Ihram

The ihram. You've heard this word before, either several times or not at all in our religion. Perhaps you're not yet aware of its meaning? its purpose? And its context?

Perhaps you're just starting out as a Muslim? Well, we've decided to dedicate these few lines to clarifying or explaining the meaning and all that follows from the term ihram in Islam .

What does ihram mean, linguistically speaking?

To begin these explanations, we need to start with the basics. Etymologically, the term Ihram is derived from the Arabic verb harama (Arabic: حرم), meaning "to be forbidden".

It thus designates a state of purity in which the pilgrim must perform the Hajj. Umrah. Or both. And he must observe this state even before entering the perimeter of Mecca. Having declared his intention to enter a state of ihram, the pilgrim must, in fact, observe its prohibitions.

Similarly, the term ihram also refers to the two-piece garment worn by pilgrims in this state.

And what does ihram mean in Islam?

In religious terms, ihram refers to a state of complete purity. We mean complete because it represents both a state of purity in the mind and a state of purity in the body.

It represents the state of mind in which pilgrims enter into their spiritual relationship with their Creator. The aim of the pilgrim's intention is to detach himself from this world and devote himself exclusively to his work for the hereafter .

The state of ihram in Islam aims to place all humanity on an equal footing, without distinction of any kind. In fact, the garment of ihram in Islam abolishes any differences that may exist between human beings, be they gender, social or ethnic.

All are thus equal before the Creator of Heaven, Earth and everything in between .

How does one enter the state of ihram?

For this, preparation is necessary. First of all, before donning his ihram, the believer must be in a state of physical purity. Indeed, Abû Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Prophet ﷺ said:

" The natural disposition is in five things: circumcision, shaving the pubic area, trimming the moustache, cutting the nails and waxing the armpits. " Reported by Al-Bukhârî and Muslim.

In view of this saying, the Muslim should therefore cut his finger and toe nails, remove the hair under his armpits and navel and trim his moustache. This is before performing the Ghusl, or ritual bath. Menstruating or bleeding women are also concerned by this act of purification.

Do women need to wear ihram?

It's important to know that ihram dress applies only to men. In fact, the traditional two-piece white garment is reserved for men. Women, on the other hand, can wear the outfit that suits them best.

But she must remain covered, modest and, of course, law-abiding. She will need to be vigilant about the practical choices she makes, such as a jilbab or an abaya combined with a khimar, for example, to be able to perform the pilgrimage rites to the best of her ability and meet the conditions of the ihram state without hindrance.

What are the conditions of ihram in Islam?

It's important to close these few lines with a few conditions that must be respected to maintain the state of ihram. First of all, there are two types of action: detestable and forbidden.

Detestable actions include rubbing the body to remove dirt. Washing the body with unscented soap or combing the hair. Scratching the body in such a way that the hair falls out is also on the list. As well as deliberately perfuming oneself or wearing make-up .

Then there are the forbidden actions. Indeed, the Muslim must observe noble behavior and not indulge in outrageous or obscene behavior. This is something he must strive to do, every day of course, but all the more so here. Indeed, Allah says, in the approximate meaning of the verses in His Word of Sura Al Baqarah verse 197:

"There is [pour lui] no sexual intercourse and no disobedience and no strife during Hajj." Similarly, there are actions such as entering the Miqat without entering Ihram, shaving, cutting or plucking any part of the body, or applying henna or kohl to the body, all require expiation. The conditions are numerous and very important to know.

We advise you to study the subject in depth through the appropriate books and courses, in order to prepare carefully for this most sublime worship. It's an invaluable opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the sacred house, so learning about it is a must .