The Miqat (Arabic: مِيْقَات) designates the appointed boundary at which pilgrims must enter the sacred state of Ihram—both by wearing the prescribed garments and observing its spiritual obligations. Crossing this boundary without having assumed Ihram invalidates the pilgrimage rites and requires expiation (Damm) through the sacrifice of a designated animal.
Miqats of Hajj and Umrah
The Prophet ﷺ established specific Miqat locations for assuming Ihram, four of which are detailed in this authentic narration by ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (رضي الله عنهما):
Allah’s Messenger ﷺ had fixed Dhul Hulayfah as the Miqat for the people of Madinah; al-Juhfah for the people of Sham; and Qarn al-Manazil for the people of Najd; and Yalamlam for the people of Yemen. So, these (above mentioned) are the Mawaqit for all those living in those places, and besides them for those who come through those places with the intention of performing Hajj and Umrah and whoever lives within these places should assume Ihram from his dwelling place, and similarly the people of Makkah can assume Ihram from Makkah.
[Narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari]
During his righteous caliphate, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه) instituted an additional Miqat to accommodate the growing Muslim lands. This occurred after the pivotal conquests of Basra and Kufa, when new pilgrimage routes emerged from Iraq.
As narrated by the esteemed scholar-companion ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (رضي الله عنه):
When the Muslim territories expanded eastward, Amir al-Mu’minin ‘Umar ( رضي الله عنه) designated Dhat ‘Irq as the Miqat for travelers coming from Iraq and Persia, thus completing the five sacred boundaries.
When these two towns (Basra and Kufa) were captured, the people went to Umar and said, “O Chief of the faithful believers! The Prophet ﷺ fixed Qarn as the Miqat for the people of Najd, it is beyond our way and it is difficult for us to pass through it.” He said, “Take as your Miqat a place situated opposite to Qarn on your usual way. So, he fixed Dhat Irq (as their Miqat).
[Narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari]
Miqat Names, Locations and Distance
Dhul Hulayfah (also known as Abyar Ali)
Situated just 18 km southwest of the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi ﷺ), Dhul Hulayfah serves as the sacred boundary point for:
- Residents of Madinah al-Munawwarah
- All pilgrims approaching from northern regions (including those traveling via air routes over this latitude)
Al-Juhfah (also known as Rabigh)
Al-Juhfah, situated approximately 182 kilometers (113 miles) northwest of Makkah, serves as the designated Miqat for pilgrims traveling from North America, Europe, Turkey, Syria, Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, and various other African nations. For added convenience, travelers may also enter the state of Ihram at Rabigh, a nearby town located just north of Al-Juhfah.
Qarn al-Manazil (also known as al-Sayl)
Qarn al-Manazil, situated approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) east of Makkah near Ta’if, serves as the designated Miqat for pilgrims from Najd and travelers arriving from various countries including the UAE, Oman, Pakistan, Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Dhat Irq
Dhat Irq is located 90 kilometres (56 miles) northeast of Makkah. This is the Miqat for people intending to perform Hajj travelling from Iraq, Iran, China, Russia etc.
Yalamlam (also known as al-Sadiah)
Yalamlam, situated approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Makkah, serves as the designated Miqat for pilgrims from Yemen and travelers arriving from southern routes, including those journeying from African nations such as South Africa and Nigeria.
Al-Hil
Al-Hil (Arabic: الحل) designates the region between the outer Miqat boundaries and Makkah’s sacred Haram boundary, encompassing cities like Jeddah, Khulais, al-Janun, and Taneem.
Pilgrims living in or passing through al-Hil must enter Ihram before crossing into Haram territory – for instance, a business traveler to Jeddah planning later Umrah may assume Ihram either in Jeddah or immediately before the Haram boundary.
Residents entering Makkah for non-pilgrimage purposes (like praying at al-Masjid al-Haram or visiting family) need not wear Ihram, though they must enter this state at the Haram boundary if subsequently deciding to perform Umrah.
