Jeddah Airport: A Miqat Or Not?

The topic of whether Jeddah Airport is a miqat is a subject of discussion among scholars. The standard view is that travellers should assume ihram before landing in Jeddah as they will fly over the miqat. However, some eminent scholars consider Jeddah as a miqat for air travellers, reasoning that flying over the miqat does not constitute passing through it. This view is supported by the interpretation that the Prophet intended for miqat to be a station for pilgrims to halt, recuperate, and prepare for ihram. For travellers from Europe or North America who may face difficulties assuming ihram before boarding, this second opinion provides an alternative option.

Explore related products

sea life colouring book

$5

Bin Lagnachi Goshta

$2.99

Atlantic

$2.99

Konkanastha

$2.99

Scholars advise assuming ihram before landing in Jeddah, but some disagree

The standard view among scholars is that air travellers should assume ihram before landing in Jeddah, as they will fly over the miqat before landing. Most airports in the Middle East have facilities for travellers to prepare for ihram before boarding the plane. However, those coming from Europe or North America directly may find this difficult. In such cases, some eminent scholars consider Jeddah as a miqat for air travellers, reasoning that while flying, one does not pass through the miqat.

According to Islamic law, miqat refers to the "station for pilgrims to halt and recuperate and make the preparations before embarking on" their pilgrimage. For those flying into Jeddah, the miqat is generally understood to be in the air, above a specific location on the ground. As a result, some scholars advise travellers to enter the state of ihram before boarding the plane or while in the air. This can be challenging, especially for those who are not prepared or are coming from far-off locations.

Some scholars disagree with the standard view, arguing that Jeddah can be considered a miqat for air travellers. This is based on the interpretation that the Prophet intended miqat to be a physical location where pilgrims can rest and prepare for their pilgrimage. Since travellers do not physically pass through the miqat when flying, these scholars advise assuming ihram after landing in Jeddah. This ruling is particularly relevant for those who find it difficult to assume ihram before landing, such as those travelling from distant locations or those with specific circumstances, like menstruation.

It is important to note that the decision to assume ihram before or after landing in Jeddah depends on individual circumstances and the advice of trusted scholars. While the standard view is to assume ihram before landing, the ruling to consider Jeddah as a miqat provides flexibility for travellers who may face challenges in preparing for ihram before their arrival. Ultimately, the decision should be made in accordance with the guidance provided by Islamic scholars and the specific needs of the traveller.

For those flying over the miqat, it is possible to wear ihram at Jeddah Airport

However, it is important to note that the standard view among scholars is that air travellers should assume ihram before landing in Jeddah as they will fly over the miqat before landing. This may be easier for those travelling from Middle Eastern countries, as most airports in the region have facilities for preparing for ihram before boarding. On the other hand, those travelling directly from Europe or North America may face difficulties in doing so.

If you are a woman who is currently menstruating, you can delay entering ihram until you are in a state of purity. You can perform ghusl (full ritual purification) and then enter ihram in Jeddah before proceeding to Makkah to perform your Umrah rituals.

Additionally, some travellers have shared their experiences and recommendations online. Some suggest wearing ihram before boarding the plane to avoid any rushing or panic, while others recommend wearing ihram at home and then relaxing at the airport and on the aircraft. It is also noted that some airlines, such as Saudia Airlines, announce the Miqat point well in advance, allowing passengers to change into ihram on the plane.

Women who are menstruating can delay ihram until after their menses have ended

The standard view among scholars is that air travellers should assume ihram before landing in Jeddah as they will fly over the miqat before landing. However, some eminent scholars consider Jeddah a miqat for air travellers, reasoning that since a flight does not touch the ground, one is not technically passing through the miqat. According to this view, women who are menstruating can delay ihram until after their menses have ended in Jeddah.

