Bathing and applying perfume, then men wear Ihram clothing and women enter Ihram wearing their normal clothes.
What is the Umrah?
Umrah is an act of worshipping Allah by entering the state of Ihram, circumambulating the House, running between Safa and Marwa, and having the head shaved or trimmed.
How do I enter into the state of Ihram?
Circumambulation (Tawaf):
Sa’i (between Safa and Marwa):
He/she heads to Safa where he starts Sa’i towards Marwa. Once reaching Marwa, you have completed one round. Crossing the distance back to Safa fulfills the second round, and so on until the seventh round ends at Marwa.
Having hair of the head shaven or trimmed:
Umrah pilgrims should avoid any conduct that harms others in the Haram, such as jostling, entering crowded places, and reversing the direction of circumambulation. They shall carefully follow the instructions of observers and security personnel.
Performing Umrah in Ramadan
Umrah has great virtues at all times. It is one of the deeds that expiate sins, for the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said. Additionally, it has a special virtue during Ramadan.
Reward for performing Umrah in Ramadan
When you drive for Umrah, park your car in a parking lot in Makkah.
Performing more than one Umrah during the same trip
Is it prescribed to perform more than one Umrah during the same trip?
Umrah is a set of rituals of worshipping Allah by entering into the state of Ihram, performing circumambulation of the Kaaba, performing Sa’i between Safa and Marwa, and having one’s hair shaven or trimmed.
It has great stature and virtues, including
Allah singled out Makkah and honored it over all parts of the world. One of the greatest signs is that it is His sanctuary.
What is the meaning of ‘Haram’ (Sanctuary)?
What does Sanctity mean to me?
Best time to perform Umrah
A Muslim may perform Umrah at any time. However, there are important criteria for determining the appropriate time for Umrah for each person:
Those entering the Kingdom on any type of visa can go to Makkah to perform Umrah after making a reservation through the Nusuk app.
To go through the airport customs smoothly, using the relevant declaration form disclose the following:
To guarantee convenient arrival and departure of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah provides the best services at its various facilities during Hajj and Umrah seasons.
If you come to Makkah to perform Umrah on your own or rented car:
Car parking in Makkah
Buses are available to transport Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from these parking lots directly to the Grand Mosque.
Before you travel by car, make sure to
Umrah pilgrims residing in adjacent countries are allowed to enter the Kingdom through land ports on their own or rented cars.
Residents and local citizens intending to do Hajj or Umrah can travel by public transport buses.
At entrances to Makkah, there are 7 parking lots able to accommodate 50,000 cars of Umrah pilgrims.
You will be asked to park your car in a parking lot in the Holy Capital (Makkah). At these parking lots, buses transport Hajj and Umrah pilgrims directly to the Grand Mosque.
A high-speed train, serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, connects Makkah, Madina, and Jeddah Airport.
Location of Haramain Express Stations
How can I book a Haramain Express ticket?You can book Haramain Express tickets through:
When you arrive at a Saudi airport
You need to declare in a specific form:
Check airport and carrier luggage specifications before your flight, to avoid inconveniences. Make sure to tightly close and wrap your luggage to avoid damage during the flight.
Hajj and Umrah pilgrims are fully responsible for the contents of their baggage and must not accept to carry or keep any items belonging to other people at the airport.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in general, and the Two Grand Mosques in particular, can offer all basic and luxury products and commodities for pilgrims and visitors at competitive prices.
Only carry with you the things you usually need for your travel. Do not take any extras that will burden you unnecessarily.
Remember to take with you
Do not take
Remember
To ensure conforming to airport and airline specifications, check specifications and allowed bag and carton sizes specified by airports and carriers. Also, make sure your luggage is tightly closed and wrapped so that it arrives safely.
On the spiritual Hajj and Umrah trip to the purest place on earth, there are Miqats (Islamic boundaries Prophet Mohammed Peace Be Upon Him determined for Pilgrims to enter Ihram from), either by land points or parallel to Miqat when arriving by air.
Al-Juhfah is located 182 kilometres (113 miles) northwest of Makkah. This is the Miqat for people intending to perform Hajj traveling from North America, Europe, Turkey, Syria, Egypt, Algeria, Sudan and several other African countries. Pilgrims may also enter into Ihram at Rabigh, a town just to the north of al-Juhfah.
Bathing and applying perfume, then men wear Ihram clothing and women enter Ihram wearing their normal clothes.
