What Are Miqats for Hajj and Umrah?

Miqat is a special boundary for pilgrims where it is necessary for them to wear special clothes called Ihram. They highlight that all pilgrims are equal and united before Allah. 

What is a Miqat?

When Muslims start their sacred journeys of Hajj or Umrah, they begin them in certain places called Miqats. Miqat is a special boundary for pilgrims where it is necessary for them to wear special clothes called Ihram. If they cross this boundary without wearing Ihram, they must sacrifice an animal as expiation. Ihram helps people from different backgrounds come together. It doesn’t matter how much money they have or what their status is. They all prepare to fulfill their religious duties in Makkah. 

Main Miqats for Hajj and Umrah

There are five main Miqat stations, strategically placed to accommodate pilgrims arriving from different directions:

Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali): Positioned around 12 kilometers southwest of Madinah, it is for pilgrims coming from or through Madinah.

Al-Juhfah (near Rabigh): Serving pilgrims from Europe, North America, and regions northwest of Saudi Arabia like Syria and Egypt, situated about 180 kilometers northwest of Makkah.

Qarn al-Manazil (As-Sayl al-Kabir): Located near Taif, approximately 81 kilometers east of Makkah, it is designated for pilgrims from the Najd region, including cities like Riyadh and Dammam, and countries east of Saudi Arabia like the UAE, Oman, India, Pakistan, and Malaysia.

Dhat Irq: Around 110 kilometers northeast of Makkah, it is for pilgrims coming from the northeast, including Iraq and Iran.

Yalamlam: Situated approximately 108 kilometers southeast of Makkah, it serves pilgrims coming from Yemen and the southern direction.

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Apart from these main Miqat locations, there’s also Masjid Aisha, which is significant for those already in Makkah wanting to perform an additional Umrah. This mosque allows pilgrims to enter Ihram conveniently, being the closest spot to Al-Masjid Al-Haram.

It’s important for pilgrims, especially those traveling by air, to be aware of entering Ihram before reaching the Miqat zone. Airlines often assist by notifying passengers when the plane is approaching a Miqat.

The tradition of Miqat comes from Islamic teachings. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) started it, and Umar Ibn al-Khattab organized it further. These points help millions of Muslims get ready spiritually for their trips to the holy places. They highlight that all pilgrims are equal and united before Allah.