What are the rules of Ihram?

ByShaykh Haytham Tamim

Umrah consists of four key rituals:

Entering Ihram: Before reaching the Miqat, change into Ihram garments, perform two rak‘ahs of salah, and make the intention (niyyah) as you approach the Miqat. Begin reciting the Talbiyah frequently.

Tawaf al-Umrah: Perform seven circuits around the Ka‘bah, followed by two rak‘ahs of salah, preferably near Maqam Ibrahim, but can be performed anywhere in the Haram.

Sa’i: Walk between Safa and Marwah seven times, as Hajar (peace be upon her) did.

Halq or Taqsir: Conclude Umrah by either shaving (Halq) or trimming (Taqsir) your hair, exiting the state of Ihram and completing your pilgrimage.

This sequence fulfills the sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and completes your Umrah.

What is ihram?

Ihram is a sacred state that a Muslim enters when performing Hajj or Umrah. It involves specific physical and spiritual conditions that mark the beginning of the pilgrimage.

Key aspects of Ihram:

Clothing for men

  • Two white, unstitched pieces of cloth
  • Izar (lower garment): wrapped around the waist, covering from the navel to below the knees.
  • Rida (upper garment): draped over the shoulders.
  • Cannot wear sewn or fitted clothing (e.g., shirts, trousers, socks, underwear).
  • Must wear simple sandals or slippers (that do not cover the entire foot or ankles).
  • No head coverings (hats, caps, turbans) allowed.

Dress for women

  • Women wear modest, loose-fitting clothing that, without specific restrictions on colour or stitching.
  • The clothing should cover the entire body except the face and hands.
  • No specific color is required.
  • Cannot wear niqab or gloves.

Intention (niyyah):

Before entering Ihram, one must make the intention for Hajj or Umrah at a Miqat (designated boundary).

  • The intention is accompanied by reciting:


لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً (Labbaik Allahumma ‘Umrah) for Umrah
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ حَجًّا (Labbaik Allahumma Hajj) for Hajj

Reciting Talbiyah:

  • Upon entering Ihram, begin reciting the talbiyah:


لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ ٱلْحَمْدَ وَٱلنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَٱلْمُلْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ


“Here I am, O Allah, here I am! Here I am, You have no partner, here I am! Indeed, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You, You have no partner.”

Prohibited acts in Ihram:

  • Cutting hair or nails
  • Using perfume or scented products
  • Engaging in marital relations
  • Hunting or harming animals
  • Covering the head (for men) or face (for women)
  • Wearing stitched clothing (for men)

Spiritual Significance:

  • Symbol of purity and equality – removing worldly distinctions.
  • Reminder of the Day of Judgment, where all will stand before Allah in simple attire.
  • Focus on humility, patience, and devotion during pilgrimage.

Exiting Ihram:

Ihram ends after completing specific rituals of Hajj or Umrah, such as:

  • Umrah: Completing Tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka’bah), Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah), and shaving or trimming the hair.
  • Hajj: Performing key rites, including standing at Arafat, stoning the Jamarat, and sacrificing an animal (Qurbani).

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