Talbiyah
Entering into the rituals and uttering the Talbiyah, saying Labbayka Allahuma Umrah (O Allah! Here I am in response to Your call to perform Umrah).
Talbiyah
Talbiyah begins as it was reported from Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him: "Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Inna al-hamd wa’l-ni’mata laka wa’l-mulk, la sharika lak (Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty, You have no partner)." Talbiyah continues until pilgrims reach the Kaaba.
General prohibitions of Ihram
sexual intercourse, marriage contract, hunting, shaving, cutting nails, and using perfume. During Ihram, men are not allowed to cover their heads or wear sewn clothes on any part of the body. Women are not allowed to wear niqab or gloves.
In Ihram, all people are equal in their dress and appearance. Color and material possessions do not matter at all. After entering the state of Ihram, they proceed to perform the rituals in humility to Allah and supplicating Him alone.
Ihram is the commencement of the rituals of Hajj or Umrah. The rituals are commenced by intending to start Umrah or Hajj and reciting Talbiyah. It is the first pillar of Hajj and Umrah.
A Hajj or Umrah pilgrim may stipulate upon initiating Ihram if he fears his inability to complete his rituals for any reason.
Ihram is the first step in your journey of faith and an act of the heart with which you engage in a great act of worship. Allah commanded us to make our intentions sincere and to perform the rituals for His sake, Glory be to Him, in the most perfect manner. The Almighty said: {Perform Hajj and Umrah for (the sake of) Allah}.
What is Ihram?
Stipulate a condition in Ihram
Islam is a religion of ease, as Allah Almighty said: {Allah intends for you ease and does not want to make things difficult for you}. One of the manifestations of this facilitation for Muslims in performing acts of worship is taking into account the circumstances that may prevent them from completing the rituals of Hajj or Umrah.
If a pilgrim fears that he will not be able to complete the rituals of Hajj or Umrah for any reason, it is lawful to stipulate a condition while in Ihram.
How to stipulate?
If the pilgrim performing Hajj or Umrah fears that he will not be able to complete his rituals due to a disease or a lawful excuse or for a reason beyond his control, it is allowed for him/her to make exceptions in their utterance of the intention. One does so by saying after saying “Labbayka Umrah” or “Labbayka Hajjan”: “If I’m deterred for any reason, then my place is where You deterred me (this can be said in any language)”. If a pilgrim says this and stipulates a condition, and then something prevents them from completing the ritual, it is permissible for him to leave the state of Ihram without falling under any further obligation.
Who can stipulate a condition?
Whoever fears that one will not complete the rituals for a reason beyond their control, including:
Instructions for people in Ihram
You are now performing great worship that you have entered with your intention and Talbiyah. Here are a few important pieces of advice:
Examples of things that may prevent you from performing your Hajj or Umrah rituals
If the flight crew announces alignment with the Miqat, you should intend to enter into Ihram for Hajj or Umrah and vocally utter the type of ritual you intended to perform. “Allaahumma Labbayka Hajjan” or “Allaahumma Labbayka Umratan”.
As a precaution, you may enter into the state of Ihram onboard before aligning with the Miqat
Talbiyah is the reiteration of “Labbayk Allaahumma Labbayk, Labbayka Laa Shareeka Laka Labbayk. Innal Hamda Wan-ni’matah Laka Wal-Mulk, Laa Shareeka Lak (Here I am at your service, o Allah, at Your service! At Your service! You have no partner! I am at Your service! Indeed, all praise and grace belong to You, and so does the supreme authority. You have no partner”.
With this, the Muslim declares at the beginning of his Hajj and Umrah that he has come in response to and in compliance with the command of Allah Almighty to perform that ritual. Although this is the custom of a Muslim in all his deeds of worship, in Hajj and Umrah he announces and repeats it in order to get himself used to these great meanings.
What is the meaning of the words of Talbiyah?
Its meaning is: O Allah, we have come, answering Your call to perform Hajj time after time, acknowledging You in monotheism and worship, and acknowledging Your grace and the perfection of Your supreme authority.
Talbiyah is the majestic motto of the pilgrims. It declares servitude and obedience to the Creator and the Bountiful Giver. Glory be to Him.
Whispering and Saying loudly Talbiyah:
When does Talbiyah begin? When does it end?
