The performance of a valid Umrah pilgrimage comes with a lot of specific guidelines to adhere to for the pilgrims. Muslims traveling worldwide to Makkah through their Umrah packages and the rest of the countries arrive in the holy region and opt for specific rituals.
Among the prerequisites of Umrah, dressing in appropriate clothes, i.e., as specified in the Sunnah of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW), is necessary. It is known as ‘Ihram,’ whose rules differ for male and female pilgrims.
What type of clothing should be worn by the pilgrims?
The Ihram clothing has specific rules for men and women.
Men
- Male pilgrims are required to stick to only a particular type of clothing for their Ihram. It includes two white-colored sheets of unstitched clothes only.
- No other type of clothing can be worn by men.
- It is prohibited for male pilgrims to wear stitched clothes in Ihram.
- The sheet covering the lower half of the body should cover the area from the navel to down below the knees. At the same time, the other one can be draped over the shoulders like a shawl.
- Men cannot wear any type of face or head coverings in Ihram.
- Since feet and ankles should be uncovered at all times in Ihram, men cannot wear closed footwear.
Women
- Women can wear any type of clothing for their Ihram because they aren’t required to stick to any dress code.
- The clothing female pilgrims are wearing for the ihram must remain not only modest and simple but also loose fit and thick enough that it does not reveal their body parts.
- Many women prefer wearing an ‘Abaya’ over their ordinary clothes in order to avoid all of the confusion related to ihram clothing.
- Female pilgrims can only wear stitched clothes for their ihram. It is prohibited for them to wear unstitched clothes.
- Head and feet should remain covered at all times. For which wearing a hijab and socks remains advised.
- It is not permitted for women to over their faces and hands in Ihram.
Can pants be worn during Umrah?
In Ihram
In the state of Ihram, men are not allowed to wear pants for their Umrah rituals.
For women, wearing pants in the state of Ihram is allowed because they are permitted to wear any type of clothing for their Ihram. However, it must remain;
- Loose fit.
- Of appropriate length.
- Modest.
- Made of suitable fabric.
Outside of Ihram
For the pilgrims outside of Ihram during Umrah it is allowed to wear pants for their daily clothing. Therefore, they can offer voluntary prayers, roam around in the holy cities, and do all other things while wearing pants.
The dress has key importance in the Umrah. You should wear the dresses according to the instructions of Islamic Shariah. The most convenient way to perform Umrah is through Umrah Packages because your need is available in a complete Umrah package.
Most Travel Agencies include the Umrah Flights of Qatar Airways because Qatar Umrah Flights are cheaper than the other airlines. Your Booking Reference Number of the PNR code is mentioned in your itinerary. In case your travel agent is not available and you need to add some extra amenities, then you can add it by yourself from the Qatar Airways Manage Booking section of the website. You can call Qatar Airways Customer services as well.
However, certain things must be kept in mind considering the local customs and norms of Saudia Arabia. Therefore, make sure that your pants are;
- Loose-Fit.
Choose a pair of pants that is not only loose fit but is tailored in a way that doesn’t cling to the body. Therefore, ensuring modesty while also permitting ease of movement during the various rituals of Umrah.
- Modest Length
The pant you are wearing during Umrah must have a modest length, i.e., extending to ankles at least or beyond (for women). While men must keep their pants above the ankles as a sunnah practice
- Appropriate Fabric
Choose a type of pant whose fabric is lightweight, breathable, and not transparent (see-through). Keeping in view the weather of Makkah, usually a cotton blended or linen fabric is the best choice because they fulfill all these requisites and prevent rashes.
- Pairing with a Long Top
If you are opting for wearing a pant in Ihram (for women), it is recommended to pair the pants with a long top or tunic that ensures appropriate coverage of the hips and buttocks area, i.e., not revealing anything. And the same is advised for men who wish to wear pants outside of Ihram.
So, men are not allowed to wear pants during Ihram for Umrah but can wear them after coming out of Ihram. Women, on the other hand, can wear pants for their Ihram as well as outside of Ihram.
