Easy Guide to Wearing Ihram and Making Niyyah When Traveling from Madinah to Makkah by Haramain High-Speed Train

When traveling from Madinah to Makkah on the Haramain High-Speed Train, the easiest method is to perform Ghusl (ritual bath) at your hotel in Madinah, wear your Ihram garments, and board the train at your scheduled time.

As the train approaches the Miqat of Dhul-Hulayfah (Abyar Ali), make your intention (Niyyah) for Umrah while seated and begin reciting the Talbiyah.

Step 1: Prepare for Ihram
Perform Ghusl and Wudu at your hotel in Madinah.
Men should wear the two white Ihram sheets.
Women may wear their normal modest stitched clothing.
At this stage, wearing Ihram is sufficient; you do not need to make the intention yet.

Step 2: Begin Your Journey
Arrive at the train station.
Take your assigned seat and begin your journey to Makkah.

Step 3: Wait for the Miqat Announcement
Approximately 10 minutes after departure (or soon after boarding), prepare to make your intention.
The train staff usually announces when the train is approaching the Miqat (Abyar Ali / Dhul-Hulayfah).

Step 4: Offer Two Rak'ahs (If Possible)
If prayer facilities and water are available on the train, you may offer two Rak'ahs of Tahiyyat al-Ihram before making the intention.
If necessary, these prayers may be performed while seated.

Step 5: Make the Intention (Niyyah)

As the train reaches the Miqat, make the intention in your heart and say:

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي

Translation:
O Allah, here I am. I intend to perform Umrah. Make it easy for me and accept it from me.'

Step 6: Recite the Talbiyah

Immediately after making the intention, recite the Talbiyah three times (men aloud, women quietly):

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ.

Step 7: Observe the Rules of Ihram

Once you have recited the Talbiyah, you enter the state of Ihram, and all the rules and restrictions of Ihram become applicable.

 

Important Note

Making the intention before crossing the Miqat is obligatory.
If you are unsure of the exact Miqat location because of the train's speed, it is better to make your intention immediately after boarding at Madinah station to avoid crossing the Miqat without entering Ihram.