The pilgrimage of Hajj or Umrah is of immeasurable importance to the Muslims worldwide. It is a pilgrimage which entails not only physical exertion but also profound spiritual discipline. Each pilgrim must adhere to a set of sacred rules and principles before entering the holy precincts of Makkah. One of these rules requires being in the state of Ihram while passing through the Miqat.
In this guide, we will take you through all the details you should know about Miqat, its significance, history, and relevance, as well as the specified Miqat places and the significant role it plays in helping pilgrims focus on the spiritual journey that lies ahead of them.
Also Read:- Facts about Riazul Jannah
What is Miqat?
Miqat in simple terms is a defined geographical area within which pilgrims are not supposed to enter without being in the state of Ihram – a state of spiritual purity and physical preparedness. The term Miqat (Arabic: ميقات) means “an appointed place” or “a fixed time”, with reference to pilgrimage, it defines certain stations or places at which the pilgrims are required to wear their Ihram before they head to Makkah.
Passing the Miqat without assuming the state of Ihram is treated as a serious breach of the pilgrimage regulations. In both cases of Hajj and Umrah, it is a religious requirement that the pilgrim enter Makkah in the state of Ihram from the Miqat. It ensures that all pilgrims enter the sacred city in a physically and mentally pure and humble state.
History and Concept of Miqat
Miqat is a concept that can be traced back to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who identified the Miqat point for the pilgrims coming in various directions globally. These were the divinely inspired and historically recognised places where pilgrims coming form certain directions would make themselves ready to enter into the sacred land of Makkah.
There are five Miqat locations that the Prophet (PBUH) announced during his life time and each was designated to receive pilgrims who were coming in various areas of Arabia and even further. With the course of time, as Islam expanded to other territories, these prescribed points were still maintained by scholars and religious leaders and became an inseparable part of the rituals of Hajj and Umrah.
The institution of Miqat gives pilgrims unity in worship and discipline. It is like a check point of the spiritual transofrmation where the material world is abandoned, and the inner-self starts a trip to the spiritual realm, towards something divine.
Importance of Miqat in Islam
The Miqat holds deep spiritual and ritualistic importance in Islam. Some of the notable points are as follows;
- Spiritual Gateway – Miqat is the place where a pilgrim transitions and leaves the worldly status and enters the sacred one representing humbleness, equality, and devotion.
- Divine Instruction – Performing Miqat is a mandatory instruction (Fard). When neglected without just cause it makes the pilgrim obligatory to pay a penalty (Dam) which could be the sacrifice of an animal.
- A Reminder of Equality and Unity – At Miqat, all the pilgrims, irrespective of their nationality, affluence, and position, wear identical plain white clothes, which reminds of Islamic concept of unity and quality for all.
- Preparation to Worship – It serves as not a physical location but a psychological or emotional transition point assisting pilgrims in preparing mentally for the sacred activities ahead of them.
The Five Miqat Points
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) identified five Miqat points as entry points to the sacred state of Ihram for pilgrims approaching Makkah from different directions. All the five Miqat points are discussed below in more detail:
1. Dhul Hulaifah (Abyar Ali) – For Pilgrims from Madinah
The first of the five Miqat points is Dhul Hulaifah or Abyar Ali. It is the Miqat of pilgrims who are travelling from Madinah or through it. It is the most distant Miqat and is situated some 18 kilometers to the south west of Madinah and about 450 kilometers Makkah. It is the Miqat point used by the prophet (PBUH) in his farewell pilgrimage.
- Location – It is situated some 18km south west of Madinah.
- Distance from Makkah – About 450 km.
- Significance – It is the most furthest locaeted Miqat from Makkah.
- Modern Facilities –The Miqat point here is a large well-equipped mosque with showers, changing rooms, prayer halls and other modern amenities required for a comfortable experience.
2. Al-Juhfah – For Pilgrims from the West (e.g., Egypt, North Africa, and parts of Europe)
The second Miqat is Al-Juhfah located close to the town of Rabigh towards the north western direction of Makkah and a distance of approximately 183 kilometers. It caters to pilgrims who come in the west via Egypt, North Africa and some parts of Europe.
The original location of Al-Juhfah has deteriorated with time, but today Rabigh has become the convenient alternative in the place where pilgrims can assume Ihram. Because of its close proximity to Jeddah, most of the international pilgrims who fly in from the western countries choose to use this as their Miqat point.
- Location – Near Rabigh.
- Distance from Makkah – Roughly 183 km.
