Entering Ihram Guide: How to Enter Ihram Step by Step?

Putting on Ihram is one of the most important steps in spiritual preparations for Hajj and Umrah. Here is our step-by-step guide on how to begin this sacred journey:

1. Physical Preparation: The person who will enter Ihram first cuts his nails and cleans his armpit and pubic hair. If necessary, he shaves his hair and beard and trims his mustache.

2. Ritual Washing: If possible, a complete body wash (gusl) is performed. If this is not possible, only ablution is performed. Performing a ghusl while entering ihram is sunnah muakkadah for material cleansing. For this reason, women who are in menstruation or puerperium can also perform ghusl.

3. Fragrance and Clothing: After taking ghusl, a scent that does not leave a trace is applied to the body. The body is covered only with izar (waist cover) and rida (upper garment).

4. Special Clothing: The head is left uncovered and the feet remain bare. However, slippers with open heels are worn on the feet. After putting on the izar and rida, which are the clothes of ihram, a 2-rakat prayer is performed. In the first rakat, Surah Al-Kafirun is read after Al-Fatiha, and in the second rakat, Surah Al-Ikhlas is read after Al-Fatiha.

5. Intention and Talbiye: After the prayer, one turns to the qibla and makes the intention of Hajj or Umrah. If one is acting as a proxy on behalf of someone, that person is said to be "on behalf of such and such a person". Then talbiye is brought 3 times: "Labbayk, Allahümme Labbayk, Labbayka La Sharika Laka Labbayk. İnnel hamde ve'n-ni'mete lek ve'l mulk. La şerike lek." After these steps, entering into ihram is completed by reciting takbir and Salavat-ı sharif. It is possible.

6. Throughout the Journey: Talbiya is continued along the way, abundant blessings are sent to the Prophet, prayers are made, dhikr, tasbih and tahlil are performed. Talbiya is repeated frequently after fard prayers. While it is recommended for men to say talbiyah loudly, women say it without raising their voices.

These steps explain the process of entering Ihram step by step, giving you a spiritual start to your Hajj and Umrah journey. You can perform this important worship by following these steps compatible with the sacred and special nature of Ihram.