Ihram for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide for Men and Women

Umrah and Hajj are the two pilgrimages that the Almighty has bestowed upon all believers as a gift. These pilgrimages can transform your life and bring you back onto the right path before your life in this world comes to an end. However, for this transformation and faith revival, you must first purify yourself, not only physically but also internally. This is why the state of Ihram is among the most prominent rituals of the pilgrimage. You will have to learn about Ihram for beginners before your spiritual retreat, as it is the first ritual of both pilgrimages. 

Understanding the purpose, essence, and rules of Ihram is crucial for pilgrims. You cannot perform the pilgrimage without this state of purity. The state of Ihram requires a great deal of effort and attention. You will have to learn everything about Ihram if it is your first time performing the pilgrimage. So, if you have started looking for Umrah packages from the USA and will be among thousands of US Muslims heading to Makkah soon, it is time to learn about Ihram. We are here to provide you with all the information you need to know. 

What is Ihram?

The first ritual of Hajj and Umrah, Ihram, is a state of purity and devotion. It not only involves a special dress code but also behavioural rules and intentions. The state of Ihram teaches us how to attain the utmost purity, thereby elevating the rewards of our acts of worship at the sacred sites. As soon as you observe Ihram, your pilgrimage will begin immediately. You will have to abide by the rules that come with this state after that, till you complete all the pilgrimage rituals. 

Here is a step-by-step guide for entering the state of Ihram, making your pilgrimage easier and smoother. 

Things to Do Before Entering Miqat

Before you enter Miqat, you must prepare for Ihram. Before you make the intention for your Ihram and the pilgrimage and dress up in the specified clothing, here are some things that you will have to do. 

• Perform Ghusl

It is essential to clean your body thoroughly before wearing the Ihram garments. Therefore, it is suggested that you perform a ghusl. However, if a ghusl is not possible, you can also perform ablution instead. 

• Groom Yourself

Grooming for men includes trimming the moustache, clipping nails, and removing underarm and pubic hair if needed. Similarly, women must also groom themselves as they feel necessary, in private and with modesty. 

Wearing the Ihram Garments

Both men and women have different Ihram garments. Let’s talk about them to help you learn more about Ihram. 

1. Ihram for Men

• Men must wear two pieces of white unstitched clothing. One of these pieces, called the Rida, must cover the upper body while the second, called the Izar, must cover the lower body. 
• Covered shoes are not allowed for men. You will need to opt for footwear that exposes the top of your feet and ankles. 
• Sewn garments are not permitted for men, including undergarments. 

2. Ihram for Women

• Women can wear anything they want as long as it is modest and covers them completely. 
• Women’s garments must be loose-fitted. Abayas and long flowy dresses are preferable. 
• Covering the face is not allowed.
• Women must wear modest and comfortable footwear of their choice. Their feet can be covered, unlike those of men. 

Make the Intention for Pilgrimage

After you have donned the Ihram clothing, you must make your intention to perform the pilgrimage clear at the Miqat site. After you have applied for an Umrah visa and are preparing for your journey, you must check in with your airline to determine which of the designated Miqat spots you will be stopping at. Some pilgrims also prefer to enter the state of Ihram from home or at one of the airports en route, thereby avoiding the Miqat sites. It is suggested to say the following supplication out loud. 

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً
Labbaika Allahumma ‘Umrah
(O Allah, here I am for Umrah)

Or if you are performing Hajj:

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ حَجًّا
Labbaika Allahumma Hajjan

Start Reciting Talbiyah

As soon as you have made your intention to perform Hajj or Umrah, you should start reciting Talbiyah while you move towards the Holy Kaabah. It signifies that you have entered the state of Ihram and are now going to perform the pilgrimage rituals. This is the moment when it will all hit you that you will be standing in front of the Kaabah soon. 

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ

Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la shareeka laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la shareeka lak.

