Where Are the Miqat Locations? A Complete Guide

Introduction

The locations of the *Miqats* are special points where pilgrims intending to perform Umrah or Hajj must enter the state of *Ihram* before they cross the boundary of the holy territory of Makkah.

Miqat is the designated boundary for entering Ihram. Wikipedia

Knowing the exact location of the *Miqats* is an important aspect of preparation for the pilgrimage, especially if you are traveling from abroad or crossing Saudi Arabia by car or air route.

What is a Miqat and why is it needed

Definition of Miqat

The word “Miqat” means a geographical point or area through which a person cannot pass with the intention of performing Hajj or Umrah without assuming *Ihram*.

“The Prophet ﷺ appointed Dhul-Hulaifah as the Miqat for the people of Medina; Al-Juhfah for the people of Sham (Syria); and Qarn al-Manazil for the people of Najd; and Yalamlam for the people of Yemen.”

Source: ziyaratours.co.uk

Later, during the time of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, a fifth Miqat was added — Dhat Irq — for the regions of Iraq, Iran, and others.

Main Miqat Locations

Below are the five classic *Miqats* with a description, direction, and the regions for which they are designated.

1. Dhul-Hulaifah (also "Al-Abar Ali")

Direction: Northern, for Medina and those passing through it

• Located approximately 9 km from the Masjid an-Nabawi mosque in Medina.
• Usually used by pilgrims arriving or departing from Medina, or heading north towards Makkah.
• If you are performing Umrah or Hajj and traveling through Medina, it is essential to enter *Ihram* before this point.

2. Al-Juhfah (also "Rabigh")

Direction: Western, for Sham, Egypt, Europe

• About 190 km northwest of Makkah.
• Designated for pilgrims arriving from the direction of Syria, Egypt, Turkey, Europe, and North Africa.
• When traveling through Jeddah, it is often used as the closest *Ihram* point before Makkah.

3. Qarn al-Manazil (also "As-Sail")

Direction: Eastern, for Najd, UAE, Pakistan

• Approximately 80–90 km east of Makkah, near the city of Ta'if.
• Designated for the residents of Najd and pilgrims from the directions of the UAE, Oman, Pakistan, Malaysia, Australia, and others.

4. Yalamlam (also "Al-Sa'diyah")

Direction: Southern, for Yemen and Africa

• Located about 100 km south of Makkah.
• Designated for pilgrims traveling from Yemen and other southern regions (e.g., South Africa, Nigeria, etc.).

5. Dhat Irq

Direction: North-Eastern, for Iraq, Iran, Russia

• About 90 km northeast of Makkah.
• Designated for pilgrims traveling from Iraq, Iran, China, Russia, and others.

When the Miqat is used and how to act

If you live outside the zone between the *Miqat* and the holy territory (*Haram*) and are heading towards Makkah with the intention of Umrah or Hajj, you are obligated to enter *Ihram* before or upon crossing your *Miqat* point.

If you are already inside the zone between the *Miqat* and the *Haram* (for example, living in Makkah or closer), then for a repeated Umrah or *Umrah muraja’ah*, you will need to exit the *Haram* boundary before assuming *Ihram*, for instance, at Masjid Taneem (Masjid Aisha) or another point.

Air pilgrims (via Jeddah) often see an announcement about approaching the *Miqat* and must prepare for *Ihram* on the plane or immediately after landing.

Why it is important to know the Miqat point

• Avoiding Violations: If you cross the *Miqat* without the state of *Ihram* (with the intention of Umrah/Hajj), it is considered a violation and requires a sacrifice (*Kaffarah*) or other consequences.
• Route Planning: This affects your journey, route planning, transportation, and timing. For example, if you enter through Jeddah, it is important that the bus or taxi makes a stop at the *Miqat* instead of simply driving straight into Makkah.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing the *Miqat* helps groups, tour operators, and individual pilgrims to coordinate the time for *Ihram*, clothing, and spiritual state — and to avoid unnecessary stress.

Practical Advice

• Clarify the Route: Plane, bus, private transport — find out which *Miqat* you will be passing through.
• Check with the Tour Operator: If you are traveling with a tour agency, make sure they have included a stop at the *Miqat* before entering Makkah.
• Prepare *Ihram* Clothing: Prepare your *Ihram* clothing in advance to assume *Ihram* immediately when necessary.
• Intention: Make the intention for Umrah/Hajj before or upon entering the *Miqat* zone — confirm with your group or guide.
• Repeated Umrah: If you reside in Makkah and want to perform a repeated Umrah, plan a trip to a point outside the *Haram* (e.g., Taneem) to assume *Ihram*.

Conclusion

Knowing the *Miqat* locations is one of the key points in preparing for the pilgrimage. Regardless of whether you are traveling in a group or individually, or which direction you are arriving from, it is important to clearly understand when, where, and how to assume *Ihram*.

The correct choice of *Miqat* point and fulfillment of the conditions will help you enter the state of *Ihram* with dignity and peace, focusing on the spiritual goal of your journey.