THE RECOMMENDED ACTS IN IHRAM

THE RECOMMENDED ACTS IN IHRAM

There are a few acts recommended in the state of ihram:

(1) Before wearing ihram one must clean the body, cut one's nails, trim the mustache and remove the hair under the armpits and below the navel.

(2) Those who intend to proceed to Hajj should keep the hair on the head and beard loose from the first of Dhil Qa'dah and those intending to perform an Umrat-ul-Mufradah for one month before the trip.

(3) One must perform ghusl at the meeqaat but if there is fear that water will not be available there, it may be performed before leaving for meeqaat. If water is found there, the ghusl be repeated. If after the ghusl, one urinates, or eats or wears clothes forbidden in the state of ihram, it is recommended that the ghusl be repeated. A ghusl performed during the day will last to the end of the night which follows and the ghusl made in the night will last to the end of the following day.

(4) At the time of making ghusl, recite the following supplication as stated by Sadooq:

(Translation: I commence by the name of Allah and seek help from Him. O Allah render this ghusl an illumination for me and that it may purify me, protect me from all fears and be a cure for all ills. O Allah, purify me and my heart, broaden my chest and that my tongue may utter words of love, adoration and praise for You as there is no strength for me but You and I know that my religion is submission to You and following the practices of Your prophet, may Your peace be on him.)

(5) At the time of wearing the ihram, recite the following supplication:

(Translation: All praise to Allah who has granted me clothes to cover my body, perform my duties and worship my Sustainer and reach where He has commanded me. All praise to Allah who when I directed my course towards Him, reached me; when I directed my intentions towards Him, assisted me, drew me close and did not shatter me; when I sought His pleasure, granted me peace. He is my fort, refuge, protector, support, hope, salvation, saviour and my provider in times of hardship and comfort.)

(6) The cloths for ihram be made of cotton.

(7) The ihram be worn after the noon prayers. If this is not possible, it be worn after any daily prayer or after the recitation of two rakaats. It is preferable that in the first rakaat, after the recitation of the Chapter on Al-Hamd, the Chapter on Tawheed be recited and in the second rakaat, after the Chapter on Al-Hamd, the Chapter on Kafiroon be recited. After the prayers, Allah be praised and salawaat be sent on the Holy Prophet and his progeny and then the following be recited:


(Translation: O Allah, include me among those who have responded to Your call, have faith in Your promise and follow Your command for I am Your slave in Your confinement. I cannot be saved except by You and cannot take except what You grant. You have reminded us of Hajj. I beseech You that You make me firm on Your book and the practices of Your Prophet (s.a.a.w.). Grant me strength where I am weak and that I may perform with ease and health. Include me among those whose arrival pleases You, You are pleased with, You call by name and have recorded. O Allah, I have travelled from far and have spent my property to attain Your pleasure. O Allah, accomplish my Hajj and Umrah. O Allah, in compliance with Your book and the practice of Your Prophet (s.a.a.w.), I intend to perform the Umrat-ul-Tamatoo for Hajj. If any impediment comes in my way, remove it by Your power. O Allah, if I do not achieve the Hajj, I may at least the Umrah. I forbid myself, for your sake, my hair, body, flesh, blood, bones, brain, my union with my wife, clothes and perfume so that I may attain Your pleasure and the Hereafter.)

(8) Make the niyyah (intention) for ihram together with talbiyyah.

(9) It is recommended that men recite the talbiyyah aloud.

(10) Say during the talbiyyah:

(Translation: I am present, O High, I am present. I am present, O one who calls towards Heaven. I am present, I am present O forgiver of sins. I am present, I am present O one who owns my presence. I am present, I am present O Mighty and Generous. I am present, I am present O You who first created and to whom all will return. I am present, I am present O one who is free from want and to whom all turn for their needs. I am present, I am present O who is feared and to whom there is inclination. I am present I am present, O true God. I am present O the one with Grace, Excellence, Goodness and Beauty. I am present O one who averts major calamities. I am present, I am present Your servant and the son of Your servant. I am present, I am present O Generous, I am present.)
Then say:

(Translation: I am present seeking nearness to you through Muhammad and his progeny. I am present, I am present for Hajj or Umrah, I am present, I am present. And this is the Umrah connecting to the Hajj. I am present, I am present, my presence is certain and so is my communication to You.)

(11) The talbiyyah constantly repeated in the state of ihram, when waking from sleep, after every prayer (salaat), when embarking on a vehicle or riding and disembarking or dismounting, while climbing or descending, when meeting other riders or in the desert and even in the condition of janabah or menstruation. It must not be stopped in the Umrat-ul-Tamatoo until the houses of Makkah appear and in Hajj-ul-Tamatoo till the noon of the day of Arafaat.