Ihram (, from the triconsonantal root Ḥ-R-M) is, in Islam, a sacred state which a Muslim must enter in order to perform the major pilgrimage (Ḥajj) or the minor pilgrimage (ʿUmrah). A pilgrim must enter into this state before crossing the pilgrimage boundary, known as Mīqāt, by performing the cleansing rituals and wearing the prescribed attire. Restrictions Wearing A man in the state of ihram must not tie any knots or wear any stitched items. Sandals and flip flops must not be stitched either and should allow the ankle and back of foot to be exposed (some other schools of thought also agree that the front of the foot must be shown as well). Men are also not allowed to cover the head or part of it by using a songkok, keffiyeh, turban, ihram cloth, etc. in the state of ihram. In the state of ihram, women and men are not allowed to wear gloves. Scents Whilst in the state of ihram, a Muslim must not use any scents on the body or on the robes. If the robe has been fouled by najas (, dirty) material or has been wiped, rubbed or touched by scented liquids (intentionally), then a new iḥrām clothing must be worn, or the Umrah or Hajj will be invalid. Self-grooming Aside from being as clean (purified) as they are for prayer, male Muslims are expected to refrain from cutting their nails, and trimming their hair and beards. They must also not wear any scent, including deodorant. They have to wear ihram clothing, which is a white, seamless garment. Many also shave their head as this is considered hygienic. Most will wait to shave their heads until after they have finished Umrah or Hajj, as this is a requirement to leave the state of ihram. Female Muslims are also expected to be clean. During the pilgrimage, sexual activity, smoking, and swearing are also forbidden. Environment It is forbidden for every pilgrim of Hajj and Umrah when in his Ihram men and women to uproot, cut, break and grind the branches of trees and trees that are planted alive and growing in the Holy Land. This prohibition is also not allowed by any person present in the Holy Land (al-Haramain: Makkah, Madinah, Masyair Haram: Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina, Jerusalem: Al-Aqsa Mosque). This is because, the trees that thrive in the Holy Land are the "Blessed Trees". It