Ihram

To successfully complete the Hajj or Umra, one must observe the ritual of Ihram. This is an essential aspect of the pilgrimage, and without it, the Hajj or Umra will not be considered valid. Ihram is a sacred state that pilgrims enter while performing these religious obligations. To enter this state, individuals must follow certain purification rituals and wear specific clothing. The uniformity of Ihram attire among all Hajj and Umra pilgrims creates equality, eliminating social and financial differences among them. It is impossible to tell who is rich or poor when everyone is dressed the same. However, it is important to note that entering Ihram also imposes certain restrictions that one must be aware of, such as:

• Men are not permitted to shave hair or beards and cut their nails.
• Men are not allowed to wear stitched or woven clothes. For women, any fully white or black clothing that fully covers their body except face and hands is their Ihram. Thus, women are permitted to wear stitched clothes during Umrah or Hajj.
• Women should refrain from exposing any part of their body except the face and hands. 
• Neither men nor women should wear any type of scent, including perfumes, deodorants, aftershaves, and scented soaps. You’ll be provided with unscented soaps for use during the trip. 
• Pilgrims are not permitted to engage in intimacy.
• Pilgrims are not allowed to hunt animals or cut plants or trees. 

How to Enter the State of Ihram?

For those traveling by air, it’s important to enter the state of Ihram before crossing the designated Miqat. Airlines such as Saudi Airlines may announce the Miqat before reaching Mecca, and it is recommended to change into your Ihram at the airport before departure or during a stopover, if possible. You can change in the prayer room or bathroom at the airport before checking in. Alternatively, you can change into your Ihram on the plane, but be aware that airplane bathrooms are often small and crowded, especially as the Miqat approaches. If you choose to change on the plane, make sure to do so at least one hour before crossing the Miqat.

The state of Ihram will only be officially entered upon making the intention. Before putting on the Ihram attire, make sure to be in a state of physical cleanliness by either taking a bath (ghusl) or washing hands and face (wudhu). The Ihram clothing consists of two plain, white, seamless cloths. The lower body is covered with the Izar, which is wrapped around the waist, while the Rida is draped over the upper body like a shawl. The sandals should not cover the heel or ankle, and according to the Hanafi school of thought, the top part of the foot should also remain uncovered. There is no specific dress code for women in Ihram. They should wear modest Islamic attire with a head covering of any color. Hands and faces must be left uncovered, but socks can be worn.

It is customary to perform two units of prayer (Rakahs) before entering into the state of Ihram. This can be done after changing into your Ihram attire at the airport or on the plane, if there are prayer facilities available. The prayer should be performed with the intention of performing two Nafl Rakahs for Ihram.

Since you are not yet in the Ihram state, the prayer can be performed with your head covered. It is recommended to recite Surah al-Kafirun (Chapter 109) in the first Rakah and Surah al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112) in the second, though other chapters can also be recited. Don’t forget to make a Dua after this prayer.

When close to the applicable Miqat, make the intention for Ihram and Umra, then recite the Talbiyah prayer, which is a compulsory declaration of the intention to enter the state of Ihram.  Read more in Miqat.