The 5 points of Miqat, essential boundaries for pilgrims performing Hajj or Umrah, are Dhul Hulayfah, Al-Juhfah, Qarn al-Manazil, Dhat Irq, and Yalamlam. These are the specific locations from which pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram if they are passing through or residing beyond them, intending to perform the pilgrimage.
Understanding Miqat
Miqat (plural: Mawaqit) refers to the designated boundaries or stations that Muslims intending to perform Hajj or Umrah must not cross without being in the state of Ihram. Ihram is a sacred state entered by performing ritual cleansing, wearing specific garments (for men), and making the intention for Hajj or Umrah. Crossing the Miqat without entering Ihram requires the pilgrim to return to the Miqat to do so or necessitates an expiatory sacrifice (damm).
The Five Designated Miqat Points
The provided reference lists the five historical Miqat locations established by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Each serves pilgrims approaching Makkah from different directions.
Here is a breakdown of the five points:
- Dhul Hulayfah: This is the Miqat for people coming from the direction of Madinah. It is the farthest Miqat from Makkah.
- Al-Juhfah: The Miqat for people coming from the direction of the Levant (Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine) and Egypt.
- Qarn al-Manazil: This serves pilgrims approaching from the Najd region, including those coming from Ta'if.
- Dhat Irq: The Miqat for people coming from the direction of Iraq and the East.
- Yalamlam: This is the Miqat for pilgrims arriving from the direction of Yemen and those coming by sea from the south.
These stations ensure that all pilgrims intending to perform Hajj or Umrah enter the sacred state of Ihram before approaching the vicinity of the Kaaba in Makkah.
Overview of the Miqat Stations
| Miqat Name | Direction/Region Served | Approximate Location Relative to Makkah |
|---|---|---|
| Dhul Hulayfah | Madinah | Furthest (approx. 450 km north) |
| Al-Juhfah | Levant, Egypt | North-West (approx. 180 km north-west) |
| Qarn al-Manazil | Najd, Ta'if | East (approx. 90 km east) |
| Dhat Irq | Iraq, East | North-East (approx. 100 km north-east) |
| Yalamlam | Yemen, South (via sea) | South (approx. 100 km south) |
Note: Distances are approximate and for reference only.
Practical Insights for Pilgrims
- Preparation is Key: Pilgrims should complete preparations for Ihram (shower, purify, wear Ihram garments) before reaching their respective Miqat.
- Intention: At the Miqat, pilgrims make the specific intention (niyyah) for Hajj or Umrah.
- Talbiyah: Upon entering Ihram at the Miqat, pilgrims begin reciting the Talbiyah: "Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaik La Shareeka Laka Labbaik, Innal Hamda Wan Ni'mata Laka Wal Mulk, La Shareeka Lak."
- Restrictions Apply: Once in Ihram, certain actions become prohibited, such as cutting hair or nails, wearing stitched clothes (for men), using perfumes, and hunting.
Understanding and respecting these Miqat points is a fundamental aspect of the pilgrimage, signifying the pilgrim's entry into a state of spiritual readiness for the sacred journey.
