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Rules of Ihram for Men and Women in Umrah: A Complete Guide

One of the most essential parts of performing Umrah is entering the sacred state known as Ihram. For both men and women, observing the rules of Ihram is a crucial spiritual and legal requirement that sets the tone for their pilgrimage.

This article explores everything you need to know about the Ihram rules for men and women in Umrah — from the right intention (niyyah) to clothing, prohibitions, and common mistakes.

What is Ihram?

Ihram is a sacred state that a Muslim must enter before performing the rites of Umrah or Hajj. The term “Ihram” also refers to the special clothing worn during this state, but more importantly, it symbolizes purity, devotion, and submission to Allah.

Entering the state of Ihram involves three key steps:

  1. Making the intention (niyyah)
  2. Wearing the prescribed clothing
  3. Reciting the Talbiyah: “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk…”

When and Where to Enter Ihram (Miqat)

Pilgrims must enter Ihram before crossing a specific boundary known as Miqat. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ defined several Miqat points, including:

  • Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali) – for people coming from Madinah
  • Yalamlam – for those from Yemen or southeast
  • Qarn al-Manazil – for Najd or Riyadh region
  • Juhfah – for pilgrims from the Levant, Europe, etc.
  • Dhat Irq – for those from Iraq or northeast

Rules of Ihram for Men

1. Clothing

  • Men must wear two unstitched white sheets:
    • Izar: the lower garment
    • Rida: the upper garment
  • No underwear, socks, or stitched garments
  • No head covering (caps, turbans, etc.)
  • No footwear that covers the heel and ankles

Tip: Use Ihram belts to secure items like money and documents.

2. Prohibited Actions for Men in Ihram

  • Shaving or cutting hair
  • Trimming nails
  • Wearing stitched clothes
  • Using perfume or scented products
  • Engaging in sexual activity or talks
  • Killing animals (except harmful ones)
  • Cutting plants within Haram area

Rules of Ihram for Women

1. Clothing

  • Women wear regular modest clothing that fulfills Islamic dress code.
  • No specific color required, but black or white are commonly worn.
  • Women do not wear a face veil (niqab) or gloves.
  • However, they may cover their faces with a loose cloth (like a scarf) when in front of non-mahram men.

Important: Women must not wear tight or transparent garments.

2. Prohibited Actions for Women in Ihram

  • Same as men: no perfume, no trimming hair or nails, no sexual activity, etc.
  • No face covering with a sewn veil, but covering the face loosely is permissible.

Shared Rules of Ihram for Men and Women

Action Permissible Not Permissible
Using unscented soap ✔  
Wearing sunglasses ✔  
Wearing perfume   ❌
Cutting hair/nails   ❌
Sexual activity   ❌
Arguing or quarrelling   ❌

How to Enter the State of Ihram (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preparation

  • Take a full bath (ghusl) or perform ablution (wudu)
  • Trim nails, remove pubic and underarm hair
  • Wear the Ihram garments

Step 2: Make Niyyah (Intention)

  • Intend from the heart: “O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, make it easy for me and accept it.”

Step 3: Recite the Talbiyah

Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka laa shareeka laka Labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, laa shareeka lak.

Repeat the Talbiyah frequently until you reach the Kaaba for Tawaf.

Duration and Exit of Ihram

The Ihram remains until all rituals of Umrah are completed:

  1. Tawaf (circumambulation)
  2. Sa’i (between Safa and Marwah)
  3. Hair cutting/shaving (Halq/Taqsir)

Once your hair is trimmed or shaved (men) or clipped (women), you exit the state of Ihram and all prohibitions are lifted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Ihram

  • Wearing perfume or scented wipes
  • Using scented soaps or deodorants
  • Covering the head (men) or face with sewn items (women)
  • Engaging in arguments or using foul language
  • Forgetting to make the intention at Miqat

Spiritual Significance of Ihram

Ihram is not just about outer garments or abstaining from actions — it’s a state of humility, equality, and devotion. It erases distinctions of wealth, race, and class, making all pilgrims equal before Allah.

It reminds Muslims to detach from worldly distractions and focus purely on worship and obedience.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the rules of Ihram for men and women in Umrah ensures a smooth, spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage. From wearing the correct clothing to avoiding prohibited actions, being in a state of Ihram is both a physical and spiritual transformation.

By adhering to these rules with sincerity, pilgrims prepare themselves for a journey of a lifetime — one that draws them closer to their Creator.

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