Question:
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.
It is desirable for a man to cover himself with two white clothes for Ihraam. Ibn 'Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet said: "Wear white clothes as it is the best color, and enshroud your dead in it." [Ahmad]
Some scholars are of the view that this is the desirable color 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, and is thus recommended in general for women of wear.
Allah Knows best.
Fatwa answered by: The Fatwa Center at Islamweb