Ihram basics: what to know before the miqat

Ihram is the sacred state a pilgrim enters before performing Umrah. The word is also used for the simple clothing men wear in that state. Entering ihram involves being clean, making the intention for Umrah, and reciting the talbiyah: "Labbayk Allahumma labbayk", "Here I am, O Allah, here I am".

This is a general overview. Rulings differ between schools of thought, so learn the details from a qualified scholar before you travel.

The miqat

A miqat is a boundary that a pilgrim heading for Makkah to perform Umrah does not cross without being in ihram. There are five main miqat points around Makkah. Dhul Hulayfah, also called Abyar Ali, is the miqat for people travelling from Madinah.

Pilgrims who fly to Jeddah and go straight on to Makkah enter ihram before the plane crosses the miqat. Many put on their ihram clothing before boarding or during a connection, then make the intention when the crew announces that the miqat is near.

What this means on your route

On a Makkah-first package you fly to Jeddah, connecting in Istanbul, and perform Umrah soon after you arrive in Makkah. You enter ihram on the flight.

On a Madinah-first package you arrive in Madinah without ihram, because you are not going to Makkah yet. You enter ihram when you leave Madinah for Makkah, before you pass the miqat of Dhul Hulayfah. The programme includes time to prepare for ihram and make the intention before the train.

Clothing for men

Men wear two plain pieces of unstitched cloth, usually white. One is wrapped around the waist (the izar) and the other is worn over the shoulders (the rida). The head stays uncovered, and footwear such as sandals leaves the ankles uncovered.

Clothing for women

Women wear their usual modest clothing in any colour, with no special garment. In ihram the face and hands are left uncovered: no face veil and no gloves.

What is not allowed in ihram

• Using perfume or scented products after entering ihram
• Cutting or removing hair or nails
• For men, covering the head and wearing stitched, fitted clothing
• Marital relations, and arguing or behaving badly
• Hunting

The rule on perfume includes scented soap, shampoo, deodorant and sunscreen. Unscented versions are easy to find, but buy them before you travel.

Leaving ihram

Ihram ends after sa'i. Men shave their heads or shorten their hair, and women cut a small length, about a fingertip, from the end of their hair. After that the restrictions of ihram are lifted.

Practical tips

• Bring two sets of ihram clothing, so you can change if one gets dirty.
• A wide belt or pouch keeps the izar in place and holds your passport and phone.
• Practise wrapping the izar at home before the journey.
• Keep your ihram clothing in your cabin bag if you will enter ihram on the plane.