Ihram Rules for Men and Women: Dos and Don'ts

Quick answer: Once you make the intention for Umrah, both men and women must avoid perfume, cutting hair or nails, marital relations, hunting and arguing. Men must also avoid stitched, fitted clothing and covering their heads, while women wear normal modest clothes but do not wear a niqab or gloves. Showering with unscented soap, changing your Ihram, wearing a watch or glasses and taking medicine are all allowed.

Ihram is both the clothing and the sacred state you enter for Umrah. Our step-by-step Umrah guide explains where Ihram fits into the whole journey. This article goes into the rules in more detail, because they are where first-time pilgrims have the most questions.

When does Ihram start and end?

Putting on the white sheets does not by itself put you in Ihram. The restrictions begin when you make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah, which must be done before you cross the Miqat. Most pilgrims then start reciting the Talbiyah.

For UK pilgrims flying into Jeddah, the plane crosses the Miqat in the air. The practical approach is to shower and change at home or at the airport, then make the intention when the crew announce that the Miqat is near, usually some time before landing. If you fly into Madinah and stay there first, you make your intention later at Dhul Hulayfah on the road to Makkah.

Ihram ends once you have completed Tawaf and Sa'i and shaved or shortened your hair. After that, everything that was restricted becomes allowed again.

What should men wear in Ihram?

Men wear two plain, unstitched white sheets: the izar wrapped around the waist and the rida over the shoulders. The rules for men are:

• No stitched or fitted clothing that is shaped to the body, such as shirts, trousers, underwear, vests, jumpers or socks.
• No head covering that touches the head, such as a cap, hat or the top of the rida pulled over.
• Footwear should be sandals or slippers that leave the top of the foot open. Schools of thought differ slightly on the details, so open sandals are the safe choice.

Things that are not worn as clothing are fine even if they have stitching, such as an Ihram belt, a money pouch, a watch strap or a bag strap. Two or three sets of sheets are worth packing; our Umrah packing list covers the rest.

What should women wear in Ihram?

There is no special garment for women. A woman wears her normal modest clothes, in any colour, covering the whole body except the face and hands. Many choose loose abayas in breathable fabric because they are comfortable in the heat.

• No niqab or face veil that is fastened to the face.
• No gloves.
• Socks, shoes, stitched clothing and a headscarf are all allowed.

Many scholars allow a woman to let a loose cloth hang down over her face when non-mahram men are near, as long as it is not tied to the face like a niqab. Views differ on details like this and on face masks, so women who usually cover their faces should ask a trusted scholar before travelling. Our Umrah guide for women covers other questions, including periods during Umrah.

What is not allowed in Ihram for both men and women?

These restrictions apply to everyone in Ihram:

1. Removing hair from any part of the body, by cutting, shaving, plucking or trimming.
2. Clipping nails.
3. Using perfume on the body or clothes, including scented soap, shampoo, deodorant, wipes and creams.
4. Sexual relations and intimate touching with desire between husband and wife.
5. Making or attending a marriage contract as the bride, groom or guardian.
6. Hunting land animals or helping someone else to hunt.
7. Arguing, swearing and sinful talk, which the Qur'an specifically warns against for pilgrims.

The last point is easy to forget in a crowded airport or a hot coach queue. Being patient with family, staff and other pilgrims is part of the worship.

What is allowed in Ihram?

Many pilgrims worry more than they need to. The following are generally allowed:

• Showering or bathing with unscented soap and shampoo, as long as you do not deliberately pull out hair.
• Changing into a fresh set of Ihram sheets, or washing them.
• Wearing a watch, glasses, a ring, a hearing aid or a money belt.
• Sitting in the shade, using an umbrella, or travelling in a car or coach with a roof.
• Taking medicines, using an inhaler, having an injection or cleaning a wound.
• Brushing your teeth with unscented toothpaste or using a miswak.
• Scratching gently, even if a hair falls out by accident.
• Applying perfume to the body before making the intention. It is best kept off the Ihram sheets themselves.

Some questions, such as men covering their face with a mask in crowds, or using lightly scented products where no unscented option exists, are matters where scholars differ. If you follow a particular school, ask your local scholar before you fly.

What happens if I break an Ihram rule by mistake?

Mistakes happen, especially on a long overnight flight. Scholars generally divide them into a few situations:

• Forgetfulness or not knowing the rule: many scholars say that if you, for example, put on a cap or used scented soap without realising, you simply stop as soon as you remember and there is no penalty. Others require an expiation for some acts regardless.
• Deliberate breach for a genuine need: the Qur'an (2:196) allows someone who must shave because of illness or a head complaint to do so and then give an expiation (fidyah). The options are fasting three days, feeding six poor people, or sacrificing a sheep in the Haram area.
• Marital relations before completing Umrah: this is the most serious breach and, according to many scholars, affects the validity of the Umrah itself. Speak to a scholar straight away if this happens.

The details depend on what happened, whether it was deliberate, and which school you follow. Do not guess, and do not panic. Note down what happened and ask a qualified scholar; there are usually desks in the Haram where scholars answer questions in several languages, and you can also message a scholar you trust at home.

Practical tips for staying in Ihram on a flight from the UK

• Trim nails and hair at home the day before you fly, so you are not tempted later.
• Pack unscented toiletries in your hand luggage, and avoid scented hand wipes from the plane.
• Men can change at the airport after security, or carry the sheets on board and change before the Miqat. Wear a light jumper over the rida until you make the intention if the plane is cold, then take it off.
• Set an alarm or ask the crew to tell you when the Miqat is near, in case you fall asleep.
• Keep a safety pin or Ihram belt handy so the izar stays secure when you are walking through the terminal.

From the airport it is around one to one and a half hours by road to Makkah. Our guide to getting from Jeddah airport to Makkah explains the options. Arriving rested and calm makes it much easier to keep the rules of Ihram.

Do children need to follow Ihram rules?

A child can perform Umrah and it is valid and rewarded. Parents make the intention on behalf of very young children and help them avoid the restrictions as far as is reasonable. Scholars are generally lenient about mistakes made by children. For more on travelling with little ones and elderly parents, see our guide to Umrah with family.

When you book with us, we send practical guidance before you travel and our team can answer questions about timings and flights. Browse our Umrah packages, or get in touch if you would like help planning your trip.

Related guides: Umrah Flights from the UK: Direct, Ihram & Baggage Tips · Group vs Private Umrah: Which Package Suits You? · Best Apps for Umrah: What to Download Before You Fly

Frequently asked questions

Can I use soap and shampoo in Ihram?

Yes, as long as they are unscented. Many chemists and online shops in the UK sell unscented Ihram toiletries; pack them before you leave.

Can men wear underwear under Ihram?

No. Men should not wear underwear, shorts or any fitted garment under the izar. An Ihram belt helps keep the sheet secure.

Can women wear a niqab during Umrah?

A niqab fastened to the face is not worn in Ihram. Many scholars allow a loose cloth to hang over the face when men are near; ask a trusted scholar about your own situation.

Can I change my Ihram sheets if they get dirty?

Yes. You can change, wash or replace your Ihram at any time without affecting your state of Ihram.

What if a hair falls out when I wash or scratch?

Hair that falls out by accident while washing or scratching gently is not a breach. The rule is about deliberately removing hair.