Umrah & Ziyarah

All you need to know about Rituals to perform in Umrah and Ziyarah Al Masjid An Nabawi

Entrance to Umrah
Travel and Access
Miqat
Ihram
Access to Sanctuary
Tawaf
Sa'i

Whenever you are planning to perform an Umrah in Makkah, the consideration of the Miqat is of great importance. It is the time that pilgrims wear Ihram garments, signaling their commitment and purification to Allah (SWT). Welcome to Al Maqam Travel! Here, you will find all the information to help you understand the requirements and practices of Miqat stations.
Here, you will learn where the Miqat is situated and about the necessary timings of your stay to perform specific rituals as well as tips on how to successfully change into your Ihram.

The Significance of Miqat:

The Miqat is the point that the pilgrims cross over to a clean domain, both physically and spiritually. Here, people can forget all the worldly vices that distract them and dedicate their time to worshiping Allah (SWT). Getting into Ihram entails a special rite and prohibition which signifies that one is ready to undertake Umrah.

The Five Designated Miqat Stations:

The five Miqat delimited areas for pilgrims performing Umrah or Hajj are outlined below. The best station is determined by your originating station.
Dhul Hulayfah: This is the nearest Miqat of Makkah and is approximately 65 kilometers away from Makkah. This is considered as the specific station for the pilgrims who live in Madinah or those arriving from there.
Al-Juhfah: Located approximately 185 km south of Makkah, Al-Juhfah is the Miqat for the pilgrims performing the journey from Yemen and other southern areas.
Qarn al-Manazil: It is found 94 kilometers to the East of Makkah, and is the specific stop for pilgrims who have traveled from Najd and the eastern areas.
Dhat Irq: It is situated 90 km from Makkah and receives pilgrims from Iraq, Iran, and other northeastern regions.
Yalamlam: Located about 110 kilometers southeast of Makkah, Yalamlam is the point of entry for anyone using sea transport such as those coming from India or eastern Africa.

Entering the State of Ihram: Special Rites

Once you get to your specified Miqat station, the next stage is to perform Ihram.
Niyyah (Intention): Always make it a point to state your intention of performing only the Umrah with a good and clean heart.
Talbiyah: Recite the Talbiyah, the proclamation of one submission: “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik. Labbaika La Shareeka Laka Labbaik. Innal Hamda Wan Ni’mata Laka W Wa L-Mulku” (Here I am, O Allah, Here I am. Here I am, You have no partner. Here I am. Indeed, all praise and blessings are Yours and the dominion).
Ihram Garments: Put on the simple unstitched cloth garments for men wearing two white sheets and for women any dress which can cover the whole body modestly.
Restrictions: Some of the prohibitions go with Ihram like the prohibition of certain actions like the husband-wife relations, using any kind of perfume, and causing harm to oneself or other persons.

Al Maqam Travel: Your Guide to the Process of Miqat

At Al Maqam Travel, we realize that the transition to the state of Ihram requires careful preparation and arrangements.
Pre-Departure Guidance: You will get information about Miqat stations, rituals, and preparations that are needed on the journey.
Miqat Station Assistance: If so desired, we can provide you with transportation to the Miqat station of your choice.
Support During Ihram: If you have any queries or concerns while being in the Ihram status, our team is always ready to help you.

Additional Tips for a Fulfilling Miqat Experience:

It is advised to perform Ghusl (full ablution) or Wudu (partial ablution) before arriving at your Miqat station.
Ihram garments should be packed in your luggage so that they can be easily accessed when the need arises.
It is important to know in advance what acts are prohibited in Ihram to follow all the rules correctly.
Those who wish to attain enlightenment and continue their spiritual practice should remain pure and free of distractions.
Thus, by acknowledging the importance of Miqat and following the proper rituals with intention, you will proceed to your Umrah with a clean conscience and a mind free from distractions. This is where Al Maqam Travel comes in, to assist you as you begin the journey of changing to your Ihram and to help you attain a fruitful Umrah.
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You Should Also Know:

In case you pass your demarcated Miqāt station without going through the state of Ihram, you are required to make a Dam when you get to Makkah. Kindly contact Al Maqam Travel for assistance in how to handle this situation appropriately.
It is prohibited to modify the Ihram garments. If they are too long and it might be dangerous to wear them, you can fold them without sewing or ruining them in any other way.
Pilgrims must abstain from certain things while in Ihram:
 Marital relations
Using fragrances (excluding subtle fragrances like musk)
Killing or causing suffering to non-human animals (unless they are vermin posing a direct threat to your existence)
 Swearing or getting into fights
Covering head (for men) or wearing gloves (for both men and women)
Wearing sewn garments or having too much jewelry
Once in Ihram, keep on repeating the Talbiyah and concentrate on your invocations and supplications. Let go of the materialistic things in life and focus on your soul.
The Miqat is quite a crucial stage on your Umrah journey. It is crucial to grasp the significance of these acts, approach the rituals with earnestness, and consult Al Maqam Travel for a proper start to your spiritual journey.

FAQs

What are the two types of Umrah?

Umrah al-Mufradah (Independent Umrah): This is one of the popular types of Umrah, which may not go along with Hajj. As for Umrah al-Mufradah, it can be performed at any time of the year, provided the pilgrim meets some basic conditions and has permission in the form of a Umrah visa. 

 Umrah al-Tamattu (Combined Umrah): It is done at the same time as Hajj, and it is one of the two rituals of islam that requires the pilgrim to be at the haram zone during specific times of the year. The pilgrims put on Ihram for Umrah initially, perform all the rites of Umrah, and then stay in Ihram from the time the Hajj rites begin. Umrah al-Tamattu can only be done in the months of Hajj, however, these are Shawwal, Dhul Qa'dah and Dhul Hijjah.

Umrah and Ziyarah

Makkah

Madinah