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Each year millions of Muslims make the journey to conduct Umrah. Every traveller must enter a sacred spiritual state called ihram before visiting the holy city of Makkah. There are exact clothing limitations in this state and a certain set of customs for men. These rules are observed from the moment ihram is entered until the Umrah rituals are fully completed.
This guide is written for UK pilgrims who want a simple, honest explanation of what ihram means, how it is worn, and what is and is not permitted. Whether you are preparing for your first Umrah or travelling with family, everything covered here is written to be easy to follow.
What Is Ihram?
Ihram is a state of spiritual purity and focus entered by a Muslim before performing Umrah or Hajj. The term refers to two things at once: the sacred state itself and the white garments worn during it.
When a man enters the state of ihram, certain everyday actions are set aside. Things that are normally permitted become temporarily forbidden. The purpose is clear: to bring all pilgrims to the same level, stripping away any difference of wealth, status, or nationality. Every man in ihram wears the same plain white cloth. This visual equality is part of what is ihram at its core.
For men, ihram for men consists of two pieces of plain, unstitched white cloth. These clothing have no buttons, zippers or seams. They are called the izar (the lower wrap) and the rida (the upper wrap). The simplicity of the clothing reflects the simplicity of the spiritual state.
How to Wear Ihram for Men
Understanding how to wear ihram correctly removes a great deal of anxiety before the journey begins.
The izar is wrapped firmly around the waist and secured to cover the lower body from the navel downward. A plain money belt or safety pin is permitted to hold it in place, but a stitched waistband is not allowed.
The rida is placed over the upper body, draped across the left shoulder and under the right arm. During Tawaf, the act of circling the Kaaba, the right shoulder is left uncovered. This position is called idtiba. During the five daily prayers, the right shoulder is covered again.
Ihram garments are widely available in the UK before departure. Reputable Umrah travel providers such as Alhadi Travel regularly advise pilgrims on suitable garments, where to purchase them, and when to put them on before flying.
For pilgrims flying directly to Jeddah or Madinah, the Miqat boundary, which is the designated point outside Makkah where ihram must be entered, is crossed while in the air. In this case, ihram should be worn and the intention (niyyah) made before boarding the aircraft.
What to Do Before Entering Ihram for Umrah
Several acts of preparation are recommended before ihram for Umrah is entered.
A full bath, known as ghusl, is strongly recommended before wearing the garments. Nails should be trimmed. Unwanted body hair should be removed beforehand. Any perfume or scented lotion should be applied to the body before the ihram garments are put on, as no fragrance is permitted once the state of ihram has begun.
When the pilgrim is dressed, he makes a true intention for Umrah and recites the Talbiyah, the phrase that begins with “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk.” This marks the official start of the ihram state and all its rules.
Rules of Ihram for Men: What Is Forbidden
Once a man enters ihram, a defined set of prohibitions is in place. These must be respected for the full duration of the Umrah.
Stitched clothing is not allowed. This includes shirts, trousers, underwear, and jackets. All such garments must be removed.
The head must not be covered. Caps, hats, scarves, or any head covering are forbidden for men throughout the ihram period.
The feet must not be fully covered. Closed shoes and socks are not permitted. Open-toed sandals are acceptable, provided the top of the foot remains exposed.
Perfumed products are forbidden. This applies to scented soap, shampoo, deodorant, and cream. Unscented alternatives should be carried for the entire trip.
Hair and nails must not be cut during ihram. This includes beard hair, body hair, and head hair. Nails must also remain untrimmed until the ihram is ended.
All forms of sexual intimacy are strictly forbidden in the ihram state.
Animals must not be harmed or hunted. This prohibition extends to insects in certain scholarly views.
Argument, foul language, and disrespectful behaviour are forbidden. Patience and calmness are expected of every pilgrim at all times.
Is Hand Sanitiser Allowed in Ihram?
Many pilgrims travelling from the UK ask whether hand sanitiser is permitted during ihram.
Most standard hand sanitisers contain added fragrances. Scented products are not permitted during ihram. However, if a hand sanitiser is completely fragrance-free and contains no perfumed ingredients, it is considered acceptable by the majority of Islamic scholars.
Before travelling, all hygiene products should be checked carefully. Labels should confirm they are fragrance-free. This small preparation step avoids unnecessary worry during the pilgrimage itself. The team at Alhadi Travel receives this question from UK pilgrims regularly and always recommends packing unscented alternatives well before departure.
Practical Tips for UK Pilgrims Travelling for Umrah
There are a few specific steps UK pilgrims need to complete before travelling.
Saudi Umrah visa rules require every pilgrim to hold a valid Umrah visa before arrival in Saudi Arabia. This is arranged through an approved UK travel agent. Health documentation, passport validity, and processing times should all be confirmed several weeks before the travel date. Last-minute applications are best avoided.
Accommodation in Makkah varies widely in price and distance from the Masjid al-Haram. Being close to the Grand Mosque can save you time and energy which is especially important if you are an elderly pilgrim or someone with mobility concerns.
Alhadi Travel provides various Umrah packages for travellers from the UK. This includes assistance with visa applications, hotel booking near the Haram and a detailed pre-departure guide including the regulations of Ihram, packing lists and advice on how to prepare for the ceremonies. Having experienced support in place makes the entire journey far less stressful.