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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books A Guidebook for Women on Rites of Hajj Philosophy of Ihram Donning of ihram is leaving the material world behind and migrating to the elevated presence of Allah (swt). It is a reminder of shrouds which every human has to wear after death. It also reminds us that this is a practice session for the Day of Judgment. The pilgrim must shed her pride and dress in the clothes which will take her closer to Allah (swt).

Those waiting for lmam al-Zamana (ajtf) are awaiting a Reformer and so should be obedient and patient. Likewise those entering the Haram of Allah (swt) should be in ihram. Philosophy of the Color "White" The color of ihram is white which represents purity. We came to the world pure and should endeavor to leave it in the same condition. Two faults are always associated with Muslims: One, that they are not peace loving and the other that they are not neat and tidy.

Both these issues are answered by the rituals of ihram. "Cleanliness is half faith" Reality of this tradition can be observed in pilgrimage. Why has Islam selected white color out of so many available? White represents purity as well as peace and tranquility. That is why this color is recommended for daily prayers, for ihram and even for shroud. White color keeps away bugs and insects. That is why patients beds are covered with white sheets and doctors and nurses wear white uniforms.

Islam emphasized on this color from the beginning. This color not only helps in outer cleanliness it also encourages inner purity. It forces n person to think that as this dress is pure and clean so should our inner self be. We should try to keep all negative thoughts away from our minds and keep them pure like our dress.

Questions and Answers Q1**.** If a lady sees blood while wearing ihram or after wearing it and has no idea when it will end; will her obligatory pilgrimage be Hajj-ut-Tamatu or Hajj al-Ifraad? Ans: If the lady sees the blood while wearing ihram then whichever pilgrimage she was planning on doing, that is, Tamatu or Ifraad, she should do niyyat (intention) for that.

Then if her bleeding ends she can perform ghusl (purifying bath) and if possible perform Umra otherwise she will have to perform Hajj al-Ifraad. But lf she sees the blood after wearing ihram then she should keep her intention, that is, not change it to Hajj al-Ifraad. Then if she is-able to perform ghusl in time she can perform Umra otherwise change her intention to Hajj al-Ifraad. Q2.