What Is Miqat? Understanding Its Meaning, Types, and Locations for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims

For every Muslim preparing to perform Hajj or Umrah, understanding the concept and location of miqat is essential. Miqat serves as the designated boundary—by place or time—where pilgrims must make their ihram intention before entering Makkah to perform their sacred rituals.

Each pilgrim has a different miqat point depending on the direction they arrive from. Choosing the correct miqat is not arbitrary, as it follows the precise guidance set by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The Meaning of Miqat

Linguistically, the word miqat comes from the Arabic root awqata–yuqitu, which means “to set a time or place.” In Islamic jurisprudence, miqat refers to the appointed time or location determined for beginning the state of ihram—a sacred state of purity and devotion required for Hajj or Umrah.

According to the official Hajj and Umrah Guidelines published by Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) personally designated the miqat boundaries. This precise organization reflects how detailed and orderly the acts of worship in Islam are.

Once pilgrims pass their miqat and make the ihram intention, they must observe all restrictions until their pilgrimage is complete. Knowing the correct miqat according to one’s travel route is therefore a vital part of preparing for Hajj or Umrah.

Types and Locations of Miqat

There are two main types of miqat:

Miqat Makani (Spatial Boundary). Refers to the geographic locations set for entering the state of ihram.
Miqat Zamani (Time Boundary). Refers to the specific time period designated for performing Hajj.

This article focuses on miqat makani, or the locations established by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) for pilgrims entering Makkah from various directions.

1. Dzulhulaifah (Bir Ali)

This miqat is for those arriving from Madinah. Today, it is widely known as Bir Ali or Abyar Ali, located about 450 km from Makkah and 9 km from Madinah.

Indonesian pilgrims who are part of the first flight group usually land at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah and make their ihram intention at Bir Ali Mosque before continuing their journey to Makkah.

2. Yalamlam

Situated about 92 km southeast of Makkah, Yalamlam serves as the miqat for pilgrims coming from Yemen and surrounding regions, including India, Pakistan, China, and Japan.

Pilgrims from Indonesia who fly directly to Jeddah or Makkah without stopping in Madinah typically make their ihram intention mid-flight when crossing over Yalamlam’s airspace. The cabin crew will usually announce the approaching miqat so pilgrims can recite their intention on time.

3. Juhfah (Raabigh)

Juhfah is the designated miqat for pilgrims arriving from the Levant region, which includes Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine. Today, most pilgrims take their ihram from Raabigh—about 15 km from the original Juhfah site and approximately 186 km from Makkah.

Here stands the historic Miqat Al-Juhfah Mosque, a well-known site used since the 14th century Hijri as the starting point for pilgrims arriving via that route.

4. Qarnul Manazil (As-Sail Al-Kabiir)

Qarnul Manazil serves as the miqat for pilgrims coming from Najd and the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. Today, it is better known as As-Sail Al-Kabiir, a valley often used as a starting point for ihram.

Located about 78 km from Makkah, it is one of the most frequently used miqat points, especially for those arriving by air from the east.

5. Dzatu ‘Irqin

This miqat was appointed for pilgrims from Iraq by Caliph Umar ibn Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). The site is located around 100 km from Makkah.

Since direct access to the area is now limited, most pilgrims coming from the east use Qarnul Manazil (As-Sail Al-Kabiir) as a practical alternative.

Miqat for Pilgrims from Makkah

For residents of Makkah or anyone already within the boundaries of the Haram, the ihram intention cannot be made inside the city. They must first exit the Haram area and make ihram from outside. Common locations include:

1. Tan‘im (Masjid Aisyah)

Located about 5 km from Makkah, Tan‘im is the nearest miqat point. It is also known as Masjid Aisyah, named after Lady Aisyah (may Allah be pleased with her), who took her miqat from this spot with the Prophet’s permission. Tan‘im is commonly used for performing additional or voluntary umrah.

2. Ji‘ranah

Around 22 km from Makkah, Ji‘ranah holds historical importance as the place where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made ihram for umrah after the conquest of Makkah. Today, it remains a preferred miqat site for many pilgrims.

3. Hudaibiyah

Situated roughly 30 km from Makkah, Hudaibiyah is remembered for the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. Although the Prophet did not perform umrah that year, he entered the state of ihram at this very spot. Many pilgrims continue to choose Hudaibiyah as their miqat, especially during Hajj season.

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