Ihram
Ihram is the sacred state a pilgrim enters to perform Hajj or Umrah. It involves an intention, specific clothing, and a set of restrictions aimed at maximizing sincerity and humility before Allah ﷻ.
Meaning and Purpose
Section titled “Meaning and Purpose”“Ihram” comes from the root ḥaram, implying prohibition. It marks a spiritual zone in which worldly indulgences are suspended in favor of focused devotion.
Where to Enter Ihram: Al-Miqāt
Section titled “Where to Enter Ihram: Al-Miqāt”The Prophet ﷺ said:
The Miqat for the people of Madinah is Dhu’l-Hulayfah, for the people of Sham is al-Juhfah, for the people of Najd is Qarn al-Manazil, for the people of Yemen is Yalamlam...
You must enter Ihram before crossing the Miqat specific to your route.
When to Enter Ihram
Section titled “When to Enter Ihram”- Umrah: Before crossing the Miqat anytime during the year.
- Hajj Tamattu‘: Enter Ihram for Umrah, exit, then re-enter on 8th Dhul Hijjah for Hajj.
- Hajj Qiran/Ifrad: Enter once and stay in Ihram until after Hajj.
How to Enter Ihram (Step-by-Step)
Section titled “How to Enter Ihram (Step-by-Step)”-
Before crossing Miqat:
- Perform ghusl (recommended Sunnah)
- Apply unscented moisturizer (before niyyah only)
- Men: wear two unstitched white garments (izār and ridā’)
- Women: wear modest clothes (no specific uniform)
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Pray two rak‘ahs (optional)
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Make your niyyah:
- لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً — Labbaika Allāhumma ‘Umrah
- لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ حَجًّا — Labbaika Allāhumma Ḥajj
- لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً وَحَجًّا — Labbaika Allāhumma ‘Umrah wa Ḥajj
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Start the Talbiyah:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْك، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْك، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْك، لَا شَرِيكَ لَك
Labbaika Allāhumma labbayk, labbaika lā sharīka laka labbayk, inna al-ḥamda wan-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk, lā sharīka lak.
Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner. All praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.
Clothing Rules in Ihram
Section titled “Clothing Rules in Ihram”For Men:
Section titled “For Men:”- No stitched clothing (e.g., underwear, shirts, pants)
- No covering head or ankles
- Sandals preferred
For Women:
Section titled “For Women:”- Normal modest clothing (including stitched garments)
- No gloves or face veil (niqāb)
A woman in Ihram should not wear a face veil or gloves.
Prohibited Acts in Ihram
Section titled “Prohibited Acts in Ihram”- Using perfume after making intention
- Cutting hair or nails
- Sexual intimacy or marriage contracts
- Hunting land animals
- Arguing, foul language
فَمَن فَرَضَ فِيهِنَّ الْحَجَّ فَلَا رَفَثَ وَلَا فُسُوقَ وَلَا جِدَالَ فِي الْحَجِّ
Faman faraḍa fīhinna al-ḥajja falā rafatha wa lā fusūqa wa lā jidāla fī al-ḥajj
So whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself, there is to be for him no sexual relations, no disobedience, and no disputing during Hajj.
Exiting Ihram
Section titled “Exiting Ihram”- For Umrah: After completing Tawaf, Sa’ee, and trimming/shaving hair.
- For Hajj: After Rami, Nahr, and shaving/trimming hair on 10th Dhul Hijjah. Full exit after Tawaf al-Ifadah.
Fidyah (Penalty)
Section titled “Fidyah (Penalty)”If you break a restriction (e.g., cutting hair, using perfume), you must either:
- Slaughter a sheep (dam), or
- Fast 3 days, or
- Feed 6 poor persons