Q 1: We live in Australia. This year, a large group of Muslims in Australia want to perform Hajj. We always depart from Sydney and land in one of the following three airports: Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, or Bahrain. We would like to know where our Miqat (site for entering the ritual state for Hajj or ‘Umrah) should be? Should we assume Ihram (ritual state for Hajj or ‘Umrah) from Sydney or is there another place to assume Ihram from? I appreciate your answer.

A: Sydney, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain are not Miqats for Hajj or ‘Umrah. Also, Jeddah cannot be a Miqat for you, as Jeddah is the Miqat for its inhabitants. You should assume Ihram when you pass by air over the first Miqat that you traverse while heading for Makkah, for the Prophet (peace be upon him) said when specifying the Miqats: These Miqats are for the people of these very places and also for the non-indigenous people who come through these places with the intention of performing Hajj and ‘Umrah. You can ask the air host before traversing it. There is nothing wrong with making the intention to enter Ihram for Hajj or ‘Umrah and starting to recite Talbiyah (devotional expressions chanted at certain times during Hajj and ‘Umrah) before you reach the Miqat that you will pass over, lest you should traverse it without assuming Ihram. Please be informed that getting ready for Ihram by cleansing, washing, or wearing the clothing of Ihram is permissible anywhere. (Part No. 11; Page No. 132) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.