What is the Miqât?
The Miqât (مِيقَات) is the sacred boundary beyond which no pilgrim can enter the sacred area without first adopting the state of Ihrâm. The Prophet ﷺ established five geographical miqâts according to the origin of the pilgrims.
Physical preparation
To be done before crossing the miqât, ideally at the hotel or at home before departure. These acts are derived from the prophetic sunna and prepare the body for the sacred state.
The great Ghusl
Complete ritual bath of the body. Sunna highly recommended even for women during menstruation.
Cutting nails
Nails of hands and feet, short and clean.
Removing hair
Underarms and pubic area: shave, wax, or trim. Prophetic hygiene.
Trimming the mustache
Without touching the beard (which should be left according to the sunna).
Applying perfume to the body
On the skin (neck, hair), not on Ihrâm clothing. To be done only before Ihrâm.
Wearing Ihrâm
Don the sacred clothing (see next section).
Pray 2 rakaats
If the time is not a forbidden hour. Prayer of Ihrâm.
Purifying the intention
Seek forgiveness, total sincerity, intention for Allâh alone.
Ihrâm clothing
The Ihrâm clothing is a symbol of equality and humility — rich and poor, king and servant, all wear the same attire before their Lord.
👨 Man
- Izâr: white piece wrapped around the waist
- Ridâ: white piece placed over the shoulders
- Sandals leaving the ankle visible
- Head uncovered (no hat, no hood)
- No stitched clothing (shirt, pants, underwear)
- No closed shoes
👩 Woman
- Long, loose, and modest clothing (color free, white preferred)
- Hijâb (scarf) covering the head and neck
- Closed shoes allowed
- Hands and face uncovered in the absence of foreign men
- No niqâb covering the face (the face is the "Ihrâm" of the woman)
- No gloves covering the hands
The intention — the Niyyah
The Niyyah (نِيَّة) pronounced aloud seals the entry into Ihrâm. Choose your formula according to the rite you are performing. Once pronounced, all prohibitions of Ihrâm apply.
The Talbiya
Immediately after the Niyyah, the Talbiya (التَّلْبِيَة) begins — the formula of response to the call of Allâh. It is repeated continuously until the beginning of the Tawâf.
Complete Talbiya
To be repeated continuously until the beginning of the Tawâf — especially while ascending, descending, at each change, after each prayer.
Prohibitions of Ihrâm
Once the Niyyah is pronounced, these acts become prohibited. Violating them incurs expiation (Fidya, Dam, or fasting). Know them to avoid them.
- Cutting hair or nails — including scratching hard enough to pull out hair.
- Wearing perfume — neither on the body nor on clothing (prohibited after entering Ihrâm).
- Hunting or killing a wild animal.
- Cutting or uprooting plants from the Haram.
- Disputes, insults, lies and any sin of the tongue.
- Marital relations and any preliminary leading to it (gaze, intimate contact, kiss).
- Contracting a marriage or proposing marriage (for oneself or for others).
- Stitched clothing — shirt, pants, coat, underwear, shorts, t-shirt.
- Covering the head — hat, hood, turban, cap. You can protect yourself with an umbrella or an object not attached to the head.
- Shoes covering the ankle — use sandals or flip-flops that leave the ankle and top of the foot visible.
- Niqâb that sticks directly to the face. If foreign men pass by, she can drop a cloth from her head without it sticking to her face.
- Gloves covering the hands. The hands remain uncovered.
- All other usual women's clothing (long, modest) remains permitted — including stitched.
What remains permitted
Many everyday things remain allowed. Here is the positive list to reassure you.
Special cases
Specific situations that require tailored treatment.
Put on Ihrâm before boarding or during the layover. The captain will announce the approach of the aerial miqât (usually 30-45 minutes before landing). At that moment, pronounce your Niyyah aloud and begin the Talbiya. If you couldn't prepare beforehand, some airlines (notably Saudia) provide a prayer area in the cabin.
She can enter into Ihrâm, pronounce her Niyyah and make the Talbiya. She performs all rites except for Tawâf and prayer behind the Maqâm. She will wait for the end of her period and perform the great ghusl before Tawâf. If time is pressing for Hajj (imminent departure from Arafat), she can continue her rites and postpone only the Tawâf.
Source: Hadith of Aisha رضي الله عنها — Bukhârî 305.
The rites can be adapted: Tawâf and Saʿy in a wheelchair, prayers sitting, etc. The sick person can make the Ishtirât (condition at the time of Niyyah) by saying: “If I am prevented, I will exit Ihrâm where You have stopped me”. In case of real medical blockage, they can exit without expiation.
If you commit a prohibition due to forgetfulness, ignorance, or constraint: no expiation. If it is voluntary:
- Fidya (at choice): fasting for 3 days, OR feeding 6 poor, OR sacrificing a sheep.
- Dam (mandatory sacrifice): for marital relations, forgetting one of the pillars, etc.
- Consult a scholar in case of doubt. The mercy of Allâh is immense.
The child can enter into Ihrâm with their parents. If they are of discernment age, they pronounce their own Niyyah. Otherwise, the parent pronounces for them. All rites are performed with them (carried or guided). Their 'Umra is valid but they must redo the Hajj once they are adults.
Spiritual advice
Words of the Prophet ﷺ
Final checklist
Before pronouncing your intention, check each box. Your progress is automatically saved in this browser.
You are ready
May Allâh accept your 'Omra. Now pronounce your Niyyah with sincerity.
📚 Continue your pilgrimage journey
The Miqât is step 1. To go further, here are the related resources: