Ihram - How to Enter the Sacred State

1. 1Take ghusl and wear ihram garments at or before the miqat.
2. 2Pray two rakahs and make intention for Umrah or Hajj.
3. 3Recite the talbiyah aloud - ihram begins.
4. 4Observe all prohibitions until release from ihram.

Entering ihram

Take ghusl, trim nails, apply perfume to the body (not the garments), and wear two unstitched cloths (men) or modest dress with face uncovered (women). Pray two rakahs, make intention for Umrah or Hajj, then recite the talbiyah aloud - you are now in ihram.

Enter at the miqat boundary for your route - Yalamlam, Qarn, Juhfah, Dhu al-Hulayfah or Dhat Irq - never pass it without ihram if intending rites.

Prohibitions in ihram

No stitched clothing, head covering (men) or face veil/gloves (women); no perfume, hair or nail cutting, no hunting, no marital relations, and no quarrelling - violations need fidyah (fasting, charity or sacrifice).

Keep reciting the talbiyah often until the rites begin; men raise the voice, women keep it low.