Ihram rules
What is allowed in ihram?
Bathing with unscented soap, a belt or money pouch, a watch, a ring, glasses, an umbrella, medicine and unscented creams are all permitted in ihram.
Permitted in ihram
- Bathing with unscented soap and changing into fresh ihram sheets.
- A belt, money pouch, watch, ring and glasses.
- An umbrella or shade from the sun.
- Medicine, plasters and unscented creams.
- For sisters, stitched clothing, socks and shoes, and a cap with a peak that keeps the niqab away from the face.
What stays forbidden
Perfume, cutting hair or nails, hunting and marital relations stay forbidden. Read what is forbidden in ihram and check soap and shampoo.
More questions
Does a belt or money pouch break ihram?
No. A belt, a watch, glasses, a ring, a money pouch and an umbrella are all permitted. What brothers avoid is clothing stitched to the shape of the body, and covering the head or face.
Can I use plasters or medicine in ihram?
Yes. Medicine, plasters and unscented creams are permitted.
Can I change my ihram sheets?
Yes. You may bathe with unscented soap and change into fresh ihram sheets.
Read the full guide
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Follow every rite in order, with counters and duas in Arabic, in our step by step Umrah guide. To study the Hanafi rulings behind it with qualified teachers, see our courses, or explore our apps. Ihya us Sunnah is sustained by its community, so please consider supporting our work.
This guide follows the Hanafi method and is based on Shaykh Mufti Wajid Iqbal's Umrah book, Essential Islam. For your own situation, ask a qualified scholar.