Where is the Miqat for Umrah, and where should you put on ihram? The answer depends on how you travel. If you fly into Jeddah, you put on ihram before your plane reaches the Miqat, because Jeddah itself is inside the Miqat boundary. If you travel from Madinah by road, you put on ihram at Masjid Dhul Hulayfah, also called Abyar Ali. This guide explains each case in plain language.
What is the Miqat?
The Miqat is a fixed boundary that a person intending Umrah or Hajj must not cross without entering the state of ihram. The Prophet, peace be upon him, set different Miqat points depending on the direction a pilgrim arrives from. Pilgrims put on their ihram clothing, make the intention and begin reciting the Talbiyah before or at the Miqat.
What are the five Miqats?
The five traditional Miqat points are:
- Dhul Hulayfah, also called Abyar Ali, for people coming from Madinah
- Al-Juhfah, near Rabigh, for people coming from the north and west such as Syria and Egypt
- Qarn al-Manazil, known today as As-Sayl al-Kabir, for people coming from Najd and Taif
- Yalamlam, for people coming from Yemen and the south
- Dhat Irq, for people coming from Iraq and the east
Where do I put on ihram when flying to Jeddah?
Jeddah is inside the Miqat boundary, so a pilgrim arriving from abroad should not wait until landing to enter ihram. Most scholars say you may put on your ihram clothing at home, at the airport or on the plane before it reaches the Miqat, and make the intention when the Miqat is reached. Pilots usually announce the Miqat, often about half an hour before, so passengers can change and prepare.
The safest approach is to bathe and put on your ihram before boarding or early in the flight, then make the intention for Umrah when the captain announces the Miqat. Pack your ihram in your cabin bag so it is easy to reach. Because details and opinions differ slightly, ask a qualified scholar if you have a specific situation.
Where is the Miqat when travelling from Madinah to Makkah?
If you visit Madinah first and then travel to Makkah by road, you enter ihram at Masjid Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali), the Miqat for people coming from Madinah. The mosque has facilities for washing and changing. With a private driver the stop is easy to arrange: tell us when you book and we plan time for it. Our Madinah to Makkah taxi includes the Miqat stop on request, and a guide to the whole trip is in our Makkah to Madinah distance guide.
Steps at the Miqat
A simple order for entering ihram is:
- Take a bath (ghusl) or make wudu, and trim nails and groom yourself beforehand.
- Men put on the two ihram cloths. Women wear modest everyday clothing, face and hands uncovered.
- Pray two rak'ahs if it is not a prohibited time.
- Make the intention for Umrah in your heart and say 'Labbayk Allahumma Umrah'.
- Start reciting the Talbiyah often and continue until you reach Tawaf.
What if I live in Jeddah or inside the Miqat?
People who live inside the Miqat boundary, such as residents of Jeddah, generally enter ihram from where they live when they decide to perform Umrah. If you are visiting from outside and happen to be in Jeddah, ask a scholar how the ruling applies to you.
What if I travel from Taif?
Pilgrims coming from the Taif direction pass Qarn al-Manazil (As-Sayl al-Kabir) on the road to Makkah and enter ihram there. If you plan a Taif trip as part of your Umrah, tell your driver in advance so the stop can be planned.
What if I pass the Miqat without ihram?
This is a common worry for first-time pilgrims. Scholars give guidance on returning to the Miqat or other remedies depending on the circumstances, so ask a qualified scholar or your group leader at once rather than guessing. To avoid it, check the Miqat that applies to your route before you travel and keep your ihram where you can reach it.
Plan your Miqat stop with a private driver
If you travel by road, a driver who knows the route makes entering ihram calm and unhurried. Allow around half an hour for the stop. Ask us for the Madinah to Makkah route and tell us you want the Miqat stop. You pay when you reach your destination, with no prepayment. For the full sequence of Umrah, read our step-by-step guide to performing Umrah.