The designated places for Hajj: the stations for entering Ihram that must not be crossed

Arab Weather - As the Hajj season approaches, the discussion is renewed about the spatial locations specified by the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. These are geographical points that anyone intending to perform Hajj or Umrah must enter into the state of Ihram when passing through them, unless they are from Mecca or are within the boundaries of the Haram.

The following is a description of these five designated times, which were distributed in multiple directions to cover all directions from which pilgrims come from all parts of the Islamic world:

Dhul-Hulayfah (the Miqat for the people of Medina)

This miqat is located northwest of Mecca, about 420 kilometers away, and is currently known as Abyar Ali. It is the furthest of the miqats from Mecca and is a primary miqat for pilgrims coming from Medina and its surrounding areas, as well as for those passing through that region by land or air.

Al-Juhfah (the miqat for the people of the Levant, Egypt and the Maghreb)

An ancient miqat (designated place for assuming ihram) located northwest of Mecca, its original features have disappeared. Therefore, people today assume ihram from a nearby location known as Rabigh. This miqat is the approved one for those coming from the Levant (Syria, Jordan, Palestine, and Lebanon), as well as from Egypt and the Maghreb countries, and also for those following the same route from outside the Arabian Peninsula.

Qarn al-Manazil (Miqat of the people of Najd)

Known today as As-Sayl Al-Kabir, it is located approximately 75 kilometers east of Mecca. This miqat (designated place for assuming ihram) is for the people of Najd and the central regions of the Arabian Peninsula. It is also used by pilgrims arriving by air when they pass over it, according to contemporary scholars.

Yalamlam (the Miqat of the people of Yemen)

Located south of Mecca, it is the miqat designated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) for the people of Yemen and those coming from the south. It has become an important ihram station for travelers arriving by land from southern Saudi Arabia or by sea from the southern ports. Its location is clearly marked on the highways leading to Mecca.

Dhat Irq (the Miqat of the people of Iraq)

Located northeast of Mecca, it is the designated miqat for the people of Iraq and those in the eastern Islamic world who travel in that direction. Although its use is less common in modern times compared to other miqats, it remains a legitimate and recognized miqat according to the Sunnah (Prophetic tradition).

Whoever crosses the Miqat without entering Ihram

Scholars warn against passing these designated points without entering into the state of ihram for those intending Hajj or Umrah. They must return to the designated point to enter ihram, or offer a sacrifice if they are unable to do so. Those within the boundaries of the designated points (such as residents of Mecca) enter ihram from their location, or from outside the Haram (sanctuary) in the case of Umrah.