your Hajj/Umrah pilgrimage invalid.