In the Muslim religion, the Great Pilgrimage is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. This act of worship is the responsibility of every believer who can afford it, both financially and physically. To fulfill this obligation, certain rules must be observed. In particular, men must wear a men's hajj outfit to perform the rites. Focus on this garment worn by millions of people on their way to Mecca.
The men's hajj outfit, or pilgrim's garment par excellence
Also known as theihram, this garment worn by millions of the faithful during the hajj or omra consists of two pieces of white fabric that are not sewn together. Male Muslims must wrap themselves around an ihram to perform the rites, also known as al manassik in Arabic.
My Qamis offers a model made from skin-friendly fabric. Before putting it on, the pilgrim must purify himself completely, by performing his great ablutions (al ghusl). Then he puts on his hajj men's outfit and goes into a state of sacredness.
Pilgrims are not allowed to wear fitted clothes (Makhît). By this we mean sewn, curved garments that take the shape of the body, such as the qamis. All men are required to wear male hajj clothing during their stay in the Holy Land. However, they can remove it once their rites have been completed.
How do I put on the men's hajj outfit? When donning this white garment, men should remember to uncover their right shoulder. In addition, they must not cover their heads or faces.
The wisdom of wearing a man's hajj outfit
The ihram is a simple garment, devoid of any aesthetic appeal. It drapes the wearer in humility and modesty. Asceticism is an Islamic moral value. By detaching oneself from all that has to do with appearance, pilgrims tend to draw closer to Allah.
What's more, when you see millions of worshippers dressed in men's hajj outfits, you sense the union of Muslims. Wearing the same clothes conveys a sense of equality. There's no distinction between rich and poor, governor and governed.
The spiritual dimension also prompts us to think about Judgment Day. The messenger of Allah declared that there would be no clothing.
When we wear a man's hajj outfit, we are also reminded of the fact that we are in a state of sacredness. This, in turn, deters us from committing sins and multiplying dhikr.
Allah has promised a priceless reward for those who perform the hajj as it should be performed. Before going to the holy places, the believer must have a noble intention. In addition, he or she must be familiar with the various rules governing this form of worship.
What does the word ihram mean?
This Arabic term related to hajj can have several meanings. In particular, it represents the state of sacredness, but also the men's hajj outfit.
This traditional white outfit is for men only. Women may wear the garment of their choice, provided, of course, that they scrupulously respect the conditions of the legal veil.
These rules apply to women both during the hajj and at home.