How to Properly Tie & Secure an Ihram

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Plus, learn the rites & rituals for getting into the state of Ihram

Co-authored by Mekaeel Mohsin and Devin McSween

Last Updated: September 9, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Wearing Men’s Ihram
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• Wearing Women’s Ihram
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• Getting Into the State of Ihram
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• Expert Interview
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• Tips

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Ihram is a state of spiritual purity that a person must assume before beginning the Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj or Umrah. One of the ways you express this state of purity is by wearing special white garments, also called Ihram. In this article, we’ll teach both men and women how to put on Ihram and how to get into the state of Ihram.

Putting on an Ihram

Trim your hair and beard, cut your nails, take a shower with unscented soaps, and comb your hair. To wear men’s Ihram, wrap 1 cloth around your chest and fold it down so it sits above your navel. Then, hold the other cloth horizontally behind your back and wrap the right corner over your left shoulder.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

Wearing Men’s Ihram

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1. 1
   Unfold and hold one of the cloths horizontally behind your back. Hold out one of your white cloths horizontally so it rests behind your back. Make sure that each top corner is in each hand.

   • Tip: Practice putting on the Ihram a few times to get used to the process and wearing it.
   • The cloth that goes around your lower body is called the Izar.
2. 2
   Wrap the cloth around your chest. Stand with your feet about shoulder length apart and wrap one side of the cloth around your chest. Then, wrap the other side of the cloth around your chest. Make sure that your feet are visible and that the cloth isn’t gaping open at any point.

   • At this point, it should look like you are wearing a towel after taking a shower.
   • This is the simplest way to wrap the Ihram. For a more secure wrap, fold the ends back over themselves so both ends are facing your front.
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3. 3
   Fold down the top of the cloth, ensuring your navel is covered. To secure the cloth in place, fold down the top of the cloth several times. Just don’t fold the cloth down too far, as your entire navel area needs to be covered.

   • Lightly tug on the cloth to ensure it is completely secure.
4. 4
   Fasten a belt or clips around the top of the cloth (optional). If you’re using an Ihram belt, buckle it about 2 inches (51 mm) below the top of the cloth to help prevent it from slipping off. If you’re using clips, make sure at least 1 clip is over the outside end of the cloth.

   • You can fasten your bag to the belt or the clips.
5. 5
   Hold the other cloth horizontally behind your back. Unfold the other cloth and hold it behind you with a corner in each hand. It should look almost like you’re about to put on a cape.

   • The cloth that goes around your upper body is called the Rida.
6. 6
   Wrap the right side of the cloth over your left shoulder. Adjust the cloth so the right side is longer than the left. Then, throw the right side of the cloth over your left shoulder. Simply readjust the cloth as needed so your chest and upper arms are completely covered.
7. 7
   Expose your right shoulder during Tawaf. When performing Tawaf, bring the right side of the cloth under your right armpit. Then, throw the right side of the cloth over your left shoulder. Your entire left arm should be completely covered while your right arm is bare.
8. 8
   Tie or clip the upper cloth in place (optional). If you’re worried about your shoulder cloth slipping, either tie the ends together or use clips to secure it. For many people, the cloth is big enough so you don’t have to worry about it dropping!
9. 9
   Put your sandals on. Slip your sandals or slides on to complete your Ihram clothing. Make sure that the sandals don’t cover the tops of your feet. Also, check to be sure that you can move comfortably in your Ihram.

   • While wearing Ihram, it’s prohibited for you to cover your head or feet. So hats, head coverings, socks, and sneakers aren’t allowed.
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Section 2 of 3:

Wearing Women’s Ihram

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1. 1
   Speak to your imam about your sect’s views on women’s Ihram. In many sects or groups, you simply wear your regular, everyday clothes that cover your hair and entire body. Other sects believe that women only need to wear a white cloth over their heads. Many groups accept women wearing the same 2 cloths as men, except that women can have stitching in theirs. If you aren’t sure, talk to your imam.

