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ArticlesQuestion:
During the pilgrimage in Makkah, men are dressed in white and women are dressed in black, I would like to know why exactly men are dressed in white and women in black?
Fatwa:
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger, may Allah exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.
It is desirable for a man to cover himself with two white clothes for Ihraam. The evidence about this is the narration of Ibn 'Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet 
said: "Wear white clothes as it is the best colour, and enshroud your dead in it." [Ahmad] Some scholars are of the view that this is the desirable colour for women as well. However, we do not know of any scholar who is of the view that it is desirable for a woman to be dressed in black for her Ihraam. Indeed many women wear black clothes for Ihraam as it is a habit in their country to wear black clothes outside the house. Anyway, black dress is far from being beautiful or attractive.
said: "Wear white clothes as it is the best colour, and enshroud your dead in it." [Ahmad] Some scholars are of the view that this is the desirable colour for women as well. However, we do not know of any scholar who is of the view that it is desirable for a woman to be dressed in black for her Ihraam. Indeed many women wear black clothes for Ihraam as it is a habit in their country to wear black clothes outside the house. Anyway, black dress is far from being beautiful or attractive. Allah Knows best.
