Umrah is an act of spiritual growth. This ritual is performed by many Muslims from around the globe each year. While intentions are important to performing the Umrah, wearing the Ihram is equally significant. However, wearing Ihram extends far from wearing clothes. It is a matter of purifying the body and the mind from all worldly desires. Wearing an Ihram is an act of spiritual cleansing.

The uniformity of wearing the same type of Ihram discards all the titles of differences. It sends the message that pilgrims from all walks of life are equal in the eyes of Allah. And that no one holds any kind of superiority over the other in terms of wealth or any other social standing. While this uniformity exists for men, women have a different ruling for Ihram. This blog will share how female pilgrims can wear specific clothing for Umrah comfortably and modestly.

Ihram Ruling for Women During Umrah

In Islam, women have been addressed to cover themselves at all times when in public. This holds during Umrah as well. Unlike men who must choose two unstitched white sheets, female pilgrims can wear loose-fitting clothing. This section will explore further how women can modestly wear the Ihram.

1.   Choose Right Fabric

One of the effective ways to stay comfortable during Umrah is to choose the right fabric for the Ihram. The fabric must be based on the type of weather you are flying to. In summer, the temperature of Saudi Arabia can exceed 30 degrees, resulting in causing severe heat strokes and dehydration. To avoid such situations, women must go for clothing material such as cotton or linen. These materials are breathable and are lightweight. Female pilgrims must seek comfort over fashion, especially during performing a religious ritual. Such fabrics will give them a worry-free time to complete the pilgrimage with ease.

2.   Avoid Design Patterns

Apart from comfort, modesty is another key factor for women. Female pilgrims must avoid using embellishments of any sort on their Ihram. Current fashion trends such as flowery patterned abayas are highly discouraged as Ihram. Such designs spark unwanted attention from males, which is not permissible.

To remain modest, women can go for plain garments with no patterns. Such minimalism is not only in trend nowadays but also prevents from male gaze. While simple black or white colours are preferred, women can wear any coloured abaya as long as it is loose in fitting.

To further adopt modesty, Ihram for women must not be tight fitting. This would reveal the body structure of the females which is again a subject to male attention. Moreover, they can wear Ihram that is not revealing to maintain their modest integrity.

3.   Opt For Soft Footwear

Umrah is a physically demanding trip. Pilgrims need to walk endlessly for hours during rituals of Tawaf and in between Safaa and Marwa. With this much striding. Women are required to opt for suitable footwear. Apart from clothing, footwear is an essential component of the Ihram. Female pilgrims need to go for footwear with cushioned soles.

Contrary to men who cannot wear shoes, females are allowed to wear them. Moreover, they can wear non-slippery slippers to avoid any accidents. Pilgrims must keep an extra pair of footwear with them during the whole pilgrimage in case the current one gets damaged or broken.

Where to Wear Ihram?

Pilgrims need to wear Ihram before the point of Miqat. Miqat in Arabic translates to the “stated place”. It is a boundary where pilgrims should have adorned the Ihram before passing it. Without the Ihram, Muslims are forbidden to cross Miqat if they wish to go for Umrah. In case, anyone crosses this zone without wearing the desired garments, then he must sacrifice an animal as a form of penalty. There are different Miqat points within Mecca and Medina. However, it is vital to understand the ruling about when to wear the Ihram.

●     From Non-Islamic Flights

Non-Islamic flights like British Airways don’t have any praying area or any space to change Ihram. Muslims coming from the UK must wear the Ihram from their home airport before boarding the flight. It is advised if the flight has a direct travel route. But, if it's a connecting flight, then pilgrims are supposed to change into Ihram at the layover point.

●     From Islamic Airlines

Muslims travelling via Saudi Airlines can put on the Ihram on the flight as it does have the space for changing. However, it is not recommended to do so. Thus, pilgrims should enter the state of Ihram from their country’s airport. It is better to adorn the dress one hour before the Miqat point.

Miqat Points For UK Muslims

Here are some of the Miqat points in the holy cities that Muslims should be aware of if they are travelling from the UK.

●     Mosque Dhul Hulayfah (Medina)

●     Mosque Aisha (Mecca)

●     Al Juhfah- situated 182 km away from Mecca.

●     Qarn al-Manzil- is located 80 kilometres to the east of Mecca city.

●     Dhat Iraq- resides 90 km to the northeast of the holy city.

Forbidden Things in Ihram

During Ihram, certain measures should be taken into notice by Muslims. This especially holds for first-time travellers who are unaware of the rules of Ihram.

●     Use of any scented soap, shampoo, or perfume is forbidden when wearing Ihram. Muslims travelling via British Airways cannot even use wet wipes that are given to them by the crew after boarding the plane.

●     It is best to avoid engaging in any sexual activity with your spouse.

●     Don’t indulge in any fight or quarrel that may result in using foul language.

●     Don’t kill or harm any animal while in the state of Ihram.

●     Women can cover their faces only with a loose veil. The veil should not touch their face. They should keep their hands bare at all times in Ihram.

●     You might have observed other pilgrims carry a book of dua to recite specific verses. This is an innovation (bidat) in Islam as Muslims can recite whatever they want during Umrah. There is no fixed ruling that only certain verses should be read.

Conclusion

This blog has explored how women can wear Ihram with comfort and modesty. Wearing Ihram is crucial for every pilgrim to perform Umrah. Whether you book for a 4-star Umrah package or a Ramadan Umrah bundle, women must wear Ihram before the Miqat point. Are you looking for economical Umrach deals?

Then reach out to Muslims Holy Travel to get customised travel bundles at a wallet-friendly rate and as per your preferences. With more than a decade long experience, we create packages that will provide you with a hassle-free journey while giving you ample time to dedicate your focus to worship.