🕋 Complete Ihram Guide for Umrah & Hajj Pilgrims

1. Preparations Before Entering Ihram

For both men and women:

• Perform ghusl (ritual purification) as is done after ritual impurity.
• Trim nails, remove pubic and underarm hair.
• Apply perfume to your body (not on the ihram cloth).
• If time allows, offer a two-rak‘ah sunnah prayer before making the intention.

2. Ihram Attire

• Men: Wear two unstitched cloths — izar (lower) and rida’ (upper), without stitching.
• Women: Wear modest, loose-fitting garments that fully cover the body (no face veil or gloves during Ihram), in any color permissible.

3. Intention (Niyyah) from the Miqat

Your intention (niyyah) is made when you cross the Miqat — the boundary for entering Ihram — based on your route. Examples:

If you fear being prevented from reaching Ihram:

4. Increase the Talbiyah

After making the intention, pilgrims are to frequently recite the Talbiyah:

5. Prohibitions During Ihram

Applies to both men & women:

• Cutting nails or hair
• Using perfume
• Engaging in marriage proposals or ceremonies
• Intimacy or approaching it
• Hunting land animals
• Quarreling, foul speech, or committing sins

Specific to men:

• Wearing stitched garments
• Wearing closed or ankle-covering shoes
• Covering the head with attached fabric

Specific to women:

• Wearing a face veil (niqab) or gloves during Ihram
• Still required to maintain modesty (aurat) in clothing

6. If a Prohibition Is Violated

• A dam (penalty) or fidyah may be required depending on the violation.
• Continue your worship — do not cancel pilgrims’ rites unless legally excused.

7. Spiritual Tips During Ihram

• Increase dhikr, du’ā, and istighfār
• Guard your heart and emotions
• Limit use of gadgets and digital distractions — focus on Allah
• Use this time for reflection (tafakkur) and purifying your intention