For many men, the most nervous moment of Umrah is the first one: standing there with two white sheets and no idea how to keep them on. It is simpler than it looks, and once you have done it once you will never forget. Here is how to wear ihram properly, keep it secure, and handle it during the rites.
A note first: this is a practical guide, not a fatwa. The schools agree on the essentials below and differ on small details, so ask a trusted scholar if you are unsure. The basis for the conduct of ihram is in the Qur’an, Surah al-Baqarah 2:197, and the practice of the Prophet, peace be upon him, on Sunnah.com.
The two garments
Ihram for men is two plain, unstitched white sheets:
- The izar, worn around the lower body like a wrap.
- The rida, draped over the upper body across both shoulders.
Underneath, you wear nothing fitted or stitched, which per most scholars includes normal underwear. Plain sandals are fine.
Before you put it on
Ihram begins with an inner state, so prepare the body first, before the miqat:
- Trim your nails, tidy your hair and beard, and remove any hair you normally would.
- Make ghusl (a full wash) if you can, or at least wudu.
- Apply unscented products only. You may put perfume on your body before entering ihram, but not on the garments, and none at all once you are in ihram.
Putting it on, step by step
- The izar first. Wrap the lower sheet around your waist so it covers you well below the knee. Fold the top edge over to lock it, and secure it with a plain belt or money belt. This is the single best tip: a belt stops the constant worry of it slipping.
- The rida next. Drape the upper sheet over both shoulders so it hangs evenly front and back, covering your upper body.
- Check your footwear. Wear simple sandals that leave the top of the foot open.
Then, at or before the miqat, make your intention for Umrah and begin the talbiyah. From here you are in ihram.
During tawaf: idtiba and raml (men only)
Two things apply to men during the tawaf of Umrah:
- Idtiba: uncover your right shoulder by passing the rida under your right arm and over your left shoulder, for the whole of this tawaf.
- Raml: walk briskly, almost a light jog, in the first three circuits, then walk normally for the last four.
Once tawaf is finished, cover both shoulders again, including before you pray the two rak’ahs. These are reported in the practice of the Prophet, peace be upon him, recorded on Sunnah.com.
Keeping it together, practically
- Pack two sets. One to wear and one spare, in case the first gets soiled.
- A belt and safety pins help, and pins are generally permitted for securing the cloth, though some scholars prefer you avoid pinning the two sheets to each other. If unsure, ask.
- Mind your modesty when sitting and climbing stairs, especially with the shoulder uncovered during tawaf.
- Remember the prohibitions that come with ihram. Our full guide on ihram rules, what you can and cannot do covers scent, hair, and the rest.
You will be shown before you reach the miqat
On our group departures, the men are talked through wearing and securing ihram before the miqat, with help on hand. It takes the last bit of nerves away.
Next, learn what to say at each step and read how to perform Umrah step by step. When you are ready, see our Umrah packages or request a quote.
