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Ihram (إحرام iḥrām, from the root of H-R-M) is, in Islam, a sacred state which a Muslim must enter in order to perform the major pilgrimage (Hajj) or the minor pilgrimage (Umrah). A pilgrim must enter into this state before crossing the pilgrimage boundary, known as Miqat, by performing the cleansing rituals and wearing the prescribed attire.
Ihram clothing is simply an item of clothing to be worn during the pilgrimage, but there are many competing views on the proper wearing of ihram. For example, the exact number of days a pilgrim is required to wear ihram varies according to the type of pilgrimage (Hajj) the individual is performing, such as performing Hajj, or a smaller version of Hajj, called Umra. Very important for a Hajj
Aside from being as clean as they are for prayer, males are expected to cut their nails, trim their hair and beards, and wear Ihram clothing. Many also shave their head as this is hygienic. Females are expected to dress in proper clothing and to also be clean. At the beginning of a pilgrimage, the Muslim stops at a designated station to perform certain ritual cleansing ceremonies; each male shaves his head, cuts his nails, and trims his beard before donning a white, seamless, two-piece garment. Women also wear white; although no particular dress is prescribed, by tradition they wear long robes. During the period of sanctification, sexual activity, shaving, and cutting one's nails all are forbidden in accordance with the pilgrim's special relationship to God during the ihram.
The word is also used for the state of a worshipper during the performance of the salat, the ritual prayer repeated five times daily.
Certain behavior is also expected. A haaji (someone who performs the Hajj) should refrain from: killing animals or eating meat (thereby causing animals to be killed for them), using profane language, quarrelling or fighting, taking an oath, engaging in sexual activity, in addition to any other regularly prohibited acts. Males should also refrain from looking at women and women should exercise strict modesty in their appearance and not to apply make-up or any other cosmetics
<blockquote> There are certain things which you are expected to avoid while in the state of Ihram. These include any sort of reminders of your social status, wealth or trappings of importance. In essence, all the Hajjis -- from the richest and the most famous to the most indigent are made exactly equal -- just as they will be after death! The Hajjis (as those performing the Hajj are called) are to wear two unsewn sheets of cloth (for men) and unadorned clothes for women. The following is a list of specific actions which must not be undertaken in the state of ihram: <br /><br />
- Do not use make up, perfumes or acts of grooming (trimming hair, cutting of fingernails, etc) <br />
- Do not cover your head (males). <br />
- Do not cover your face (females). <br />
- Do not use ornaments. <br />
- Do not indulge in love making and intercourse <br />
- Do not marry or participate in marriage ceremonies <br />
- Do not hunt, harm animals or uproot or cut down plants or trees <br />
- Avoid arguments, beligerence, or cursing. <br />
Hajj has begun; the mass of pilgrims say: Labbaik Allahumma labbaik! "Here I am O God, here I am (in answer to your call!, humbly and in utmost subservience)." <br />
Here I am O God and there is none comparable to you. <br />
Truly all praise and all bounties are from You, no partner do You have, O God <br />
The scene is as a mass of people of one -- the rich, the poor, all in the humblest of garments sitting, rising and praying as one! A reminder to all, that we're all just dust given life! Tiny fragments in a vast universe -- utterly insignificant. <br />
There is no god, no diety, and nothing or no one worthy of worship or absolute obedience but the Creator of the universe -- Allah -- God.
Here I am, O God, here I am, and there is none comparable to you! <br />
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