If you are already in Saudi Arabia, virtually all planes, buses, and private vehicles entering the Hajj area will inform pilgrims when it is time to enter the state of Ihram.
Men will need 2 white cloths without stitching of any kind. The size will depend on your dimensions. Each cloth should be wide enough to cover the area between the top of your navel and the tops of your feet, and long enough to wrap all the way around your body without any skin visible. This is important, since you can’t wear underwear with Ihram! The rules for women’s Ihram are variable, but many groups allow women to use the same 2 cloths men do, except women can have stitching. Women’s cloths should be wide enough to reach from the armpit to the tops of the feet, and long enough to wrap all the way around the body. Men can’t pin or sew Ihram cloths in place, so make sure you have a belt or clips to keep yourself dressed. Sandals are the only permitted shoes to wear with Ihram. You can use any sandals, including flip-flops, as long as the tops of your feet are visible. Some groups believe that women may wear socks with their sandals. You can have a small bag to carry necessities, as long as it isn’t pinned to your clothes.
You can’t remove hair or nails by any means during Ihram. Sexual relations are prohibited. No perfumes are allowed when in the state of Ihram. Killing of any kind, including hunting or fishing, isn’t permitted.
If you aren’t able to bathe, you can perform wudhu. To perform wudhu, announce your intentions of doing so by saying “I am performing wudhu for the pleasure of Allah, and to seek closeness to Him. ” Then, wash or wipe your face, arms, hands, and feet in that order.
This is the English text of Talbiyah: “Here we come, O Allah, here we come! Here we come. No partner have You. Here we come! Praise indeed, and blessings, are Yours–the Kingdom too! No partner have You!” Men should recite Talbiyah loudly, while women should murmur it softly.
You can fasten your bag to the belt or the clips.
In some groups, men cover both shoulders. If you plan to cover both shoulders, move your right hand to your left armpit and securely wrap any loose ends around both shoulders. It should look like a winter shawl.
In some groups, women also need to ask their husband’s blessing before wearing Ihram.
Some women like to drape the cloth over one shoulder for extra security before securing it in place.
You can also buy pre-made Ihram cloths with a hole for your face already sewn in. If you usually wear a burqa or niqab, make sure you remove it before putting on Ihram–you can’t cover your face during Ihram. Many women wear dark sunglasses to prevent their face from being fully visible.
