Female Ihram Rules: Preparations, Clothing, and Prohibitions

Female Ihram rules are essential for every Muslim woman preparing for Umrah or Hajj. While the state of Ihram is the same for both men and women, the specific rules governing women’s clothing, behavior, and preparation have unique details that must be followed carefully.

This article explains the female Ihram rules, including how women should prepare, what to wear, when and where to enter Ihram, and the important prohibitions to observe.
Keep reading to fully understand the unique aspects of Ihram for women.

What are the rules for ladies in Ihram?

Ihram is the essential first step for a Muslim woman to lawfully perform the fifth pillar of Islam—whether the Minor pilgrimage (Umrah) or the Major pilgrimage (Hajj).

To enter Ihram, a Muslim woman wears clean, loose, and all-covering clothing that covers the entire body except for the face and hands. She then makes the intention (niyyah) for either Umrah or Hajj. Once the intention is made, the pilgrim automatically enters the state of Ihram.

The Ihram requirements for both Umrah and Hajj are the same, except for the intention.

A Muslim woman should make her intention for Umrah, Hajj, or both while dressed in Ihram, before or upon reaching any Miqat (designated boundary for entering Ihram). It is also recommended to perform two Rak’at (units) of prayer as part of entering the state of Ihram.

How does a woman prepare for ihram?

Once a Muslim woman makes her intention to perform Umrah or Hajj, she should pay back her debts, repent sincerely from all sins, and reconcile differences with people to the best of her ability. After that, as she begins her journey to Makkah, it’s time to prepare for Ihram.

Purification and cleanliness are recommended before Ihram. That includes:

Having Ghusl (ritual bath) or at least Wudu (ablution)
Clipping fingernails and toenails
Shaving pubic hair and epilating armpit hair
Wearing clean, loose, modest clothes that do not resemble men’s clothing
Avoiding the use of any scented products after the intention is made

These steps complete her preparation for entering the state of Ihram.

Can a menstruating woman enter Ihram?

Yes, a menstruating woman or a woman in nifas (postnatal bleeding) can enter into Ihram, and her Ihram is valid.

Asma’ bint ‘Umays, the wife of Abu Bakr (RA), gave birth when the Prophet (PBUH) was camped at Dhu’l-Hulayfah on his way to perform the Farewell Pilgrimage. She sent word to the Prophet (PBUH) asking what she should do. He replied:

“Do Ghusl and tie a piece of cloth around yourself (lower body), and enter Ihram.”

This ruling applies to menstruating women as well. Women in both states can perform all rites of Hajj or Umrah except circumambulating the Ka’bah (Tawaaf).

The Prophet (PBUH) said to Aisha (RA) when she began menstruating during Umrah:

“Do everything that the pilgrims do, but do not circumambulate the House until you become pure.”
— Al-Bukhari and Muslim

According to Saheeh al-Bukhari, Aisha (RA) stated that once she became pure, she performed Tawaaf and Saa’i between al-Safa and al-Marwah.

This indicates the following:

If a woman enters Ihram while menstruating, or her period starts before doing Tawaaf, she must wait until she becomes pure and performs Ghusl before doing Tawaaf and Saa’i.
However, if she already performed Tawaaf in a state of purity, and her period starts afterward, she may proceed with Saa’i, cut her hair, and complete her Umrah. This is because purity (taharah) is not required for Saa’i.

Female Ihram Clothing: How to Wear Ihram?

Women can wear any clean, neat, and modest clothing to enter the state of Ihram. Typically, this includes loose-fitting garments that cover the entire body except for the face and hands as a condition for female ihram. The attire should not be eye-catching, adorned, or resemble men’s clothing. Women may also wear shoes or other types of closed footwear.

Unlike men, women’s Ihram clothing does not have the same restrictions, allowing more flexibility in choice.

Which Color to Choose for My Ihram Garment?

Women can wear any color they want unlike men who have to wear a special white Ihram garment.

Women may wear any modest color that fulfills the requirements of Islamic dress and Ihram.

Yet, the majority of women in Ihram wear white or black Hijabs and Abayas. Thus, it is better for women to follow the majority.

Thus, it is important to note that women do not wear special Ihram garments like men. Instead, they wear regular, modest Islamic dress that meets the above conditions.

Niqabi Women in Ihram

For women who normally wear the niqab, there is a specific guideline during Ihram:

Face veiling is not permitted during Ihram, but niqabi women should still avoid exposing their face directly to non-mahram men.
This was the practice of the Prophet’s ﷺ wives. As narrated by ʿĀ’ishah (RA):

“Riders would pass us when we were performing the rites of pilgrimage along with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and when they came by us, one of us would let down her outer garment from her head over her face. When they had passed, we would uncover our faces.”
(Sahih Sunan Abi Dawud)

This hadith shows the balance between observing the Ihram rules and maintaining modesty in front of unrelated men.

Read: What Is The Importance Of Hajj?

When and where can women wear ihram for Umrah or Hajj?

A pilgrim woman can wear Ihram at home or anywhere before passing the Miqat (the boundary point for pilgrimage entry).

For Umrah:
A woman should be in her Ihram garments and make the intention for Umrah anytime and anywhere before reaching the Miqat.
For Hajj:
A woman should be in Ihram and make the intention before or on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, as long as it is before crossing the Miqat.

Note: If a woman is traveling by air and the Miqat will be crossed during the flight, she should prepare her suitable ihram clothing and make the intention before reaching the Miqat zone mid-flight.

For more about Ihram and the types of miqat, refer to this article: What Is Ihram in Islam?

What can’t a Muslim woman do during ihram?

In a state of ihram a Muslim woman should not do some things that would invalidate her ihram, these are:

Using perfumes or any perfumed ptoducts
Clipping nails, cutting or shaving any hair
Hunting, participating in hunting or eating free game meat
Having sex or whatever arouses desires or leads to it
Cutting down trees or destroying plants
Contracting marriage or consummating it
Women cannot wear niqab (face-hiding veil) or gloves
Obscenity, promiscuity or sinful speech or behavior

How Does a Woman Exit the State of Ihram After Umrah or Hajj?

A woman ends her Ihram by cutting a small portion of her head hair, even if her hair is in plaits. This symbolic act marks the completion of her pilgrimage rites.

Conclusion

To conclude, female Ihram differs from male Ihram in several important aspects. Women should recite the Talbiyah softly, avoiding loud voices. While in the state of Ihram, they must use unscented products and refrain from combing or clipping their hair. Marital relations are strictly prohibited, and harming any animals or insects is forbidden during this sacred state.

Beyond these physical rules, women are encouraged to prepare their hearts spiritually to fully embrace the serenity and devotion of the pilgrimage. It is recommended to avoid gossip, social media distractions, shopping, and lengthy conversations, focusing instead on inner reflection and worship.

If you’re curious to learn more about Islamic practices like Ihram or want to explore the deeper meaning of pilgrimage in Islam, feel free to continue reading about Islam or ask questions related to women’s rules and position in Islam — gaining understanding is the first step toward meaningful dialogue.