Entering the state of Ihram is much more than just changing your clothes. It is entering a state of submission to Allah where you leave of certain things, and devote yourself and your worship to Allah ﷻ.
In Islamic terminology, Ihram refers to the sacred state a Muslim enters to perform Hajj or Umrah. While many people associate the word with the white garments worn by men, the "state of Ihram" actually begins with a specific intention. Once you are in this state, certain permissible actions become forbidden until you complete your rites.
Before you reach the Miqat (the boundary where Ihram must begin), it is highly recommended to perform several acts of purification. These Sunnah acts help you enter the sacred state in the best possible physical and spiritual condition:
Ghusl: Taking a full ritual bath is strongly recommended, even for women who may be menstruating.
Personal Hygiene: It is Sunnah to clip your nails, trim the mustache, and remove pubic and underarm hair.
Perfume (Men only): Men may apply perfume to their head or beard before making the intention. However, it must not touch the Ihram garments themselves.
Prayer: It is common to pray two rak'ahs of Sunnah al-Ihram (if it is not a disliked time for prayer) before making the formal intention.
The dress code for men is well-known and very specific:
The Two Cloths: Men must wear two pieces of unstitched white cloth. The Izâr is wrapped around the waist to cover the lower body, and the Ridâ is draped over the shoulders.
No Undergarments: Men cannot wear boxers, briefs, shirts, or hats. Nothing "tailored" or sewn to fit the shape of the body is allowed.
Footwear: Men must wear sandals, slippers, or flip-flops. Crucially, the shoes must have an open heel. Your ankles and the back of your feet should not be covered by the footwear.
Putting on the Ihram correctly is straightforward once you know the steps. Follow this order after completing your Ghusl and hygiene preparations:
Wrap the Izâr (lower cloth): Hold the cloth horizontally behind you at waist level, positioning it slightly above your navel. Stand with your legs a little apart so the cloth won't be too tight when wrapped. Shift the cloth so that the majority of it is on your right side, with just enough remaining on the left to wrap around your front.
Take the left portion and bring it around your waist toward the right, pulling it snugly up to or just before your right hip. Hold it firmly in place with your left hand. Then, with your right hand, take the larger right portion and wrap it around your waist in the same direction. Be careful to keep it tight and even as you go.
Once fully wrapped, fold the top edge of the Izâr outward, rolling it down over itself. Repeat this fold 3 to 4 times until the waistband is firm and secure. A small pouch or money belt worn underneath can also help keep everything in place during long walks and prayer.
Drape the Ridâ (upper cloth): Toss the cloth over both shoulders so it hangs evenly across your back and chest. The right shoulder is typically left uncovered during Tawaf in a practice called Idtibâ. You do this by pulling the Ridâ from under your right armpit and resting it on your left shoulder only.
Check the coverage: Make sure your navel and knees are fully covered by the Izâr at all times. The Ridâ should cover your left shoulder fully.
Put on your sandals: Slip on your open-heeled sandals. The back of the foot and ankles must remain uncovered.
Keep your head bare: Men must leave the head completely uncovered from the moment of Niyyah. Do not pull the Ridâ up over your head at any point.
Women do not have a specific color requirement and typically wear their normal, modest Islamic clothing.
Modesty: The clothing should be loose, non-transparent, and fulfill the requirements of Hijab.
The Face and Hands: Women are prohibited from wearing the Niqab (face veil) or gloves while in Ihram.
Alternative Covering: If a woman feels the need to cover her face in the presence of non-mahram men, she may pull her headscarf down over her face, provided the cloth is not sewn or tailored specifically to fit the face like a mask.
Your Ihram must be established before or at the moment you cross the Miqat boundary. If you are flying, the pilot will usually announce when the Miqat is approaching. You can learn more about these specific locations in our guide on Understanding the Miqat.
The phrasing of your intention depends on your specific pilgrimage:
| Purpose | What to Say |
| For Umrah | Labbayka Allahumma Umrah |
| For Hajj | Labbayka Allahumma Hajjan |
| On behalf of someone else for Umrah | Labbayka Allahumma Umratan 'An [Name of person] |
| On behalf of someone else for Hajj | Labbayka Allahumma Hajjan 'An [Name of person] |
| If you fear an obstacle | Allahumma mahilli haythu habastani (O Allah, my place of exiting Ihram is where You have prevented me) |
Note: Adding the conditional statement (the last row) is a mercy. The conditional statement is an addition to whichever intention you've made, not an intention by itself. If you get sick or are blocked from reaching Makkah, you can exit Ihram without a penalty.
Once you have made the intention, you are officially "Muhrim." You must avoid the following until your pilgrimage is complete:
Scented Products: The use of perfumes is strictly forbidden. You must be very careful with modern products like scented soaps, lotions, shampoos, or wet wipes. Most pilgrims opt for "unscented" or "Hajj-safe" toiletries.
Cutting Hair or Nails: Do not trim, shave, or pluck any hair from any part of the body, and do not clip your nails.
Marriage and Intimacy: One cannot get married, propose for marriage, or engage in any marital intimacy.
Hunting: Hunting land animals or assisting in it is prohibited.
Covering the Head (Men): Men cannot wear hats, caps, or the hood of their Ridâ.
Entering Ihram is a strong reminder that before Allah, we are all the same, regardless of our wealth or status. By entering Ihram, we prepare to leave of worldly comforts and devote our worship and pilgrimage to Allah ﷻ.
