A Miqat is the boundary where pilgrims heading to Makkah for Hajj or Umrah must be in ihram. There are five main Miqat points.
The five Miqat points
- Dhul Hulaifah (Abyar Ali) — near Madinah. For pilgrims travelling from Madinah to Makkah.
- Al-Juhfah — near Rabigh, north of Jeddah. For those coming from the direction of Egypt, Syria and North Africa.
- Qarn al-Manazil (As-Sail al-Kabir) — near Taif. For those coming from the Najd and Taif direction.
- Yalamlam — south of Makkah. For those coming from Yemen and the south.
- Dhat Irq — north-east. For those coming from the direction of Iraq.
Flying in from abroad
If you fly to Jeddah and go straight to Umrah, your plane will cross a Miqat before landing. Most scholars advise putting on ihram before boarding or on the plane and making the intention when the crew announces the Miqat. Follow the guidance of your own scholar.
Travelling by car
- Madinah → Makkah: your driver can stop at Dhul Hulaifah mosque, which has washing facilities.
- Taif → Makkah: stop at Qarn al-Manazil.
- Already in Makkah: for another Umrah, go outside the Haram boundary — usually to Masjid Aisha (Tan'eem) or Al-Jiranah.