The ruling on entering ihram from the miqat when traveling by air for Hajj

Question:
We conclude this session with this question from one of the brothers who did not mention his name in his message. He says: I want to perform Hajj, O Shaykh. I have a friend in the city of Jeddah, and I want to visit him for a few days before Hajj. Should I enter ihram before I board the plane from Riyadh to Jeddah, or can I enter ihram from my friend’s house in Jeddah?

Answer:
You must enter ihram from the plane if you arrive in Makkah via Jeddah intending to perform Hajj. You must enter ihram from the miqat you pass over by making the intention, reciting the talbiyah, removing your sewn garments, and wearing the izār and the rida. There is no harm in staying in Jeddah while in ihram before you go for Hajj or 'Umrah. It is not permissible to pass the miqat while intending Hajj or 'Umrah and saying, “I will enter ihram from Jeddah.” This does not suffice you; it is not valid from you. If you do this, your ihram is established and valid, but you owe a fidyah (ransom payment) for passing the miqat without entering ihram. May Allah reward you, O Honorable Shaykh, and may Allah bless you and your knowledge, and benefit Islam and the Muslims through you.