How to Wear Ihram for hajj & Umrah? A complete guide

For millions of Muslims around the world, performing Hajj or Umrah is a profound act of faith and submission to Allah. Central to this spiritual journey is entering a state of Ihram—a sacred state that signifies purity, equality, and piety. But for many first-time pilgrims, understanding how to wear Ihram properly can be a source of anxiety and confusion. This guide aims to demystify the process with easy-to-follow instructions and visual aids to wear Ihram perfectly, ensuring your focus remains on the spiritual aspect of your pilgrimage.

What is Ihram?

Ihram is not merely two pieces of white cloth for men and modest, white attire for women; it is a state of holiness and purification that every pilgrim must adopt before performing the rituals of Hajj and Umrah before entering the Miqat. The physical aspects of Ihram dress are accompanied by niyyah (intention), which marks the pilgrim’s commitment to forsaking worldly comforts and dedicating themselves to the worship of Allah.

Step-by-Step Guide to Wear Ihram

Preparation for Ihram: Begin with a shower, trim your nails, and ensure you’re in a state of cleanliness. It’s recommended to apply perfume (non-alcoholic) to your body—not the Ihram garments—before donning them. When you enter the Ihram you will be prohibited from applying perfume. Read a complete guide on the prohibitions of Ihram.

Ihram for Men

Ihram for men includes two pieces of cloth. One piece, called ‘Izaar,’ covers the lower body from the navel to the knees. The other piece, called ‘Rida,’ covers the upper body. It is mandatory to take off your clothes while you wear Ihram. Men’s Ihram involves three stages. The first one is wrapping the lower cloth, the second is draping the upper cloth and lastly performing Idtiba while entering in Mataf area.

Wrapping the Lower Garment (Izar):

1. Hold the lower cloth width-wise behind your lower back ensuring it covers the area from above the navel to below the knees.
2. Wrap the one end (from right to left) against your waist.
3. Wrap the other end (from left to right) around your body.
4. Once you’ve wrapped the cloth around your lower body, fold or roll the top part of the cloth a few times around your waist. It should end up higher than your belly button.
5. Make sure your satr (navel to the knees) should be covered. And prevent it from sliding off if you are using Ihram belt.

The pictorial guide below shows how to wrap and secure the Izar without the need for pins or stitches, relying on folds and tucks instead. Figure 1: Wrapping the Izar with step-by-step visuals.

Draping the Upper Garment (Rida’):

6. Hold the upper cloth horizontally behind your shoulders.
7. Wrap your left shoulder, making the right side longer.
8. Wrap the left shoulder throwing the free corner of clothes behind your back covering the right shoulder.

Figure 2: Draping the Rida’ with images showing the process from different angles.

Once you’ve put on Ihraam, pray two ‘Rakat’ Nafil prayers, as long as it’s not an undesirable time for prayer. This prayer is preferable. If there’s no time for this prayer, you can still enter the state of Ihraam by making the intention and reciting Talbiyah.

Uncovering the Right Shoulder (Idtiba’):

Upon entering the Mataf area perform Iztiba’ leaving the right shoulder bare. The Rida’ should be draped in such a way that it secures around your body and stays in place without holding it. It is a sunnah. Read a complete guide on How to perform the rituals of Hajj.

Idtiba is performed by covering the left shoulder with one end of Ihram and passing the other end under the right armpit, baring the right shoulder. Figure 3: Performing Idtiba’

Ihram For Women

Women should wear modest, comfortable clothing that covers the body, except for the face and hands. White is preferred for its symbolism of purity, but it is not mandatory. The attire should be simple, avoiding elaborate embroidery or adornments that attract attention.

Practical Tips for Maintaining Ihram

• Maintaining the prohibitions: While in Ihram, certain prohibitions like using scented soap or trimming hair and nails apply. Plan these grooming activities before entering Ihram. As Allah Almighty explains in Quran:

“Lawful to you are all the beasts of cattle except that which will be announced to you (herein), game being unlawful when you assume ihram for Hajj or ‘Umrah (pilgrimage)”

• Stay Cool: Opt for breathable fabrics to resist the heat, especially during Tawaf and Sa’i.
• Mindful Movement: Be aware of your Ihram’s secureness, especially in crowded areas. Practice walking and sitting in your Ihram beforehand to adjust better.

Conclusion

Mastering how to wear Ihram is a critical first step in your preparation for Hajj or Umrah. This is the same method to wear Ihram for Hajj as well as the Ihram for Umrah. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can understand how to wear Ihram properly. Reflecting on the spiritual significance of the state of Ihram, you’ll be well-equipped to undertake your pilgrimage with confidence and grace. Remember, the essence of Ihram extends beyond the physical garments to encompass behavior, thought, and intention aligned with devotion and purity.

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