   • Women can wear any color of garment, though simple clothes are usually preferred. Many women choose to wear a black or white loose robe.
   • Note: Women are prohibited from covering their face or hands while in the state of Ihram. So, you aren’t allowed to wear a niqab, burqa, or gloves. However, you can hang a veil or cloth over your face as long as it doesn’t touch it. Many women also wear dark sunglasses.
   • In some groups, women also need to ask their husband’s blessing before wearing Ihram.
2. 2
   Hold one cloth out in front of you horizontally. You should have one top corner in each hand. Hold it out in front of you approximately level with your chest.
3. 3
   Wrap the cloth around the top of your armpits. This should look pretty similar to wearing a towel after you come out of the shower. Your chest should be covered, and there should be no gaps between the ends of the cloth and your body.

   • Some women like to drape the cloth over one shoulder for extra security before securing it in place.
4. 4
   Pin, tie, or stitch the cloth into place. Since women are allowed to have stitches in their Ihram, you may use any method you wish to secure your cloth. You can pin it, tie it, belt it, or even stitch it into place.
5. 5
   Drape the other cloth over your head. You should have the top center of the cloth slightly over your forehead, with one end in both of your hands.

   • You can also buy pre-made Ihram cloths with a hole for your face already sewn in.
6. 6
   Wrap each end of the cloth around the opposite shoulder. Wrap the cloth securely around your shoulders. Your hair, neck, collarbones, shoulders, and arms should all be entirely covered up. It’s okay for your hands to be visible.
7. 7
   Secure the cloth into place. You can use any method you like to secure the head cloth. Some people prefer to stitch it for extra security, but you can also tie it, pin it, or clip it.
8. 8
   Put on your sandals. Slip on your sandals. In some groups, women are permitted to wear socks with their sandals. Check with your imam if you aren’t sure.
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Section 3 of 3:

Getting Into the State of Ihram

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1. 1
   Ask your imam when to assume Ihram. Most people only enter the state of Ihram and wear the Ihram garment when making the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage. You typically assume Ihram when you are drawing close to Mecca (Makkah), and the rules for exactly when to do so vary among different sects and different teachings. Talk to your imam as you’re making your pilgrimage preparations to know exactly when you should begin Ihram.

   • Traditionally, you have to enter into Ihram before you go through the Miqat, which is a boundary point outside of the Hajj/Umrah area. There are 5 Miqat that circle around Mecca.
   • If you are already in Saudi Arabia, most planes, buses, and private vehicles entering the Hajj/Umrah area inform you when it is time to enter the state of Ihram.
2. 2
   Make sure you have 2 white cloths, a belt, and sandals. The rules of Ihram vary between genders and teachings, but most people need the same basic supplies. Check with your imam if you aren’t sure what your group’s specific teachings are.

   • Men wear 2 white cloths without stitching of any kind. Each cloth should be wide enough to cover the area between the top of your navel and the tops of your feet, and long enough to wrap all the way around your body without any skin visible. This is important, since you can’t wear underwear with Ihram!
   • The rules for women’s Ihram are variable, but many groups allow women to use the same 2 cloths men do, except women can have stitching. Women’s cloths should be wide enough to reach from the armpit to the tops of the feet, and long enough to wrap all the way around the body.
   • Men can’t pin or sew Ihram cloths in place, so make sure you have a belt or clips to keep yourself dressed.
   • Sandals are the only permitted shoes to wear with Ihram. You can use any sandals, including flip-flops, as long as the tops of your feet are visible. Some groups believe that women may wear socks with their sandals.
   • You can bring a small bag to carry necessities, as long as it isn’t pinned to your clothes.
3. 3
   Cut or remove any unwanted hair, if needed. Before entering the state of Ihram, get your hair cut, beard trimmed, and any unwanted body hair shaved or removed. Imam Mukil Muhsin says you aren’t required to get a haircut, but you can’t remove hair for any reason during Ihram, so it’s best to prepare beforehand.
4. 4
   Trim your nails before entering Ihram. You can’t cut your nails while in Ihram either, so make sure you clip them before beginning! Don’t forget your toenails, cuticles, or any hangnails too—you won’t be able to take care of them while in Ihram, either.
5. 5
   Perform ghusl. The first part of the Ihram purification process is performing ghusl, or the ritual act of cleanliness. Set your intention to purify yourself for the pleasure of Allah. Then, take a shower or bath and bathe yourself according to the steps of ghusl. Avoid using any perfumed soaps or shampoos, and dry your hair and body thoroughly afterwards.

