Which Miqat applies to your route, and the correct order of rituals from Ihram to Tahallul.
Published September 4, 2026 · Reviewed by the Ihsabha Editorial Team
Umrah is a shorter, non-obligatory pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of year, built around a fixed sequence of rites. For pilgrims traveling from different countries and directions, knowing exactly which Miqat applies to their route, and what comes next once they arrive in Makkah, is one of the most common sources of pre-trip uncertainty — this guide walks through both parts together.
Islamic law fixes five boundary points, called Miqat, surrounding Makkah. A pilgrim traveling toward the city from a given direction is expected to enter the sacred state of Ihram no later than the Miqat point on their path — not earlier out of excessive caution, and not later, which would require an act of expiation to correct.
Dhul Hulaifah serves those coming from Madinah; Al-Juhfa, near modern Rabigh, serves those arriving from Syria, Egypt, and North Africa; Qarn al-Manazil serves those coming from Najd and the Gulf; Yalamlam serves those arriving from Yemen and much of South and Southeast Asia; and Dhat Irq serves those coming from Iraq. Airlines flying into Jeddah typically announce the relevant Miqat as the aircraft nears it, letting passengers enter Ihram in flight if they haven't already.
Once in Ihram, the sequence is: travel to Makkah reciting the Talbiyah; perform Tawaf, seven circuits around the Kaaba; pray two units near Maqam Ibrahim if possible; drink Zamzam water; perform Sa'i, seven legs between the hills of Safa and Marwah; and finish with Tahallul — cutting or shaving the hair — which lifts the restrictions of Ihram and completes Umrah.
Tahallul is the final ritual act: cutting a small portion of the hair, or shaving fully for men, immediately after completing Sa'i. Performing it ends the sacred state of Ihram and marks Umrah as complete.
Follow every step without losing your place. Ihsabha's Umrah Route Planner lets you pick your Miqat and check off each ritual in order, saving your progress automatically between sessions.
A Miqat is one of five fixed boundary points around Makkah where a pilgrim arriving from that direction must enter the state of Ihram before continuing. Entering Ihram before or after your Miqat can require an act of expiation to correct.
Enter Ihram at your Miqat, travel to Makkah reciting the Talbiyah, perform Tawaf (seven circuits around the Kaaba), pray two units near Maqam Ibrahim if possible, drink Zamzam water, perform Sa'i (seven legs between Safa and Marwah), then finish with Tahallul, cutting or shaving the hair.
Most airlines flying into Jeddah announce the relevant Miqat boundary as the plane crosses it, since Jeddah lies within range of several classical Miqat points depending on the flight path. Many pilgrims enter Ihram at the airport itself before landing.
These Miqat points and the overall sequence are agreed upon in outline by all four major schools of Islamic jurisprudence, with only minor variation in supporting details. For questions specific to your itinerary or personal circumstances, it's best to confirm with a qualified local scholar before you travel.