Miqat (Arabic: ميقات) designates the specific zones where pilgrims must don the Ihram garments, and crossing these boundaries without being in the state of Ihram necessitates an animal sacrifice (Damm) as atonement.
Miqats of Hajj and Umrah There are five principal Miqats, as delineated in the Hadith narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas:
- Dhul Hulayfah for the people of Madinah
- Al-Juhfah for the people of Sham
- Qarn al-Manazil for the people of Najd
- Yalamlam for the people of Yemen
These boundaries apply to residents and those passing through these areas with the intent to perform Hajj or Umrah. Residents within these Miqats should begin their Ihram at their homes, while those in Makkah can commence Ihram within the city.
During the reign of Caliph Umar Ibn al-Khattab, Dhat Irq was established as a Miqat for the newly conquered regions of Basra and Kufa, providing a more accessible point for these populations.
Names and Locations of Miqats
· Dhul Hulayfah, located 18 kilometers southwest of Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah, serves the pilgrims of Madinah.
- Al-Juhfah, situated 182 kilometers northwest of Makkah, caters to pilgrims from North America, Europe, and parts of Africa.
- Qarn al-Manazil, positioned 80 kilometers east of Makkah, serves pilgrims from the east, including the U.A.E, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia.
- Dhat Irq, 90 kilometers northeast of Makkah, is a Miqat for pilgrims from Iraq, Iran, and further east.
- Yalamlam, located 100 kilometers south of Makkah, is the starting point for pilgrims from Yemen and southern regions.
Al-Hil Al-Hil refers to the region between the Miqat boundaries and the Haram’s outer limits. Residents or travelers in Al-Hil must enter Ihram before crossing into the Haram unless their initial purpose in Makkah is unrelated to pilgrimage.
Haram The sacred precinct of Makkah, or Haram, is defined by strict boundaries where specific prohibitions apply. Violations within these limits require Damm or Sadaqah as expiation. Pilgrims wishing to perform additional Umrah must re-enter Ihram from outside the Haram’s boundaries.
Madinah Pilgrims in Madinah typically begin their Ihram at Masjid Dhul Hulayfah. Those traveling to Makkah by train may delay their intention until just before crossing the Miqat.
Jeddah Pilgrims mistakenly entering Ihram at Jeddah airport must either proceed to the designated Miqat or perform Damm. Jeddah serves primarily as a non-Miqat zone for residents and non-pilgrimage visitors.
Airlines Travelers flying to perform Umrah should ideally don Ihram before departure. Islamic airlines offer facilities for prayer and changing, alerting passengers as they near the Miqat. Non-Islamic carriers lack such amenities, so preparation before boarding is encouraged.