Quick answer: For a Masjid Ayesha Ihram, pilgrims who are already in Makkah and want to perform another Umrah go outside the Haram boundary to enter Ihram. The most common place is Masjid Ayesha (Masjid al-Tan’im), about 7–8 km north of Masjid al-Haram — usually a 15 to 25 minute drive each way. You make wudu or ghusl, put on Ihram, pray two rak’ahs if you wish, make your intention, and return to the Haram for Umrah.
Why pilgrims go to Masjid Ayesha
Makkah itself is inside the Haram boundary. Someone already in Makkah who wants to perform Umrah needs to go to the “Hill” — the area outside the Haram boundary — to enter Ihram. Tan’im is the nearest point outside the boundary.
The mosque is named after Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her). During the Farewell Hajj, the Prophet ï·º sent her with her brother Abdur-Rahman to Tan’im so she could enter Ihram for Umrah (reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim).
A note on repeated Umrahs
Scholars have discussed how often a pilgrim should repeat Umrah during one trip. Some encourage it; others recommend spending the time in Tawaf and prayer at the Haram instead. This guide explains the practical steps only — please follow the guidance of a scholar you trust.
Masjid Ayesha Ihram, step by step
- Prepare at your hotel — trim nails, remove unwanted hair and take a shower (ghusl) if you can. Men can put on Ihram at the hotel; this is allowed, as long as the intention is made at Tan’im.
- Travel to Masjid Ayesha — by taxi or bus. Keep your hotel key and phone in a small pouch.
- Make wudu — there are large wudu and toilet areas at the mosque.
- Pray two rak’ahs — many pilgrims pray two rak’ahs (or join a fard prayer if it is time).
- Make the intention for Umrah — and begin the Talbiyah: Labbayk Allahumma labbayk…
- Return to Masjid al-Haram — and perform Tawaf, Sa’i and cutting the hair as usual.
Driver’s tip: Tell your driver you want him to wait at Masjid Ayesha. A round trip with waiting time means you do not need to find a second taxi in Ihram.
How long does it take?
| Part of the trip | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Hotel → Masjid Ayesha | 15–25 min (longer at busy times) |
| Wudu, prayer and intention | 20–40 min |
| Masjid Ayesha → Haram area | 15–30 min |
| Umrah rites | Around 2–4 hrs depending on crowds |
Avoid travelling just before Jumu’ah or immediately after Taraweeh in Ramadan, when roads are busiest.
Notes for women
Women enter Ihram in their normal modest clothing — there is no special garment. Women in Ihram should not wear a niqab or gloves; many scholars allow a cloth to be lowered over the face when men are near. There are separate women’s wudu and prayer areas at Masjid Ayesha. Women in menstruation can enter Ihram but should wait until they are pure to perform Tawaf — ask your scholar for details.
Other places to enter Ihram in Makkah
Tan’im is the nearest and most popular. Some pilgrims go to Ji’ranah, north-east of Makkah, where the Prophet ï·º also entered Ihram for Umrah. It is further away, so allow more time. If you are travelling to Taif, you pass the Miqats of Qarn al-Manazil or Wadi Muhrim — see our day trips guide.
Getting there by taxi
Masjid Ayesha trips are one of our most requested short rides. We collect you from your hotel, wait while you enter Ihram, and bring you back to the nearest drop-off point for the Haram. Book a Masjid Ayesha taxi on WhatsApp or see all our services.
Masjid Ayesha checklist
- Nails trimmed and shower taken at the hotel
- Ihram clothes (men) or modest clothing (women)
- Unscented soap — no perfume after Ihram
- Small pouch for phone, key and money
- Driver asked to wait for the return trip
- Enough energy for Tawaf and Sa’i afterwards
Official sources: Nusuk – official Umrah platform
Frequently asked questions
How far is Masjid Ayesha from the Haram?
Masjid Ayesha (Masjid al-Tan’im) is about 7 to 8 km north of Masjid al-Haram, usually a 15 to 25 minute drive depending on traffic.
Is Masjid Ayesha a Miqat?
Masjid Ayesha is at Tan’im, the nearest point outside the Haram boundary. It is where people already in Makkah go to enter Ihram for Umrah. It is not one of the five Miqats for pilgrims coming from outside.
Can I wear Ihram from my hotel and make intention at Masjid Ayesha?
Yes. Men can put on the Ihram clothes at the hotel. The intention and the restrictions of Ihram begin when you make the intention at Tan’im.
How long does a Masjid Ayesha taxi round trip take?
The drive is about 15 to 25 minutes each way. With 20 to 40 minutes at the mosque, most round trips take around 1 to 1.5 hours.
Rules for visas, permits and train services change from season to season. Always confirm the latest details on the official Nusuk platform or with your airline before you travel. This guide was last reviewed in September 2026.
