Hajj and Umrah are profound acts of worship that Muslims from around the world aspire to perform at least once in their lifetime. These spiritual pilgrimages are not just physical journeys but journeys of the heart and soul towards the divine. An essential aspect of preparing for these sacred rites is understanding Miqat – the appointed places for entering the state of Ihram. In this post, we’ll explore the concept of Miqat, the boundaries of Haram, and why every pilgrim must be aware of it.
Introduction to Miqat
Miqat or Meeqat refers to the specific points around the holy city of Mecca, beyond which pilgrims must not pass without being in a state of Ihram if they intend to perform Hajj or Umrah. This concept ensures uniformity and order among the millions of Muslims converging on Mecca, allowing for a serene and organized commencement of the pilgrimage rites. Read how to wear Ihram properly.
Historical Context of Miqat
Entering the state of Ihram at designated points is not merely a physical requirement but an obligatory act while performing Hajj or Umrah. In total, there are five designated Miqats, with four (Hulayfah, Juhfah, Qarn, and Yalamlam) being specified in a Hadith narrated by Abdullah Ibn Abbas, whereas the fifth one Dhat Irq was affixed by Umar ibn Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) on the request of the people of Basra and Kufa.
“The Prophet PBUH designated Dhul Hulayfah as the Meeqat for residents of Madinah; al-Juhfah for those from Sham; Qarn al-Manazil for people of Najd; and Yalamlam for those from Yemen. Therefore, these locations serve as the Meeqat not only for inhabitants of these areas but also for pilgrims passing through them with the intention of performing Hajj and Umrah”. [Bukhari]
The Five Miqat Points
Islamic tradition designates five designated locations, each with its historical and religious significance:
| Miqat Name | Approximate Distance from Mecca | Defined by | Serves pilgrims arriving from |
| Qarn al-Manazil | 82 km NE | Prophet Muhammad PBUH | Najd |
| Yalamlam | 100 km SE | Prophet Muhammad PBUH | Yemen |
| Dhat Irq | 90 km NE | Umar ibn Al-Khattab | Iran and Iraq |
| Al-Juhfah | 190 km NW | Prophet Muhammad PBUH | Syria, Palestine, Jordan, USA, and Europe |
| Dhul-Hulayfah | 410 km N | Prophet Muhammad PBUH | Medina |
Dhul-Hulaifah (Abyar Ali): Miqat from Madinah to Makkah located about 410 kilometers from Mecca being the farthest one. It is for those who live in Medina and the pilgrims passing through it. Pilgrims planning to visit Madinah before heading to Makkah for Hajj or Umrah can start their state of Ihram either from their hotel in Madinah or from Dhul Hulaifah Miqat mosque (Masjid al-Shajarah) located approximately 9 miles from the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina
Al-Juhfah: Situated about 190 kilometers to the northwest of Mecca, near Rabigh. It is the nearest Miqat from Jeddah airport and serves pilgrims coming from or through the direction of Syria and Egypt. Al Juhfah also facilitates North Americans, Europeans, Turks, Syrians, Egyptians, and several other Africans.
Qarn Manazil (As-Sail’ Al-Kabeer): Miqat Qarn al Manazil is about 82 kilometers east of Mecca and is meant for pilgrims arriving from the Najd region, including Kuwait. It is the closest Miqat to Mecca.
Yalamlam (Sa’diya): Miqat Yalamlam is located about 100 kilometers to the southeast of Mecca and serves the pilgrims arriving from the direction of Yemen and further south.
Dhat Irq: Intended for pilgrims coming from the direction of Iraq and Iran, thisMeeqat location is situated about 90 kilometers to the northeast of Mecca.
