The word ihram comes from the root word haram, which means to prohibit. In the context of Hajj and Umrah, ihram refers to entering a state of sanctity, where one is prohibited from certain actions. In terminology, ihram means the intention to perform the worship of Hajj or Umrah while prohibiting things that are forbidden during ihram. By declaring the intention for Hajj or Umrah, a person begins to perform these rituals.

Sunah (Recommended Actions) Before Ihram

Before entering the state of ihram, it is recommended for the pilgrims to:

1. Take a bath.
2. Apply perfume or scent on the body.
3. Trim nails and tidy the beard, armpit hair, and pubic hair.
4. Wear a white ihram cloth.
5. Perform the two rak'ahs of the sunnah prayer of ihram.

Ihram Clothing

Male pilgrims wear two pieces of ihram cloth: one wrapped around the waist and the other draped over the shoulder, covering the private parts. While performing Tawaf, it is recommended to wear the ihram cloth in a special way called idhtiba, which means placing the middle of the cloth under the right shoulder while the two ends are draped over the left shoulder.

Example of Ihram Clothing for Men (Outside Tawaf)

Example of Ihram Clothing for Men (During Tawaf)

Female pilgrims wear clothing that covers the entire body, except for the face and hands (from the wrist to the fingertips), including the palms and the back of the hands.

Example of Ihram Clothing for Women

Prohibited Actions During Ihram

While in the state of ihram, a pilgrim must avoid violating any of the prohibitions of ihram, which include:

For Men:

• Wearing stitched clothing (clothing where the ends of the fabric are permanently sewn together, such as pants or shirts).
• Wearing socks or shoes that cover the ankles and heels.
• Covering the head with anything attached, such as a hat, cap, or turban.

For Women:

• Wearing gloves to cover the palms.
• Covering the face with a veil.

For Both Men and Women:

• Using perfume, except for the scent that was already applied before entering the state of ihram.
• Cutting nails or shaving/plucking hair and body hair.
• Hunting or killing animals in any way, except those that pose a danger to the pilgrims.
• Eating hunted animals.
• Cutting wood or pulling up grass.
• Getting married, marrying off, or proposing to a woman.
• Using foul language, arguing, or engaging in bad behavior.
• Committing crimes or acts of sin.
• Wearing clothes dyed with fragrant substances.

Things Permitted During Ihram

While in the state of ihram, pilgrims are allowed to:

• Kill dangerous or harmful animals, such as scorpions, mice, snakes, wild dogs, crows, mosquitoes, and flies.
• Take a bath.
• Brush teeth.
• Perform hijama (cupping therapy).
• Use medicinal oils or balms.
• Wear glasses, watches, rings, and belts.
• Seek shade under an umbrella, car, tent, or tree.
• Uncover hands and feet for women while performing ablution (wudu) in women’s designated areas.
• Wash and change ihram clothing.
• Scratch the head or body.
• Slaughter domestic animals or marine animals.
• For women, wearing jewelry is also permitted.