A man got up and said, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! What do you order us to wear when we assume the state of Ihram?" The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, "Do not wear shirts, trousers, turbans, hooded cloaks or Khuffs (socks made from thick fabric or leather), but if a man has no sandals, he can wear Khuffs after cutting them short below the ankles; and do not wear clothes touched with (perfumes) of saffron or wars."
Prohibitions in the State of Ihram
The Prophet (ﷺ) prohibited five specific garments for men in Ihram: shirts, trousers, turbans, hooded cloaks (burnous), and leather socks (khuffs). These garments are forbidden due to their form-fitting nature or because they cover the head, which contradicts the state of humility and simplicity required during pilgrimage.
Concession for Footwear
A dispensation is granted for those lacking sandals: they may wear khuffs provided they are cut below the ankles. This concession maintains the prohibition against fully covered feet while addressing necessity, demonstrating the Shariah's balance between principle and practicality.
Prohibition of Perfumed Garments
Clothes touched with saffron or wars (a type of perfume) are forbidden as they constitute adornment (zeenah) that contradicts the state of Ihram's required austerity. This prohibition extends to all scented substances that serve as decoration.
Wisdom Behind the Prohibitions
These restrictions cultivate tawadu' (humility) and eliminate class distinctions among pilgrims. By removing customary garments and adornments, all stand equal before Allah, focused solely on worship. The rules emphasize the spiritual state over outward appearance.
Scholarly Consensus
The majority of scholars agree these prohibitions apply specifically to male pilgrims. Women maintain their ordinary modest dress in Ihram but are prohibited from wearing face coverings (niqab) and gloves, aligning with the principle of avoiding complete concealment of face and hands during pilgrimage rites.