What is Miqat – Definition of Miqat
If you have performed Hajj or Umrah, you would be definitely familiar with the term ‘Miqat’. The pilgrims are conditioned to enter the state of Ihram before crossing the boundary of Miqat. It is an obligatory step for pilgrim either you are performing Hajj or Umrah. There are certain places that are designated by Prophet Muhammad SAW as the places for entering the state of Ihram. No pilgrim is allowed to pass these places without entering the state of Ihram otherwise he has to sacrifice as compensation. Let’s discuss the five places of Miqat which were designated by our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW.
The Five Places of Miqat
 1. Dhul-Hulaifa:
In Dhul-Hulaifa the Abyar Ali Mosque is located which is designated as a place of Miqat. It’s situated 10 km from the city of Madinah and about 450 km from Makkah. This is used as a place of Miqat for the pilgrims of Madinah. If your journey starts from Madinah, you will start your Ihram from this Miqat.
2. Al-Juhfah:
It’s located at about 190 km to the northwest of Makkah. This Miqat is used by the pilgrims who come from the direction of Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Morocco, and Spain. Al-Juhfah is situated closer to the city of Rabigh.
3. Dhat-Irq:
This Miqat is located at the northeast side of Makkah at about 94 km. The pilgrims coming for Hajj or Umrah from Iraq and Iran use That-Iraq as a place of Miqat. This place of Miqat was prescribed by the Caliph Umar Ibn al-Khattab.
4. Qarn ul Manazil:
This Miqat is popularly known as As-Saylul Kabeer and it is situated 75 km from the city of Makkah. The pilgrims coming from Najd and Ta’if visit Qarn al Manazil to come in the state of Ihram. If you come through the route of Ta’if you will come across the highest point called Wadee Muhrim. This is also the place of Miqat for the pilgrim who comes through Ta’if.
5. Yalamlam:
Around 92 km towards the southeast of Makkah, a mountainous area called Yalamlam is situated which is a Miqat. The pilgrims who are coming from the route of Yemen stay at this Miqat to come in a state of Ihram before moving to their destination. The pilgrims who have taken the route of China, Japan, India and Pakistan and those coming from sea route visit this place of Miqat.