When a pilgrim sets their heart on the sacred journey of Umrah or Hajj, they’re not simply stepping into a physical travel plan. It is a journey that begins from the heart and stretches across miles of land and sky, eventually entering into the timeless spiritual geography of Makkah. One of the most essential stations on this journey is the Maqam e Miqat.
What is Maqam e Miqat?
The term “Maqam e Miqat” or “Maqam Miqat” refers to the fixed geographical points designated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the stations where pilgrims must enter into the sacred state of Ihram before proceeding towards Makkah for Hajj or Umrah. This act marks a transition from the worldly to the sacred, and passing it without entering Ihram is not permissible for those intending pilgrimage.
So, what is miqat in Hajj and Umrah? In short, it is a boundary both spiritual and geographical, where intention (niyat Umrah) aligns with action.
How Many Maqam e Miqat in Makkah?
Technically, the Maqam e Miqat in Makkah refers not to within the city itself, but to designated outer points around Makkah. There are 5 primary Miqat points specified by the Prophet (SAW), and pilgrims from different regions must assume Ihram before crossing their respective miqat.
Let’s explore the 5 Miqat Points in detail:
1. Dhul Hulaifah (Abyar Ali) – Miqat from Madinah
This is the miqat from Madinah and is located approximately 450 km north of Makkah. It is also known as Dhul Hulaifah Miqat Mosque or Masjid Dhul Hulaifah. It’s one of the most well-organized miqat points, with separate prayer areas, changing rooms, and Ihram facilities.
- Name: Dhul Hulaifah / Abyar Ali
- From: Madinah
- Distance to Makkah: ~450 km
- Special Note: This is the farthest miqat but holds spiritual value as the Prophet (SAW) entered Ihram here during his Hajj.
2. Al-Juhfah (Meeqat al-Juhfah) – Miqat from Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, North Africa
For pilgrims arriving from countries like Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, and other northwestern regions, their miqat is Meeqat al-Juhfah. This place lies near Rabigh, about 182 km northwest of Makkah. Although the original miqat is not commonly used due to flooding issues, most pilgrims now assume Ihram at Rabigh.
- Name: Al-Juhfah / Rabigh
- From: Pakistan, Egypt, Syria
- Distance to Makkah: ~182 km
- Special Note: Most air travelers use this miqat when landing in Jeddah.
3. Qarn al-Manazil – Miqat from Najd & Taif
This is the designated miqat for those coming from Najd, including Taif and Riyadh. Commonly known as Miqat Taif, it is one of the most frequently crossed points for pilgrims driving in from the central region of Saudi Arabia.
- Name: Qarn al-Manazil / Miqat Taif
- From: Taif, Najd, Riyadh
- Distance to Makkah: ~75 km
- Special Note: Facilities are available for Ihram and prayers.
4. Yalamlam – Miqat from Yemen, India, Pakistan (via sea or air)
Located to the south of Makkah, Yalamlam Miqat is designated for pilgrims coming from Yemen and, historically, India and Pakistan by sea. Nowadays, it is also used by air travelers depending on their route.
- Name: Yalamlam
- From: Yemen, India, Pakistan
- Yalamlam Miqat to Makkah Distance: ~92 km
- Miqat Yalamlam adalah: Titik batas ihram untuk jamaah dari arah selatan
5. Dhat Irq – Miqat for Iraq & Eastern Regions
This miqat is less commonly used in modern times but still holds its place. Dhat Irq is for pilgrims coming from Iraq and northeastern regions.
- Name: Dhat Irq
- From: Iraq, Iran
- Distance to Makkah: ~94 km
- Special Note: Less developed compared to other miqats.
Miqat from Jeddah to Makkah
A common question is whether Jeddah is a miqat. If you are arriving in Jeddah with the intention of performing Hajj or Umrah, you must assume Ihram before landing if your flight crosses a miqat point. Jeddah itself is within the miqat boundaries, so entering without Ihram is not permissible for pilgrims. Check your route and make niyat Umrah accordingly.
Is Masjid Ayesha a Miqat?
Technically, Masjid Ayesha (Masjid at-Taneem) is not one of the five original miqat points, but it serves a specific purpose. If someone is already in Makkah and wants to perform another Umrah, they can go to Masjid Ayesha, enter into Ihram, and return to perform Umrah again. It acts as a boundary for those inside Haram.
- Name: Masjid Ayesha / Masjid Taneem
- Use: For repeat Umrah from within Makkah
Masjid Jarana – Another Boundary Masjid
Similar to Masjid Ayesha, Masjid Jarana is another location where the Prophet (SAW) once entered Ihram. It is used for additional Umrahs by those already in Makkah, although it is farther out than Masjid Ayesha.
Miqat Dua – What to Say at Miqat?
When reaching the miqat, one should make the niyat Umrah and recite the Talbiyah:
“Labbaik Allahumma Umrah! Labbaik la sharika laka labbaik, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.”
This is a moment of spiritual transformation — from casual traveler to honored guest of Allah.
7 Miqat for Umrah?
Some people mention 7 miqat for Umrah, including modern practical points like Masjid Ayesha and Masjid Jarana as service-based miqat points. However, only five miqat points were officially designated by the Prophet (SAW).
The confusion arises because locations like Jeddah, Masjid Ayesha, and Jarana are often used out of convenience, but they are not original maqam miqat points.
Visualizing the Miqat Points
| Miqat Name | For Pilgrims From | Distance to Makkah | Other Names |
| Dhul Hulaifah | Madinah | ~450 km | Abyar Ali |
| Al-Juhfah | Pakistan, Egypt, Syria | ~182 km | Rabigh, Meeqat al-Juhfah |
| Qarn al-Manazil | Najd, Taif | ~75 km | Miqat Taif |
| Yalamlam | Yemen, India, sea travelers | ~92 km | – |
| Dhat Irq | Iraq, Iran | ~94 km | – |
Conclusion: Respecting the Boundaries of Devotion
The maqam e miqat for Umrah is more than just a checkpoint. It is a place of intention, preparation, and transformation. Whether you’re coming from Pakistan, Madinah, Jeddah, or Taif, knowing your miqat points and respecting the spiritual protocol is essential.
As you pass through any of the 5 miqat points, remember — this is where your journey truly begins. Enter Ihram with purity, recite the miqat dua with humility, and let your soul walk towards Makkah before your body does.
May Allah accept your Umrah and write you among His honored guests.
Helpful Tip: Always check your flight path and consult your airline or guide to determine when to wear Ihram, especially if landing in Jeddah. Many flights cross a miqat point before arrival.
This guide aims to help you understand the spiritual and geographical significance of the maqam miqat so that you can begin your Umrah with clarity, confidence, and barakah.