Miqāt and Ihrām for Hajj and Umrah: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Understanding the rules regarding Miqāt (designated entry points) and the method of wearing Ihrām is an essential part of preparing for Hajj or Umrah. These sacred boundaries are prescribed for pilgrims intending to enter the Holy City of Makkah for acts of worship. Entering the sacred area without Ihrām when intending pilgrimage is not permissible and requires a sacrificial penalty (dam).

In this article, we explore the different Miqāt points, guidelines for air travellers, the correct method of wearing Ihrām, and the appropriate intentions and recitations according to Islamic teachings.

Timing of Ihrām for Hajj and Umrah

Umrah

• Ihrām for Umrah can be worn at any time of the year.

Hajj

• Ihrām for Hajj, however, must be worn during the appointed months:

  • Shawwal

  • Dhul Qa'dah

  • The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah

The Designated Miqāt Points for Hajj and Umrah

Different regions have different Miqāt points from where pilgrims must wear Ihrām:

• Dhul-Hulaifah (Bi’r Ali): For those coming from or via Madinah.

• Juhfah (Rabigh): For people coming from Syria, North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia), Rome, and surrounding areas.

• Qarn al-Manazil (As-Sail al-Kabeer or Wadi Muharram): For pilgrims arriving via Najd, including Riyadh and Taif.

• Yalamlam (Saadiyah): For travellers from Yemen, South Asia (India, Pakistan), Indonesia, China, and other Southeast Asian regions.

• Dhat ‘Irq: For people arriving from Iraq and parts of Iran.

Those residing within these boundaries may wear their Ihrām from their homes.

For Egyptians, the Miqāt is the same as for the people of Syria.

Crossing the Miqāt Without Ihrām

If one intends to perform Hajj or Umrah and crosses the Miqāt without wearing Ihrām, they must:

• Return to the Miqāt to enter Ihrām, or

• Wear Ihrām from within the boundary, but in this case, a sacrificial penalty (dam) must be offered.

Exception for Non-Pilgrimage Travel

If someone is travelling to Makkah for business, education, medical treatment, or any non-pilgrimage reason, Ihrām is not required to enter the boundary of the Haram.

Ihrām Guidelines for Air Travellers

Travellers from the Indian Subcontinent and other regions often travel by plane. They should:

• Wear the Ihrām clothing (for men: two white unstitched sheets; for women: regular modest clothing) before boarding.

• Once the pilot or crew announces nearing the Miqāt, initiate the Talbiyah and enter into Ihrām.

Jeddah is not a Miqāt, so entering Ihrām from there is not valid if one intends Hajj or Umrah.

How to Enter into Ihrām

1. Ritual Bath (Ghusl)

• Performing ghusl (full-body purification bath) before entering Ihrām is Sunnah.

• Even menstruating women should perform ghusl and wear Ihrām.

• If ghusl is not possible, wudū (ablution) is acceptable.

2. Applying Perfume

• Men are permitted to apply perfume to the body before donning Ihrām.

• Women should avoid using fragrance.

3. Ihrām Clothing

• Men: Two plain, white, unstitched cloths. Head must remain uncovered. Footwear should not cover the ankles.

• Women: Any clean, modest, loose-fitting dress that covers the body, without gloves or face veil. In the presence of non-mahrams, they may cover their face using a cloth draped from the head, without attaching it to the face.

Prayer at the Time of Wearing Ihrām

• There is no specific obligatory prayer for entering Ihrām.

• If someone performs any voluntary prayer (e.g., Duha, Tahiyyat-ul-Wudu, Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid), it suffices.

• According to many scholars, two rak'ahs are recommended before reciting Talbiyah.

Making the Intention (Niyyah) and Talbiyah

After donning the Ihrām, make the appropriate intention based on the type of pilgrimage:

Umrah only

"Allahumma labbayka 'Umrah"
"O Allah, I am here to perform Umrah."

Hajj Qirān (combined Hajj and Umrah)

"Allahumma labbayka Ḥajjan wa 'Umrah"
"O Allah, I am here to perform both Hajj and Umrah."

Hajj Ifrād (Hajj only)

"Allahumma labbayka Ḥajjan"
"O Allah, I am here to perform Hajj only."

Then begin reciting the Talbiyah aloud:

"Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayk laa sharīka laka labbayk.
Innal ḥamda wan-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk, laa sharīka lak."
"Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner.
Indeed, all praise, blessings, and sovereignty belong to You alone. You have no partner."

You may also say:

"Labbayk Ilāha al-Ḥaqq, labbayk."
"Here I am, O True God, here I am."

• Men should recite it loudly, while women should recite in a low voice, audible only to themselves and female companions.

Types of Hajj and Their Ihrām Methods

Hajj Tamattu’ (Recommended)

• Perform Umrah first by entering into Ihrām at the Miqāt, completing Umrah, then removing Ihrām.

• On 8th Dhul Hijjah, re-enter Ihrām from Makkah for Hajj.

• A sacrifice (qurbani) is required.

Hajj Qirān

• Enter into Ihrām for both Hajj and Umrah at Miqāt.

• Perform Umrah but do not exit Ihrām.

• Proceed to Hajj while remaining in the same Ihrām.

• Sacrifice is mandatory.

Hajj Ifrād

• Enter Ihrām for Hajj only at Miqāt.

• Perform Tawaf al-Qudūm, Sa’i, and continue to Mina in the same Ihrām.

• No sacrifice is required for this type.

Conclusion

Understanding the rules of Miqāt and Ihrām is crucial for every pilgrim preparing for Hajj or Umrah. Observing these guidelines ensures that the pilgrimage is valid and accepted by Allah. May Allah grant all believers the ability to perform these sacred rites correctly and with sincerity.