The concept of Ihram finds exceptional significance for the performance of hajj and umrah pilgrimage. It’s a concept to assume the state of absolute purity and hence declaring some lawful things as Haram i.e., unlawful on oneself. However, once the holy rituals of the hajj or umrah pilgrimage are complete, the state of Ihram is denounced. In simple words, assuming Ihram is necessary for Muslim pilgrims who are traveling to Makkah for the rituals of Hajj or Umrah through hajj price 2022. Otherwise, performing the rituals without having entered the state of Ihram would make your pilgrimage invalid.
The meaning of the state of Ihram.
The word Ihram is also used to define the specific clothing worn by men and women for the holy rituals of pilgrimage. After pronouncing the Niyyah and Talbiyah, certain permissible things (which are halal) become prohibited for a pilgrim in the state of Ihram. For instance;
1. Wearing stitched garments (for men only).
2. Use of perfume or Fragrance of any sort.
3. Having physical intimate relations with the spouse.
4. Cutting/plucking of hair or trimming of nails.
5. Killing or hunting an animal or insect.
Therefore, it can be said that the combined state of Niyyah and Talbiyah is known as ‘Ihram’.
Here are some of the Ihram rules to consider.
Where to assume Ihram?
Ihram must be assumed by a pilgrim before the Meeqat boundary gets crossed otherwise a penalty is due. There are 5 different places specified for Meeqat at all corners of Makkah. Therefore, the Meeqat place would be different for every pilgrim depending on where he/she is arriving in Makkah.
Preparations for wearing Ihram.
Ihram should be worn by the pilgrims after physical purity is obtained. In this regard one must;
1. Clip fingernails and toenails.
2. Get a haircut and mustache trim (if needed).
3. Shave/remove hair from under armpits and the navel.
4. Perform Ghusl because it’s a sunnah act. However, Wudhu can also be made if Ghusl is not a Wajib for a person.
5. After all this is done, a person must wear neat and clean Ihram clothes and perform Salat-al-Ihram.
Ihram clothing.
For men.
For men, Ihram only consists of two simple white-colored sheets of cloth; no other piece of clothing can be worn as ihram. The sheet used for covering the lower half of the body i.e., from the navel to below the knees is known as ‘Izar’, while the one used for covering the upper body i.e., draping over the shoulders is known as ‘Rida’.
Men cannot wear any piece of stitched clothing for their ihram as well as wearing closed footwear i.e., that covers their feet and ankles is prohibited.
For women.
For women, there’s no specific dress code to abide by for Ihram clothing i.e., they can wear their ordinary clothes as Ihram provided that they remain simple, modest, and as per the teachings of Islam.
Women should not cover their face or hands during the holy rituals however their heads should remain covered at all times.
These are some of the basic things to consider for Ihram.
