As mentioned earlier, Ihram refers to the intention (niyyah) made for performing either Hajj or Umrah. Those who set out during the months of Hajj intending to perform either or both of these acts of worship can enter into Ihram in any of the following three forms:

1. For both Hajj and Umrah together.
2. For Hajj first, and then Umrah after completing Hajj.
3. For Umrah first, and then Hajj after completing Umrah.

Let us now explore these forms of Ihram in detail:

1) Ifrād

This is the most virtuous form and is the most convenient for those arriving in Makkah close to the days of Hajj. It also does not require any expiation (dam). The word Ifrād means “singling out.”

In this method, one makes Ihram solely for Hajj at the Miqat, arrives in Makkah, performs the rites of Hajj, and then travels outside the Haram to make Ihram for Umrah and completes the Umrah rituals afterward. This is the method of Ifrād.

Practically, this method becomes difficult for those who arrive in Makkah well before the months of Hajj. This is because one would have to remain in the state of Ihram until the days of Hajj, and since certain actions are prohibited while in Ihram, it becomes burdensome.

In this form, the niyyah (intention) should be: “I make Ihram solely for Hajj for the sake of Allah.”

2) Tamattuʿ

This is the second-best method in terms of virtue and is more convenient though it requires expiation (dam). The name Tamattuʿ means “enjoying” (a break between Umrah and Hajj).

Here, the pilgrim makes Ihram for Umrah at the Miqat, performs Umrah upon arrival in Makkah, exits from Ihram, and lives normally until the days of Hajj begin. At that time, they re-enter Ihram for Hajj and complete the rites of Hajj.

The advantage of this method is that one can live in normal attire and without the restrictions of Ihram in the days between Umrah and Hajj.

As mentioned, this form necessitates expiation, unless:

• One resides within 132 kilometers of the Haram, or
• After making Ihram, one goes to a Miqat or a place at least 132 kilometers away before starting Hajj rituals.
  

This method is most suitable for those who arrive earlier for Hajj.

Most pilgrims from our regions opt for this method. They arrive in Makkah, perform Umrah first, then travel to Madinah, and return from Madinah close to the days of Hajj, entering into Ihram for Hajj at the Dhul Hulayfah Miqat. In such cases, expiation is not required.

Those following this method should make the intention: “I make Ihram for Umrah for the sake of Allah.”

3) Qirān

This is the third-best method and also requires expiation. The word Qirān means “combining.”

In this method, one makes Ihram for both Hajj and Umrah together at the Miqat and then performs only the rites of Hajj. Through this form, one gains the reward for both Hajj and Umrah.

Those who are sure that they won’t have time to perform Umrah separately after Hajj should adopt this method. It is better than not performing Umrah at all.

Though this form requires expiation, the following are exempt:

• Those residing within 132 kilometers of the Haram.
• Those who travel to a Miqat or 132 kilometers away after making Ihram and before standing at ʿArafah.

For this method, the niyyah is: “I make Ihram for both Hajj and Umrah for the sake of Allah.”

Before Entering into Ihram

Pilgrims who are about to become the guests of Allah and enter His most beloved sacred land must pay attention to the following before entering Ihram:

• Clean the body thoroughly.
• Trim nails, cut the moustache, and remove underarm and pubic hair.
• Take a bath in preparation for Ihram. If bathing is not possible, one may perform Tayammum.
• Apply fragrance only to the body (not clothes). It is Sunnah for women to apply henna on both hands.
• Perform two units (rakʿah) of Sunnah prayer for Ihram, with the intention: “I perform two rakʿahs of Ihram for the sake of Allah.”
• Wear the Ihram attire:
  • For men: two unstitched cloths—one lower and one upper garment. No stitched or tailored clothing is permitted. It is permissible to wear a belt or strap to carry money.
  • For women: No covering the face or wearing gloves. They may wear regular clothing.

Then make the Ihram intention as described earlier and begin reciting the Talbiyah:

“Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka la sharīka laka Labbayk. Innal ḥamda wan-niʿmata laka wal-mulk, la sharīka lak.”

(Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise and blessings are Yours, and the Kingdom; You have no partner.)

After entering into Ihram, continuously recite the Talbiyah—this is Sunnah.

If the Ihram is for Umrah, recite it until the ṭawāf around the Kaʿbah begins. If for Hajj, continue until the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah when one exits the state of Ihram after completing the first part of Hajj.

After Talbiyah, it is strongly Sunnah to send blessings (ṣalawāt) upon the Prophet ﷺ.

What Becomes Prohibited After 

Ihram

Once Ihram is made for Hajj or Umrah, one enters a new sacred state—much like how certain things become prohibited upon entering into a prayer (salah) after saying the opening takbīr.

Here are the things prohibited after Ihram. Violating any of these will necessitate expiation (dam):

Prohibited Acts in Ihram:

• For men: Covering the head or wearing stitched clothing.
• For women: Covering the face or wearing gloves.
• Applying perfume.
• Applying scented or unscented oil to beard or body hair.
• Removing hair from any part of the body or trimming nails.
• Engaging in marriage contracts—getting married or giving someone in marriage.
• Sexual intercourse, kissing, or any intimate or sensual acts.
• Killing halal animals or assisting in hunting them.
  All of the above are prohibited during Ihram, and if violated, require the prescribed expiation. However, if one engages in sexual intercourse, the Hajj or Umrah becomes invalid. One must perform it again the following year and still complete the current pilgrimage in its form.