Starting Talbiyah
The time for Talbiyah begins the moment of initiating Ihram. A Hajj or Umrah pilgrim entering into Ihram shall do the following:
Concluding Talbiyah
The problem of intertrigo and body fold rush is common among pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah, especially among people with obesity and diabetes. The skin becomes infected due to friction and lack of underwear. Rush occurs in folds where two layers of the skin meet, such as:
This is sometimes accompanied by painful itching.
Prevention
Precautions
Why are there special sites (Miqats) for entering into Ihram?
Out of respect for the Honored House of Allah and the rituals of Hajj and Umrah, the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) specified places before reaching Makkah, where pilgrims enter into the state of Ihram, and from which they begin reciting their Talbiyah before reaching the Haram.
After specifying the exact locations of these places, the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said: “These Miqats are for the people at those very places and those who come through those places with the intention of performing Hajj and Umrah”.
These sites differ in their distance from and proximity to the Grand Mosque, depending on which direction you come from.
Pilgrims who live beyond those Miqats are obliged to enter into Ihram at the Miqats or any adjacent or parallel points on the way, whether they travel by air or by land. They should not go beyond them without entering the state of Ihram.
Determining your Miqats
The reason why Miqats are prescribed is to venerate the Grand Mosque of Makkah. Miqats depend on the whereabouts of the person who intends to perform Hajj or Umrah; i.e., whether they are in Makkah, somewhere between Makkah and the Miqat, or beyond the Miqat. All of that would be explained as follows:
Determining your Miqats
Those who are in Makkah:
Those somewhere between Makkah and the Miqats:
Those beyond the Miqats:
A pilgrim or a visitor living far from Makkah is obliged to enter the state of Ihram at one of these five Miqats or a parallel point on their way regardless of the travel means, by a plane or by a vehicle. They may not go beyond the Miqat without entering the state of Ihram.
Miqats for Ihram
Miqats are the places from which a pilgrim who wants to perform Hajj or Umrah enters into Ihram. A pilgrim seeking to perform Hajj or Umrah must not pass from one of these Miqats without entering the state of ihram. They are:
Several acts are prescribed before intending to enter into the state of Ihram:
Taking a full bath (Ghusl) or performing the ablution (Wudoo).
Taking a bath at home
Entering into Ihram after performing a prayer
The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said: “A messenger from my Lord visited me while I was in the Aqiq (valley)”, and said to me, “Offer prayer in this blessed valley and say: (performance of) Umrah and Hajj together”.
Hajj and Umrah are unique moments during which pilgrims give up their prestige and money. All people are equal in their dress and appearance. They are not separated by color or material possessions. They gather on the same spots, praying to Allah and supplicating to Him, for Glory be to Him, the Rich and all His servants stand in need for Him.
What should a person wear to enter into Ihram?
A pilgrim must take off his usual clothes, including:
The following items may be worn be during Ihram:
How to wear the Ihram?
A man’s Ihram consists of a waistcloth that covers the lower part of his body and another cloth that covers the top of the body. In some Muslim regions, people are accustomed to wearing these in an appropriate way because it is their traditional dresses. On the other hand, some people find it very difficult to wear the Ihram in an appropriate manner that ensures it is:
Hajj and Umrah are two of the best acts of worship for both men and women. The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said: “You (women) should engage in a jihad in which there is no fighting; Hajj and Umrah”.
When entering into Ihram, a woman can choose what she wants to wear. She can enter into the state of Ihram in whatever color of clothes she likes provided that they are
Prohibitions of Ihram for Women
A woman in Ihram is forbidden from the following:
The following are not prohibited during Ihram
Note
Women should choose loose, wide and covering clothing that is breathable, especially during summer hot days.
In essence, these are permissible but are restricted in Ihram as part of worship, so that people show their need for their Creator and Master.
Some of these prohibitions apply to both men and women, some apply to each separately.
General Ihram prohibitions for men and women
Men-only Prohibitions
Women-only Prohibitions
Things permitted while in Ihram
Drifters Care Center
The Drifters Care Center receives children who get lost in the Grand Mosque and hands them over to their families. It is supervised by the security force of the Grand Mosque of Makkah.
To ensure the safety and well-being of your child in Haram, avoid getting them into crowds.
Public transport buses are available and can be used after buying a ticket. These air-conditioned buses transport Umrah pilgrims at reasonable prices.
During the Hajj season, each Hajj mission provides buses to transport the pilgrims from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to Makkah.
