Ihram is the sacred state a pilgrim enters at the Miqat. While in Ihram you must not cut hair or nails, use perfume, have marital relations or contract a marriage, or hunt. Men may not wear stitched, fitted clothing or cover the head; women may not wear a niqab or gloves. The restrictions end with Halq or Taqsir after Sa'i.
What men wear
- Izar: one white unstitched sheet wrapped around the waist, covering navel to below the knees.
- Rida: a second sheet over the shoulders.
- Allowed: belt or money pouch, watch, glasses, ring, umbrella, open sandals that leave the ankle bone visible.
- Not allowed: shirts, trousers, underwear, socks, closed shoes, caps or anything that covers the head.
What women wear
- Any loose, modest clothing that covers the body — it need not be white.
- The face and hands stay uncovered: no niqab and no gloves. A woman may lower part of her scarf over her face when near non-mahram men.
- Socks and closed shoes are allowed for women.
Forbidden while in Ihram
| Prohibition | Applies to | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting or removing hair, clipping nails | Everyone | Hair that falls out unintentionally while washing is excused |
| Perfume on body or clothes, scented soap/wipes | Everyone | Perfume applied before Ihram may remain |
| Marital relations or foreplay | Everyone | Relations before Tawaf invalidate the Umrah |
| Proposing or contracting marriage | Everyone | |
| Hunting land animals | Everyone | Fishing is allowed |
| Stitched / fitted clothing, covering the head | Men | A mattress or blanket over the body while sleeping is fine |
| Niqab and gloves | Women |
Allowed while in Ihram
- Bathing and showering with unscented soap; changing into a fresh Ihram.
- Using an umbrella, sitting in a car or under a roof.
- Unscented lotion and petroleum jelly, toothbrush and miswak.
- Taking medicine, wearing a hearing aid or a medical mask.
- Killing harmful creatures such as scorpions or mosquitoes.
If you break a rule
If done by mistake or out of ignorance, most scholars say there is no penalty for clothing and perfume — stop as soon as you realise.
If done knowingly for a need (for example shaving because of an injury), the Qur'an (2:196) gives a choice of fidyah: fast three days, or feed six poor people, or sacrifice a sheep in Makkah.
Take carePenalties differ between madhhabs. Ask our group scholar before acting; we arrange Qurbani or the feeding of the poor in Makkah if needed.
Frequently asked
Can I use unscented soap in Ihram?
Yes. Only scented products are forbidden; unscented soap, shampoo and lotion are fine.
Can I wear a watch or belt in Ihram?
Yes. Watches, belts, glasses and rings are allowed for men and women.
Where scholars differ we give the majority practice; follow the scholar or madhhab you trust. Rules on visas, fees and permits are as of October 2026 and can change.
