Every year, millions of people from different countries come for Hajj, and over 10 million people perform Umrah. Although Hajj happens once a year, Umrah continues throughout the year. Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. Clothing for Hajj or Umrah is of great importance, particularly Ihram clothing. Today, we will learn about Ihram clothing and other related matters. Additionally, during Hajj, certain activities that are otherwise permissible become forbidden. We will try to learn about these as well. Below, we will discuss the appropriate clothing for Ihram.
What is Ihram?
Ihram is a state of physical and mental purity that a Muslim adopts before performing Hajj or Umrah. To enter into Ihram, one must make the intention and wear the Ihram garments before crossing the Miqat (boundary).
Ihram is a mental state, similar to prayer or fasting. During Ihram, certain permissible activities become forbidden, such as:
Using perfume
Cutting hair or nails
Engaging in physical relations
– Hunting
Getting married
What Clothes Are Required for Ihram
For men, Ihram consists of two white unstitched garments. For women, it includes a black or white burqa, jilbab, or abaya without any decorative colors. Underwear should not be worn while in Ihram.
When Should Ihram Be Worn?
Ihram must be worn before reaching the Miqat (boundary point). If you are traveling to Makkah via Jeddah, you must wear Ihram before arriving in Jeddah.
Ihram Clothing for Men
Sometimes, men wear the Ihram garments when boarding the plane or shortly afterward. Ihram clothing is very important. Men’s Ihram consists of two unstitched white cloths. These are called Izar and Rida.
The Izar is used to cover the lower body, and the Rida is used to cover the upper body. It’s important to note that one must remain in the state of Ihram for two or three days while performing Hajj. Therefore, it’s advisable to carry two sets of Ihram garments in case one set becomes impure or unusable.
If you are traveling during the summer, choose lighter fabric, as the temperature in Saudi Arabia is usually high. If traveling between November and February or during winter, use thicker Ihram garments. Additionally, during the winter season, bring at least one sweater.
Footwear
Choosing the right footwear for Hajj or Umrah is very important. Pilgrims often face various foot problems, especially when wearing new shoes. Due to extensive walking and new footwear, blisters or swelling can occur.
Avoid new shoes, as they take time to adjust to your feet. Use old, comfortable footwear instead.
Men’s Footwear for Ihram
Men must keep their heels and the upper part of their feet exposed while in Ihram. Wear sandals that keep the ankles exposed and are comfortable and lightweight. According to the Hanafi school, the upper part of the feet must be exposed during Ihram. Other schools of thought only require the ankles to remain uncovered.
Ihram Clothing for Women
Women’s Ihram clothing is not as strict as men’s. Women can wear loose-fitting abayas, burqas, or jilbabs of their choice. However, the clothing should not have any decorations or colors. It should preferably be black or white. Women must keep their hands and faces uncovered and wear shoes that cover their entire feet.
The kind of clothing that cannot be worn in the state of Ihram
After putting on Ihram, it is forbidden for a man to wear sewn clothes, and to put a cap on his head. In a hadith, Hazrat Ibn Umar Radiyallahu Anhu narrates,
A man stood and asked the Messenger of Allah, may God bless him and grant him peace, O Messenger of God! (S:) What kind of clothes do you order us to wear in the state of Ihram?
Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, ‘Do not wear clothes, pajamas, hats, turbans and socks. But if a man has no shoes, he will wear leather socks; Which is under the feet.
You shall not wear any clothes of saffron or various colors. Women in Ihram should not cover their faces and wear gloves (socks) on their hands.’ (Sahih Bukhari, 1450)
Ihram for Children
Ihram is not mandatory for children, but children aged seven and above can wear it. Parents or guardians must ensure that their children wear the Ihram correctly and avoid prohibited actions. If a child unintentionally does something forbidden, no penalty is required. However, if a child knowingly violates the restrictions, the guardian must pay the penalty on behalf of the child.
How to Wear Ihram
Men who are accustomed to wearing lungis (traditional sarongs) will find it easy to wear Ihram. For those unfamiliar, it can be slightly challenging. Ihram consists of two garments: the Izar, worn around the waist like a lungi to cover the lower body, and the Rida, worn across the upper body, leaving the right shoulder exposed. The Rida should be draped in a way that keeps the right shoulder uncovered.
In conclusion, properly tying the Ihram is crucial for a successful Hajj or Umrah journey. Ihram is a significant part of the pilgrimage. Therefore, anyone intending to perform Hajj or Umrah should understand these aspects thoroughly before embarking on their journey. Your travel agency-appointed guide will also provide all necessary information. Follow their guidance to perform Hajj or Umrah correctly.
