The Umrah or the minor pilgrimage is a great blessing for those that understand. And in order for one to perform it correctly, there is a certain protocol that must be followed.
Umrah cannot be performed without the ihram. And what is the ihram? It is a state of complete purity and sacredness. It is considered as a state in which the believers can carry out Umrah with great ease and absolute sincerity.
A male believer’s ihram differs indefinitely from that of a female’s. Other than that, there is a certain other guideline that must be taken into consideration. To help you understand more regarding this topic, we’re taking a closer look at the ihram for Umrah below.
Understanding the ihram for Umrah
It is the term used for the garment worn by Muslim pilgrims during their minor pilgrimage and their major annual Islamic pilgrimage or Hajj. The word ihram is also reserved for the state entered by pilgrims once they’ve made the intention for their pilgrimage.
Now a commonly asked question relates to the significance of the ihram for Umrah. The reason for entering or wearing it is crucial. This obligatory dress ensures and serves as a constant reminder for the pilgrim to be humble. It makes no difference if a believer is rich or poor because, in the eyes of Allah, we are all equal. This sacred clothing eliminates any such thought, enjoining all Muslims in the bond of unity and brotherhood. It also reminds pilgrims to remain humble as we shall all taste death one day, clad in sheets of white cloth.
How to enter into the state of Ihram
There is an entire sequence of events that lead a pilgrim into the state for Umrah. This includes the following: –
- Preparing oneself by hair combing, nail cutting, shaving of unwanted body hair as well as the shaving or trimming of moustache and beard for men.
- Taking a bath or showering with the mere intention of entering into the state of ihram. In cases where not enough water is present for a bath, believers may perform Wudu instead.
- Putting on the ihram comes next. For men, this comprises of unstitched sheets of white cloth. While for women, ordinary clothes serve the purpose.
- All believers must make an intention. When entering Umrah, they should recite Labbayka Umrah:
What are prohibitions of Ihram for Umrah
The following list of deeds or actions term it to be void and hence must be avoided:
- Men wearing stitched clothing
- Women covering their face and men covering their heads
- The cutting of nails or the shaving of hair
- The hunting of animals
- The wearing of perfume
- The involvement in sexual relations with one’s spouse
Every believer should understand that the Umrah must be performed in the state of ihram. It is this dress code that eliminates any sign of inferiority and superiority of one Muslim over another. All Muslims should take heed of the appropriate protocols of entering the state of ihram so that they may benefit undoubtedly.
