The Ihram — Entering a State of Sanctification for Umrah

The Ihram is the first step and the gateway to Umrah. It represents both a dress code and a spiritual state of sanctification. Understanding it well is essential to begin your pilgrimage correctly.

The Ihram Garments

For Men

The masculine ihram outfit consists of two pieces of unsewn white fabric:

• Izar: Lower garment wrapped around the waist (like a sarong), held in place with a belt
• Rida: Upper garment draped over the shoulders
• Recommended material: sponge, terry cloth, or lightweight cotton (breathable in warm climates)
• Footwear: sandals leaving the feet partially bare (do not cover the heel and the top of the foot according to some opinions)

For Women

Women wear their usual modest clothing — there is no prescribed style:

• Loose abaya or long, wide outfit, preferably white or plain
• Hijab covering the head and neck
• The niqab (full-face veil) is discouraged during Tawaf according to the majority of scholars

Where and When to Put on the Ihram? The Miqat

The ihram must be donned before crossing the Miqat (geographic boundary around Mecca). For travelers from Europe:

• By plane: the aerial Miqat is located approximately 1 hour before Jeddah
• Safer option: change in the plane before the Miqat announcement, or at the airport
• If missed: go to Masjid Al-Tan’im (in Jeddah) to enter ihram

See our guide Miqat Points for geographical details.

The Talbiyah — Formula for Entering Ihram

لَبَّيْكَ اللّٰهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ

Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, lā sharīka lak.

Repeat this formula continuously until the start of Tawaf.

The Prohibitions of Ihram

While in ihram, the following acts are forbidden:

• Cutting hair or nails
• Using perfumes (after entering ihram)
• Conjugal relations
• Wearing sewn clothing (for men)
• Covering the head (for men) — hats, caps, etc.
• Hunting or killing animals

Next step: The Tawaf — 7 Circuits around the Kaaba.