In this section we will learn about:
What is Ihram?
Men's Ihram
Women's Ihram
Preparation
Meeqat
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To begin your Umrah journey, you must first enter the state of Ihram.
What is Ihram?
Ihram: The sacred state a pilgrim must enter before crossing the Meeqat on the way to Makkah for Umrah.
In this state, certain actions become prohibited, hence the term Ihram (literally, “to make haram”).
The white garments worn by men (and modest clothing by women) symbolise purity, humility, and devotion.
Men’s Ihram
Wear two white new or washed sheets of cloth: an upper garment and a lower garment.
Males should wear slippers/sandals which expose the tarsal bone/mid-foot area where there is a protruding bone and the ankle.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“He (a person in ihram) should not wear a shirt, nor pants, nor a turban, nor a cap, nor a gown. Nor [should he wear] khuffs unless he cannot find shoes, in which case he should cut them below the ka’b.” Bukhari 1466
Sunglasses and reading glasses
Watches
Lanyards
Belt
Safety pin
Contact lenses
Bandage
Blanket
Shirt
Trousers
Vests
Jacket
Underwear and boxers
Socks and Shoes
Hat and Turban
Umbrella hats
For medical purposes, please contact a medical professional and reliable scholar.
Hajj Naseeha is not responsible for the content of external videos; they are shared as general guidance and may not reflect our views, advice, or jurisprudential stance.
Women’s Ihram
Women may wear stitched clothing and shoes, unlike men.
Suitable Hijab.
It is recommended that you choose modest, appropriate clothing that complies with the principles of Shari’ah.
You are not required to wear white garments, any suitable colour is acceptable.
You can wear any type of footwear.
What women can't wear
Niqab/Veil that touches the face.
Any garments that expose the Awra including tight-fitting, flimsy or see-through clothing.
Misc.
You can wear a cloth over their head which doesn't touch your face, like the image shown.
You can wear a Niqab whilst out of the state of Ihram.
Avoid wearing make-up, heavy jewellery, perfume etc.
Women's Umrah Companion
We have compiled this book to help our sisters feel more at ease during their journey of performing Umrah.
Within these pages, we have highlighted various issues and challenges that many sisters may face, matters that are often overlooked, left unspoken, or little known.
This publication focuses primarily on practical advice, drawn from lived experiences, to make the journey smoother and more comfortable.
Preparation
Perform Ghusl or Wudu.
Cut unwanted hair and nails.
Men can wear perfume at this stage.
Put on Ihram clothes.
Men shouldn't wear undergarments.
Having a shower for purification or for coolness
Using unscented soap
Injections
Bandages
Sunglasses, glasses or a watch
To change a nappy or diaper
Miswak
To wear a belt
To kill scorpions, snakes, mosquitoes, wasps and flies
Wrap yourself in a blanket. The whole body can be covered except the face and head
Airpod, earphones
Sins
Foul language, fighting, quarrelling
All forms of intimacy with one’s spouse
Wearing day to day clothes like Jubbah, shirt, trousers, t-shirts, hats etc. for men
Using perfume and fragrances
Removal of body hair to comb, pluck, trim or cut the beard hair
Clipping the nails
Wearing footwear covering the shoe lace area and the ankle
For a male to cover the head with something touching the head
For a female to let a cloth cover her face in a manner it is touching her face
To hunt or help in hunting
To kill lice
Spiritual dimensions of Ihram
Spiritual dimensions of Ihram
When we wear the Ihram, we leave behind our status, wealth, and titles. Everyone stands equal before Allah , reminding us of the Day of Judgment, when only our deeds and sincerity will matter. Let Ihram remind you to strip away pride and enter Umrah with humility.
During the state of Ihram, if any prohibited act is committed, a penalty becomes obligatory. (Details regarding these penalties will be discussed on the Violations page.)
What is Meeqat?
Meeqat is the boundary that pilgrims must not cross without being in the state of Ihram; otherwise, a penalty becomes due. (We'll talk about penalties in the violations page). This requires men to wear the Ihram garments and all pilgrims to make the intention for Umrah before passing the Meeqat.
You can learn more about Meeqat here
Makkah first
Travelling by plane to Jeddah and going to Makkah first:
You must be in the state of Ihram before landing.
Men should pack their Ihram clothing in their hand luggage if not wearing it from home.
You may change at an airport or wear it from home.
It is generally not recommended to wear Ihram fully on the plane.
Madina first
Travelling by plane to Jeddah and going to Madinah first:
You do not need to enter the state of Ihram upon arrival.
You do not need to wear the Ihram clothing.
Meeqat for Madina
The Meeqat from Madina is Dhul-Hulayfah, around 18 kilometres southwest of Masjid al-Nabawi ﷺ . About 15-20 minute drive. You can either get into the state of Ihram at your hotel/accommodation (recommended) or at the Masjid of Dhul-Hulayfah also known as Meeqat Masjid. The Masjid has shower facilities for men to use. Most taxi drivers will take you there and wait for you.
Taking the train from Makkah to Madina
If you’re taking the Haramain High Speed Railway, you may not be able to visit Dhul-Hulayfah. Within a minute of departure, the train passes the Meeqat, as announced onboard. Hence, you are advised to be in the state of Ihram as soon as the train departs. Hence, get into the state of Ihram at your hotel/accommodation before you travel to the station.
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