3. Qarn al-Manazil (As-Sail al-Kabeer) – For Pilgrims from Najd and Central Arabia
The third Miqat is Qarn al-Manazil, also referred to as As-Sail al-Kabeer and it is located to the north-east of Makkah and is assigned to pilgrims coming in the eastern areas of Najd and Riyadh. This Miqat is used by many travelers (both by land and air) of central Arabia and it is situated close to the city of Taif near Makkah. The location has modern facilities, and every year it gets a considerable number of pilgrims.
- Location – In the east near Taif.
- Distance from Makkah – Approximately 90 km.
- Facilities – This Miqat is well equipped with modern amenities and is usually frequented by pilgrims who originate in Riyadh and its surrounding areas.
4. Yalamlam – For Pilgrims from Yemen and Southern Regions
The fourth Miqat point is Yalamlam, a mountainous region to the south of Makkah, and it serves as the Miqat of people arriving to Makkah via Yemen and other southern areas. It is around 92 kilometres away the holy city of Makkah.
Many pilgrims, travelling by sea and air transport from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Southeast Asia use Yalamlam as their Miqat, particularly when they enter the Kingdom through the southern flight paths. It is still a major station to millions of pilgrims arriving from the Indian subcontinent
- Location – A mountainous path to the southern Makkah.
- Distance from Makkah – Roughly 92 km.
5. Dhat Irq – For Pilgrims from Iraq and the Northeast
Finally, we have Dhat Irq, the Miqat of those pilgrims who are arriving via Iraq and the northeast. It is situated approximately 94 kilometres northeast of Makkah and is not as widely utilised as compared to the other Miqat points but is important to those pilgrims that originate from northern Arabian regions and modern Iraq.
- Location – North eastern side of Makkah.
- Distance from Makkah – Roughly 94 km.
Every Miqat is spiritually and practically significant, and pilgrims should make sure that they do not pass these borders without being in the state of Ihram. By land, by sea or by air, you must know your Miqat location and be prepared, in order to have a valid and accepted pilgrimage.
Role of Ihram in Context to Miqat
Ihram is a sacred state and a garment, which marks the beginning of the spiritual stage of Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage. The official boundary in which this state of Ihram should be observed is miqat.
Key Elements of Ihram:
- Two-piece White Garment for men. It is a symbol of purity, equality, and non-materialism.
- Women: Women wear everyday modest clothes that cover their bodies completely and in most cases lack any form of ornamentation.
- Intention (Niyyah) – The pilgrim must make the intention (e.g., “Labbaik Allahumma Umrah”) before or at the Miqat.
- Talbiyah is an oral declaration that is said after one has taken Ihram:
“Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaik La Sharika Laka Labbaik…”
- Forbidden Things in Ihram – Cutting of nails, shaving, wearing of stitched clothes (in case of men), perfume and sexual relation are prohibited during the state of Ihram.
Importance at Miqat – The pilgrims should make sure that they are completely in Ihram state before crossing the Miqat point. When flying above the Miqat area, one is required to wear the Ihram at the airport or during the flight before passing the boundary.
Also Read:- History of Kaaba
Conclusion
Miqat is one of the basic terms that every pilgrim should know when performing Hajj or Umrah. It is not a simple checkpoint on the map but a spiritual stop, where the process of transformation of the ordinary into the sacred starts. Showing respect to its sanctity, entering the state of Ihram and adhering to the prophetic instruction linked to Miqat, the pilgrimage begins on the note that is clean, accurate and spiritually uplifting.
At Superb Hajj and Umrah we do not only transport our pilgrims logistically but also spiritually. The process of assuming Ihram, where and how to do it may look intimating to first-time pilgrims, however, with the proper information and help, everything goes smoothly. May Allah accept all the efforts of every pilgrim who performs the journey with the sincere intent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I assume Ihram from my home?
A.Yes, it is even recommended especially when you are traveling by air and you will pass the Miqat while on board. It is preferable to assume Ihram either at the airport before the departure or on the plane before entering the Miqat area.
Q. What happens if someone crosses Miqat without Ihram?
A. One must return to Miqat and assume Ihram. When that cannot be done, then a penalty (Dam) must be paid for breaking this rule, which is normally an animal sacrifice.
Q. What should I do if I’m unsure where my Miqat is?
A. Ask your travel party or a religious leader. Superb Hajj and Umrah makes sure that all pilgrims have been informed and helped accordingly before arriving at Miqat.
Q. Do women have different rules for Miqat or Ihram?
A. Miqat regulations are identical for both women and men. Women, however, never wear the two piece white garment as men do. They wear regular modest and loose clothes and have to cover themselves according to Islamic requirements.
Q. Are there Miqat facilities at airports?
A. Yes. Some airports such as the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah have quarters where pilgrims can change into Ihram clothes and perform ablution before passing through the Miqat.
Q. How many Miqat points are there?
A.There are five miqat points in different directions for pilgrims travelling from all over the world.