Ihram is a state of being mental, physical, and spiritual. It is a garment that Muslims have to wear when they declare their intention to perform the Hajj or Umrah. Ihram’s garment has two pieces of white cloth. The top half piece is known as ‘Rida’ and the bottom half is called ‘Izar’.
A person must first enter the state of Ihram in order to perform either the Hajj or the Umrah. ’. Earlier, a woman could not perform Umrah without Mahram. And because of Mahram, it was impossible to buy an Umrah package for yourself, which might have made it expensive for someone to perform Umrah. But now this rule has been abolished in October 2022. Today, women can get their Umrah packages without their male relatives. The pilgrimage-intending individual must enter the state of Ihram. But when will you have to wear Ihram? “Should I enter into Ihram before Miqat?” Consider this article carefully as it will facilitate you to know the right answer.
What is Miqat?
Miqat is the location where pilgrims of Hajj and Umrah take Ihram. Here are five places of Miqat. While passing through any of the five places, you can wear your Ihram dress.
- Dhat Irq Miqat
- Yalamlam Miqat
- Miqat Masjid Dhul Hulifa
- Juhfat Miqat
- Qarn al-Manazil Miqat
When to enter into Ihram?
Ihram must be observed while crossing the Miqat boundary as mentioned above. According to the Hanafi school of thought, making Ihram from one’s home country is more beneficial before beginning the pilgrimage journey.
One can wear Ihram at the airport while departing. If you are travelling with an Islamic airline, you will have access to a prayer room while on the flight. The captain will inform you that the Miqat is approaching when it is 20 to 30 minutes away. Or a message will show up on the screen. If you haven’t already wear, you should put on your Ihram at this point of Miqat. If you facing difficulties here by changing, then put the Ihram at the airport while departure.
If you are not travelling directly to Saudi Arabia, it is advised to change into the Ihram at the airport before your flight to Saudi Arabia. According to Maliki and Hanbali schools of thoughts, it is more virtuous to assume Ihram before the point of Miqat.
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Ihram for Men
The Ihram outfit is made up of two white, plain pieces of clothing called the Izar and the Rida. They are worn over the shoulders to cover the upper body and wrap around the lower body, respectively. Before entering the state of Ihram, men should take off any clothing that has been stitched or tailored. You can wait until Miqat removes any clothing that violates the rules of Ihram. You may also wear shoes or sandals that should not cover the ankle bones.
Ihram for women
Women are not expected to adhere to any particular dress code for Ihram. They are free to dress however they please. But that attire dress should be traditional Islamic modesty with a head covering. Although the hands and faces must be uncovered, socks are permitted. The perfect dress for women can be Abaya, which covers the whole body.
Conclusion
When you have done your Umrah package from any good travel agency, then you can wear Ihram while you are departing for the journey. While departing, it will give you a chance to wear it. In addition, Miqat is a particular place to wear Ihram.
