Cloth, part of pilgrim's outfit for boys

2000

These two thin unstitched pieces of white polyester are meant for boys when they perform the hadj or the omrah in Mecca. For girls, they can wear ordinary long clothes. The pilgrimage clothing is made in China and is sold in a special plastic bag with the text: Ihram of Life. Unadorned. Star of the Evening (Arabic: ihram al-hayat. sa'da. Nidjm al-masa'). Beneath it is written: Made in China.‖ Children are not required to go on hadj. Although some Muslims bring their children to introduce them to this pillar of Islam, and babies used to be often brought for practical reasons because they were still breastfed, many parents leave their children at home to avoid exposing them to the heat and crowds during the pilgrimage. \Children should also be in a state of ihram when performing the hadj or omrah. This state of ihram can only be assumed in specific places (Arabic: Miqat) around Mecca and Medina. Pilgrims arriving by airplane will receive an announcement during the journey when the plane flies over such a location. Before approaching a miqat, pilgrims are recommended to cleanse the body by cutting nails, shaving mustache and armpit hair and taking a shower. Then the special pilgrim clothing (Arabic: ihram clothing) is put on, preferably after one of the five daily prayers. Then pilgrims declare their intention to perform the hadj or omrah and recite the special talbiya prayer by which they present themselves to God as pilgrims. The state of ihram to which a pilgrim must adhere during the pilgrimage consists of dress code and restrictions. Men and boys are required to wear two simple unstitched pieces of white cloth. One is wrapped around the waist and covers part of the legs, the other is wrapped around the upper body. The head should be uncovered, except for an umbrella for shade. Men and boys may not wear socks, trousers or underwear. Women may wear any form of Islamic clothing. Their heads must be veiled but their faces and hands must be uncovered. As for restrictions, pilgrims in a state of ihram may not wear perfume or use scented soap, cut nails or remove hair. Also, one may not quarrel or swear, have sex, kiss or propose marriage to each other, or hunt or kill animals. After the last hadj or omrah ritual the state of ihram may be entered, one cuts or shaves one's hair and wears normal clothes again.