Ihram is a sacred attire which is worn by Muslims who are embarking on the pilgrimage of Hajj or Umrah. It is a symbol of humility purity and spiritual focus. Pilgrims enter the sacred city in the state of Ihram Where they prepare their minds and bodies for the rituals ahead. This requires them to recite an intention and adhere to a specific dress code. Before you go on the pilgrimage journey you must purify and declare your Niyyah or intention to God. Their Niyyah for Hajj should be clear and for the sake of Allah. To get a peaceful journey on your Umrah with your family, you should check family Umrah packages in the UK.
The word Ihram has come from the Arabic verb harass which means ‘to be forbidden’. It is referred to as the act of starting Umrah or Hajj. Ihram is the state of consecration in which the pilgrims should be in during Hajj or Umrah. After putting Ihram, the pilgrims are automatically in the state of Ihram.
What is Ihram?
Ihram is a specific attire on the pilgrimage journey and it is a symbol that everybody regardless of financial status is equal in God’s eyes. The Ihram attire Consists of two pieces of white unstitched cloth which removes all indicators of cultural social and political differences for the sake of Allah. This attire is worn because a simple wardrobe has been prescribed to Muslims during this time. Princess shares and kings have all performed their Umrah by wearing the same clothes as a common man. When you are performing Umrah, you must wear the Ihram to be in that state.
One piece of cloth is wrapped around the upper part of the body but not on the head. It can be dropped over both shoulders but at certain times it should be draped over one shoulder. The other piece of cloth should be wrapped around the lower part of the body and can be kept in place by a belt or with the help of a pin.
For women, the Ihram is a Common loose fitting cloth that can cover all the body parts except hands and face. In some countries there is a tradition for women to wear special clothes for example white dresses or black a bias but when it comes to Ihram, this is not required. Pilgrims should not use any deodorants perfumes or cosmetics when they are in a state of Ihram.
As we know Ihram clothes are important in a certain boundary called miqat. Pilgrims should wear Ihram before the time of entering Miqat. Once you have entered the Miqat you cannot remove the attire until the pilgrimage is completed.
Importance of Ihram
Symbol of equality
This sacred attire is a great equalizer that emphasizes the fundamental equality of all Muslims in the eyes of Allah. By wearing simple white attire regardless of one’s social background or status the pilgrims are going to stand out in their devotion and submission to the creator.
Intentions and commitment
The act of wearing Ihram is accompanied by certain rituals that are known as Niyyah. Pilgrims have to declare their intention to go on a sacred journey while committing to the rites of Hajj or Umrah with devotion and sincerity.
Abstention from worldly distractions
While wearing that specific attire pilgrims refrain from different activities that include cutting down nails or hair using strong scents and engaging in arguments. This discipline develops an environment of spiritual reflection and detachment from other concerns.
Focus on worship and submission
Ihram serves as a constant reminder to people about their worship and submission to Allah. The pilgrim’s attire and state of consecration help them to focus on supplications prayers and rituals throughout their journey.
Spiritual purification
Wearing the Ihram Represents the symbolic and physical shedding of materialistic concerns. It is an expression of physical and spiritual purification as a Pilgrim enters a state of consecration that focuses only on their connection with Allah while leaving behind worldly distractions.
Preparation for the sacred journey
Wearing Ihram Marks the official commencement of pilgrimage that sets the Pilgrim on the path to the holy sites of Mecca and other significant places. To prepare for the sacred journey you should contact the travel agency and get the most affordable Ramadan Umrah packages to get a special reward from Allah.
Ihram Is not only a set of clothing it is a sacred state of being in the essence of pilgrimage in Islam. Its importance lies in the ability to unite Muslims in a state of equality unwavering commitment to the worship of Allah and spiritual purity. A Muslim Dons white attire and enters a state of Ihram While going on a profound journey of self-reflection devotion and transformative experience of Umrah.