Hajj missions arrange the exit of pilgrims from the airport in coordination with the concerned airport authorities, determine the bus stop to transport passengers, arrange their boarding and transfer their luggage.
Hajj and Umrah pilgrims may bring and use their own wheelchairs in the Grand Mosque of Makkah provided that they enter through wheelchair gates.
Wheelchair pushing service is available in the Grand Mosque.
Both hand-driven and motorized wheelchairs are available.
Pilgrims lose large amounts of fluid through sweating, which may cause sunstroke.
How do I protect myself from a sunstroke?
What should I do when someone has a sunstroke?
Provide first aid as follows:
Many gates lead to the courtyard of the Grand Mosque. Each gate has a specific number.
Above each gate, a light panel, recognizable from a distance, displays either an entry or exit sign.
The five main gates of the Grand Mosque:
Special gates are allocated to Umrah pilgrims in each season to regulate their entry to the Haram.
These gates differ from the gates allocated for the entry of worshippers in the Grand Mosque of Makkah.
If you are performing Umrah, ask the security personnel about Umrah gates.
When you leave the airport, you will find many taxis to travel to the Grand Mosque of Makkah.
You can also hire a private taxi from the taxi service offices in the airport arrival lounge.
Banned items in the Grand Mosque include
Pilgrims should not leave their luggage and personal belongings at the gates.
They may lodge their belongings in the safe boxes in the outer courtyards of the Haram.
The circumambulation building comprises the following
Capacity of the circumambulation building
These floors are accessed through special paths determined by security personnel. Hajj and Umrah pilgrims should cooperate with them and follow their instructions.
Idtibaa is a Sunnah way of wearing the Ihram robe for men when performing the circumambulation (Tawaf).
Al Ramal (walking fast during circumambulation).
It is Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) to walk briskly during the circumambulation.
It is prescribed for men, whenever possible, to walk quickly in small steps in the first three rounds, following the example of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him), while walking during the remaining four rounds is doing at a normal pace.
Ramal (fast circumambulation) is Sunnah for men, but not for women.
The circumambulation (Tawaf) is one of the pillars of Umrah and is an act of worship in which, by directing our hearts and bodies to Allah, we are humbled confess our needs to the Almighty. In this act of worship, the servant circumambulates the House of Allah (the Kaaba), worshipping the Lord of the House and drawing close to Him as He has prescribed.
Description of Circumambulation
Circumambulation Instructions
For a safe and Ideal circumambulation:
Visitors performing supererogatory circumambulation shall follow instructions and regulations of the times and places of circumambulation and give the opportunity to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims as a priority shall be given to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
When you circumambulate the Kaaba, avoid crowded places. Help reduce crowding through proper entry and exit from the Mataf (circumambulation area) and by praying away from the circumambulators.
It is permissible for a person who is unable to walk or who feels ill or tired to circumambulate riding, but he must remain awake and attentive because he is doing an act of worship. He should fill his time with the remembrance of Allah and supplicating to Him.
Various types of wheelchairs are available for circumambulation in the Haram
Private wheelchair for the pilgrim
Free wheelchairs
These wheelchairs can be accessed at
Wheelchair push service
Electric wheelchairs
Places where this service can be found
The Kaaba is the Sacred House of Allah and the greatest building for Muslims. It enjoys great prestige and a glorious history. It was built by Abraham and his son, Ismail, peace be upon both of them.
A Muslim may perform obligatory or supererogatory prayers inside the Kaaba.
It is the first house that Allah placed on earth so that mankind may worship Him alone, without ascribing any partner to Him. The Almighty says: {The first House (of Prayer) established for mankind is the one at Bakkah: a blessed place and a guidance for the worlds}. It is the Qiblah of Muslims and the thrust of their hearts. It is the only structure that they circumambulate in worship to Allah.
The Kaaba has several features that can be observed during circumambulation:
Al Hatim (Hijr Ismail)
Door of the Kaaba
Al Multazam
The Roof Gutter
Shazrawan
The Black Stone
The Yemeni Corner
Zamzam water is one of Allah’s blessings on Makkah and its visitors. Allah bestowed it on Ismail, peace be upon him, and his mother Hagar, when Abrahim, peace be upon him, left them in Makkah in response to Allah’s command to him. Then, he supplicated to his Lord, saying: {Our Lord! verity I have settled some of my posterity in an uncultivable valley near unto Your Sacred House. Our Lord! that they may establish the prayer; so incline some hearts of men that they may yearn toward them, and provide them with fruits in order that they may be thankful}.
