Rida in Hajj and Umrah: Meaning, Usage & How to Wear It
Millions of Muslims around the world plan for pilgrimage to Makkah every year because the sacred journey of Hajj and Umrah is not just a physical act of worship but a deeply spiritual submission to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَى), and part of this submission involves entering a state of Ihram, which is marked by niyat for Umrah or Hajj and specific clothing.
Among these garments, the Rida holds an important symbolic and functional role.
What Is the Rida Clothing During Hajj?
The pilgrimage to Makkah is incomplete without Ihram, a sacred state marked by intention and specific clothing.
While ladies Ihram consists of modest, loose-fitting clothing that cover the entire body except hands and face, the male Ihram consists of two pieces of unstitched white cloth, one for the upper body and one for the lower.
These two pieces of cloth are typically of same length, but the way they are worn distinguishes them from each other.
Building on that, the upper piece of the male pilgrim’s Ihram attire is referred to as Rida. It is typically a plain white sheet that is meant to be draped over the shoulders and upper body.
Apart from this, the other piece of Ihram cloth is known as Izar.
It is used to cover the lower body by wrapping it around the waist.
This garment, Rida, along with the Izar, distinguishes the Ihram from everyday dress. In essence, this simple clothing is the representation of humility and equality before Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), which is a primary theme throughout the pilgrimage.
“The use of plain white cloths eliminates distinctions of worldly status or wealth.”
This allows all Muslims, no matter rich or poor, to stand together as equals in Makkah, unified in worship.
What Part of the Ihram is the Rida?
Concisely, in the two-piece Ihram for men, the piece of cloth that is worn on the upper body is called Rida.
It covers the shoulders, chest, and back, and is wrapped in a way that not only safeguards modesty but also allows for comfort during rituals like Tawaf and Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah).
On the other hand, for ladies performing Umrah, the Rida and Izar aren’t required in the same way. They just require modest clothing that fulfills the conditions of Islamic dress.
However, understanding these terms benefits women if they’re guiding or accompanying mahram and male relatives during pilgrimage.
How to Wear the Rida?
Wearing the Rida goes beyond just guarding modesty and comfort during rituals. It requires you to know how to carry it during particular rites to maximize your blessings.
Typically, it is draped over both shoulders initially. However, during Tawaf, one shoulder (usually the right) is left uncovered.
This is a practice known as Idtiba, and it’s the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).
For those wondering what to recite during Tawaf in Umrah, it is permissible to make du‘ā’, recite verses from the Qur’an, or repeat phrases of remembrance such as:
What Is the Izar?
Circling back, the Izar is the lower piece of the male Ihram. It is worn like a wrapped skirt around the waist. Many people wear an Ihram belt over Izar to keep it secure.
Izar is paired with the Rida to complete the male pilgrim’s clothing for Hajj and Umrah.
Briefly, the Izar is the second piece of clothing that covers the lower half of the body, from the waist to the ankles.
Just like the Rida, it is a plain, white-color cloth piece that symbolizes purity, surrender, and detachment from worldly status.
Summary – Rida
To summarize, the Rida is more than just a piece of cloth.
It represents intention, humility, and unity during one of the most powerful acts of worship in Islam. For any Muslim planning to perform Hajj or Umrah, it is essential to understand the correct way to wear and respect the Ihram, including both Rida and Izar, because entering Makkah in your Rida and Izar marks the official start of your sacred state of Ihram.
All in all, preparing for the sacred journey of Umrah and Hajj or simply seeking to gain insights about Allah’s Rida is very much about learning the details of Ihram clothing, as it connects you more deeply with the purpose of pilgrimage and the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).
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