Ihram
The sacred state of consecration entered before performing Umrah or Hajj.
About Ihram
Ihram is the sacred state of consecration that pilgrims enter before performing Umrah or Hajj. The word "Ihram" also refers to the simple white garments worn during this state. Entering Ihram marks the beginning of your spiritual journey and signals your intention to perform the pilgrimage solely for the sake of Allah.
Important Note
Once in Ihram, certain actions become forbidden (muhrim). These include wearing perfume, clipping nails, covering the head (for men), marital relations, and hunting.
Miqat Locations
Miqats are designated points where pilgrims must enter Ihram. Choose the Miqat nearest to your arrival route:
Miqat of Ji'ranah
For pilgrims arriving via Jeddah
Address: Ji'ranah, Makkah 21234, Saudi Arabia
Coordinates: 21.9297N 39.9311E
Miqat of Dhul Hulaifah (Abyar Ali)
For pilgrims arriving via Madinah
Address: Dhul Hulaifah, Medina 41561, Saudi Arabia
Coordinates: 24.7389N 39.856E
Miqat of Qarn al-Manazil
For pilgrims arriving via Riyadh
Address: Qarn al-Manazil, Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia
Coordinates: 24.5628N 46.335E
Masjid Aisha (Tan'im)
For those performing additional Umrah
Address: Tan'im, Makkah 21234, Saudi Arabia
Coordinates: 21.9591N 39.9211E
Step-by-Step Instructions
Perform Ghusl (Full Bath)
Take a complete bath (ghusl) to purify yourself before entering Ihram. This is Sunnah and highly recommended.
Arabic
اللَّهُمَّ احْشُرْ غُسْلِي لِكَفَّارَةِ مِنَ الْخَطَايَا
Transliteration
Allahumma ahshur ghusli li-kaffarati minal-khataya
English Translation
O Allah, make my bath a purification from sins
Tips:
- Use unscented soap (no perfumes or colognes)
- Clip your nails if needed
- Clean intimate areas thoroughly
- Using miswak (siwak) to clean teeth is encouraged
Put On Ihram Garments
Wear the simple white garments that symbolize equality and humility before Allah.
Arabic
نِيَّتِي تُعْتَلِف
Transliteration
Niyyati tu'allifu
English Translation
My intention is to wear Ihram
For Men:
- Two white sheets or towels (no stitching)
- Top sheet (izar) wrapped around the waist
- Bottom sheet (rida') draped over shoulders
- Sandals (keeping ankles bare is Sunnah)
For Women:
- Simple, modest white clothing
- No specific garments required
- Regular dress, hijab, and abaya
- Colors: White is preferred, but any color is allowed
Make Niyyah (Intention) for Umrah
Face the Qiblah and verbally make your intention to perform Umrah.
Arabic
نَوَيْتُ الْعُمْرَةَ وَأَقْدِمُهَا لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى
Transliteration
Nawwaytu al-umrata wa aqdimuha lillah ta'ala
English Translation
I intend to perform Umrah and I advance it for the sake of Allah the Most High
Tips:
- Face the Ka'bah (Qiblah direction)
- Speak the intention aloud
- No specific words are required - sincerity is key
- The intention can be made anywhere before reaching the Miqat
Begin Reciting Talbiyah
Once you cross the Miqat boundary, begin reciting Talbiyah continuously until you enter the Mosque.
Arabic
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكُ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Transliteration
Labbayka Allahumma labbayka, labbayka la shareeka laka labbayka, innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulku, la shareeka laka
English Translation
Here I am at Your service, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner. Here I am. Indeed all praise and blessings belong to You, and only to You belongs sovereignty. You have no partner.
Important:
- Recite Talbiyah loudly (men)
- Women should recite in a normal voice
- Continue reciting frequently until entering the Haram
- Pause when making Du'a or during prayer
Things Forbidden in Ihram
For Men & Women:
- Wearing perfume (perfumes, colognes, incense)
- Clipping nails
- Removing hair from body
- Sexual relations
- Hunting land animals
- Marriage or proposing marriage
For Men Only:
- Covering the head with anything
- Wearing sewn clothing (shirts, pants)
- Using umbrella (for shade only)
- Wearing shoes covering the ankle