Five Miqats are established, with four recommended by Hadith, while one was designated during Caliph Umar bin Khattab’s rule.
The Hadith referencing the establishment of the four Miqats can be found in Sahih al-Bukhari 1526, Book 25, Hadith 14, Volume 2.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) designated Dhul Hulaifa as the Miqat for the people of Medina, Al-Juhfa for the people of Sham, Qarn Ul-Manazil for the people of Najd, and Yalamlam for the people of Yemen. These locations serve as the designated points (Mawaqit) for those residing there and for those passing through with the intention of performing Hajj and Umrah. Residents within these areas should enter into Ihram from their respective dwellings, while those in Mecca can initiate Ihram from Mecca itself.
During the reign of Umar Ibn al-Khattab, the second caliph of Islam, a new Miqat was appointed following the conquest of Basra and Kufa. This Miqat, called Dhat Irq, is situated close to the present-day city of An-Najaf, Iraq.
The five designated points (Miqats) for initiating the pilgrimage of Hajj and Umrah.
- Dhul Hulayfah
- Al-Juhfah
- Qarn al-Manazil
- Dhat Irq
- Yalamlam
Dhul Hulayfah, located approximately 18 kilometers southwest of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina and about 410 kilometers north of Mecca, serves as a Miqat for individuals from Medina or those arriving from the north. Additionally, there’s Dhul Hulifa Mosque situated around 450 kilometers from Mecca and 9 kilometers from Medina, also serving as a Miqat location for locals. While it’s not obligatory to don Ihram inside the mosque, it’s acceptable to do so on its outskirts. In essence, Dhul Hulayfah acts as a Miqat for travelers approaching from the north or from Medina, as well as for residents of Medina. Ihram should be worn before passing this point if approaching from the relevant direction.
For travelers coming from regions such as Syria, Turkey, Europe, North America, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Sudan, Algeria, and various African countries to perform Hajj or Umrah, knowledge of Al-Juhfah is crucial. Located approximately 190 kilometers northwest of Mecca, it is commonly referred to as Rabigh, named after the nearby town to the north. Al-Juhfah holds historical significance as it’s where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) met his uncle Abbas (RA) during his journey to conquer Mecca. Situated around 9 kilometers from Ghadir Khumm near the Red Sea, it’s also where individuals traveling from Jeddah to Mecca typically enter into Ihram. Therefore, if you’re arriving from any of the mentioned countries, it’s essential to commence Ihram at Al-Juhfah or Rabigh.
Qarn al-Manazil, situated approximately 80 kilometers east of Mecca near Ta’if, is a hilly region designated as the Miqat for travelers from Najd and those journeying from countries like the U.A.E., Oman, Pakistan, Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore for pilgrimage. Also known as Muqat Al Sail Al Kabir, it holds historical importance as the site where the Angel Gabriel (AS) appeared before Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during his persecution by the inhabitants of Taif.
Dhat Irq serves as a Miqat located approximately 85–94 kilometers northeast of Mecca, depending on the specific location. It is designated for pilgrims arriving from Iran, Iraq, China, Russia, and other countries intending to perform Hajj or Umrah.
Dhat Irq Miqat was established during the Caliphate of Umar (RA) and was named after the largest mountain in the area, Irq Aswad. Following the capture of the towns of Basra and Kufa, Muslims expressed difficulty reaching Qarn (the Miqat fixed by the Messenger of Allah for inhabitants of Najd). In response, Umar Bin Khattab (RA) suggested establishing a Miqat opposite Qarn as a usual route. Consequently, he designated Dhat Irq as a new Miqat.
Yalamlam, positioned approximately 100 kilometers south of Mecca, serves as the Miqat for pilgrims arriving from Yemen and travelers from southern regions like South Africa and Nigeria. It also functions as the Miqat for those arriving by ship from countries such as China, Japan, and India.
Historically, Yalamlam was frequented by traders from the Indian subcontinent. Nestled in a mountainous area about 92 kilometers southeast of Mecca, it serves as the designated Miqat for travelers from Yemen or those following similar routes.
