- Ahraam means to enter into a state in which certain conditions apply- it becomes unlawful to use certain halal things. When a person pronounces the Talbiyah (labbaik…) certain halal things become haram upon him.
- The two unstitched garments that a male pilgrim wears are also called Ahraam but the real Ahraam are Niyyah (intention) and Talbiyah. Without the latter, one does not enter the state of Ahraam.
- A woman‟s Ahraam consists of her normal clothes that cover her Awrah. Nothing should be seen except her face, hands and feet. In presence of Non-mahrams, the face should be concealed in a manner that nothing touches the face itself (for those who wear a Niqab).
- A pilgrim should trim the nails, shave the armpits and pubic hair, take a bath, comb the hair and perfume the body before donning Ahraam garments.
- Male pilgrims should wear sandals or slippers so that the central bone of the foot is left uncovered.
- These prohibitions apply as soon as the pilgrim makes the intention for Hajj or Umrah and starts reciting Talbiyah.
- The intention for Hajj or Umrah should be made at Meeqat or before.
- The two Nafils of Ahraam can be prayed at home, or at the airport, or in the airplane. It is Sunnah to recite Surah-e-Kafiroon in the first Rakat, and Surah-e-Ikhlaas in the second Rakat.
Prohibitions in Ahraam
- A pilgrim may not apply perfume, or use any item which contains fragrance, or consume fragrant raw food.
- He must not cut nails, cut or pluck hair.
- Must not marry nor propose.
- Must not indulge in intimate talk with sexual undertones or have conjugal relations.
- Must not hurt or kill animals.
- Must not commit a sin.
- Must not get involved in arguments or quarrels.
- Must not remove dirt from the body or cause the hair to fall.
- Male pilgrims must not wear stitched clothes.
- Men must not wear footwear covering the central bone of the foot.
- Men must not cover their head and face.
- Women must not cover their faces. In presence of men, they must ensure a covering that does not touch the face.
- A pilgrim should not wipe the face with a towel or cloth.
Permitted Acts in Ahraam
- To take a bath without rubbing off dirt from the body
- To wear a ring, watch, sunglasses, money belt, hearing aid, etc
- To use an umbrella
- To use a miswaak
- To file a broken nail
- To apply non-fragrant Kajal
- To tie a bandage
- To place head or cheek on the pillow
- To kill a dangerous animal
- To change Ahraam garments
- To use a blanket while sleeping (head and face uncovered) -To pull out a tooth where necessary