Meaning:
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Surely all praise, grace and dominion are Yours, and You have no partner.”

Restrictions in the State of Ihram

With the state of Ihram, certain restrictions apply that you must be aware of. Here is a list of the prohibited things in Ihram. 

• Cutting hair and nails
• Hunting or hurting animals
• Fighting, arguing, and quarreling
• Sexual relations or proposals
• Scented or perfumed products
• Men wearing stitched clothing
• Women covering face
• Men covering head

Ihram in the Light of Qur’an

The rules and significance of Ihram are frequently talked about in the Holy Qur’an. Allah Almighty has taught us about the significance of this state and its importance for the pilgrimage. Here is a verse from the Qur’an that offers insight into the state of Ihram, a sacred condition. 

“Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of Ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations, and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj…”

— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197)

We have mentioned the restrictions of Ihram above, but now it is time to learn how the Holy Qur’an imposes these prohibitions during the state of Ihram. 

• Avoid Arguments and Disobedience

As we have already mentioned, arguments, disobedience, quarrels, and impatient behaviour are prohibited while you are observing Ihram. Here is a verse from the Holy Qur’an that talks about this restriction during the pilgrimage. 

“Let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj.”

— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197)

• No Hunting or Killing Animals

This is another restriction of the state of Ihram that is mentioned in the holy book. You cannot hunt or kill animals unless it is a threat to your life. 

“O you who have believed, do not kill game while you are in the state of Ihram…”

— Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:95)

Common Mistakes in Ihram That You Must Avoid

Ihram is a sacred state, and it may seem easy to maintain and respect, but it is not that simple. There are many common mistakes made by people that are so normalised but must be avoided. We want you to observe Ihram perfectly and have the most rewarding pilgrimage; therefore, we have listed some common mistakes in Ihram that you should avoid. 

• Many people enter Miqat, the designated Ihram points, without making an intention to perform the pilgrimage beforehand. Ensure that you clearly state your Niyyah (intention) before entering Miqat. 
• Scented items or perfumes are not allowed in the state of Ihram. Even knowing that, some people don’t avoid scented products like soaps, face washes, lotions, etc. You must understand that not only are perfumes prohibited, but you also have to refrain from all kinds of scented products. 
• Don’t delay your Talbiyah unnecessarily. 
• Hajj and Umrah crowds are enormous, and it is usually very hot at the pilgrimage sites. There are times when people push you or encounter unfavourable situations. People tend to get impatient and angry at such times. But this is something that must be avoided. 
• Sometimes men think that the restriction on stitched clothing only applies to the outer garments and wear stitched underwear. You must know that this is now allowed. Additionally, men sometimes cover their heads to shield themselves from the scorching heat. Covering the head for men is also prohibited. 
• Women often wear niqabs and gloves in the state of Ihram not knowing that covering face and hands is prohibited. 

Spiritual Goals During Umrah

As you enter the state of Ihram, you not only have to follow the behavioural rules but you must also set some spiritual goals for yourself. Once you accomplish these goals during your pilgrimage, you must also continue following them even after your Umrah. 

• Speak gently and calmly. Don’t indulge in gossip, backbiting or foul speech. 
• Spend all your time in the remembrance of Allah Almighty. Keep your tongue moist with the dhikr of the Almighty. 
• Keep your intentions and heart sincere. You must not forget that each one of your steps is for the sake of Allah Almighty only. 
• Practice patience even when you are in crowded situations. 

Summing Up

Ihram is as important as any of the other primary rituals of the pilgrimage. You cannot perform the pilgrimage successfully if your Ihram is not perfect. Therefore, ensure that you have a clear understanding of the state of Ihram and its associated restrictions before embarking on the spiritual retreat. If you have started learning about Ihram and other pilgrimage rituals, but your Umrah deals or visa are still not sorted, it is time to contact Bismillah Tours. We are here to help you have the smoothest and most memorable spiritual retreat of your life.