The Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, the journey of a lifetime for the believer who is able to undertake it. While the major rites require entering a state of consecration dressed in the ihram, two unstitched pieces of white cloth, the pilgrim's wardrobe does not stop there. In this article, we review the rules related to this sacred garment, the sequence of key steps, and the most practical outfits to bring in order to remain comfortable before, during, and after the long days in Mina and Arafat.
The fifth pillar
What is the Hajj and why the ihram?
The Hajj is the major pilgrimage to Mecca, the fifth pillar of Islam, which every capable Muslim must perform at least once in their lifetime. As soon as the state of consecration is entered, a man leaves behind his ordinary clothes for the ihram, two unstitched white cloths.
This stripping away has a profound meaning. By all presenting themselves dressed the same way, rich and modest alike, the pilgrims erase social distinctions before God. Ihram symbolizes purity, humility, and equality. It is also a commitment, because once in a state of consecration, the pilgrim binds themselves to a set of rules until the end of the rites.
The rules
What you need to know about the ihram attire
In ihram, a man wears the izar around the lower part of his body and the rida on the upper part, without any sewn or fitted garments, trousers, shirts, or closed underwear. The head remains uncovered and the feet are shod in sandals leaving the top of the foot visible.
While white is strongly recommended for men, the state of consecration above all imposes strict rules: perfume is avoided, neither hair nor nails are cut, and one refrains from arguments and any rude behavior. Many men use an ihram belt to hold the izar and keep their papers safe. For women, the attire remains a modest garment covering the body, with the face and hands remaining uncovered during the rite.
The schedule
How does the Hajj take place, step by step?
The Hajj takes place over several days, from the eighth to the thirteenth of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah. For the Tamattu' option, which is the most common, the pilgrim begins with a Umrah upon arrival, then Mina, the station at Arafat, the night at Muzdalifah, the sacrifice, and the stoning.
Here is the complete schedule, from the arrival Umrah to the farewell tawaf, with each step, its date in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, and its duration. The central moment remains the standing at Arafat, without which the Hajj is not valid. Between the rites, the pilgrim camps for several nights in Mina, in tents.
Arrival Umrah
Upon arrival, the pilgrim enters into ihram at the miqat and performs an umrah, the tawaf around the Kaaba, and then the journey between Safa and Marwa. They shorten their hair and exit ihram, awaiting the start of Hajj.
Entering ihram and departure for Mina
The pilgrim puts on ihram again for the Hajj and joins the Mina encampment. He spends the day there and sleeps in a tent, engaged in prayer and preparation.
Station in Arafat, the heart of Hajj
This is the most important day of the entire pilgrimage. The Prophet said that the Hajj is Arafat, because without standing in this place, the Hajj is not valid. From midday until sunset, the pilgrim stands in wuquf, facing the qibla, with hands raised. They increase their invocations, remembrance of God, and requests for forgiveness, in what many experience as the most intense moment of their lives.
Departure from Arafat and night under the stars
After sunset, pilgrims leave Arafat without lingering to reach Muzdalifah. There, the Maghrib and Isha prayers are combined, and people sleep directly on the ground, under the stars, without tents. This is also where the pebbles for the stoning ritual are collected. They leave after the dawn prayer.
Stoning, sacrifice, and exiting ihram
Return to Mina to throw pebbles at the large pillar. The pilgrim then performs the sacrifice, the hady, which is paid for on site but carried out on his behalf and given as alms to the poorest of the poor. Next comes the shaving of the head for men, which marks the end of the ihram, followed by the tawaf al-ifada around the Kaaba. This is the day of Eid al-Kebir, before returning to Mina for the night.
Stoning of the three pillars
We stay in Mina and sleep there in tents. In the afternoon, the three stelae—the small, the medium, and the large—are stoned with seven pebbles each.
Second stoning of the three pillars
Another night in Mina. New stoning of the three pillars. Pilgrims in a hurry can leave Mina before sunset.
Last stoning before departure
For those who stayed in Mina, the final stoning of the three pillars before heading back to Mecca.
Farewell Tawaf
The pilgrimage concludes with the farewell tawaf around the Kaaba, just before leaving Mecca.
In practice
What practical outfit for Mina and Arafat?
While in a state of sacred consecration (ihram), only the two prescribed garments are permitted. However, for the journey, the nights in Mina, and once the major rituals have been completed, pilgrims return to wearing regular clothing. Ideally, one should opt for white, lightweight, and breathable clothing, such as a djellaba or a gandoura suitable for the heat and long walks.
A gandoura with a simple, loose-fitting cut is very practical for travel and casual outings. It’s essential to bring a change of clothes to change into regularly due to the intense heat, as well as comfortable walking sandals.
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For other occasions
Dressing for other moments of faith
The simplicity of the Hajj is reflected in other important occasions, such as the Umrah, the Eid, and Friday prayers. Each occasion has its own customs, ranging from a requirement for cleanliness to a desire to present oneself well.
We've put together guides dedicated to every moment, to help you choose the right outfit at the right time.
The right outfit at the right time
For the pilgrimage as for the rest of the year, each Jabador.com piece is embroidered and sewn in Morocco by artisans. Choose an outfit that reflects who you are and wear it with pride, wherever you may be.
Discover men's clothingYou wonder
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mandatory attire for men during the Hajj?
It is the ihram, two unstitched white cloths, the izar for the lower body and the rida for the upper. No stitched or fitted garments are permitted once in the state of consecration.
Why is the ihram garment white and seamless?
The white color and the absence of seams put all pilgrims on an equal footing, without distinction of wealth or rank. The attire symbolizes purity and humility before Allah.
What clothing should I plan for the days in Mina and Arafat?
During ihram, only the two sheets are permitted. For travel and when not in ihram, we recommend lightweight, breathable white clothing—such as our gandouras line—that’s suitable for hot weather.
What shoes to wear during Hajj?
In ihram, a man wears sandals or open shoes leaving the top of the foot visible. Comfortable sandals are essential given the long walks between the rites.
What is the difference in attire between Hajj and Umrah?
The ihram attire is the same for both. The difference lies in the duration and the rites, with Hajj taking place over several days at a specific time, while the Umrah that can be done all year round.