TIMES SINGAPORE, JAKARTA – Ihram is a sacred state which a Muslim must enter in order to perform the Hajj 2024 or Umrah pilgrimage. While in this state, there are specific prohibitions that must be observed to maintain the sanctity of the pilgrimage.

Widi Dwinanda, a member of the Media Center of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, detailed several important restrictions for pilgrims during ihram in an official statement at the Hajj Dormitory in Pondok Gede, Jakarta, on June 10, 2024.

Prohibitions for Male and Female Pilgrims Specifically

For male pilgrims, there are several key restrictions:

1. Wearing Tailored Clothing: Men are prohibited from wearing clothes that are sewn or have permanent stitching that encloses the body, such as trousers, shirts, and underwear.
   
2. Footwear: It is forbidden to wear socks or shoes that cover the ankles and heels. Men must wear sandals that expose these parts of their feet.
   
3. Head Coverings: Covering the head with attached items like hats, caps, or turbans is not allowed.

Meanwhile, female pilgrims also have specific restrictions that is not allowed to cover their palms with gloves or cover their faces with a veil (niqab).

General Prohibitions for All Pilgrims

Additionally, there are several prohibitions that apply to both male and female pilgrims:

1. Perfumes: Using perfumes or scented products is forbidden, except for those applied before making the intention for Hajj or Umrah.
   
2. Grooming: Cutting nails and trimming or removing hair from any part of the body is not allowed.
   
3. Hunting and Harm to Animals: Pilgrims must not hunt or harm animals, except in cases where the animal poses a threat to them. Eating hunted game is also prohibited.
   
4. Environmental Harm: Cutting down trees or pulling out grass is not permitted.

5. Marital Activities: Engaging in marriage contracts, getting married, or proposing to someone is strictly forbidden. Sexual intercourse and any form of foreplay, such as kissing or touching with sexual intent, are also prohibited.

6. Behavioral Restrictions: Pilgrims must avoid abusive language, arguing, or engaging in obscene speech. Committing crimes or sinful acts, and wearing clothes dyed with fragrant substances are all forbidden.

By adhering to these restrictions, pilgrims for Hajj 2024 maintain the purity required during ihram, ensuring their focus remains on the spiritual significance of their pilgrimage. (*)