The Meaning of Ihram in Umrah
The word “Ihram” comes from the Arabic word “Haram,” which means “forbidden.” Ihram is the state pilgrims must enter when they are on a pilgrimage to the Holy Kabah. Once you enter the state of Ihram, certain things become forbidden for you. Pilgrims must assume Ihram before they enter the boundary of Mecca. That is, before crossing Miqat, they must make an intention to perform Umrah and enter the state of Ihram.
Spiritual Significance of Ihram
Equality in Islam
Ihram has a deep-rooted meaning in Islam. It is not just a piece of clothing, but rather a reflection of Islamic teachings. Muslims from all over the world unite in the same white clothing. Rich and poor, old and young, everyone wraps the same white cloth around their body. This signifies the concept of unity and brotherhood in Islam. Allah commands in the Holy Quran that all Muslims are brothers and no one is superior to another, except those who are more pious.
Simplicity in Islam
The simplicity of Ihram summed up in the plain white cloth signifies that this world is a temporary place where we are not supposed to indulge in luxuries and pompousness. Allah has sent us to this world to fulfill his commands, remain steadfast in the face of difficulties, and spread the Glorious Message of Allah.
The World is a Temporary Abode
The white clothing also reminds us about our undeniable fate in this world. One day we all will die. All luxuries, material belongings, and amenities shall be futile. It is only our deeds that we will take to our graves. We will be laid to rest in a similar white shroud and left alone in the dark pit of the grave. No one will be there to ease our worries and despair except for our good deeds. The ones who spent their lives on the righteous path taught by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), doing Allah’s Zikr, and abiding by the teachings of the Quran, shall be saved from the suffocation of the grave. Hence, Ihram is a reminder of death and our real purpose of coming to this world.
Allah is the Only Supreme Authority
Ihram in Umrah also signifies how worthless and powerless we are in front of Almighty Allah. We are nothing but his humble slaves. As we circulate the Holy Kabah with our eyes filled with tears and bodies trembling with fear from Allah’s wrath. We realize the undeniable might of Allah and how weak we are in front of him. We pray and supplicate to him in all humility. We beg for His Divine Mercy and Compassion, for we have nowhere else to go. Allah loves when his slaves implore and beg Him. This act and realization cleanse our soul of any impurities like arrogance, conceit, and ill intentions.
The Day of Judgement
It reminds us of our condition on the Day of Judgement. When the Day of Accountability arrives no one will escape from Allah’s Divine Justice. No wealth, power, or social status will protect us from Allah’s fury. We will have to answer for our deeds on that Day. Hence Ihram reminds us to seek Allah’s refuge from the Hour of Calamity while we are in this world. It reminds us to seek refuge from Shaitaan and pray to Allah to make us walk on the Guided Path. This way we promise ourselves to stay away from evil and commit to what is good. Hence, the spiritual importance of Ihram is profound.