Therefore, Allah caused that sweet water to spring from under the feet of the child and granted it characteristics and advantages incomparable to any water on earth, to honor Abrahim, his son, and his wife, and after them the nation of Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him).
Zamzam water in the two Grand Mosques
The two Rakaah of Tawaf
The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) practiced some ways during the circumambulation. His companions followed him in this respect, as he (blessings and peace be upon him) said: “Learn your Hajj rituals from me”.
The circumambulation, as is the case with the rest of the acts of Hajj and Umrah, is one of the great acts of worship in which Muslims strive to follow the example of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him). This is a great reason for Allah’s love for His servants, as the Almighty said: {Say: If you love Allah, follow me, and Allah will love you and forgive your sins. Allah is All-forgiving, All-compassionate}.
Circumambulation prophetic ways include
Takbir
Supplication
Idtibaa
Al Ramal
Praying two Rakaah after the circumambulation
The circumambulation area is the courtyard tiled with white marble, which surrounds the Noble Kaaba. It is now called the courtyard. It is the space where Muslims rotate around the Kaaba.
Some important features of the circumambulation courtyard are:
The Noble Kaaba
Maqam Ibrahim (Abraham)
The Maqam of Abraham is the stone on which Abraham, peace be upon him, stood to build the Kaaba.
There are many licensed barbershops around the Grand Mosque to shave off the head hair of Hajj and ‘Umrah pilgrims. These shops are equipped for a safe shave in a healthy environment.
At the barbershop, make sure that a barber
It is prescribed to shave or shorten the hair of the head in the worship of Allah after the rituals of pilgrimage have been completed, just as the person in Ihram used to worship Allah by not shaving his hair; in both cases, he is a worshipper of Allah and submits to Him.
Shaving and trimming hair during Hajj
Shaving and trimming hair during Umrah
Shaving and trimming for men
Women can only cut a little of their hair
Please note
A person who is unable to walk due to disability, tiredness, illness, or old age may perform Sa’i while riding, and he must remain awake and attentive because he is involved in an act of worship. He should fill his time with supplication to Allah, say Takbir, and supplicate whenever he reaches Safa or Marwa.
Various types of wheelchairs are available for circumambulation
Wheelchairs for Pilgrims
Free Wheelchairs
These wheelchairs can be accessed at the following points
Pushing Wheelchair Service
Service Points
Electric Wheelchairs
Service Access Points
What are Safa and Marwa?
Safa
Marwa
Sa’i is an important rite
The beginning and end of Sa’i
Supplication at the beginning of Safa and Marwa
The two green signs
Supplication during Sa’i
The Prophet’s supplication during Sa’i
The person performing Sa’i should not stop to say prayers in a place if that disrupts the flow of pedestrians and causes crowding. He must adhere to the instructions of security personnel in the sanctuary.
What are Safa and Marwa?
Al Masaa in Figures
Al Masaa Floors
Al Masaa comprises several floors, with a total area of 87,000 square meters. Those floors are:
These gates differ from the gates allocated for the entry of worshippers in the Grand Mosque of Makkah.
If you are performing Umrah, ask the security personnel about Umrah gates.
There are many licensed barbershops around the Grand Mosque to shave off the head hair of Hajj and ‘Umrah pilgrims. These shops are equipped for a safe shave in a healthy environment.
At the barbershop, make sure that a barber
It is prescribed to shave or shorten the hair of the head in the worship of Allah after the rituals of pilgrimage have been completed, just as the person in Ihram used to worship Allah by not shaving his hair; in both cases, he is a worshipper of Allah and submits to Him.
Shaving and trimming hair during Hajj
Shaving and trimming hair during Umrah
Shaving and trimming for men
Women can only cut a little of their hair
Please note
A person who is unable to walk due to disability, tiredness, illness, or old age may perform Sa’i while riding, and he must remain awake and attentive because he is involved in an act of worship. He should fill his time with supplication to Allah, say Takbir, and supplicate whenever he reaches Safa or Marwa.
Various types of wheelchairs are available for circumambulation
Wheelchairs for Pilgrims
Free Wheelchairs
These wheelchairs can be accessed at the following points
Pushing Wheelchair Service
Service Points
Electric Wheelchairs
Service Access Points
What are Safa and Marwa?
