The miqat
What is Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali) and when do I enter ihram there?
Dhul Hulayfah, now called Abyar Ali, is where you enter ihram when you travel from Madinah to Makkah. It lies a few miles from the city on the Makkah road, and most coaches stop at its masjid so you can bathe, change and pray.
Who enters ihram here
If you fly into Madinah or travel there before Makkah, you do not need ihram on arrival. When you leave Madinah for Makkah, enter ihram at Dhul Hulayfah.
What to do at the masjid
Bathe (ghusl) with the intention of ihram and put on your ihram clothing. Pray two rak'ahs, make the intention for Umrah and recite the talbiyah. Brothers keep the head covered for the prayer and uncover it afterwards.
Read what ihram is and the talbiyah in Arabic and English.
If you go to Makkah first
If you reach Makkah first, your miqat is different. See the miqat for UK flights.
More questions
Is Abyar Ali the same as Dhul Hulayfah?
Yes. Dhul Hulayfah is now called Abyar Ali.
Do I need ihram when I arrive in Madinah?
No. You enter ihram later, when you leave Madinah for Makkah.
Can I visit the Prophet ﷺ before Umrah?
Yes. The visit is separate from Umrah, and you may make it before or after Makkah, whichever your journey allows. See how to visit the Prophet ﷺ in Madinah.
Read the full guide
Perform your Umrah with confidence
Follow every rite in order, with counters and duas in Arabic, in our step by step Umrah guide. To study the Hanafi rulings behind it with qualified teachers, see our courses, or explore our apps. Ihya us Sunnah is sustained by its community, so please consider supporting our work.
This guide follows the Hanafi method and is based on Shaykh Mufti Wajid Iqbal's Umrah book, Essential Islam. For your own situation, ask a qualified scholar.