The spiritual journey of Umrah is a great experience of Muslims worldwide. At this pilgrimage, the most important aspect is the state of Ihram. A holy state of purity and devotion that pilgrims have to enter before the rituals of Umrah are conducted. This is because in order to have a spiritually satisfying journey. It is important to understand the rules and meaning of Ihram. The following guide by Crowne Travels will take you through all the essentials of Ihram in Umrah including the mode of dressing as well as the motives and prohibitions that accompany this religious state.
The pilgrimage to Mecca is a dream to many people and the proper preparation is one of the elements of the process. The Ihram is not merely about the type of clothes you wear, it is a state of mind, a religious dedication to forget the business of the material world and to concentrate on the relationship with Allah, the only thing that matters. Entering Ihram, you have united with millions of pilgrims who have already made this journey in the past, and who all have one purpose and one devotion. This will be a guide towards the practical and the spiritual of Ihram, as you will be well equipped in this blessed pilgrimage.
What is Ihram?
Ihram is not just some uniforms, it is a state of spiritual cleansing on a deeper level that a pilgrim assumes before starting to perform sacred rituals of Umrah or Hajj. This state is the heartfelt desire (niyyah) of the pilgrim to start the pilgrimage. When the pilgrim is in Ihram, some actions are forbidden which are typically permitted, making the pilgrim forget the secular world and concentrate on his or her spiritual path. To people who want to undertake this holy trip, to identify a way to make it affordable is by accessing the packages which are of Cheap Umrah packages so that more people can be able to engage in this highly spiritual experience and at the same time are not distracted by the packages but are focused on the relationship with Allah.
The unstitched white cloths in two are the sign of Ihram which is physical in the case of men. In the case of women, it is light clothing. This is a symbol of equality of all believers in front of God, irrespective of their social status, wealth or background. All people are equal before the eyes of Allah as they have a common purpose, which is worship.
The Significance of the Ihram Garments
It has a deeper significance in the specific dress that is donned in Ihram. With the men, the two smooth white materials (named the izar (worn round the waist) and the rida (thrown over the upper part of the body) are simple yet effective. White color is associated with simplicity, cleanliness and purity. The fact that the cloth is not sewed together represents the denial of material possessions and the worldly pleasures. It serves as a reminder of the shroud (kafan) of their burial and this reminds the pilgrims of death and life after that.
The dress code eliminates obvious differences of richness and status, which is an enormous source of integration and fratricidalism among the pilgrims. Be it a king or a peasant, all men are garbed in the same plain robes, with stress being placed on the fact that all men are equal servants of Allah.
Steps to Enter the State of Ihram
It includes several preparation procedures, which must be carried out prior to the state of Ihram before one attains the set boundary called Miqat.
1. Personal Hygiene and Purification
Prior to wearing the Ihram garments it is strongly advised to carry out personal cleansing. This involves getting your nails clipped, getting rid of unwanted hair and ghusl (full ritual bath). These physical cleansings are done as preparations to the spiritual cleansing of Ihram. When ghusl is not possible. It is enough to perform wudu (ablution).
2. Wearing the Ihram Clothes
Men then wear their two unstitched white cloths after cleansing. The torso is covered by the lower part of the body, which is covered by the garment known as the izar, and the upper part of the body is covered by the garment which is called rida. One should make the clothes secure and comfortable. Women are supposed to be dressed in their selected modest dresses.
3. Performing Salah
It is advisable to be able to pray two rak’ahs of obligatory prayer (nafl salah) once dressed up. This is a prayer of devotion, which is offered to make the formal intention of Umrah.
4. Making the Intention (Niyyah)
The last and the most important is to make the niyyah (intention) to Umrah. This is normally carried out at the Miqat. You must announce this in words, i.e. by saying: Labbayka Allahumma Umrah(O Allah, I answer your call to Umrah). By this announcement, you become technically in the state of Ihram, and all its limitations come into force.
Prohibitions While in Ihram
During their time in the state of Ihram, a pilgrim has to follow some prohibitions in order to preserve their sacred state. Breaking of these rules can be fulfilled by paying a penalty (fidyah).
- Cutting or trimming hair or nails: This is not allowed until the completion of the Umrah rituals.
- Using scented products: This involves the use of scented lotions, deodorants, scented soaps and perfumes.
- Engaging in sexual relations: Sexual intercourse is forbidden.
- Hunting animals: Pilgrims can not hunt or injure any kind of living creature..
- Arguing or fighting: It is necessary to keep calm and be patient.
- For men: Wearing the head covered with a cap or any other headwear, as well as stitched clothes, socks, ankle-covered shoes, and the top of the foot. Sandals are allowable, what are called open sandals.
- For women: Covering the face with a niqab or the hands with gloves.
The Importance of the Ihram Dress for Men
The specific Ihram dress which men wear is a symbolic display of their religious faith. The unstitched bare plain pieces of white fabric is stripped of any desire. It would give them any social status, wealth, and civilization. This renunciation act of the carnal wear is a humiliation to a man of his creator. The simplicity of the piece of clothing encourages the accentuation of the inner purity, as compared to the outer appearance. It creates a huge sense of humility as all the men, regardless of their origins, wear in a similar manner. Such similarity helps to uphold the basic Islamic doctrine of equality. It obliges all pilgrims to keep in mind that it is piety and devotion that matter to Allah. Wearing of the Ihram dress is a physical manifestation of spiritual vow not to remember the world and venture out in a mission of pure worship.
A Journey of a Lifetime
You have to finish your Umrah pilgrimage in the state of Ihram that is a very gratifying spiritual achievement. It is a pilgrimage that cleanses the soul, builds faith and draws you nearer to Allah. Knowing and obeying the regulations of Ihram then you will make sure that your pilgrimage is acceptable and you will enjoy the full spiritual benefits of it.
At Crowne Travels we will guide you in preparing this holy trip. We offer the assistance on the journey and you will be able to concentrate on your worship without any concerns. May your Umrah be a fruitful and life changing experience.