Safa
Marwa
Sa’i is an important rite
The beginning and end of Sa’i
Supplication at the beginning of Safa and Marwa
The two green signs
Supplication during Sa’i
The Prophet’s supplication during Sa’i
The person performing Sa’i should not stop to say prayers in a place if that disrupts the flow of pedestrians and causes crowding. He must adhere to the instructions of security personnel in the sanctuary.
What are Safa and Marwa?
Al Masaa in Figures
Al Masaa Floors
Al Masaa comprises several floors, with a total area of 87,000 square meters. Those floors are:
These gates differ from the gates allocated for the entry of worshippers in the Grand Mosque of Makkah.
If you are performing Umrah, ask the security personnel about Umrah gates.
What is the Umrah?
Umrah is an act of worshipping Allah by entering the state of Ihram, circumambulating the House, running between Safa and Marwa, and having the head shaved or trimmed.
How do I enter into the state of Ihram?
Circumambulation (Tawaf):
Sa’i (between Safa and Marwa):
He/she heads to Safa where he starts Sa’i towards Marwa. Once reaching Marwa, you have completed one round. Crossing the distance back to Safa fulfills the second round, and so on until the seventh round ends at Marwa.
Having hair of the head shaven or trimmed:
Umrah pilgrims should avoid any conduct that harms others in the Haram, such as jostling, entering crowded places, and reversing the direction of circumambulation. They shall carefully follow the instructions of observers and security personnel.
Performing Umrah in Ramadan
Umrah has great virtues at all times. It is one of the deeds that expiate sins, for the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said. Additionally, it has a special virtue during Ramadan.
Reward for performing Umrah in Ramadan
When you drive for Umrah, park your car in a parking lot in Makkah.
Performing more than one Umrah during the same trip
Is it prescribed to perform more than one Umrah during the same trip?
Umrah is a set of rituals of worshipping Allah by entering into the state of Ihram, performing circumambulation of the Kaaba, performing Sa’i between Safa and Marwa, and having one’s hair shaven or trimmed.
It has great stature and virtues, including
Allah singled out Makkah and honored it over all parts of the world. One of the greatest signs is that it is His sanctuary.
What is the meaning of ‘Haram’ (Sanctuary)?
What does Sanctity mean to me?
Best time to perform Umrah
A Muslim may perform Umrah at any time. However, there are important criteria for determining the appropriate time for Umrah for each person:
Those entering the Kingdom on any type of visa can go to Makkah to perform Umrah after making a reservation through the Nusuk app.
To go through the airport customs smoothly, using the relevant declaration form disclose the following:
To guarantee convenient arrival and departure of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah provides the best services at its various facilities during Hajj and Umrah seasons.
If you come to Makkah to perform Umrah on your own or rented car:
Car parking in Makkah
Buses are available to transport Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from these parking lots directly to the Grand Mosque.
Before you travel by car, make sure to
Umrah pilgrims residing in adjacent countries are allowed to enter the Kingdom through land ports on their own or rented cars.
Residents and local citizens intending to do Hajj or Umrah can travel by public transport buses.
At entrances to Makkah, there are 7 parking lots able to accommodate 50,000 cars of Umrah pilgrims.
You will be asked to park your car in a parking lot in the Holy Capital (Makkah). At these parking lots, buses transport Hajj and Umrah pilgrims directly to the Grand Mosque.
A high-speed train, serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, connects Makkah, Madina, and Jeddah Airport.
Location of Haramain Express Stations
How can I book a Haramain Express ticket?You can book Haramain Express tickets through:
When you arrive at a Saudi airport
You need to declare in a specific form:
Check airport and carrier luggage specifications before your flight, to avoid inconveniences. Make sure to tightly close and wrap your luggage to avoid damage during the flight.
Hajj and Umrah pilgrims are fully responsible for the contents of their baggage and must not accept to carry or keep any items belonging to other people at the airport.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in general, and the Two Grand Mosques in particular, can offer all basic and luxury products and commodities for pilgrims and visitors at competitive prices.
Only carry with you the things you usually need for your travel. Do not take any extras that will burden you unnecessarily.
Remember to take with you
Do not take
Remember
To ensure conforming to airport and airline specifications, check specifications and allowed bag and carton sizes specified by airports and carriers. Also, make sure your luggage is tightly closed and wrapped so that it arrives safely.
On the spiritual Hajj and Umrah trip to the purest place on earth, there are Miqats (Islamic boundaries Prophet Mohammed Peace Be Upon Him determined for Pilgrims to enter Ihram from), either by land points or parallel to Miqat when arriving by air.
