Every year millions of muslim gather in Makkah for Umrah and Hajj. It's a beautiful sight to see them praying together in their white Ihram clothes.Ihram is special clothing worn only for pilgrimages like Umrah and Hajj. It means purity, equality, and giving yourself to Allah. It’s more than just clothes, it has a deep spiritual meaning. Let’s learn about the good things it represents, how to wear it correctly, and the rules about it. By understanding these, we can wear Ihram the right way, achieve its purpose, and get the most spiritual benefits.
What is Ihram?
Ihram is a state of purity and sacredness that pilgrims enter before performing Hajj or Umrah. It involves wearing specific clothing and adhering to certain rules and regulations.
You must have a clear and sincere intention to enter Ihram and perform the pilgrimage. This intention should be rooted in a deep desire to seek Allah's pleasure and fulfil your religious obligations.
Before entering Ihram, you must perform a thorough ritual purification (ghusl). This signifies your commitment to cleanliness and spiritual renewal. Men must wear Two unstitched pieces of white cloth, one wrapped around the waist and the other draped over the shoulder.while Women wear Loose-fitting, modest clothing that covers the entire body, including a hijab or niqab.
Ihram for Men
Men must wear two seamless pieces of white cloth .These are typically made of cotton or linen and are available in various sizes. The lower garment (riz) is wrapped around the waist and tied. The upper garment (rida) is draped over the left shoulder and passes under the right arm.The garments should be unsewn and free from any embellishments.
Ihram for Women
Women must wear a loose-fitting, long-sleeved dress or abaya that covers their body from their shoulders to their ankles. They should also wear a niqab or burqa to cover their face, except for their eyes.
Ihram for Children
While there's no specific requirement for children to wear Ihram, it's often considered a good practice to dress them in loose-fitting, modest clothing. This aligns with the general principles of Ihram, emphasizing simplicity, modesty, and a focus on spiritual matters.
When do you put Ihram on?
The Miqat is a designated location where pilgrims must enter Ihram before commencing their Hajj or Umrah journey. It serves as a symbolic boundary that separates the ordinary world from the sacred realm of the pilgrimage.
The Miqat varies depending on the pilgrim's point of origin. For those coming from the direction of Makkah, the Miqat is typically located at one of the following places:
- Juhfah: For pilgrims from the direction of Madinah or Syria.
- Yalamlam: For pilgrims from the direction of Yemen.
- Qarn al-Manazil: For pilgrims from the direction of Iraq.
- Dhu Tuwa: For pilgrims from the direction of the Hijaz region.
Once a pilgrim reaches their designated Miqat, they must perform the following steps:
- Purification: Perform a thorough ritual purification (ghusl) to cleanse their body and mind.
- Intention: Declare their intention to enter Ihram by saying specific phrases.
- Clothing: Put on the Ihram garments, which are simple, unsewn pieces of white cloth.
Conclusion
Ihram is a significant aspect of Hajj and Umrah, symbolizing purity, devotion, and a connection with Allah. By understanding the requirements and guidelines associated with Ihram, pilgrims can better prepare for their pilgrimage and fully immerse themselves in the spiritual experience.