Ihram Rules Explained for Families: Men, Women and Children

Quick answer: Ihram is the sacred state a pilgrim enters before Hajj or Umrah, by making the intention and, for men, wearing two plain unstitched sheets. While in ihram, pilgrims avoid certain things, including perfume, cutting hair or nails, and for men, stitched clothing and covering the head. Women wear modest everyday clothes, but authentic hadith say they should not wear a face veil (niqab) or gloves in ihram. Children can enter ihram too. Details differ between schools of thought, so always confirm with a qualified scholar before you travel.

Written by Quran Specialist Online (QSO). This is a general family guide, not a complete fiqh reference. Please learn the full rulings from a scholar or your group’s guide.

What ihram means

Ihram is more than a set of clothes. It is a state of worship that begins with the intention for Hajj or Umrah. The simple white sheets worn by men remind everyone that all pilgrims are equal before Allah, whatever their wealth or background. Behaviour matters too. The Quran tells pilgrims to avoid arguing and wrongdoing:

ٱلْحَجُّ أَشْهُرٌ مَّعْلُومَـٰتٌ ۚ فَمَن فَرَضَ فِيهِنَّ ٱلْحَجَّ فَلَا رَفَثَ وَلَا فُسُوقَ وَلَا جِدَالَ فِى ٱلْحَجِّ ۗ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا۟ مِنْ خَيْرٍ يَعْلَمْهُ ٱللَّهُ ۗ وَتَزَوَّدُوا۟ فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ ٱلزَّادِ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ ۚ وَٱتَّقُونِ يَـٰٓأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ

“Ḥajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made ḥajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of iḥrām], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during ḥajj. And whatever good you do – Allāh knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allāh. And fear Me, O you of understanding.” (Quran 2:197)

Arabic and translation: Quran.com, Sahih International.

The talbiyah

Once in ihram, pilgrims recite the talbiyah often. This is the authentic wording from Sahih al-Bukhari, with the full narration and its English meaning:

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ

Narrated `Abdullah bin `Umar: The Talbiya of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was : 'Labbaika Allahumma labbaik, Labbaika la sharika Laka labbaik, Inna-l-hamda wan-ni'mata Laka walmulk, La sharika Laka' (I respond to Your call O Allah, I respond to Your call, and I am obedient to Your orders, You have no partner, I respond to Your call All the praises and blessings are for You, All the sovereignty is for You, And You have no partners with you.

Sahih al-Bukhari 1549 (Sunnah.com).

Learning the talbiyah at home, with correct pronunciation and its meaning, is one of the most useful things a family can do before travelling.

Clothing rules for men

An authentic hadith sets out what a man in ihram should not wear:

Narrated `Abdullah bin `Umar: A man asked, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! What kind of clothes should a Muhrim wear?" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) replied, "He should not wear a shirt, a turban, trousers, a headcloak or leather socks except if he can find no slippers, he then may wear leather socks after cutting off what might cover the ankles. And he should not wear clothes which are scented with saffron or Wars (kinds of Perfumes) . "

Sahih al-Bukhari 1542 (Sunnah.com).

In practice, men usually wear two white unstitched sheets, one around the waist and one over the upper body, with sandals. The head is left uncovered.

Clothing rules for women

There is no special ihram garment for women. They wear modest, loose everyday clothing in any colour. The hadith below, which also covers men’s clothing, includes a specific instruction for women:

Narrated `Abdullah bin `Umar: A person stood up and asked, "O Allah's: Apostle! What clothes may be worn in the state of Ihram?" The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, "Do not wear a shirt or trousers, or any headgear (e.g. a turban), or a hooded cloak; but if somebody has no shoes he can wear leather stockings provided they are cut short off the ankles, and also, do not wear anything perfumed with Wars or saffron, and the Muhrima (a woman in the state of Ihram) should not cover her face, or wear gloves."

Sahih al-Bukhari 1838 (Sunnah.com).

Scholars explain how women may cover their faces from non-mahram men without a fitted face veil, for example by lowering a loose part of the headscarf. Ask your scholar for the approach you should follow.

Things to avoid in ihram

Scholars generally list the following as prohibited while in ihram. The exact details, and what to do if one is broken by mistake, vary between schools of thought:

• Using perfume or scented products
• Cutting or removing hair or nails
• Men wearing stitched, fitted clothing or covering the head
• Women wearing a niqab or gloves
• Hunting land animals
• Marriage contracts and marital relations
• Arguing, bad language and wrongdoing

A practical tip: pack unscented soap, shampoo and deodorant before you travel, as many usual products contain fragrance.

Children and ihram

Children can enter ihram, and the Sunnah shows the Prophet (peace be upon him) confirming reward for children taken on pilgrimage (Sahih Muslim) (Sahih Muslim 1336 a). Scholars explain that a parent makes the intention on behalf of a very young child, and that children are treated more gently than adults if they make mistakes. Please confirm the details for your child’s age with a scholar.

Preparing children

• Practise wearing the clothes. Let boys try on their ihram sheets at home, so they are comfortable with them.
• Explain the “no” list simply. “No perfume, no cutting hair or nails, and we stay kind and patient.”
• Learn the talbiyah together. Make it a family chant on the way to the airport.
• Pack spares. Children can be messy; an extra set of clothes or ihram sheets helps.

Where ihram begins

Pilgrims must enter ihram before passing a boundary point called the miqat. Families flying from the UK or USA often enter ihram before or during the flight, because the plane may pass a miqat before landing. Your airline, group or scholar can tell you when to make the intention. Many men change into ihram clothes at home or at the airport for simplicity.

When ihram ends

For Umrah, ihram ends after tawaf, sa‘i and shaving or shortening the hair. For Hajj, restrictions are lifted in stages over the days of Hajj. Our Hajj step-by-step guide gives an overview.

Preparing your recitation before you travel

Beyond the clothes and rules, the heart of ihram is worship: talbiyah, dua, prayer and remembrance. Many families find that learning the talbiyah, Al-Fatihah and short surahs properly before the journey makes the experience far more meaningful.

Quran Specialist Online does not arrange travel. We help families prepare for the worship itself, with live one-to-one 30-minute Quran lessons on Zoom or MS Teams, taught in English. Female teachers are available, and parents can sit in on children’s lessons. Plans start from £30 a month in the UK and $35 a month in the USA, with a 10% family discount. See the fee page.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use unscented sunscreen in ihram?
Many scholars allow unscented products. Confirm with your scholar.

Can women wear any colour?
Yes, as long as the clothing is modest.

What if my child breaks a rule?
Scholars treat children more leniently. Ask your group’s scholar what, if anything, is needed.

When do I start the talbiyah?
After making the intention for ihram. Your guide will explain when to stop.

Want to learn the talbiyah and your surahs properly before you go? Book a 7-day free trial. More: What is Umrah?

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