Haram
The Sacred Boundaries of Makkah (Al-Haram)
The Haram refers to the consecrated territory surrounding Makkah, where specific actions forbidden within its bounds remain permissible elsewhere. Within this holy sanctuary, it is forbidden to hunt wild animals, harm plants or trees, allow livestock to graze, carry weapons, engage in fighting, or commit any act that violates the sanctity of Masjid al-Haram.
Should any of these prohibitions be breached, expiation (kaffārah) becomes obligatory, either through Damm (sacrificing an animal) or Sadaqah (giving charity).
The boundaries of the Haram are as follows:
- Taneem – Masjid Aisha, also known as Masjid Taneem, located about 8 km (5 miles) from the Kaaba and 5 km (3 miles) away from Makkah, in the direction of Madinah.
- Adaat Laban – On the road to Yemen, 11 km (7 miles) away from Makkah.
- Wadi Nakhla – On the road to Iraq, 11 km (7 miles) away from Makkah.
- Arafat – On the road to Ta’if, close to Masjid Nimra in Arafat, 11 km (7 miles) away from Makkah.
- Ji’ranah – Masjid al-Ji’ranah, located about 14 km (9 miles) away from Makkah.
- Hudaibiyah – Masjid al-Hudaibiyah, on the road to Jeddah, about 16 km (10 miles) away from Makkah.
Pilgrims wishing to perform another Umrah must enter the state of Ihram outside Makkah’s sacred boundaries before returning to complete the Umrah rituals. The most practical and frequently used location for this purpose is Masjid Aisha (also called Tan’eem), situated just outside the Haram area and easily accessible from Masjid al-Haram. Regular transportation services operate near the mosque to facilitate pilgrims’ journey to this designated Ihram site.
Madinah
For pilgrims traveling to Madinah before proceeding to Makkah for Hajj or Umrah, there are convenient options for entering Ihram:
- Road Travelers:
You may assume Ihram either at your Madinah hotel or at Masjid Dhul Hulayfah (the designated Miqat for Madinah). Coach and taxi services typically make a stop at this Miqat when traveling by road to Makkah. - Train Travelers:
Those taking the Haramain Highspeed Railway can: - Put on Ihram garments at their hotel or Madinah station before departure
- Delay their niyyah (intention) until after boarding
- Listen for the Miqat announcement approximately 10 minutes into the journey
Make their formal Ihram intention when the train approaches the boundary.
Jeddah
Pilgrims sometimes enter into Ihram at Jeddah airport, which is a violation of the prescribed guidelines. To rectify this, they should either travel to their designated Miqat or the nearest one. The closest Miqat to Jeddah is al-Juhfah (Rabigh), located approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) away. Alternatively, they must offer an animal sacrifice (Damm) as expiation.
However, residents of Jeddah or those visiting for purposes such as business or tourism may enter into Ihram from Jeddah.
There is scholarly debate regarding whether Jeddah qualifies as a Miqat for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Given this difference of opinion, it is advisable to take the cautious approach to ensure that the rites of Hajj and Umrah are performed with certainty.
Airlines
If you are flying to Makkah via Jeddah for Umrah, it is best to change into Ihram before departure—either at home, at the airport, or during a stopover if applicable. At the airport, you can check in first and then use the prayer room or bathroom to change. Another option is to put on Ihram during the flight, though this is the least recommended choice.
Flight with a non-Islamic Airline
If you are flying with a non-Islamic airline, there may be no facilities on board for prayer or changing into Ihram. Therefore, it is recommended to change into Ihram at the airport before departure. As you approach the Miqat, you should make the intention to enter into the state of Ihram.
Flight with an Islamic Airline
If you are flying with an Islamic airline, a small prayer area will be available during the flight. Around 10 to 20 minutes before reaching the Miqat, the captain will announce it or a message will appear on the screen. At that point, you should enter into Ihram if you haven’t already. However, if you find changing on the plane uncomfortable or challenging, it is best to put on your Ihram at the airport before departure.
