Can I Wear Ihram in Jeddah? Rules for Stopovers & Transit

Are you planning a trip to Makkah for Umrah and wondering when to put on Ihram?

If you are stopping over in Jeddah for a night, transiting through the Airport, or staying long, this guide will have all the tips and rules to make your journey easier.

Understanding Ihram and Miqat for Umrah

What is Ihram?

The specific clothing that a man must wear before performing Umrah or Hajj (two unstitched white sheets) defines his Ihram state.

He is required to follow certain restrictions like not cutting hair or nails, using perfumes, and even face some dos and don’ts of the pilgrimage like not harming living beings.

The Significance of Miqat in Islamic Law

Miqat refers to the designated points where pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram. These points are different geographically. If you plan to perform Umrah or Hajj, a movement towards the Miqat without entering Ihram is forbidden.

Miqat Locations for Different Travelers

• Dhul Hulayfah: For those coming from Madinah.
• Juhfa: For travelers from the West (e.g., North America, Europe).
• Qarn al-Manazil: For those coming from the east (e.g., Asia).
• Yalamlam: For travelers from the south (e.g., Yemen).
• Dhat Irq: For those coming from the northeast.

Ihram Rules for Travelers Arriving in Jeddah

1. Can I Wear Ihram in Jeddah?

Sure, but only if specific conditions are met.

If you are a resident (Muqeem) of Jeddah or intend to stay over 15 days, you may wear an Ihram in the city.

However, for tourists and transients, it’s necessary to put on Ihram before entering the city.

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2. Ihram for Transit Passengers & Stopovers

If you are purposely passing through Jeddah airport and intend to do Umrah, you may dress in Ihram at the Airport or in Jeddah as long as you have not crossed the Miqat.

However, if you have already flown over the Miqat, then you should have donned Ihram on the plane.

3. Ihram for Pilgrims Staying in Jeddah Before Umrah

Should you be spending a night or two in Jeddah before heading to Makkah, you can wait to enter Ihram until you are about to depart for Makkah.

This is particularly beneficial if you require some downtime following an extended flight.

4. Ihram for Non-Residents of Jeddah

Not Jeddah residents who do not intend to stay for more than 15 days must enter Ihram before coming to the city.

The closest Miqat point for people arriving on international flights is Juhfa or Qarn al-Manazil.

Ihram Guidelines for Different Travel Scenarios

1. Ihram for Travelers Flying to Jeddah Directly

• When to Enter Ihram on a Plane: Ihram must be donned before or during the flight if the Miqat will be crossed during the flight.
• Can I Assume Ihram at Jeddah Airport? You can do so if you have not crossed the Miqat earlier.
• What if I Forgot to Wear the Ihram Before Reaching Jeddah?: Wear the Ihram at the nearest Miqat or Masjid Aisha (Taneem).

2. Ihram for Transit Visa Holders & Short Stay Visitors

• Can I Perform Umrah During a Layover in Jeddah?: It can be done, but make sure the Ihram is worn before crossing the Haram boundary.
• Where Should I Wear Ihram if I Plan to Stay for a Few Days? For a maximum of 15 days, it is Masjid Aisha or another Miqat.
• What if I Don’t Have My Transit Visa Before Arriving? You can still wear Ihram in Jeddah if you wish to do Umrah post-arrival.

3. Ihram Rules for Those Intending to Visit Makkah from Jeddah

• Can I Enter Makkah Without Ihram?: That’s possible, but only if you are not doing Umrah. You must have Ihram with you if you intend to do Umrah.
• Ihram Rules for Business Travelers or Visitors Staying in Jeddah: Short-term visits or business stays in Jeddah require an Ihram before crossing the Miqat.

Where to Wear Ihram for Umrah If You Are in Jeddah?

Ihram Options for Jeddah Residents and Long-Term Visitors

If you live in Jeddah or intend to stay for more than 15 days, you can put on Ihram in the comfort of your home or anywhere in the Hill area.

Best Places in Jeddah to Buy Ihram Clothes

Jeddah Airport, malls, and local markets are all places where you can buy Ihram clothes.

Where is Masjid Aisha, and Can I Enter Ihram There?

Masjid Aisha (Tandem) is approximately 8km from Makkah.

It is a popular spot for tourists looking to enter the Ihram state if they are starting from Jeddah or Makkah.

Common Questions & Islamic Fatwas on Ihram in Jeddah

Sheikh Bin Baz’s Fatwa on Wearing Ihram in Jeddah

As Sheikh Bin Baz said, if your trip is strictly for Umrah, then you are required to enter Ihram at the Miqat.

Otherwise, as long as you are not sure about performing Umrah, you can wait to enter Ihram until you figure it out.

Islamic Scholars’ Opinions on Ihram for Air Travelers

There is some allowance given by certain scholars who permit air travelers to don their Ihram in Jeddah rather than on a plane.

This is under the reasoning that cruising the Miqat before boarding the plane does not count.

Can You Wear Ihram on Saudi Airlines Before Landing?

Yes, it’s common for Saudi Airlines to offer passengers the chance to change into Ihram before landing.

FAQs

Can I Wear Ihram at Jeddah Airport During a Stopover?

Yes, as long as you have not crossed the Miqat earlier.

Can I Perform Umrah During a Layover in Jeddah?

Yes, make sure you put on Ihram before you cross the boundary of the Haram.

Is Jeddah Out of Miqat?

No, Jeddah is within the Hill area, meaning it is in between the Miqat and the Haram.

Can I Wear an Ihram in the Jeddah Hotel?

Yes, if you are a resident or staying more than 15 days.

Where Should I Wear Ihram if I Plan to Stay for a Few Days?

Masjid Aishaor any other Miqat like Jurana Masjid.

If you do not go to Masjid Aisha, you can go to another Miqat point, which is in Jurana. It is also known as Masjid Jurana.

You will come straight to Riyadh Taif Road.

After crossing the signal Shamil(Sharaya dist), which is also the end of the Haram area, you have to go to the first bridge on the left, which will take you to Masjid Jurana, which is the Miqat point.

Can I Enter Makkah Without Ihram?

Yes, if you are not doing Umrah.

What if I Forgot to Wear Ihram Before Reaching Jeddah?

Head back to the nearest Miqat or Aisha Mosque.

Or you can enter Ihram from Abdullah Kamil Mosque, which is in the Shamsi area. If you are coming from Jeddah, then this mosque is on the right after crossing the Makkah Mukarramah check post.

From here you can enter Ihram and enter Makkah Mukarramah for Umrah.

Who Can Wear Ihram in Jeddah?

Jeddah can be worn by a resident or someone who stays for more than 15 days.

Can I Buy Ihram Clothes at Jeddah Airport?

Yes, Ihram clothing is available at Jeddah Airport.

Conclusion: When & Where Should You Wear Ihram in Jeddah?

To conclude, the possibility of wearing Ihram in Jeddah is contingent upon your travel intentions and residency situation.

For a quick visitor or a transit traveler, it’s advisable to put on Ihram before getting to Jeddah.

However, for residents or those staying for a longer period, putting on an Ihram in Jeddah is allowed.