Many pilgrims want to perform another Umrah while they are in Makkah — for themselves, or on behalf of a parent who has passed away or is unable to travel. To do that, you need to leave the boundaries of the Haram and enter Ihram again. For most people, the place to do this is Masjid Aisha, also known as Masjid al-Taneem. This guide explains where it is, how to get there and back, and what to do step by step.
Why pilgrims in Makkah go to Masjid Aisha
Anyone who is already inside Makkah and wants to perform Umrah must enter Ihram from outside the Haram boundary (the area of hill). Taneem is the closest point outside that boundary to Masjid al-Haram.
The mosque is named after Aisha (RA), the wife of the Prophet ﷺ. During the Farewell Hajj, the Prophet ﷺ told her brother Abdur-Rahman ibn Abi Bakr (RA) to take her to Taneem so she could enter Ihram for Umrah from there (Bukhari and Muslim). Since then, Taneem has been the most common place for people in Makkah to start an Umrah.
Scholars differ on how often one should repeat Umrah during a single trip. If you are unsure, ask a scholar you trust before your journey.
Where it is and how long it takes
| Location | Al-Taneem district, north-west Makkah, on the road to Madinah |
| Distance from Masjid al-Haram | About 7.5 km |
| Driving time | 15–20 minutes each way; up to 40 minutes after Jumu'ah or in Ramadan |
| Time at the mosque | 20–40 minutes for ghusl or wudu, changing, two rak'ahs and the intention |
| Facilities | Large separate washrooms and wudu areas for men and women, open 24 hours |
How to get there: bus, shared taxi or private taxi
Makkah Bus
The public Makkah Bus network runs services between the Haram area and Taneem. It is the cheapest option, but buses can be crowded at peak times, and you need to walk to and from the bus stops — tiring in Ihram after a long Umrah.
Shared taxis
Drivers near the Haram's outer gates often call out "Aisha, Aisha" and fill their car with passengers for a small fee per person. It is cheap, but you wait until the car is full, you share with strangers and the price can change at busy times.
Private taxi
A private taxi collects you from your hotel, waits while you prepare at the mosque, and brings you back as close to the Haram as traffic rules allow. This is the easiest option for families, women travelling together, elderly pilgrims and anyone doing Umrah on behalf of a relative who wants to focus on worship rather than logistics.
| Vehicle | Passengers | Hotel → Masjid Aisha |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | Up to 4 | SAR 115 |
| Hyundai Staria | Up to 7 | SAR 172 |
| Toyota HiAce | Up to 12 | SAR 172 |
| Toyota Coaster | Up to 18 | SAR 230 |
Want the driver to wait and bring you back to the Haram? Mention it when you book and we will confirm the return price on WhatsApp before your trip.
Step-by-step: entering Ihram at Masjid Aisha
- Prepare at your hotel. Cut nails and remove unwanted hair beforehand. Many pilgrims also do ghusl at the hotel and wear their Ihram clothes, then make the intention at the mosque.
- Travel to Masjid Aisha. If you did not do ghusl at the hotel, you can make wudu or ghusl in the washrooms at the mosque.
- Change into Ihram. Men wear the two white cloths; women wear modest everyday clothing that meets the conditions of Ihram.
- Pray two rak'ahs, if it is not a disliked time for prayer.
- Make the intention for Umrah — "Labbayk Allahumma Umrah" — and, if performing it for someone else, name them in your intention.
- Begin the Talbiyah and continue it on the way back until you begin Tawaf.
- Return to Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf, Sa'i and then shave or trim your hair.
Masjid al-Ji'ranah: the other option
Masjid al-Ji'ranah, about 25 km north-east of Makkah, is where the Prophet ﷺ entered Ihram for Umrah after the Battle of Hunayn. It is further away and usually much quieter than Taneem, which some pilgrims prefer during Ramadan when Masjid Aisha is extremely busy. A hotel transfer to Ji'ranah starts from SAR 172.
Tips for a smooth trip
- Avoid the busiest times: just after Jumu'ah, after Isha in Ramadan and the last ten nights of Ramadan, when roads around the Haram are heavily congested.
- Go late at night or after Fajr for the quietest roads and the easiest Tawaf.
- Keep a small bag with your hotel key card, phone, water and unscented toiletries.
- Combine it with Ziyarat: a Makkah Ziyarat tour can finish at Masjid Aisha so you enter Ihram on the way back.
Book a taxi to Masjid Aisha
Hotel pickup 24/7, from SAR 115. See prices and book →
Frequently asked questions
How far is Masjid Aisha from the Haram?
About 7.5 km, or 15–20 minutes by car in normal traffic.
Can women enter Ihram at Masjid Aisha?
Yes. The mosque has large, separate facilities for women, open 24 hours.
Can I enter Ihram at my hotel instead?
If you are already inside Makkah, you must go outside the Haram boundary to make the intention for Umrah. You can wear your Ihram clothes at the hotel, but make the intention at Taneem or another point outside the boundary.
Is Masjid Aisha open at night?
Yes, it is open 24 hours, and late night is often the quietest time to go.
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