For a Muslim man or woman to perform Hajj and Umrah successfully, certain acts of worship are necessary. One of these acts of worship is also wearing Ihram. We cannot perform pilgrimage without Ihram. It means to enter into a state of purity and sanctity to perform a pilgrimage. Additionally, it is the first requirement of Holy pilgrimages to Makkah. Ihram is a state in which many things are not permissible. After entering this state, pilgrims have to perform the required rituals.
Note: If you don’t know about Ihram and its rules, then first you have to read completely about Umrah and then book your Umrah Packages.
How to wear Ihram?
The rules for men’s Ihram attire are strict, while women can wear any type of clothing. However, the attire must be sufficiently thick and long, as well as loose-fitting and not exposing the body. Pilgrims should follow the given below rules for Ihram during hajj and Umrah:
- Pilgrims cannot cut their nails and hair in Ihram.
- A person is not allowed to wear fragrances, including scented soaps, deodorants, and perfumes. Unscented soaps are recommended for pilgrims to use in Ihram.
- The Ihram dress for women must be modest and not reveal any part of their body. Except for their hands and faces.
- Women are not allowed to wear any kind of cosmetics or makeup.
Where to wear the Ihram?
The Miqat refers to a specified place, where Muslim pilgrims enter the sacred state of Ihram. The five important Miqat places for Hajj and Umrah are:
- Miqat Qarn Al Manazil
It is located 80km east of Makkah. This is the Miqat for the people of Najd and those traveling from countries such as the UAE, Pakistan, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, etc. It is located near the city of Taif.
- Miqat Yalamlam
It is located 100 kilometers southwest of Makkah. It is the place for the people of Oman and people coming from the south. Pilgrims from countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, etc. will cross this Miqat.
- Miqat Dhul Hulayfah
Dhul Hulayfah is situated 18km southwest of Masjid al-Nabwi in Madina and 410km north of Makkah. It is the Miqat for the people of Madinah and the people outside of Madinah intending to make a pilgrimage. And for the people passing beyond this place coming from the North.
- Miqat Al Juhfat
Al Juhfat is situated 182km northwest of Makkah. Pilgrims may also enter the state of Ihram at Rabigh, a town just to the north of al Juhfat. This is the Miqat for people intending to undertake pilgrimage traveling from North America, Algeria, Egypt, Syria, Turkey, Europe, Sudan, and different other African countries.
Why is Ihram Important?
Muslims enter and remain in this state during the special rituals that are required to complete Hajj and Umrah. The state is mandatory for following certain cleansing rituals by wearing the appropriate clothing. Ihram is also used to refer to the specific attire that has been chosen to complete the pilgrimage. It must be worn by all men and women. It is the symbol of equality and removes all societal representations of wealth or social differences. It also ensures that both men and women renounce the temptations of vanity and the world.
Conclusion:
Ihram is a sacred state in which a Muslim must enter to perform Umrah and Hajj. It is an important ritual that symbolizes the equality of all Muslims and also reiterates. Ihram is the ritual of Hajj and Umrah without Ihram you cannot Perform Umrah and Hajj. So first read about the guidelines of Hajj and Umrah then book your Umrah and Hajj Packages.
