What are the recommended acts to be performed prior to entering the state of Ihram of ‘Umrah?

1. Doing Ghusl 

2. It is preferred (mustahhab) to do the following acts of cleanliness: to shave pubic
hair, pluck or shave armpit hair, trim nails, and trim mustache (for men). 

3. It is preferred (mustahhab) to apply oil or unscented gel to the hair in order to
keep it controlled and prevent it from falling out or being shaggy throughout the
duration of being in Ihram. 

4. Men: Wear Izar and Rida’ and it is sunnah that those garments are white of
color. 
Women: Wear their normal loose, islamic clothing making sure to leave the face
and hands uncovered (No niqab or gloves)

5. It is preferred (mustahhab) for men to use their best perfume/musk/fragrance and
apply it on the head, beard, armpits, and body before entering the state of Ihram making
sure not to perfume the Ihram garments. 

6. It is preferred (mustahhab) to pray two rak’at when making the intention to enter
the state of Ihram. If it is the time for an obligatory prayer, then he should intend to enter
the state of Ihram following the completion of the obligatory prayer. Otherwise, one
should pray two rak’at then follow them with the intention to enter the state of Ihram.

7. It is preferred to vocalize the intention to enter Ihram to affirm what is in the
heart. 

8. Lastly, specify the journey and indicate whether this Ihram is for Hajj or Umrah. 

• If embarking on Umrah: one should say “Labbayka Allahuma bi Umrah”

which translates to “O Allah, I answer Your call by performing Umrah” 

• If embarking on Hajj: one should say “Labbayka Allahuma bi Umrah

mutamitt’ian biha ila Hajj” which translates to “O Allah, I answer Your Call

by performing Umrah with enjoyment until hajj” -meaning with an

interruption in the state of Ihram between the two. 

• Start the Talbiya 

It is preferred (mustahhab) for the one performing Umrah if he fears that
something- such as an illness or missing an international flight if he resides outside of
Makkah- may prevent him from completing his journey to make a condition when
entering the state of Ihram, so he says: “O Allah if I am prevented, allow me to get out of
the state of Ihram wherever You prevented me.”

Talbiyah-

• Abu Hanifa goes as far as stating that Talbiya is a pillar in the state of
  Ihram and that the state of Ihram does not commence without it.
• Malik states that Talbiya is obligatory and would require blood Fidyah if it is left out.
• Shafei’ and Ahmad said: it is sunnah, nothing is required to be done if it is left out.