🕋 Borders of the Makkah Haram: map, spiritual significance, and connection to Meeqats
Key queries: borders of Makkah Haram, Haram map, Meeqats for Umrah, Masjid al-Haram, forbidden territory of Makkah, Meeqat Tan'im.
What is the Haram and why is this territory considered sacred?
Makkah Haram (الحرم المكي الشريف) — a specially protected zone around the Kaaba, where Allah has established divine rules and restrictions.
“Verily, Allah made Makkah sacred on the day He created the heavens and the earth. It was sacred by the will of Allah yesterday and will remain sacred until the Day of Judgment” (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
- The reward for worship here is manifold higher.
- Hunting, cutting down trees, and harming living creatures are forbidden.
- Prayer in Masjid al-Haram is equivalent to 100,000 prayers outside of it.
Haram Borders vs. Meeqats — What is the difference?
The Haram is the sacred territory around the Kaaba with special rules. Meeqat is a point (boundary) where the pilgrim is obligated to enter the state of Ihram before crossing the Haram border.
If you are outside the Haram and heading to Makkah for Umrah/Hajj — Ihram must be worn before crossing the Haram border, i.e., at one of the Meeqats. If you are already in Makkah and want to perform a repeated Umrah, you exit outside the Haram border (usually to Tan'im), wear Ihram, and return.
Full guide to Meeqats with maps and photos: All Meeqats — distances, routes, rules
Key Points of the Makkah Haram Borders
| Direction | Location (Arabic / Eng.) | Distance from Kaaba | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| North | At-Tan'im (التنعيم) / Masjid Aisha | ≈ 5–7 km | Closest location for a repeated Umrah (exit outside the Haram) |
| East | Al-Ji‘ranah (الجعرانة) | ≈ 14–15 km | Historical place of Ihram for the Prophet ﷺ |
| West | Hudaybiyyah (الحديبية) | ≈ 18 km | Known for the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah |
| South | Idhat Liban (إضاة لبن) | ≈ 12 km | Southern border of the Haram |
| Southeast | Namirah (نمرة), direction to Arafat | ≈ 20 km | Arafat is outside the Haram border |
White stone arches with the inscriptions «بداية حد الحرم» / «BEGINNING OF HARAM» are installed along the perimeter.
Top Meeqats and their connection to the Haram
| Meeqat | Direction | For Whom | Connection to the Haram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhul-Hulayfah | North (Madinah) | Residents and visitors of Madinah | Outside the Haram |
| Juhfah | Northwest | Arriving from Sham/Egypt | Outside the Haram |
| Yalamlam | South | From Yemen, India, Southeast Asia | Outside the Haram |
| Qarn al-Manāzil | East | From Najd / Riyadh | Outside the Haram |
| At-Tan‘im | North of Makkah | For a repeated Umrah | Point of exit outside the Haram and return in Ihram |
Read also: Full guide to Meeqats
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to enter the Haram without Ihram?
If you live in Makkah — yes. If you are a pilgrim arriving from outside — no, you must wear Ihram at a Meeqat before crossing the Haram border.
Is Arafat part of the Haram?
No. Arafat is located outside the Haram border. Standing on Arafat is the only obligatory ritual of Hajj performed outside the Haram.
Is it possible to perform a repeated Umrah without leaving the Haram border?
No. You must exit the Haram (usually to Tan'im), wear Ihram, and return to Makkah to perform Umrah.
Where can I find current Meeqats, coordinates, and maps?
In our full guide: All Meeqats — locations, rules, and routes.
Conclusion
Understanding the borders of the Haram and the Meeqats is key to correctly performing Umrah and Hajj. Start your preparation by studying the Meeqats and planning the moment of entering Ihram — this is the first step towards an accepted worship.
