Practical Hajj Guide

Ihraam

Many people think of Ihraam as the two white sheets/towels worn by the pilgrim. This is a mistake. The two white sheets/towels worn by men are “the Ihraam garments for men” and not the actual Ihraam.

The word Ihraam in the Arabic language means entering into a state of prohibition.

In the Fiqh terminology, the ihraam of Hajj and Umrah is the intention of the Hajj and ‘Umrah by which a person enters the state in which certain things become prohibited on him or her.

Prohibited Matters in Ihraam are of Three Categories

First Category: That which is prohibited for both men and women:

1. Removal of hair from the head or any part of the body in any manner.

2. Clipping/removing finger/toenails.

3. Using fragrance on either the body or clothing. Be careful not to use fragrances in foods/drinks as well and to abstain from using fragranced soap, cream and shampoo.

4. Sexual intercourse/relations and that which may lead to it such as marriage (‘aqd nikaah) and lustful looking, kissing and so forth.

5. Hunting or assisting in hunting.

6. Wearing gloves.

Second Category: That which is prohibited specifically for men.

1. Covering the head with something that remains on it (like a cap for example).

2. Wearing sewn clothing such as t-shirts, pants and the like.

Third Category: That which is prohibited specifically for women:

1. Wearing a face covering (niqaab). Therefore, it is forbidden for a woman to wear the niqaab and gloves after crossing the meeqaat. However, she may cover her hands with her garment such as the dress or cloak. And she would cover her face in the presence of non-mahram men by lowering her head cover.