Al-Juhfah is located 182 kilometres (113 miles) northwest of Makkah. This is the Miqat for people intending to perform Hajj traveling from North America, Europe, Turkey, Syria, Egypt, Algeria, Sudan and several other African countries. Pilgrims may also enter into Ihram at Rabigh, a town just to the north of al-Juhfah.
Bathing and applying perfume, then men wear Ihram clothing and women enter Ihram wearing their normal clothes.
Talbiyah
Entering into the rituals and uttering the Talbiyah, saying Labbayka Allahuma Umrah (O Allah! Here I am in response to Your call to perform Umrah).
Talbiyah
Talbiyah begins as it was reported from Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him: "Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Inna al-hamd wa’l-ni’mata laka wa’l-mulk, la sharika lak (Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty, You have no partner)." Talbiyah continues until pilgrims reach the Kaaba.
General prohibitions of Ihram
sexual intercourse, marriage contract, hunting, shaving, cutting nails, and using perfume. During Ihram, men are not allowed to cover their heads or wear sewn clothes on any part of the body. Women are not allowed to wear niqab or gloves.
In Ihram, all people are equal in their dress and appearance. Color and material possessions do not matter at all. After entering the state of Ihram, they proceed to perform the rituals in humility to Allah and supplicating Him alone.
Ihram is the commencement of the rituals of Hajj or Umrah. The rituals are commenced by intending to start Umrah or Hajj and reciting Talbiyah. It is the first pillar of Hajj and Umrah.
A Hajj or Umrah pilgrim may stipulate upon initiating Ihram if he fears his inability to complete his rituals for any reason.
Ihram is the first step in your journey of faith and an act of the heart with which you engage in a great act of worship. Allah commanded us to make our intentions sincere and to perform the rituals for His sake, Glory be to Him, in the most perfect manner. The Almighty said: {Perform Hajj and Umrah for (the sake of) Allah}.
What is Ihram?
Stipulate a condition in Ihram
Islam is a religion of ease, as Allah Almighty said: {Allah intends for you ease and does not want to make things difficult for you}. One of the manifestations of this facilitation for Muslims in performing acts of worship is taking into account the circumstances that may prevent them from completing the rituals of Hajj or Umrah.
If a pilgrim fears that he will not be able to complete the rituals of Hajj or Umrah for any reason, it is lawful to stipulate a condition while in Ihram.
How to stipulate?
If the pilgrim performing Hajj or Umrah fears that he will not be able to complete his rituals due to a disease or a lawful excuse or for a reason beyond his control, it is allowed for him/her to make exceptions in their utterance of the intention. One does so by saying after saying “Labbayka Umrah” or “Labbayka Hajjan”: “If I’m deterred for any reason, then my place is where You deterred me (this can be said in any language)”. If a pilgrim says this and stipulates a condition, and then something prevents them from completing the ritual, it is permissible for him to leave the state of Ihram without falling under any further obligation.
Who can stipulate a condition?
Whoever fears that one will not complete the rituals for a reason beyond their control, including:
Instructions for people in Ihram
You are now performing great worship that you have entered with your intention and Talbiyah. Here are a few important pieces of advice:
Examples of things that may prevent you from performing your Hajj or Umrah rituals
If the flight crew announces alignment with the Miqat, you should intend to enter into Ihram for Hajj or Umrah and vocally utter the type of ritual you intended to perform. “Allaahumma Labbayka Hajjan” or “Allaahumma Labbayka Umratan”.
As a precaution, you may enter into the state of Ihram onboard before aligning with the Miqat
Talbiyah is the reiteration of “Labbayk Allaahumma Labbayk, Labbayka Laa Shareeka Laka Labbayk. Innal Hamda Wan-ni’matah Laka Wal-Mulk, Laa Shareeka Lak (Here I am at your service, o Allah, at Your service! At Your service! You have no partner! I am at Your service! Indeed, all praise and grace belong to You, and so does the supreme authority. You have no partner”.
With this, the Muslim declares at the beginning of his Hajj and Umrah that he has come in response to and in compliance with the command of Allah Almighty to perform that ritual. Although this is the custom of a Muslim in all his deeds of worship, in Hajj and Umrah he announces and repeats it in order to get himself used to these great meanings.
What is the meaning of the words of Talbiyah?