Miqat Map
Boundaries of Haram
The boundaries of Haram are set by Prophet Muhammad PBUH. These boundaries are different from the city of Mecca. These boundaries serve as Meeqat for those residing in haram or performing Umrah the second time:
| Miqat Name | Distance from Mecca | Direction to |
| Masjid Taneem (Masjid e Aisha) | 5 km | Madinah |
| Adaat Laban | 11 km | Road to Yemen |
| Al Nakhla Valley | 11 km | Road to Iraq |
| Arafat (near to Masjid Nimra) | 11 km | Taif |
| Jiranah (Masjid al-Jiranah) | 14 km | Road to Taif |
| Hudaibiyah (Masjid al-Hudaibiyah) | 16 km | Road to Jeddah |
Al-Hill
A region located between the Miqats (starting points for the pilgrimage) and the sacred boundaries of the Haram area is called Al-Hil. This area includes areas like Jeddah, Khulais, al-Janun, and Taneem. Anyone within or moving through the Hil area is required to enter the Ihram before they can proceed into the sacred boundaries of the Haram.
Ihram for Second Umrah
To perform an additional Umrah, pilgrims must enter into Ihram outside the Haram boundary before returning to Makkah for Umrah rites. Many pilgrims opt to assume Ihram at Masjid Taneem Miqat, also famous as Masjid e Ayesha due to its proximity and easy access.
Ihram for Those Residing in Mecca
For those living in Mecca or passing through, performing Hajj or Umrah. They must go outside the boundaries of Haram, just as Aisha, the wife of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, did upon His guidance. She wore the Ihram outside the Haram, following the Prophet’s direction facilitated by her brother, Abdul Rahman ibn Abu Bakr. This nearest point is Masjid Taneem Miqat. [Al Bukhari:1215]
Ihram for Those Visiting for Business Purpose
For instance, someone visiting Jeddah for work and planning to perform Umrah later can wear the Ihram from Jeddah (Al-Hil) before entering the Haram area. However, if someone visiting Mecca for business purposes and planning to perform Umrah, wears Ihram from the nearest point (Masjid Taneem)
Miqat Etiquette
Upon reaching the Miqat, pilgrims are required to perform Ghusl (ritual purification), declare their intention (Niyyah) for Hajj or Umrah, and wear the Ihram garments – two unstitched white cloths for men, and modest, loose clothing covering the whole body for women. The restrictions of Ihram commence, prohibiting certain actions such as clipping nails, shaving hair, engaging in marital relations, and using perfumes, among others.
Tips for Pilgrims
- Plan Your Route: Ensure your travel plans include passing through the Miqat at which you’re required to enter Ihram.
- Prepare Your Ihram Beforehand: Have your Ihram clothing ready and familiarize yourself with the dos and don’ts of being in a state of Ihram.
- Spiritual Preparation: Use the time leading up to your arrival at the Miqat for contemplation, prayer, and reciting the Talbiyah to spiritually ready yourself for the rites ahead.
- Logistical Readiness: Carry all necessary items for your pilgrimage, including toiletries that conform to the restrictions of Ihram and any medications you may need.
- Wear Ihram at Airports: When flying to Makkah through Jeddah for Umrah or Hajj, it’s recommended to wear the Ihram before leaving home or at the airport before your flight, using the airport’s prayer area or restroom. Recite Talbiyyah only when your flight starts taking off.
Penalty for Crossing Limits
A dum (sacrificing a goat) has to be executed in the vicinity of Haram if someone crosses the designated boundaries without wearing an Ihram, though it is mandatory to maintain the sanctity of the Meeqat and the boundary of Haram.
Conclusion
The concept of Miqat plays a pivotal role in the spiritual preparation for Hajj and Umrah, setting the tone for a pilgrimage that is as much an inward quest as it is a physical endeavor. Respecting these divinely appointed boundaries and times enriches the pilgrimage, imbuing it with a profound sense of unity and purpose.
Are you planning your spiritual journey to perform Hajj or Umrah? Contact us for more information, guidance, and support to make your pilgrimage a deeply fulfilling experience. Embark on this sacred path with confidence, knowing you’re well-prepared to fulfill the rites with devotion and serenity.