What is ihram?

Ihram is the sacred state a Muslim enters to perform Hajj or Umrah, and also the simple clothing worn in it. You enter it with an intention before passing a set boundary point (miqat). Men wear two plain white sheets; women wear their normal modest clothes. While in ihram, some everyday things like perfume, cutting hair and marital intimacy are paused.

What ihram means

The word comes from haram, "forbidden" or "sacred": in ihram, certain normal things become off-limits for a while. It's not just a costume. Ihram starts with the intention (niyyah) for Umrah or Hajj and the talbiyah, the pilgrim's call: "Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayk la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1549). It means "Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner. All praise, blessings and sovereignty are Yours."

The Prophet ﷺ set boundary points (miqat) around Mecca, such as Dhul-Hulayfah for people coming from Medina, and said they apply to anyone passing them on the way to Hajj or Umrah (Sahih al-Bukhari 1524). If you're flying straight to Jeddah, you usually enter ihram on the plane before it crosses the miqat, and airlines often announce it. See Can I pray on a plane?

What men and women wear

Men: two unstitched white cloths, one wrapped around the waist (izar) and one over the shoulders (rida), plus sandals that leave the ankles bare. The Prophet ﷺ said a pilgrim in ihram should not wear a shirt, turban, trousers, hooded cloak or leather socks, or clothes scented with saffron or wars (Sahih al-Bukhari 1542).
Women: any loose, modest clothing in any color, with a headscarf. A woman in ihram should not cover her face with a niqab or wear gloves (Sahih al-Bukhari 1838), though she may lower part of her scarf in front of her face around unrelated men, as many scholars allow.

Before ihram, it's sunnah to take a shower (ghusl), trim nails and wear perfume on the body (not the clothes). Once you've made the intention, no new perfume. Many people use unscented soap and deodorant. See Is perfume with alcohol haram?

What's not allowed in ihram

Applying perfume or scented products.
Cutting or removing hair and nails.
Sexual intimacy, and (for most schools) a marriage contract.
Hunting land animals.
For men: stitched, fitted clothing and covering the head.

If you do one of these by mistake or out of ignorance, most scholars say there's no sin and often no penalty; if done knowingly, a compensation (fidyah) such as fasting, charity or a sacrifice may be due. The schools differ on the details, so ask your group leader if it happens.

When ihram ends

For Umrah, ihram ends after tawaf, sa'i and cutting the hair. For Hajj, it ends in two stages around the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah. Then everything returns to normal.

Key points

Ihram is a sacred state entered with intention and talbiyah, plus the pilgrim clothing.
Enter it before crossing the miqat, often on the plane.
Men wear two white sheets; women wear normal modest clothes, without niqab or gloves.
Perfume, cutting hair or nails and intimacy are paused until it ends.

Tip: Practice tying your ihram at home before the trip, and pack it in your hand luggage. If you're changing at the airport or on the plane, a safety pin or ihram belt keeps the waist cloth secure.

What is ihram?

What ihram means

What men and women wear

What's not allowed in ihram

When ihram ends

People also ask