Many pilgrims receive different advice about Ihram for Umrah, which can create confusion about what to do and what to avoid. This article is a simple guide to entering the state of Ihram for Umrah from UAE. It covers the key preparations, Niyyah, Ihram clothing, Miqat and the correct time to leave Ihram.
Whether you are travelling by Umrah by Bus from Dubai or Umrah by Air from Dubai, understanding Ihram before your journey will help you perform Umrah with confidence.
Ihram is not only special clothing. It is a sacred state that a Muslim enters before starting Hajj or Umrah. It begins with the intention, or Niyyah, to perform Umrah at the correct Miqat, followed by Talbiyah.
While in Ihram, pilgrims follow certain restrictions and focus on worship, patience and good character. Men wear the prescribed two-piece Ihram garment, while women wear normal modest Islamic clothing.
Before entering the state of Ihram, it is recommended to prepare properly. These preparations should be completed before making Niyyah for Umrah.
For visa support and current travel guidance, see our Umrah Visa page.
Ghusl means a complete ritual bath. It is recommended before entering Ihram as part of preparing for this important act of worship. A pilgrim may still enter Ihram if Ghusl is not possible, and Wudu can be performed for prayer when required.
Ghusl for Ihram should not be confused with Ghusl required after major ritual impurity. If you have questions about purity, menstruation or a personal religious matter, speak with a qualified scholar.
Niyyah means having the intention in your heart to perform Umrah for the sake of Allah (S.W.T.). The intention is made when you reach, or are about to cross, the Miqat.
There is no compulsory long verbal formula. You may simply make the intention in your heart and say:
Labbayk Allahumma Umrah
Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah.
After making Niyyah, begin reciting Talbiyah:
Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka La Sharika Laka Labbayk. Innal Hamda Wan-Ni’mata Laka Wal-Mulk, La Sharika Lak.
The rules for Ihram clothing are different for men and women. However, both should dress modestly, maintain cleanliness and avoid the restrictions of Ihram after making Niyyah.
Men wear two clean, unstitched white cloths:
The cloth does not have to be new, but it should be clean and suitable for prayer. Men should wear open footwear that does not cover the ankles and upper part of the foot, according to common Ihram guidance.
After entering Ihram, men should not cover their head with a fitted cap, hat or turban. They should also avoid fragrance, cutting hair or nails, and wearing stitched fitted clothing.
Women do not have a special white Ihram uniform. They may wear clean, loose and modest Islamic clothing in any suitable colour. Their clothing should cover the body properly, while remaining comfortable for travel and worship.
Women should cover their hair with a hijab. During Ihram, they should avoid wearing a fitted niqab or gloves. If needed around non-Mahram men, many scholars allow women to lower a loose cloth or head covering over the face without it being fitted to the face. For personal religious guidance, consult a qualified scholar.
Women should also avoid fragrance, cutting hair and trimming nails after entering Ihram. A woman who is menstruating may enter Ihram, make Niyyah and recite Talbiyah, but she should wait until she is pure before performing Tawaf.
A pilgrim intending to perform Umrah must enter the state of Ihram before crossing the Miqat boundary. The correct Miqat depends on the route of travel, not simply on the pilgrim’s nationality.
Travellers flying from the UAE should wear their Ihram clothing before boarding or during the flight. Make Niyyah and begin Talbiyah when the airline announces that the aircraft is approaching Miqat. If travelling by bus, follow the guidance of your group leader and enter Ihram before crossing the relevant Miqat.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah provides current guidance on Miqat locations.
There are five main Miqat locations for pilgrims coming from different directions:
This Miqat is for pilgrims travelling from Madinah to Makkah. It is also known as Abyar Ali or Bir Ali. Pilgrims travelling from Madinah by bus or train normally enter Ihram before passing this Miqat.
Al-Juhfah is the Miqat for pilgrims arriving from the direction of Syria, Jordan, Egypt, North Africa and nearby western routes. Many pilgrims now enter Ihram from Rabigh, which is close to the original Miqat location.
Qarn al-Manazil is the Miqat for pilgrims arriving from the Najd direction and eastern routes. It is also commonly known as Al-Sayl al-Kabir.
Yalamlam is the Miqat for pilgrims arriving from the direction of Yemen and southern routes. Some flights travelling to Jeddah may cross a Miqat line related to this route, but travellers should follow the airline’s Miqat announcement.
Dhat Irq is the Miqat for pilgrims travelling from the direction of Iraq and north-eastern routes.
Follow these simple steps when entering Ihram:
Ihram ends only after completing the Umrah rituals. First perform Tawaf, then Sa’i between Safa and Marwah. After Sa’i, men should shave the head or shorten the hair. Women should trim a small portion from the ends of their hair.
Once this final step is completed, the restrictions of Ihram end and normal clothing may be worn. You do not need to return to Miqat to remove Ihram.
Ihram is a reminder of humility, equality and devotion to Allah (S.W.T.). Entering Ihram correctly helps pilgrims begin Umrah with the right intention and preparation. Plan your journey carefully, understand your Miqat route and follow the required rules throughout Umrah.
For additional planning support, explore our Umrah Packages from Dubai, Umrah by Air from Dubai and Umrah by Bus from Dubai. May Allah accept your Umrah and make your journey easy.
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