Those making the journey to Makkah to take part in the holy rituals of the minor pilgrimage should be aware of what is expected of them before they arrive. Religious norms should be taken into account in addition to the standard travel preparations through Umrah packages Birmingham. For the sake of facilitating legitimate, calm, and trouble-free pilgrimage.

To that end, it’s important to take note of the pilgrims’ attire, especially their shoes. Keep in mind that the rules of Ihram differ for males and women. However, below we will offer you a quick rundown on whether or not shoes are acceptable for female Pilgrims to wear.

Ihram for women.

Women who are doing the pilgrimage need not adhere to any particular clothing code while in ihram. Your Ihram attire, whatever it may be, should be plain, modest, and appropriate.

Because of Makkah’s scorching climate, most visitors choose to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from a cotton blend. Anything else worn, however, must be put together.

Women should wear clothing that is sufficiently thick so that it does not reveal any skin or undergarments when exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore, ladies will be seen wearing Abayas in the Haram to prevent any misunderstandings.

Footwear.

Women, like males, must keep their feet covered at all times during Ihram, but unlike men, they are permitted to wear closed footwear. Women are not allowed to show their feet in public, especially while in the Ihram state. That’s why socks are the best choice. Sneakers, boots, and other similar shoes are examples of closed footwear.

Here are some things to think about, though, when picking out the ideal shoes for your Umrah.

1.   Comfort is Key.

The Umrah pilgrimage involves a lot of walking, so make sure you choose shoes that are comfortable for long periods of standing and walking. Try to get a pair of shoes that has good ventilation and isn’t too heavy. Thus, you won’t have to worry about getting blisters or feeling any pain.

Before you go, make sure the shoes you’ve picked out fit properly by trying them on.

2.   Modesty Matters.

The Islamic principles for daily life and the Hajj emphasize the need of modesty. Choose shoes with suitable coverage, avoiding designs that are too exposing. Dress for the holy trip with an eye toward modesty and functionality.

3.   Easy On, Easy Off.

Umrah rituals like Tawaf and Sayee call for the removal of footwear. For this reason, slip-on shoes are preferable than laced ones because they may be quickly removed and reapplied. As a result, you’ll save time and effort, and you won’t have to worry as much about falling over because your laces are all tied together. 

4.   Safety First.

Your footwear, specifically its soles, should be non-slip to ensure your safety and stability. Having trust in your footing is another benefit of wearing shoes with a solid grip.

5.   Respect the Sacred Spaces.

As a sign of respect, visitors to holy sites like the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and the Masjid-al-Nabawi in Madinah are expected to remove their shoes before entering. When inside the Haramain, visitors are expected to remove their shoes or wear socks as a symbol of respect. During this time, you should keep your shoes in a compact bag.

6.   Consider the Climate.

Finally, think about the forecast for your Umrah trip.

Wearing shoes that allow air to circulate might help keep your feet cool and dry in warmer regions. Open-toed shoes or lightweight sandals are good choices in this case. However, during the colder months, closed-toe shoes or boots are essential for maintaining warmth and safety.

With the exception of the Sayee and Tawaf in Masjid al-Haram, ladies are permitted to wear shoes when performing the Umrah with the coordination of any travel agency. Socks should be worn to hide the feet at this time.