Hajj and Umrah GuideIhram
What ihram is: the state of consecration for Hajj and Umrah, the clothing of men and women, the intention at the miqat, and the common restrictions, with a note that schools differ.
Ihram is the state of consecration in which a person performs the Hajj or Umrah. It starts when the pilgrim makes the intention (niyyah) at the miqat, one of the fixed boundaries around Makkah, and says the talbiyah, the pilgrim's call.
Clothing
Men wear two pieces of plain white unstitched cloth, one wrapped around the waist and one over the shoulders. Women wear their normal modest clothes, covering everything except the face and hands, and do not wear the face veil (niqab) or gloves in ihram according to many scholars.
Common restrictions
Within ihram, as commonly taught, pilgrims avoid cutting the hair or nails, using perfume, covering the head (for men), marital relations, hunting, quarrels, and cutting plants. Details and exceptions differ between schools of thought, and pilgrims follow the guidance of their group's scholars.
Practical tips
Pilgrims use unscented soap, carry a belt or pouch for essentials, wear comfortable sandals that leave the top of the foot free, and avoid heavy luggage.
Read next
This is a plain introduction, not a manual and not a fatwa. Schools of thought differ on details, and pilgrims follow the guidance of the scholars of their group. Rules, fees and procedures are set by the Saudi authorities and your national Hajj authority and change every year: check the official sources. We do not sell packages.