Ihram is a sacred state or dress in which Muslims enter before performing Umrah or Hajj. It shows purity, humbleness, and devotion to Allah.
After wearing ihram, pilgrims leave worldly desires behind and focus only on worship. Without ihram, you can’t perform Umrah or Hajj. This article will explain to you the importance of Ihram.
Ihram is also referred to as ceremonial clothing that has been chosen for Hajj and Umrah. Ihram removes all societal representations of money and social differences.
The spiritual meaning of ihram is equality; it gathers all muslims regardless of their wealth, race, and status. This guide will also be helpful for the muslims of the USA who are planning to perform umrah and hajj.
Ihram Significance
Ihram is not just a physical garment but also a sacred spiritual state. It symbolises pilgrims completely submitting themselves to Allah during Hajj and Umrah.
It represents entering a holy state to perform an intention. The simple white garment, the unstitched shield for men, and ordinary clothes for women erase their status of wealth and rank. This garment is also a reminder of the shroud.
It reminds the pilgrim that death is inevitable. Many Islamic agencies provide Umrah packages from the USA. Some agencies also start giving Islamic lectures before the holy pilgrims. The Umrah packages include visas, tickets, meals, and accommodation. They also provide you with Umrah essentials like ihram, tasbeeh, and prayer mats. Ihram is a spiritual entry point to the pilgrimage.
Rules of Ihram
Certain rules and regulations are applied in entering the state of ihram. These rules remind the pilgrims of humbleness, patience, and discipline. The first thing to do in ihram is to make an intention of Hajj and Umrah before crossing the miqat.
Reciting continuously the talbiyah means “here I am, Oh Allah, here I am, here I am…”.
Perform before wearing the Ihram. Try to engage yourself in worship by continuously reciting Quran verses and dua. Show your good habits, be patient, avoid quarrels, and show kindness to everybody.
Prohibited Actions in Ihram
Ihram is a state of purity. So some actions are prohibited while wearing ihram. These actions are considered forbidden in Islam. First are the clothing rules.
Men cannot wear stitched clothing like underwear, socks, or shoes that cover their ankles; they must wear only two white sheets.
Women are allowed to wear modest clothing and not cover their faces or hands. In personal grooming, cutting hair or nails is prohibited; you can’t use perfume or any fragrance soap in ihram.
In ihram, you are not allowed to kiss or perform any intimate action. You can’t propose or get married during ihram.
Killing animals or even harming insects intentionally is forbidden in the sacred land; damaging plants is also prohibited to try to avoid fighting or foul speech in the ihram.
Try to maintain peace and patience. If you break any of these rules, you have to pay a penalty called Dam, such as sacrificing an animal or giving some money as a charity.
Common Mistakes in Ihram
There are some common mistakes that pilgrims make in ihram. These mistakes also violate the spirituality of ihram. Men wear shirts, trousers, or a turban as Ihram.
Women covering their faces or hands. Cutting, shaving, or trimming your hair and nails in Ihram is forbidden. Some major mistakes are not entering from the miqat and engaging in arguments for violence.
Some people make multiple Umrah and cross the miqat each time to re-enter the state of ihram. Wiping and touching the Kaaba is a common misconception and mistake during Umrah.
Lying or cursing is always forbidden. Delaying making intentions after wearing the Ihram. People usually make mistakes due to a lack of knowledge.
Ihram Symbol of Equality and Unity
Ihram is a symbol of equality and unity during the hajj and Umrah; wearing the simple white garment sets aside men and women, their wealth, and nationality.
All the pilgrims are equal in the eyes of Allah. The simple white garment erased all social and financial distinctions. All pilgrims leave their worldly titles and wealth behind.
It reminds us that on the day of judgment, all humans will stand equal before their creator. The white colour of the ihram shows the purity and spiritual goals.
It also shows the unity of the global Muslim community. It also shows a deep sense of brotherhood and solidarity. Many umrah travel agencies are providing umrah and hajj packages. They also give you lectures about the umrah and hajj essentials.
Conclusion
Entering a state of ihram is not just a physical preparation but also a spiritual connection. Ihram also gives you a sense of happiness that you are going to perform umrah and hajj. You will see the kaaba and get the high spiritual reward.
Ihram signifies purity, humbleness, and devotion to Allah. Ihram is more than just a dress code. It represents that all believers are equal in the sight of Allah. It serves as a powerful journey of spiritual renewal.
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