Ihram (إحرام) is an Arabic word that denotes a sacred state in which a Muslim must enter in order to perform the major pilgrimage, hajj or the minor pilgrimage, umrah. It must be entered before entering into the pilgramage boundary, known as Miqat, by performing cleansing rituals and wearing prescribed attire. Arabic (; , less formally, ) is the largest member of the Semitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family (classification: South Central Semitic) and is closely related to Hebrew and Aramaic. ... A Muslim (Arabic: مسلم) (sometimes also spelled Moslem) is an adherent of Islam. ... The Hajj or Haj (Arabic: حَجّ Ḥaǧǧ) is the Pilgrimage to Mecca (or, Makkah) and is the fifth of the Five Pillars of Islam in Sunni Islam and one of the ten Branches of Religion in Shia Islam. ... The Umrah or Umra (Arabic: عمرة ) is a pilgrimage to Mecca performed by Muslims that can be undertaken at any time of the year. ... (See also List of types of clothing) Introduction Humans often wear articles of clothing (also known as dress, garments or attire) on the body (for the alternative, see nudity). ...

Clothing

Ihram clothing includes men's and women's garments. Men's garments consist of two white unhemmed sheets (usually towelling material) and are universal in appearance. The top is draped over the torso and the bottom is secured by a belt; plus a pair of sandals. Women's clothing, however, varies considerably and reflects regional as well as religious influences. For a place in France, see Hem, France For the band, see Hem (band) To hem a piece of cloth, the cut edges are folded up, folded up again, and then sewed down. ... Torso is an anatomical term for the human body without the head and limbs. ... A belt A belt is a flexible band, made of either leather or a type of cloth, worn around the waist. ... Modern fabric and rubber sandals - ideal for camping This article ...

White Ihram clothing is intended to make everyone appear the same, as in the eyes of Allah there is no difference between a prince and a pauper when everyone is dressed equally. There are also certain behaviors that are expected and forbidden once ihram is donned. The word Allāh is the Arabic term for God. It is most commonly used in Islam and refers to the eternal monotheist Deity. ...

Although it is simply an item of clothing to be worn during the pilgrimage, there are many competing views on the proper wearing of ihram. For example, the exact number of days a pilgrim is required to wear ihram varies according to the type of pilgrimage (Hajj) the individual is performing.

Behavior and hygiene

Aside from being as clean as they are for prayer, males are expected to cut their nails, trim their hair and beards, and wear Ihram clothing. Many also shave their head as this is hygienic. Females are expected to dress in proper clothing and to also be clean. At the beginning of a pilgrimage, the Muslim stops at a designated station to perform certain ritual cleansing ceremonies; each male shaves his head, cuts his nails, and trims his beard before donning a white, seamless, two-piece garment. Women also wear white; although no particular dress is prescribed, by tradition they wear long robes. During the period of sanctification, sexual activity, shaving, and cutting one's nails all are forbidden in accordance with the pilgrim's special relationship to God during the ihram.

The word is also used for the state of a worshiper during the performance of the salat, the ritual prayer repeated five times daily.

Certain behavior is also expected. A hajii (someone who performs the Hajj) should refrain from: killing animals or eating meat (thereby causing animals to be killed for them), cussing or swearing, quarelling or fighting, taking an oath, engaging in sexual activity, in addition to any other regularly prohibited acts. Males should also refrain from looking at women and women should exercise strict modesty in their appearance and not to apply make-up or any other cosmetics.

See also

• Mut'ah of Hajj

Mutah of Hajj or hajj at-tamattu or joy of hajj (?) involves some practice between the time of a Umrah and a Hajj. ...

External links

• The Five Pillars of Islam, Hajj (Pilgrimage), The Fifth Pillar of Islam, Holy Sites/Mistakes of Pilgrims - An article on the many different beliefs surrounding the wearing of ihram by Sheikh Dr. Ghanim Saleh Al-Sadlan, professor of Higher Islamic Studies at the Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, in Riyadh.
• http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?tocId=9042079