Ihram for Men- How to Wear Ihram

Ihram for men: Derived from the Arabic language, Ihram is a sacred state which every Muslim must enter at the start of their pilgrimage. For both Umrah and Hajj, Ihram is a primary requisite and must be attained at the pilgrimage boundary which is known as miqat in Arabic. Ihram is mandatory for both men and women, and there are many restrictions and guidelines that must be followed to successfully attain the state of Ihram. Ihram for men includes the following guidelines and directions.

How to Wear Ihram

Cleanliness – Before wearing Ihram, it is important to clean oneself. The bath you take before Ihram is known as the purification bath or ablution, also known as Wazu or Wudhu in Arabic. There is a prescribed way of how to perform the purification part in order to purify oneself for the pilgrimage. (Ihram for Men) However cutting or trimming nails, hair, and beard is not suggested before the pilgrimage as it is a part of an important ritual that takes place at the end of the journey. 

Clothes – The primary restrictions for Ihram are regarding the clothing. Clothes for Ihram for men are two white sheets that should not be stitched from any side. They much like the Kafan or the piece of cloth that is draped around this deceased in Islam. These sheets are white in color with different shapes and sizes. The smallest is called the rida and the longest one is called the izar. 

The smaller sheet of the two is to be worn on both or one of the shoulders. It must cover the left shoulder throughout the journey especially during tawaf. The biggest goes around the waist area and is pinned and stick with a torn fabric of a belt. This sheet should cover the area between the navel and the feet. 

Also, men are not allowed and get to wear socks or innerwear inside these two sheets. The footwear for men must be designed in a way that it reveals the ankles, heels, and toes at all times.  Ihram for Men

Prayers – Before the purification bath, men must declare an intention or niyyah to complete the pilgrimage. Following niyyah, one must recite the Talbiyah, Ihram for Men which is a conviction that one is now going to perform the holy pilgrimage. After wearing Ihram, one must say two rakats of prayer as prescribed by Islamic scholars.

Ihram for Umrah is extremely important and pilgrims must maintain its sanctity by following all behavioral guidelines. When in the state or city of Ihram, everyone must not :

1. Not wear any kind of centre perfume
2. Not engage in any sexual activity
3. Not fight or get into an argument, 
4. Not take any kind of oaths
5. Not be violent towards any kind of living being
6. Keep their head and covered at all times
7. Stay away from mouthfight or worldy matters like business and relationships

Where to Wear Ihram

As mentioned above, Ihram for Umrah is worn at the miqat. Four important miqats where men wear Ihram are: 

1. Miqat Qarn al-Manazil – Located 80 km from the holy Haram, it is the miqat for pilgrims entering from Najd, Ta’if, and Riyadh, which also include pilgrims coming from UAE, India, Pakistan, Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

2. Miqat Yalamlam – It is 100 km away from Makkah, and is for those entering the city from the south and from African countries. 

3. Miqat Dhu al Hulayfah – This is only 7 km from Medina’s Nabawi mosque. It is specifically for pilgrims coming to frim Madinah.

4. Miqat al-Juhfah – About 200 km afar, it serves as miqat for devotees from Sudan, Europe, Turkey, Egypt, and Syria among others.

5. Dhat ‘Irq – This boundary is 110 km from Mecca and is the entry point for pilgrims from Iran and Iraq.

6. Masjid ‘Aisha – The famous masjid-e-Aisha also serves as a miqat for pilgrims aspiring for the holy pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah.

Hope this guide for Ihram for men makes your journey easy and convenient. 

What are the prohibitions during Ihram for Men ?

Below is a list of things that Muslim men are forbidden to do when they are in Ihram, and this is not permissible. Once the Hajj/Umrah is completed and the Ihram is invalidated, it becomes legal again.
Wearing sewn clothes or covered shoes (socks, shoes, etc.).
Trimming nails and trimming body hair.
Covering the head or using anything to shade themselves from the sun, rain, and so on.
Intercourse with the wife.

• marriage.
  Hunting wild animals or killing insects (except in self-defense).
  Use perfume, oil, or other beauty-enhancing products.
• Looking in the mirror with the intention of decorating.
• Carry any type of weapon (knives, etc.)
  Using harsh words, fighting with others, lying, or showing off.

One of the common mistakes that occur during Hajj is not knowing what to do and what not to do during Hajj. So the man might end up doing something forbidden, like seeking shade or killing mosquitoes. And if he did this without his knowledge of the mistake, then his act of a prohibited act is punishable by a fine for the sacrifice of a sheep.

What is allowed in Ihram?

There are some privileges given to the pilgrim to facilitate it. These are the things that a pilgrim may do:

Wear open shoes such as flip-flops (as long as all toes and most of the top of the foot are visible).
The pilgrim is allowed to cover his body and feet with blankets or a piece of cloth sewn at the edges. He may even use more
Cut a piece of cloth if necessary to protect from the cold.
May use safety pins or clips to hold clothing in place.
He may use a belt or purse, even if it is sewn, to keep valuables.

• Pilgrims may use lotions, creams or medicines if they are for medical purposes.
  Unscented soap and shampoo may be used for cleaning purposes.
  He is allowed to shade his head from the sun/rain temporarily under stationery items such as walls.
• He is allowed to look in the mirror when necessary (for example while driving) and can use the camera.
• A man is allowed to change his clothes (while adhering to the Ihram dress code) as many times as needed (eg if it gets dirty, etc.).
• He can use phones, but it is better to keep them away from the ear, otherwise it counts the ear coverage.