Q: As-Salaamu Alaikum,

If someone is planning to perform Umrah, should they go to Makkah or Madinah first? Where should they wear the Ihram? (Phone message)

A: WaAlaikum Salaam wa Rahmatullah WBR,
This is a beautiful and common question. For educational benefit, we share more than one may prefer, however, it is to benefit others as well. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on personal circumstances and what brings the most ease and spiritual readiness for the Umrah. The journey of Umrah is filled with sacrifice, reward and spiritual transformation—may Allah (SWT) grant you and your family ease and acceptance, Ameen.

Option 1: Makkah First
Pros:
·         Since Umrah can only be performed in Makkah, going there first gets the major act of worship completed early.
·         After Umrah, you are out of Ihram and can start performing other acts of worship – Quran, Salah, feed the needy, and explore historical sights with ease. Your purpose has been fulfilled. Now it’s all extra credit on your extra credit.
·         Jet lag, fatigue or illness which generally people undergo Insha’Allah will not interfere with the rest of your stay.

Important Note for this Option:
·   You must be in Ihram before crossing the Miqat.
·   If flying into Jeddah, the Miqat is typically Qarn al-Manazil (also known as al-Sail al-Kabeer).
·  Airlines will announce when you are near the Miqat.
·   Wear the Ihram at the time the announcement is made, or wear the Ihram at the airport prior to takeoff. Wearing it at the airport sometimes allows one to shower at the airport, etc. Less hectic, more ease and more clean.
·   Once the pilot makes the announcement that soon we are to cross Meqaat, make your intention and recite the Talbiyah.
·   Some do not like to wear it at the airport of original take off, because once in Ihram, all the rules now apply to you, all impurity must be avoided, types of conversations etc. all get limited, etc.
Example: Flying from California:  Wearing Ihram on the plane (This can be very challenging, yet, I have seen people doing it. Lax to destination, too challenging and not so practical.)  

This method is not easy. It just brings more challenges upon the self, but gets the task done. If one is limited with time, etc. it may work out well.

Option 2: Madinah First
Pros:
·   Spiritually boost attained by visiting the Rasool ﷺ.
·   Rasool ﷺ said: Whoever visits my grave, my intercession will be guaranteed for him. (Understood meaning of Hadith.)
·   Madinah offers a peaceful and calming effect before the physically demanding rituals in Makkah.

Ihram Process from Madinah:
·   No Ihram is needed while getting to Madinah or being in Medinah and up to one getting to Miqat. Some prefer this. Less stressful. (More likely to get sick before Makkah, making aspects of Umrah a challenge, especially if with family)
·   When traveling to Makkah, you will pass the Miqat of Dhul-Hulayfah (Abyar Ali). The folks will let you know when it is time to wear the ihram.  This approach allows you to do more of the subtle and technical things as can be noted, and done with more ease.
·   What to do at the stop at Miqat: 1. Some have a shower, others already had a shower so they may make wudū. 2. Put on Ihram garments. 3. Pray 2 rakats (Sunnah) before making an intention. 4. Then make niyyah for Umrah. 5. Begin reciting the Talbiyah.
·  Now you are officially in the state of Ihram.

(make lots of Dua for the Ummah — May Allah (SWT) accept your family efforts! Ameen.)

Allah Certainly Knows Best.