16 Rules of Ihram for Men

Entering the spiritual state of Ihram marks the beginning of the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah. Ihram represents a state of purity that aligns in the mind, body and spirit. Derived from the Arabic word for that which is forbidden, harama ( حرم), being in a state of Ihram means that one is governed by a number of key prohibitions. This short article provides a general overview of these prohibitions. They are as follow:

1. Don’t wear clothing that is tailored to fit parts of the body.
2. Don’t wear underwear
3. Don’t wear anything on your head
4. Don’t wear footwear that fully covers your feet (and ankles)
5. Don’t cover your face
6. Don’t use perfumed products
7. Don’t trim your nails
8. Don’t cut your hair
9. Don’t propose for marriage
10. Don’t get married
11. Don’t engage in any sexual activity
12. Don’t hunt
13. Don’t cut down a tree
14. Don’t kill an insect (unless it is directly harmful to you)
15. Don’t commit any act of disobedience to Allah

• Don’t be disobedient to parents
• Don’t cause harm to yourself or others
• Don’t smoke or do drugs
• Don’t engage in idle talk
• Don’t get into a fight or verbal altercation
  
  

When one enters into a state of Ihram it means that one becomes a “Muhrim”. The word Ihram is often used interchangeably with the white towel clothes that all male Muhrims must wear. This Ihram uniform, made up of two pieces of unstitched white cloth, signifies the equality of all men before Allah irrespective of their origin, rank or wealth.

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الْحَجُّ أَشْهُرٌ مَّعْلُومَاتٌ ۚ فَمَن فَرَضَ فِيهِنَّ الْحَجَّ فَلَا رَفَثَ وَلَا فُسُوقَ وَلَا جِدَالَ فِي الْحَجِّ ۗ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ يَعْلَمْهُ اللَّهُ ۗ وَتَزَوَّدُوا فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ الزَّادِ التَّقْوَىٰ ۚ وَاتَّقُونِ يَا أُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ - (Quran 2:197)

Commitment to pilgrimage is made in appointed months. Whoever commits to performing pilgrimage, let them stay away from intimate relations, foul language, and arguments during pilgrimage. Whatever good you do, Allah fully knows of it. Take necessary provisions for the journey—surely the best provision is righteousness. And be mindful of Me, O people of reason!  (Quran 2:197)

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