   • For instance, to perform sequential ghusl, you first wash your hands, mouth, and nose. Then, you clean your private areas. Wash your head, face, and neck before cleaning the right and then the left side of your body.
   • If you aren’t able to bathe, perform wudu. Announce your intentions of doing so by saying, “I am performing wudu for the pleasure of Allah, and to seek closeness to Him.” Then, wash or wipe your face, arms, hands, and feet in that order.
6. 6
   Groom yourself carefully. It’s traditional to carefully comb your hair and beard before assuming Ihram in order to show respect. This applies even if you are a woman who plans to cover her hair.
7. 7
   Put on your Ihram and then pray and repent of any sins. The second part of the purification process is to pray and repent for your sins. After putting on your Ihram, perform 2 rakats of salah al-Ihram. Then, acknowledge and repent for your sins to yourself; you do not need to publicly announce or confess them.

   • You can recite the 2 rakats for Ihram during one of the 5 daily prayers (salah).
8. 8
   Declare the intention to perform Umrah and/or Hajj. After you put on your Ihram and pray, you recite your intention to perform Umrah and/or Hajj. You may say this in any language you know, but you should have it memorized before you put your Ihram on.

   • To state your intention to perform Umrah, say “O Allah! I intend to perform Umrah. Please make it easy for me and accept it from me. Amen.” or “O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah.”
   • If you’re performing Hajj, specify which type of Hajj you’re making (i.e., Tamattu, Ifrad, or Qiran). For instance, say, “O Allah, here I am to perform Hajj.” or “O Allah, I intend to perform Hajj, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.”
   • Umrah is the act of making a pilgrimage to Mecca, which you can do at any time. Hajj is one of the 5 pillars of Islam and also consists of making a pilgrimage to Mecca. All Muslims are required to perform it and it only happens once per year.
9. 9
   Recite the Talbiyah. After you put your Ihram on and declare your intention to perform Umrah and/or Hajj, you recite the Talbiyah prayer 3 times by heart. Feel free to repeat it as many times as you’d like, afterward. Say Talbiyah in any language you know, but you should have it memorized before you put your Ihram on.

   • This is the English text of Talbiyah: “Here we come, O Allah, here we come! Here we come. No partner have You. Here we come! Praise indeed, and blessings, are Yours—the Kingdom too! No partner have You!”
   • Men should recite Talbiyah loudly, while women should murmur it softly so it’s only heard by her or the person next to her.
10. 10
    Check the list of prohibited activities while in Ihram. There are certain activities that are ordinarily okay but are prohibited while in the state of Ihram. Talk to your imam if you aren’t sure exactly which prohibitions your group follows. Prohibited activities traditionally include:

    • Cutting, shaving, or trimming your hair or nails by any means.
    • Sexual relations.
    • Wearing perfume, including using scented soaps, shampoos, or lotions.
    • Killing animals of any kind, including hunting or fishing.
    • Getting into arguments or fighting.
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Tips

• Depending on your sect or mosque’s teachings, the rules for Ihram may not be exactly as they appear here. When in doubt, consult your preferred scholar or imam.
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• You may change into other Ihram garments without going through the purification process again.
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• You can wear watches, glasses, wedding rings, and other essential everyday items while in Ihram.
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