Miqat refers to the boundary where it becomes necessary for pilgrims to put on their Ihram garments and make the intention of Ihram.
There are five Miqats in total, four of which are mentioned in the following Hadith narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas:
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.
[Bukhari]
An additional Miqat was affixed during the reign of the second caliph, Umar Ibn al-Khattab after the towns of Basra and Kufa had been captured. Abdullah ibn Umar narrates:
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).
[Buhari]
The 5 Miqat Names and Locations
Dhul Hulayfah (also known as Abyar Ali)
Dhul Hulayfah is located 18 kilometers southwest of Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah and is 410 kilometers (255 miles) north of Makkah. This is the Miqat for the people of Madinah and the people (outside of Madinah) that intend to perform Hajj by passing beyond this point coming from the North.
Al-Juhfah (also known as Rabigh)
Al-Juhfah is located 182 kilometers (113 miles) northwest of Makkah. This is the Miqat for people intending to perform Hajj traveling from North America, Europe, Turkey, Syria, Egypt, Algeria, Sudan and several other African countries. Pilgrims may also enter into Ihram at Rabigh, a town just to the north of al-Juhfah.
Qarn al-Manazil (also known as al-Sayl)
Qarn al-Manazil is located 80 kilometers (50 miles) east of Makkah. This is the Miqat for the people of Najd and those traveling from countries such as the U.A.E, Oman, Pakistan, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore etc. It is near the city of Ta’if.
Dhat Irq
Dhat Irq is located 90 kilometers (56 miles) northeast of Makkah. This is the Miqat for people intending to perform Hajj traveling from Iraq, Iran, China, Russia, etc.
Yalamlam (also known as al-Sadiah)
Yalamlam is located 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Makkah. This is the Miqat for the people of Yemen and those coming from the south. Pilgrims travelling from countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, etc. will cross this Miqat.
Al-Hil
Al-Hil refers to the area between the boundaries of the Miqats and the boundaries of the Haram. Towns and cities such as Jeddah, Khulais, al-Janun and Taneem are all situated within the al-Hil area.
Pilgrims residing in or traveling through al-Hil must enter into a state of Ihram before crossing the boundary of the Haram. For example, a person who travels to Jeddah for business purposes and wants to perform Umrah at a later stage may enter into Ihram in Jeddah or before crossing the boundary of the Haram.
If an individual from al-Hil has the intention of entering Makkah for another purpose, such as praying Salah at the Haram or visiting friends or relatives, Ihram won’t be required. If, after entering Makkah, the individual decides to perform Umrah, Ihram will need to be assumed at the boundary of the Haram.
Boundaries of the Haram
For those living in or already in Masjid al-Haram desiring to perform Umrah or Hajj, there is a different way of putting on the Ihram. They must leave the boundaries of the Haram, put on the Ihram and re-enter to perform Umrah or Hajj.
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 al-Namirah 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 tend to choose to enter into the state of Ihram at Masjid Aisha, as it is the the nearest and most convenient location from Masjid al-Haram, but as long as the boundaries are left you are fine. Transportation to get to these boundaries are available near the Masjid.
This also applies to those that did one Umrah and want to perform another one.
Madinah
Pilgrims who intend to go to Madinah before going to Makkah to perform Hajj or Umrah may enter into Ihram at the hotel in Madinah or the designated Miqat for Madinah (Masjid Dhul Hulayfah). The taxi/coach will stop at Masjid Dhul Hulayfah on the way to Makkah if you’re traveling by road.
Pilgrims traveling from Madinah to Makkah via train can wear the Ihram garments at the hotel or the train station prior to departure. Your intention for Ihram can be delayed until after the train has departed. About 10 minutes into the train journey, an announcement will be made about the approaching Miqat boundary. At this point, you should make the intention to enter the state of Ihram.