Ihram

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This is a sub-article of Hajj and Islamic cleanliness.

Ihram (إحرام iḥrām, from the triconsonantal root Ḥ-R-M) is, in Islam, a sacred state which a Muslim must enter in order to perform the major pilgrimage (Hajj) or the minor pilgrimage (Umrah). A pilgrim must enter into this state before crossing the pilgrimage boundary, known as Miqat, by performing the cleansing rituals and wearing the prescribed attire.

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[edit] Clothing

Ihram clothing is simply an item of clothing to be worn during the pilgrimage, but 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, such as performing Hajj, or a smaller version of Hajj, called Umrah. The simple, 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.

For women there is no clear prescription. Women's clothing, therefore, varies considerably and reflects regional as well as religious attitudes. In general female hajjis clothe themselves in long white robes, covering the body from head to foot.

[edit] Behavior and hygiene

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Aside from being as clean as they are for prayer, male Muslims are expected to cut their nails, trim their hair and beards, and wear Ihram clothing, which is a white, seamless garment. Many also shave their head as this is hygienic. Females also dress in white and are expected be clean. During the pilgrimage, sexual activity, shaving and cutting one's nails are forbidden.

Other forbidden activities include killing animals or eating meat (unless it is part of Eid ul-Adha), using profane language, quarrelling or fighting, and taking oaths, 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 apply make-up, perfume (males must not wear deodorant) or any other cosmetics.

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