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Hajj Guide UK / The rituals of Hajj

Hajj 2027

Ihram and the miqat

Ihram is the sacred state you enter with an intention before crossing the miqat. Flying from the UK to Jeddah, you cross the miqat in the air, so most pilgrims enter ihram on the plane; Jeddah airport is inside the boundary.

Last checked: November 2026. Written for pilgrims travelling from the UK.

Scholar review pendingThis page follows the mainstream position and notes where the schools of thought differ. Before launch it will be reviewed by a qualified scholar. Always follow your group's scholar on the day.

Before you fly

  1. Clip nails, remove unwanted hair and take a bath (ghusl) at home or at the airport.
  2. Men put on the two white ihram cloths before boarding or on the plane; women wear their normal modest clothing.
  3. Keep your ihram clothes in hand luggage if you plan to change on board.

On the plane

Airlines usually announce when you approach the miqat. Make your intention, for example "O Allah, I intend Umrah" for Tamattu', and begin the Talbiyah. Don't wait until you land at Jeddah, which is inside the miqat for most scholars.

Going to Madinah first?Then you don't need ihram on the flight. You enter ihram at Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali) when you travel from Madinah to Makkah.

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ

Labbayk Allāhumma labbayk, labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk, inna l-ḥamda wa n-niʿmata laka wa l-mulk, lā sharīka lak.

Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. All praise, blessing and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.

The Talbiyah of the Prophet ﷺ. Arabic from the hadith text: Sahih al-Bukhari 1549; Sahih Muslim 1184.

What is not allowed in ihram

For everyoneMen onlyWomen only
Perfume and scented products
Cutting hair or nails
Marital relations, and marriage contracts
Hunting		Clothing tailored to the body (shirts, trousers, underwear)
Covering the head		Face veil (niqab)
Gloves

Common mistakes

Evidence and references

Hadith numbers follow the standard numbering (Sahih Muslim: Muhammad Fu'ad Abd al-Baqi). Each reference was checked against the source text on November 2026.

Common questions

Can I enter ihram at Heathrow or Manchester?

Yes. Many pilgrims put on ihram clothes before the flight and make the intention nearer the miqat, so the restrictions don't start too early.

What if I forgot and crossed the miqat without ihram?

Many scholars say you should go back to a miqat if you can, otherwise a sacrifice (dam) is due. Ask your group's scholar straight away.