Question:

What is the meaning of Ihram and what is the method of putting it on?

Answer:

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful

Literally the word Ihram means to enter into a sanctity which cannot be broken. In the context of the blessed shari’ah ihram means to enter into a state in which certain actions are not permissible. (Raddul Muhtar P479 V2)

There are two conditions without which Ihram is not valid, Intention and Dhikr.

The method for Ihram is as follows:

Perform Ghusl (bath) or wudhu (ablution), Ghusl is preferable, apply perfume, wear two new or clean sheets, perform two rak’ats optional salah, and recite the following duas:

Oh Allah I intend to perform Hajj/umrah so make it easy for me and accept it from me.

Then perform intention and read the Talbiyyah:

I am present Oh Allah I am present, I am present (I testify that) there is no God besides you I am present, Indeed all praises and blessings are yours and the kingdom is yours, There is no God besides you.

Attested by Mufti Sufi Tahir sahib, Darul uloom Bury and Shaykh Abdul Rahim.