Muslims around the world wish to perform Umrah at least once in their lifetime. It is a sacred pilgrimage and an opportunity to worship Allah (S.W.T.), seek forgiveness and strengthen one's faith.
Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed throughout most of the year. Before beginning this spiritual journey, it is important to understand how to perform Umrah correctly. For female pilgrims, understanding the Ihram rules for women during Umrah is especially important.
Women have different Ihram clothing requirements from men, although many of the general rules and restrictions of Ihram apply to both.
Ihram is the sacred state a Muslim enters before performing Umrah or Hajj. A pilgrim enters this state with the intention (Niyyah) of performing Umrah and follows certain rules until the Umrah rituals are completed.
For men, Ihram includes specific clothing consisting of two pieces of cloth. Women do not have a specific Ihram garment. A woman may wear her normal modest Islamic clothing as long as it is loose-fitting, non-transparent and suitable for prayer.
Ihram reminds pilgrims of simplicity, equality and devotion to Allah (S.W.T.), regardless of their nationality, wealth or social status.
Women should prepare for Ihram before reaching the Miqat. Some important preparations include:
Once a woman enters Ihram, she must observe the rules and restrictions of Ihram until her Umrah is completed.
The Ihram rules for women are different from the clothing requirements for men. Women do not need to wear the two white Ihram garments worn by male pilgrims.
A woman may wear her normal Islamic clothing, such as an Abaya or another loose-fitting dress. There is no requirement for women to wear white during Ihram. Clothing may be black, white or another permissible colour, provided it is modest and not intended to attract attention.
The hair and body should be properly covered according to Islamic requirements.
Women in Ihram should not wear a fitted niqab or gloves. A woman who normally covers her face should seek appropriate religious guidance regarding covering her face in the presence of non-Mahram men while in Ihram.
Here are some important guidelines women should remember while performing Umrah:
Women should also choose comfortable footwear, as Umrah involves considerable walking, particularly during Tawaf and Sa'i.
After completing the main rituals of Umrah, women perform Taqsir by trimming a small amount from the ends of their hair. Unlike men, women do not shave their heads.
Certain actions are prohibited while a woman is in the state of Ihram. Some of the main restrictions include:
Women should also avoid excessive adornment and maintain modesty throughout their Umrah journey.
Jewellery itself is not one of the specific prohibitions of Ihram, but women should avoid unnecessary display or excessive adornment.
Menstruation is a natural phenomenon in every woman’s life and may occur before or during an Umrah journey. A woman can still enter the state of Ihram while menstruating.
If her menstrual period begins before reaching the Miqat, she should not pass the Miqat without entering Ihram if she intends to perform Umrah. She may perform Ghusl, make her Niyyah and enter the state of Ihram like other female pilgrims.
A menstruating woman may continue with the permissible acts of worship and remembrance, but she should not perform Tawaf until her menstrual period has ended and she has performed Ghusl.
If menstruation begins after she has already completed Tawaf, the situation is different and she may be able to continue with the remaining rituals according to the applicable Islamic rulings.
Hazrat Ayesha (R.A.) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) instructed her to perform the acts of the pilgrims but not to perform Tawaf around the Kaaba until she became pure.
Women facing special circumstances regarding menstruation, Tawaf or Sa'i should seek guidance from a qualified Islamic scholar or an authorised religious guide.
Many first-time pilgrims are confused by cultural practices and assume they are religious requirements.
Some common mistakes include:
Learning the correct Umrah rules for women before travelling can prevent unnecessary confusion during the pilgrimage.
Understanding the Ihram rules for women during Umrah helps female pilgrims prepare properly and perform their pilgrimage with greater confidence.
Women do not need a special white Ihram dress. They may wear normal, modest and loose-fitting Islamic clothing while observing the restrictions of Ihram. They should avoid perfume, cutting their hair or nails, wearing a fitted niqab or gloves, and other prohibited acts until their Umrah is completed.
Women travelling from the UAE can also prepare in advance by arranging their Umrah visa, transportation, accommodation and other travel requirements before departure.
Saifco Travel & Tourism provides Umrah travel assistance from the UAE, including Umrah by bus and air, visa assistance, hotel arrangements and complete Umrah packages. Proper preparation allows pilgrims to focus more comfortably on the spiritual purpose of their journey.
Find quick answers to a few practical questions women commonly have while in Ihram.
1.Can a woman change her clothes after entering Ihram?
Yes. A woman can change her clothes while in Ihram when needed. Changing clothes does not end Ihram as long as she continues to follow its rules.
2. Can women take a shower while in Ihram?
Yes. Women can shower and maintain personal hygiene during Ihram. They should avoid perfumed products and take care not to intentionally remove hair.
3. Can women use deodorant or skincare products during Ihram?
Unscented hygiene and skincare products can be used. Perfumes and fragranced products should be avoided after entering Ihram.
4. Can a woman wear makeup during Ihram?
It is better to avoid makeup used for beautification during Ihram, particularly products containing perfume or fragrance.
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