Entering the state of Ihram, which in Arabic means "not to disrespect," is a requirement of the holy pilgrimage of Umrah. Since these garments represent the oneness of Muslims, they are a necessary component of performing Umrah. The consistency and simplicity of Ihram clothing help to hide any obvious distinctions among believers. In order to reduce the financial and social class difference between the pilgrims, ihram dress represents that all men, regardless of their status or rank, are equal before God. Muslims choose one of the several Umrah packages to carry out their Umrah ceremonies. Spiritual as well as practical factors, such as the climate and cultural sensitivity, are taken into account while selecting the proper clothing for Umrah.
How to Dress for Makkah:
Immodesty is not tolerated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since it is a conservative nation. Muslim males generally dress in Western clothing or traditional garb from their native countries before entering Ihram (a condition of holiness during the Hajj and Umrah). Women should wear long, loose-fitting attire that is modest and cover their hair with a hijab instead of a loose scarf.
Wearing Ihram for Umrah Rituals:
Entering Ihram, a sacred condition of dedication and cleanliness, is necessary for doing Umrah, or the "minor pilgrimage." Both men and women have to stick to specific guidelines while choosing their umrah attire.
• Male Ihram clothing:
Men must wear a unique white garment for the umrah that is made of two sheets. Izar is one of them, and it's used to cover the lower body. The second one, referred to as Rida, is used to cover the top part of the body. Along with Ihram, men are not permitted to wear socks or pants. You may not cover your head or wear embroidered garments while performing Umrah. You must have your Izar belted in when wearing Ihram, and your right shoulder must be visible. The ihram you select should not be transparent, and it should be long enough to comfortably cover your body.
• Women's Ihram Clothing:
To enter the state of Ihram, women may dress however they like as long as they are tidy and clean. Any color may be worn by women as long as their entire body is covered by clothing, with the exception of their face and hands. The majority of women in Ihram dress in black or white abayas and hijabs.
The following conditions must be fulfilled by women:
• It is constructed of a material that neither sticks to the body nor reveals the parts of the women.
• It fits loosely.
• It is long enough and thick enough to hide the body.
• It doesn't have an appealing smell.
• Also required for women is the hijab (headscarf). The ideal headscarves for daily usage are those made of soft, lightweight cotton.
Which footwear should be worn during Umrah?
Men should wear shoes that is the same size as their soles, doesn't cover the top of their feet, and leaves their ankles bare. Therefore, sandals are the finest option that satisfies all the criteria. They are acceptable to wear when doing tawaf.
The covering of the feet is advised for Muslim women. Therefore, individuals have the option of choosing a pair of comfortable walking shoes or trainers. They may also put on socks with flip-flops. Women might choose to use shoes with a zipper or sticker closure to provide more comfort and avoid having to tie their laces all the time.
Disallowances during Ihram: In this holy condition, travelers must stay away from the following actions:
• Clip nails
• Shave, pluck, or trim hair
• Wear cosmetics or cologne; Engage in sexual activity
Leave Ihram:
Men are required to shave their heads (Taqsir) following the completion of all Hajj or Umrah rituals. Given that shaving one's head is haraam (forbidden) for women, they should only remove a little portion of hair.