What should a woman wear for Umrah?

 

While performing the Umrah rituals, women must dress modestly according to Islam’s teachings. The dressing for Umrah should be simple and loose, covering the whole body except for the face and hands for women. The Umrah dress code of women is quite opposite the attire of men.

It’s a lesser pilgrimage to the sacred city of Mecca that Muslims can perform at any time of the year. In Islam, both generations have a wish to perform Umrah at least once in their lifetime, even though it’s not mandatory. While the dress code of Umrah is different for both males and females, its rituals and steps are almost the same. So, in this specific article, we will discuss the proper dress code for women required to perform Umrah.

Umrah dressing for women:

For the Umrah performance, pilgrims must be in the state of Ihram. This is the state of purity and a symbol of unity for Muslim pilgrims. The attire of Ihram is quite different for both men and women. So, what should a woman wear during Umrah?

Women can wear any modest Islamic clothing to enter the state of Ihram that must be fully covered in their bodies except their faces and hands. Women have relaxation by not wearing a specific dress to enter into Ihram.

Women can express the intention of Ihram in Abaya. Abaya is the most commonly worn dress among the women pilgrims. They can wear Abaya of any colour, but most female pilgrims prefer to wear Black or white Abaya.

Your Ihram must be washed and neat and shouldn’t be damaged or worn. It should create a compelling and modest image of you. You should not wear a tight Abaya over your casual clothes to perform Umrah. It is not liked in Saudi culture and Islam to wear thin/colourful clothes under the Abaya.

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Prohibitions in the state of Ihram:

•             Nails clipping and shaving/trimming hairs.

•             Using perfumes

•             Cosmetic products/scented oils

•             Avoid adorning yourself in front of the mirror.

•             Wearing jewellery

•             Covering face and hands for women.

•             Having sexual intercourse.

•             Marriage

•             Fighting/using abusive language.

•             Making disputes

•             Hunting or harming animals.

•             Damaging the Ihram dress

Shoes for women in the state of Ihram:

When wearing shoes during Umrah, you should opt for comfortable wear. You can wear any shoes and other closed footwear with socks. Women can wear sneakers, the best options during the Umrah environment. It is also allowed to wear sunglasses if medically required.

Get a compliance guidelines on all expected issues for using shoes during Umrah here! Can You Wear Shoes During Umrah?

Rules of Ihram for a woman during her menstruation cycle:

If a woman has her menstruating cycle during the pilgrimage, she has to wear Ihram again. In that case, Miqat's point must be noted, where she can make the intention of Ihram and purify herself. It is described in one of the hadiths when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said to Aisha (R.A) – the wife of Prophet (PBUH), as:

“Do everything the pilgrims do, but do not perform Tawaf around Kaaba until you become pure.”  - [Sahih-al-Bukhari – 294]

How can women observe the state of Ihram?

Follow the below steps to enter into Ihram for women:

1.    First of all, make your intentions to perform Umrah.

2.    It should be confirmed that you are physically pure/clean.

3.    You should make sure that your Ihram is neat and private.

4.    After that, wear Ihram and perform Umrah steps.

5.    Follow the rules of Ihram and make the supplications.

 

In conclusion, women performing in Umrah should adopt modest and straightforward dressing. And we have successfully discussed that in the above steps. Ensure you know the rules of pilgrimage and have enough knowledge to perform the rituals. You can buy Ihram attire from Makkah or any city. It’s best if you carry your Ihram from your departure country.