Actions of Hajj

Ihraam :
Ihraam is one of the pillars or essential parts of Hajj and ‘Umrah. What is meant by ihraam is forming the intention to start the rituals. It is mustahabb to do ghusl for ihraam, and to clean oneself and put on perfume. And that should be done after offering a prayer, then he should form the intention to do Hajj if he is doing ifraad, or Hajj and ‘Umrah if he is doing Qiraan, or ‘Umrah to be followed by Hajj if he is doing tamattu’. It is mustahabb to stipulate a condition and say: “O Allaah, my place of exiting ihraam will be where I am prevented (from completing Hajj)”, then if something happens that prevents him from doing the rituals, he will exit ihraam and not have to pay any penalty.