What is Miqat? What Are the Five Boundaries of Meeqat?

The first criterion of ihram is time and location, i.e, when and where to proclaim the intent to begin the hajj. Also, wear a hajj dress in order for the hajj to be acceptable. Thus, the miqat of time refers to a set amount of time during which the hajjis perform the rituals of Hajj. However, the majority of scholars agree that the months of Shawwal, Dhul-Qada, and the first ten days of Dhul-Hija represent the miqat of time. 

Hajj and Umrah Miqat: 

There are five places in all, four of which are listed in Abdullah ibn Abbas’s Hadith: 

“Allah’s Messenger ﷺ had fixed Dhul Hulayfah as the Meeqat for the people of Madinah; al-Juhfah for the people of Sham; Qarn al-Manazil for the people of Najd; and Yalamlam for the people of Yemen. So, these (above mentioned) are the Mawaqeet 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, whoever lives within these places should assume Ihram from his dwelling place, and similarly, the people of Makkah can assume Ihram from Makkah.” 

After the towns of Basra and Kufa were taken, an extra Meeqat was added under the reign of Umar Ibn al-Khattab. He suggested, “Take as your Meeqat a location on your normal route opposite Qarn.” As a result, he rebuilt Dhat Irq as their Meeqat.

Meeqat Laws: 

Please keep in mind that the law on miqat applies equally to both hajj and ‘umrah. And also, Jeddah Airport is located within the miqat line. Because the majority of visitors arrive by airline, it is necessary to keep in mind that they must dress in ihram. Moreover, they must make their intention before entering miqat – in this example, before reaching Jeddah.

The Penalty for Not Following Meeqat Rules: 

So, anyone who enters the miqat barrier without ihram with the aim of doing ‘umrah or hajj has to sacrifice (expiate) an animal. In addition, they should make sacrifices in Makkah, Mina, or Muzdalifa. Hence, they cannot perform it in one’s native land or anywhere else. 

The Five Mawaqeet Names and Their Locations: 

There are a total of five boundaries of miqats as follows: 

1. Dhul-Hulayfah 
2. Al-Juhfah 
3. Yalamlam 
4. Qarn al Manazil 
5. Dhat Irq 

1. Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali): 

It is currently located in the southern section of Al Madinah and is also known as Abyar Ali. However, it is around 420 kilometers from Makkah. This is the Meeqat for Madinah residents and those traveling from the north to conduct Hajj. 

Everyone performing Hajj from Madinah is required to wear ihram at the Meeqat of Madinah. Moreover, going into Masjid Dhul Hulayfah to carry Ihram is optional. Also, you can wear it on the boundaries of mosques. 

2. Al- Juhfah (Rabigh): 

It is around 190 kilometers northwest of Makkah. Pilgrims from Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Morocco, and Spain use this Meeqat. In addition, Al-Juhfah is closer to the city of Rabigh.

However, Ghadir Khumm, which is adjacent to the Red Sea, is about 9 kilometers from this city. At this place, pilgrims traveling from Jeddah to Makkah take ihram. 

3. Yalamlam (Al-Sadiyah): 

It is located around 92 kilometers southeast of Makkah in a hilly area. This is the Meeqat site for travelers coming from Yemen. So, pilgrims arriving from Yemen stop at this Miqat to enter Ihram before going on to their destination. 

In addition, this meeqat is known as Al-Sadiyah these days. This is also your meeqat location if you are traveling by sea from India, Pakistan, China, Japan, or somewhere else. 

4. Qarn al Manazil (Al-Sayl)

As-Saylul Kabeer is the common name for this miqat. It is 75 kilometers from Makkah. In addition, it is also a location of Meeqat for pilgrims passing through Ta’if. Also, this is the Meeqat for Najd residents as well as visitors from the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Pakistan, Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore. 

Moreover, you can reach the highest peak, Wadee Muhrim, through the Ta’if route.

5. Dhat Irq: 

It is now known as Ad-Dareebah or Al-Khareebaat. Dhat Irq Meeqat is around 94 kilometers north of Makkah. However, this is the Meeqat site for pilgrims traveling from Iraq and Iran. Also, on the way from Makkah to Kufa, it is the Miqat site for Umrah and Hajj. 

Moreover, this location is divided into three parts. Maslakh is the first segment, Qumrah is the second, and Dhat Irq is the third. In addition, wearing Ihram from Maslakh is recommended. But there is no harm in wearing it in the other two locations as well. 

Rules and Regulations for People Residing Within Meeqat Places: 

Anyone who lives inside these limits has the ability to assume Ihram. Therefore, the residents of Makkah should take ihram from Makkah. However, anyone who wishes to perform Umrah while inside Al-Haram should proceed to Al-Hill and assume Ihram from there. Moreover, this is because Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) did this at the command of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him). 

Her brother, Abdul-Rahman ibn Abu Bakr took her out of the Haram to Al-Tan’im and allowed her to adopt ihram for Umrah as decreed by the Prophet SAW. Also, this happened following the end of Hajj, during the Farewell Hajj. 

The Final Words:

We have tried our best to answer your “what is miqat?” question. As you have seen, there are five miqat places and one must wear ihram before entering Makkah. So, if you are planning to perform Umrah or Hajj this year, this will help you a lot.

Moreover, Qibla Travels Ltd. offers the cheapest hajj and umrah packages. They are the most trustworthy travel agency to travel with. Avail of their reasonable packages and get a hassle-free trip.