Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam. It is obligatory once in a life time for every Muslim who can afford the pilgrimage and is not hampered by disease, poverty, debt or a tyrannical ruler. Arriving from every corner of the globe, Muslim pilgrims of every age, nationality, social class and color converge in Mecca to perform Hajj each year.
The Ihram:
When setting out for the pilgrimage, one of the first things that Muslims do is that they shed all indications of their personal wealth and class distinction by wearing simple white garments. These white garments are known as ihram. The purpose of the Ihram clothing is to ensure that all worldly differences between mankind are eradicated. It trains the pilgrims to consider themselves equal before Allah with only piety and good deeds as measure of their true wealth. The ihram is a symbol of simplicity, purity and equality, and it signifies that the pilgrim is in a state of worship.
Ihram for Men:
The required dress code for men pilgrims is two sheets of white unstitched cloth that is worn in a specific manner. One sheet is wrapped around the body from naval to knee and is secured with either a belt or a rope. The second sheet is worn over the right shoulder and tied around the body, leaving the left shoulder exposed. The footwear should be below the ankle and men must not cover their heads while they are in a state of Ihram.
Ihram for Women:
The women pilgrims usually wear their traditional dresses and cover their heads with headscarves. During pilgrimage, they do not cover their faces.
According to Muslim scholars, if a person is unable to wear the ihram garments due to sickness or bad health, then he may wear whatever is suitable for his needs. However, the pilgrim then has to slaughter a sheep and distribute its meat to the poor, or feed six poor persons or fast for three days to compensate for his inability to adhere to Hajj requirements. The sacrifice and feeding of the poor in this case should be done in Mecca, while fasting can be done later.
The reason for such strict and austere dress code for the pilgrims is manifold. Vanity, pride and conceit in Muslims are discouraged, and Muslims take part in Hajj rituals in as natural a state as possible. During the state of Ihram, excessive perfumes and colognes are forbidden. Trimming or cutting of hair and fingernails is also disallowed. So during the pilgrimage, people devote their time to worship and spiritual cleansing rather than personal pampering and being concerned about their looks, clothes, make up, jewelry etc.
Dressed in Ihram also makes people humble and free of arrogance. It reminds pilgrims of the principles of equality and asceticism, and of keeping away from a life of over-indulgence and luxury. It makes them feel empathy for the poor and needy and fosters a bond of brotherhood among the pilgrims.