The Ultimate Umrah Abaya Guide For Modesty, Comfort, and Practicality
Islam is the religion of modesty. It preaches grace in every walk of life. Especially, during sacred practices like Umrah and Hajj, you’ll largely observe Muslims embodying modesty and sophistication throughout the process.
While performing an Umrah, Muslim men and women are given a dress code to follow. While men are required to wear a certain type of clothing, women are free to wear anything as long as it meets the criteria for modesty and coverage. Among the various options, a loose-fitting abaya is often the most suitable and practical choice.
In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about selecting the perfect Umrah abaya. So, if you are planning a pilgrimage soon, stay tuned!
What to Expect from an Umrah Journey?
Umrah is the holy pilgrimage to the city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. Unlike Hajj which is compulsory for Muslims who can afford the travel expenses and is performed during the days of Dhul Hijjah, an Umrah is a voluntary act of worship which can be performed at any time around the year.
Certain rituals need to be performed during an umrah, such as going around the Kaaba (Tawaf), running between the hills of Safa and Marwah (Sa’i), and cutting hair (Halq or Taqsir).
While performing an Umrah, Muslims are instructed to be in a state of Ihram, which is basically a code about what to do, and what to avoid while wearing the Umrah attire.
What is the Dress Code for Women During Umrah?
For women, there are no major restrictions on the dress code for umrah. They can wear any modest and comfortable attire, be it an abaya, a maxi dress, or a frock. They can even wear their casual clothes under the abaya while performing an umrah.
However, before entering in to the state of ihram, women have to follow a few steps, such as:
- Cut their nails.
- Remove the hair from armpits and private parts.
- Perform ghusl or ablution.
- Pray obligatory prayers.
While maintaining the state of ihram, they are meant to avoid a few things as well, such as:
- Wearing bodyfit clothes.
- Wearing colorful or attractive attire.
- Using perfumes or scented products.
- Adorning themselves with jewelry.
Why is it Important to Choose the Right Umrah Abaya?
Selecting the right type of abaya is essential to maintain both modesty and comfort throughout the journey. Wearing a well-chosen abaya makes sure that you adhere to the principles of modesty and coverage that Islam preaches, and stay appropriate to the sacred environment. It also helps you focus on your spiritual connection with your Lord, without worrying about your attire.
Another major reason for opting for an abaya is the added comfort it brings. The pilgrimage requires standing for long hours and walking large distances in the hot weather of Makkah. Having a light, breathable abaya on makes the experience smooth and comfortable.
Factors to Consider While Choosing an Umrah Abaya
While choosing an umrah abaya, weigh every option based on the important factors such as modesty, comfort and practicality. Let’s have a deeper analysis about what meets this criteria and what does not.
Modesty:
Modesty should be your primary concern while selecting an umrah abaya. The abaya should be loose-fitting to avoid outlining the shape of your body. Moreover, it should not be very colorful, or eye-catching. Black and white colored abayas are preferred as they symbolize grace and sophistication. Malbus has a wide range of black and white abayas that are ideal for pilgrimage. Additionally, the fabric must not be transparent and the clothes under it should also provide proper coverage.The abaya should cover the entire body except the hands and face.
Comfort:
Umrah and hajj involve long hours of walking and standing in the scorching heat of Makkah. Hence, opting for an attire which provides utmost comfort should also be your priority. A loosely fitted abaya allows you to move with ease, making praying easier. A simple design without embellishments will make the abaya easier to wear and maintain.
Before going for umrah, consider the weather conditions at that time and choose fabrics that will be appropriate for the temperature you will be encountering.
Practicality:
Practicality is another key factor while choosing an umrah abaya. The abaya should be durable enough to withstand regular wear and tear encountered during rush hours in Makkah. It should also be easy to wash as cleanliness is an essential part of umrah.
Some abayas come with pockets, which can be very convenient for carrying small things like your phone or prayer beads. Wearing such abayas helps you focus on your prayers without worrying about managing your belongings.
Which Fabrics are the Best for Umrah Abaya?
The right fabric ensures comfort during pilgrimage. Among various fabrics, cotton and linen are considered to be the best because of their lightweight and breathable qualities. These materials allow air to circulate and help you cope with the hot weather of Saudi Arabia.
Nida abayas are also a good option, as they combine the durability and easy-care properties with comfort. A wrinkle-free fabric is also a quality choice as it can be worn for long hours. It is important to avoid heavy or heat-absorbing fabrics as they can lead to discomfort during umrah.
What are the Appropriate Styles for Umrah Abaya?
While choosing an abaya for umrah, it is better to go for a more traditional style. It often features classic designs, mostly in plain black or white colors with minimal to no embellishments. A front closed black abaya that covers your ankles is the best abaya for umrah.
Modern abayas on the other hand, may have cuts and styles or sometimes belts that accentuate the shape of your body. Some abayas feature an open front style. Although these articles look stylish and trendy in everyday wear but are not appropriate for holy pilgrimage.
Tips for Wearing an Umrah Abaya:
After going through all the essential points to consider while choosing an umrah abaya, let’s have a look at some tips to summarize the important points that should be remembered.
- If the weather is hot, go for breathable and lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, and polyester.
- If it is a bit cool, consider layering.
- Choose an abaya with loose fitting to maintain modesty and ease of movement.
- You may also carry a small travel-sized fabric freshener to maintain comfort throughout the day.
- Opt for designs with no embellishments which compromise comfort or are at risk of latching and breaking.
- Carry a spare abaya in case of any accidents.
- Carry a small umbrella or cap to block direct sunlight.
- Pair your abaya with comfortable footwear, preferably padded shoes or sneakers.
Conclusion:
Getting the right abaya for umrah decides how smooth and comfortable your pilgrimage experience is going to be. Before making a choice, weigh your options and choose wisely.
At Malbus, we understand the importance of choosing the right abaya for your umrah journey, and offer a diverse collection of umrah abayas in UK, Australia, Dubai and worldwide. Our website showcases a wide variety of high quality umrah and hajj abayas online. So, without wasting any time, explore our range today to find the perfect abaya that enhances your Umrah experience.