For Umrah, pilgrims need to enter the state of Ihram and then perform the holy rituals. Every pilgrim arriving with the Umrah Packages or any other time of year necessarily requires to assume this state of Ihram. Without it, it’s not permissible to offer the rites of minor pilgrimage.
When a pilgrim enters Ihram for Umrah, certain things become forbidden for him/her. Such as;
Cutting Nails and Hair:
Pilgrims in Ihram cannot cut their nails or hair. That’s why it is advised to do all such acts before assuming Ihram. This restriction of not trimming nails and hair is in place until they complete the Umrah rituals.
Wearing Fragrances:
Pilgrims should avoid using perfumes, scented oils, or any fragranced products in the state of Ihram. You should know the Ihram prohibitions before booking the New York Umrah Packages or any other Umrah Packages. This restriction is in line with the state of simplicity and purity required during the pilgrimage.
Hunting and Killing Animals:
Pilgrims in Ihram cannot hunt or kill any animal including insects. However, if one does so in self-defence, it’s permissible.
Marital Relations:
Married couples are prohibited from any sort of sexual intimacy with their spouse during Ihram for Umrah. In fact, one cannot marry (have Nikah) in the state of Ihram as well.
Stitched or Fitted Clothing:
Men are strictly prohibited from wearing stitched or fitted clothing during Ihram. Instead, they can only wear two simple, unstitched white sheets, emphasizing equality and humility.
Covering the Head and Feet:
Men are not allowed to cover their heads and feet/ankles in the state of Ihram. It symbolizes humility and submission to Allah Almighty.
Using Scented Toiletries:
Any sort of scented toiletries i.e. soaps, shampoos, etc. should be avoided in Ihram.
Wearing unstitched clothes (for women):
Women cannot wear unstitched clothes for their ihram, it is among the prohibitions.
Arguing or Quarrelling:
It is one of the requirements of Ihram for Umrah to observe peaceful behavior. Therefore, avoiding all sorts of arguments, disputes or aggressive behavior towards fellow pilgrims.
Land and Wildlife Hunting:
Participation in hunting activities for fun remains strictly forbidden during Umrah. One must avoid harming any living being, including plants.
Wearing Perfumed Items:
Pilgrims should refrain from wearing clothing that has been perfumed. This extends to avoiding the use of any scented items that may come into contact with the body.
Covering face and hands (for women):
Female pilgrims cannot cover their faces and hands in the state of Ihram. However, their head must remain covered at all times as well as feet.
Business dealings:
Pilgrims in the state of Ihram should avoid any sort of business dealings, meetings or work. This is because this time is specifically devoted to the worship of Allah Almighty.
Smoking:
Smoking in the state of Ihram is also prohibited.
Self-beautification:
Excessive grooming or self-beautification is strictly restricted during Ihram for Umrah for both men and women. Therefore, women should not do makeup in the state of Ihram.
Permissible acts deemed prohibited ding Umrah:
There are many misconceptions about some acts during ihram to be prohibited. However, in reality, they are permissible. Such as;
· Wearing a belt or a small bag during Umrah rituals to carry your valuable possessions. For instance, travel documents, cash, snacks, etc.
· Using unscented toiletries for physical and oral hygiene purposes.
· Taking a bath. However, be careful that you don’t pluck any hair from the body.
· Killing an animal or insect that can harm. For example, a snake, scorpion, etc.
· Changing Ihram clothes i.e. if your Ihram gets dirty you can change your Ihram clothes.
· Using an umbrella for shade in sunlight since men are not allowed to wear head coverings.
· Take breaks between the holy rituals if you need to.
When are these restrictions lifted?
If you’ve assumed Ihram for Umrah, the restrictions are only lifted when you complete the rites of minor pilgrimage i.e. after performing Sayee and shaving/trimming your head. Then you can denounce the state of Ihram and all of the restrictions are also lifted.
If you are travelling with a Cheap Umrah Package from UK, these are the prohibitions of Ihram during Umrah that you need to be mindful of. For any confusion or queries related to the matter, get help from religious scholars through consultation before departing for the holy journey. All in all, making your pilgrimage travel valid and hassle-free.