If a woman is menstruating when she passes the miqat, she is still obliged to enter ihram from the miqat. However, she should not perform Umrah until she becomes pure and performs ghusl. This is supported by the example of Asma’ bint ‘Umays, who was commanded by the Prophet to do ghusl and enter ihram after giving birth. The same applies to menstruating women. They should remain in ihram until they become pure and then perform tawaaf around the Ka’bah and saa’i.

In the case of a woman travelling for Umrah who is menstruating when she passes through the miqat, she can delay entering ihram until she reaches her destination in Jeddah. However, she should make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah and recite the talbiyah. She should wear the appropriate ihram clothing and avoid the prohibitions of ihram from that point. Once her menses have ended, she can perform ghusl and then proceed to Makkah to perform her Umrah rituals.

It is important to note that a woman cannot perform Umrah while she is in a state of menses. If she is unable to perform Tawaful Ifadaah on time due to her menses, she must wait in Makkah until she becomes pure and then perform Tawaful Ifadaah. This is a crucial part of Hajj, and without it, Hajj is not complete. Leaders of Hajj groups should accommodate sisters who may be in this state by delaying their return by a few days.

Some advise wearing ihram before boarding the plane to avoid discomfort

The standard view among scholars is that air travellers should assume ihram before landing in Jeddah as they will fly over the miqat before landing. However, some advise wearing ihram before boarding the plane to avoid discomfort and the rush of changing in-flight. This is especially relevant for those travelling from Middle Eastern countries, as most airports in the region have facilities for travellers to prepare for ihram before boarding. For those coming from Europe or North America, this may be more difficult, and some scholars consider Jeddah a miqat for these air travellers.

For those who experience difficulties changing into ihram before arriving in Jeddah, there is a second opinion that allows for this. This is based on the interpretation that the Prophet intended for miqat to be a station for pilgrims to halt, recuperate, and prepare before embarking on ihram. In this case, travellers can enter the state of ihram upon landing in Jeddah.

It is important to note that wearing ihram at Jeddah Airport can be inconvenient, as pilgrims will then need to travel to Miqat, such as Karan Manazil (Taif), which is about 200 km away, before proceeding to Makkah. This adds significant travel time, especially for those who have already spent hours on a flight.

To avoid any discomfort or inconvenience, some advise wearing ihram before boarding the plane, especially for those travelling from regions where it is culturally accepted, such as other Middle Eastern countries. This allows travellers to relax during their journey and not worry about changing into ihram in-flight or upon arrival.

Additionally, for those travelling from Bangladesh, it is recommended to wear ihram from home or before boarding, as the Miqat Point for Bangladeshis, Qarn Al Manazil, is only about 75 km from Makkah, which a plane can cover in a few minutes. Changing in-flight may cause panic or discomfort, especially for men who need to change into ihram. Therefore, it is advisable to wear ihram before boarding to ensure a comfortable and stress-free journey.

Saudia Airlines announces the Miqat point in advance, allowing passengers to change into ihram

The Jeddah Airport is considered a miqat for air travellers by some scholars. The standard view, however, is that air travellers should assume ihram before landing in Jeddah as they will fly over the miqat before landing. For those who are unable to do so, some scholars opine that Jeddah can be considered a miqat for air travellers as they are not technically passing through the miqat while in the air.

Saudia Airlines announces the Miqat point well in advance, allowing passengers to change into ihram. The Miqat point is usually announced about an hour before arrival at Jeddah Airport. This enables male passengers to change into ihram in the designated prayer area or on their seats. Some travellers prefer to wear ihram before boarding the plane to avoid any rushing or panic. It is also recommended to wear ihram before reaching the Miqat point as planes travel at high speeds.

For those who are on their menses, it is suggested to delay entering ihram until they are at their destination in Jeddah, where they can perform ghusl (full ritual purification) and make the intention for Umrah. It is important to note that the Miqat point for Bangladeshis travelling on Saudia Airlines is Qarn Al Manazil, which is approximately 75 km from Makkah.

Frequently asked questions