Its meaning is: O Allah, we have come, answering Your call to perform Hajj time after time, acknowledging You in monotheism and worship, and acknowledging Your grace and the perfection of Your supreme authority.
Talbiyah is the majestic motto of the pilgrims. It declares servitude and obedience to the Creator and the Bountiful Giver. Glory be to Him.
Whispering and Saying loudly Talbiyah:
When does Talbiyah begin? When does it end?
Starting Talbiyah
The time for Talbiyah begins the moment of initiating Ihram. A Hajj or Umrah pilgrim entering into Ihram shall do the following:
Concluding Talbiyah
The problem of intertrigo and body fold rush is common among pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah, especially among people with obesity and diabetes. The skin becomes infected due to friction and lack of underwear. Rush occurs in folds where two layers of the skin meet, such as:
This is sometimes accompanied by painful itching.
Prevention
Precautions
Why are there special sites (Miqats) for entering into Ihram?
Out of respect for the Honored House of Allah and the rituals of Hajj and Umrah, the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) specified places before reaching Makkah, where pilgrims enter into the state of Ihram, and from which they begin reciting their Talbiyah before reaching the Haram.
After specifying the exact locations of these places, the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said: “These Miqats are for the people at those very places and those who come through those places with the intention of performing Hajj and Umrah”.
These sites differ in their distance from and proximity to the Grand Mosque, depending on which direction you come from.
Pilgrims who live beyond those Miqats are obliged to enter into Ihram at the Miqats or any adjacent or parallel points on the way, whether they travel by air or by land. They should not go beyond them without entering the state of Ihram.
Determining your Miqats
The reason why Miqats are prescribed is to venerate the Grand Mosque of Makkah. Miqats depend on the whereabouts of the person who intends to perform Hajj or Umrah; i.e., whether they are in Makkah, somewhere between Makkah and the Miqat, or beyond the Miqat. All of that would be explained as follows:
Determining your Miqats
Those who are in Makkah:
Those somewhere between Makkah and the Miqats:
Those beyond the Miqats:
A pilgrim or a visitor living far from Makkah is obliged to enter the state of Ihram at one of these five Miqats or a parallel point on their way regardless of the travel means, by a plane or by a vehicle. They may not go beyond the Miqat without entering the state of Ihram.
Miqats for Ihram
Miqats are the places from which a pilgrim who wants to perform Hajj or Umrah enters into Ihram. A pilgrim seeking to perform Hajj or Umrah must not pass from one of these Miqats without entering the state of ihram. They are:
Several acts are prescribed before intending to enter into the state of Ihram:
Taking a full bath (Ghusl) or performing the ablution (Wudoo).
Taking a bath at home
Entering into Ihram after performing a prayer
The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said: “A messenger from my Lord visited me while I was in the Aqiq (valley)”, and said to me, “Offer prayer in this blessed valley and say: (performance of) Umrah and Hajj together”.
Hajj and Umrah are unique moments during which pilgrims give up their prestige and money. All people are equal in their dress and appearance. They are not separated by color or material possessions. They gather on the same spots, praying to Allah and supplicating to Him, for Glory be to Him, the Rich and all His servants stand in need for Him.
What should a person wear to enter into Ihram?
A pilgrim must take off his usual clothes, including:
The following items may be worn be during Ihram:
How to wear the Ihram?
A man’s Ihram consists of a waistcloth that covers the lower part of his body and another cloth that covers the top of the body. In some Muslim regions, people are accustomed to wearing these in an appropriate way because it is their traditional dresses. On the other hand, some people find it very difficult to wear the Ihram in an appropriate manner that ensures it is:
Hajj and Umrah are two of the best acts of worship for both men and women. The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said: “You (women) should engage in a jihad in which there is no fighting; Hajj and Umrah”.
When entering into Ihram, a woman can choose what she wants to wear. She can enter into the state of Ihram in whatever color of clothes she likes provided that they are
Prohibitions of Ihram for Women
A woman in Ihram is forbidden from the following:
The following are not prohibited during Ihram
Note
Women should choose loose, wide and covering clothing that is breathable, especially during summer hot days.
In essence, these are permissible but are restricted in Ihram as part of worship, so that people show their need for their Creator and Master.
Some of these prohibitions apply to both men and women, some apply to each separately.
General Ihram prohibitions for men and women
Men-only Prohibitions
Women-only Prohibitions
Things permitted while in Ihram