Ihram: Difference between revisions

Entering the state of '''iḥrām''' ({{ia|الإحرام}}) is the first obligation in [[hajj]] and [['umra]]. The person in the state is called '''muḥrim'''. The issues pertaining to ihram are divided into four groups:

If someone intends hajj instead of 'umra due to negligence or ignorance, his ihram is valid. For instance, while wearing ihram for 'umra al-tamattu', if he says: I am going to wear ihram for the sake of Allah for hajj al-tamattu' but he has intention to perform the deed that is being performed by others thinking they are classified as hajj, his ihram is valid. Uttering one's intention or imagining the intention in one's mind is not necessary. Rather, if he intends to perform rites, it would suffice. Intention must be accompanied by wearing ihram. So a previous intention will be sufficient only if it continues until the time of wearing ihram.  

Saying labbayk while wearing ihram is just like the takbīrat al-ihram in prayer. When a pilgrim says labbayk, he becomes muḥrim and is now prepared to perform the rites of 'umra.  

Labbayk Allāhumm-a labbayk, labbayk-a lā sharīk-a lak-a labbayk

If one says only this, his ihram is correct, however on the basis of Mustaḥabb caution, one should say these mentioned talbiyas following the above talbiya:

Inna l-hamd-a wa l-ni'mat-a lak-a wa l-mulk, lā sharīk-a lak-a labbayk

Labbayk Allāhumm-a labbayk, inna l-hamda wa l-ni'mat-a lak-a wa l-mulk, la sharīk-a lak-a labbayk

Saying talbiya once is obligatory but it is Mustaḥabb that one repeats it as much as possible for him. It is obligatory for a person to pronounce talbiya correctly. Thus, if a person can learn the pronunciation exactly or somebody may say it word by word so that he says it correctly but he ignores these steps and pronounces it in a wrong way, it would not be enough. But if he cannot learn it due to shortage of time and he cannot say it correctly with somebody dictating, he should pronounce it in any possible way and it is based on caution that he should appoint a representative to say it on his behalf.

One of the cloths (loincloth) is fastened around waist, while with the other piece of cloth the shoulders should be covered. These two pieces of cloth should be worn after taking off all those clothes that are prohibited for a muḥrim. On the basis of obligatory caution, one should wear these pieces of cloth before making intention of ihram and recitation of talbiya. It is not a condition that the loincloth covers the navel and the knees; it is sufficient that it is called loincloth and like those usually used for ihram. It is not allowed to fasten the loincloth around the neck. However, there is no objection to fasten it using a pin or fastening its one part with the other unless it is not called loincloth any more. Likewise, fastening the shawl with a pin, a clip or by using small pebbles on both sides and fastening it with a thread in a common and well-known way is no problem, as long as it is called rida' (shawl). It is based on obligatory caution that one should wear the two cloths with the intention of seeking closeness to Allah Almighty.

If ihram cloths becomes najis, on the basis of obligatory caution, one must change or purify it. Being in state of wudu' or ghusl is not a condition for the validity of ihram; therefore, one can join the state of ihram during [[Janaba]] or menses. However, it is highly recommended to take ghusl before wearing ihram which is called 'recommended ghusl of ihram'. It is better that one does not neglect it.

==Mustaḥabb Acts of Ihram==

It is recommended that body is pure before wearing ihram, the extra hair of body is removed and nails are cut off. Brushing teeth is also recommended before wearing ihram. It is also Mustaḥabb to take ghusl before entering in the state of ihram at miqat. It is said that on cautionary basis this ghusl should not be neglected. Furthermore, it is recommended that one wears ihram after an obligatory noon-prayer or after any obligatory prayer or after offering a two-rak'ah prayer. It is mentioned in some hadiths that one offers six rak'ahs of recommended prayers as such prayers have great significance/reward.

==Makrūh Acts of Ihram==

Ihram with black, dirty, and striped dresses is Makrūh. It is better to wear white colour in state of ihram.

Likewise, it is Makrūh to sleep on a yellow mattress or sleeps putting yellow pillow under one's head in state of ihram. Using henna before wearing ihram, in case its color would remain until wearing ihram, is also Makrūh. It is also Makrūh to say 'labbayk' in response to someone's calling. Taking ghusl and rubbing the body with rough cloth is also considered Makrūh.