Masjid Aisha, also called Masjid al-Tan‘im, stands just outside the sacred boundary (the haram) on the north-western side of Makkah. It is the place most pilgrims use when they are already in Makkah and want to enter ihram for an Umrah.
Unlike most sites in this series, it has a direct link to a practice of the Sunnah. It is still not a site of ziyarat in the usual sense: people come here to begin an act of worship, not to visit a historical place.
The history of Masjid Aisha
During the Farewell Hajj, ‘A’ishah, the wife of the Prophet ﷺ, was unable to perform her Umrah before Hajj because her period began. After Hajj she asked to perform an Umrah of her own. The Prophet ﷺ told her brother, ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Bakr, to take her to al-Tan‘im so she could enter ihram from there (al-Bukhari and Muslim).
From this, scholars took the ruling that a person inside the haram who wants to perform Umrah must go out to the area outside it, called the hill, to enter ihram. Al-Tan‘im is simply the nearest point of the hill to the Kaaba, which is why Masjid Aisha became the usual choice. Other points such as al-Ji‘ranah are also valid.
What you will find at Masjid Aisha
The mosque is large and modern, with two tall minarets, a spacious prayer hall and separate areas for women. Around it are washrooms and wudu facilities where you can take a bath (ghusl) and change into ihram clothing. Shops nearby sell ihram sheets, belts and slippers if you forgot yours.
How to get to Masjid Aisha
The mosque is about 7.5 km from Masjid al-Haram by road, normally 15 to 20 minutes by taxi or ride-hailing car. Public buses on the Makkah network have also served the route; check the current lines on arrival. Return to the Haram for tawaf straight away after entering ihram.
It is open around the clock. Late night and early morning are usually the calmest times, while the hours after Isha in Ramadan can be very busy.
Etiquette at Masjid Aisha and scholarly notes
Once you say your intention for Umrah and begin the talbiyah, all the restrictions of ihram apply. Review our ihram rules before you go.
Practical tips
Go in ihram-ready
Trim nails and remove unwanted hair at the hotel to save time.
Keep the taxi
Agree a return trip so you are not left waiting at the roadside.
Mind the women’s side
Agree a meeting point outside, as entrances for men and women are separate.
Masjid Aisha quick facts
| City | Makkah (al-Tan‘im district) |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 7.5 km from Masjid al-Haram by road |
| Time needed | 30–45 minutes for ghusl, ihram and prayer |
| Best time | Late night or early morning |
| Difficulty | Easy: step-free access from the car park |
| Open to visitors | Yes, 24 hours |
Masjid Aisha (Tan‘im)
About 7.5 km north-west of Masjid al-Haram
Open in Google MapsNearby ziyarat- Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Architecture0.8 km
- Jannat al-Mu‘alla4.6 km
- Masjid al-Jinn4.8 km
- Makkah Library5.5 km
The ziyarat route planner shows how Masjid Aisha fits with the Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques nearby. For the boundaries that apply when you arrive from abroad, see our miqat guide, and for more sites visit the ziyarat hub. The Nusuk platform publishes current Umrah regulations.
Free toolBuild your Umrah itinerary in one minutePick your nights in Makkah and Madinah and get a day-by-day outline you can bring to us.Open planner →Masjid Aisha: frequently asked questions
Do I have to use Masjid Aisha for a second Umrah?
No. Any point outside the haram boundary is valid. This mosque is simply the nearest and best equipped.
Can I enter ihram for my first Umrah here when flying in from abroad?
No. If you come from outside the miqat intending Umrah, you must enter ihram at or before your miqat, not at al-Tan‘im.
Is there a special prayer at Masjid Aisha?
No prayer specific to this mosque is established. Pray the greeting of the mosque if you wish, then make your intention and begin the talbiyah.
Can women enter ihram here during their period?
Yes. A woman can enter ihram while menstruating, but she waits until she is pure before tawaf, as the Prophet ﷺ told ‘A’ishah.
Planning your days in Makkah? Our Makkah city guide has live prayer times, the weather, the local time and every ziyarah in and around the city, including Taif.
Umrah planned around you
Tell us your dates and we will suggest a programme with time for prayer, rest and ziyarat.