Umrah is a lesser pilgrimage that is the dream of every Muslim in the world. It is an act of worshipping Allah Almighty while seeking His blessings. This religious trip has a number of rewards to offer for Islamic followers, including spiritual renewal. Unlike the Hajj (mandatory), Umrah is optional and can be performed at any time year-round. Whenever you get the chance to embark on this divine journey, be sure to avail it. Are you thinking of doing Umrah with your loved ones in April? Get April Umrah packages 2026 in advance to ensure a smooth pilgrimage.
When going for Umrah, you should be aware of the Miqat. This is a boundary where you must enter the state of the Ihram before passing it. In this comprehensive guideline, you will walk through the 7 Miqats for the Umrah pilgrimage. So, continue reading for more valuable insights!
What is Miqat for Umrah?
Among the fundamental Umrah rituals is Miqat. It is an Arabic term that acts as the boundary where pilgrims need to enter the pure state of the Ihram before passing it. It is obligatory not to cross Miqat without wearing the Ihram. In case of crossing the boundary without the state of the Ihram, Damm becomes necessary. For instance, you will have to sacrifice an animal as a form of expiation. Well, it is a key component of completing a successful Umrah pilgrimage. So, the next time you go to Saudi Arabia to undertake Umrah, make sure to familiarise yourself with Miqat.
The 7 Miqat Points Every Pilgrim Should Be Aware Of
Miqat originally has 5 points. But there are 2 more points too for air travellers. Let’s discuss it!
Dhul Hulayfah
The first point of Miqat is Dhul Hulayfah. Also called Abyar Ali, this point is situated in the southern side of Al-Madinah. You can find this place around 410 kilometers or 255 miles from Makkah. This is the Miqat point not only for the residents of Madinah but also for those coming with the intention (Niyyah) of performing Umrah. Everyone approaching this site is required to wear Ihram before entering it. Moreover, going into the mosques to carry Ihram is optional. No matter when you go to Makkah and Madinah for Umrah, you must know about this Miqat point.
Qarn al-Manazil
The common name for the Qarn al-Manazil is As-Sayl al-Kabir. It is located over 75 kilometers from the city of Makkah. Adding more to this, Qarn al-Manazil is also a site of Miqat for pilgrims passing through Ta’if. It is the Miqat point for Najd inhabitants as well as visitors from the UAE, Oman, Malaysia, Australia, Pakistan, and Singapore. You can get to the highest peak, known as Wadee Muhrim, following the Ta’if route. If you’re travelling with a family, you should familiarise your loved ones with this location. This way, you’ll be able to better perform Umrah.
Al-Juhfah
The next location for Miqat is Al-Juhfah. This Miqat point is situated about 190 kilometers southeast of Makkah. However, the area of this place is sacred. Mostly pilgrims from Egypt, Syria, Morocco, Palestine, and Spain use this Miqat. Al-Juhfah is present very close to the city of Rabigh. Around 9 kilometers from Rabigh, you will find Ghadir Khumm, which is next to the Red Sea. Muslims travelling from Jeddah to Makkah for the pilgrimage usually wear Ihram at this site. Before you start your Umrah journey, you should know the importance of this Miqat.
Dhat Irq
Dhat Irq is also referred to as Al-Khareebaat or Ad-Dareebah. You can find this Miqat 94 kilometers north of Makkah. This is the place of Miqat for those travelling from Iran and Iraq. Not only this, but Dhar Irq is also the Miqat for Umrah or Hajj on the way from Makkah to Kufa. This site is divided into three main segments, including Maslakh, Qumrah, and Dhat Irq. It is compulsory to enter the spiritual state of the Ihram from Maslakh. There are no objections to wearing Ihram at the other two locations as well. Every pilgrim should know about Miqat point.
Yalamlam
Yalamlam, also called Al-Sadiyah, is present 92 kilometers southeast of the divine city of Makkah. This is the leading point of Miqat for pilgrims coming from Yemen. That is why Muslims travelling from Yemen should stop at this place to wear Ihram. This is how they can further carry out the key rituals of the Umrah pilgrimage. If you’re travelling by sea from Pakistan, Japan, China, or somewhere else, Yalamlam is your location for Miqat. Whenever you go to Saudi Arabia to undertake Umrah, make certain to be completely aware of all Miqat points.
Miqat by Air
Are you approaching Makkah by plane? Ensure to come into the pure state of the Ihram before entering into any of the Miqat points. Most airlines flying to Jeddah or Madinah announce Miqat around 20-30 minutes before crossing. You can wear Ihram either at your home or at the departure point. Men should fully cover their shoulders, while women must wear modest clothing. If you’re feeling it’s challenging to wear Ihram onboard, it is advisable to do so before boarding the flight. You can get help from the announcement made by the captain or the staff.
Jeddah Airport as a Temporary Miqat
It is considered to be a temporary Miqat site for those who intend to do Umrah after arriving in Jeddah. If you reach Jeddah without prior Niyyah of undertaking the pilgrimage, do so before arrival. You can come into the sacred state of the Ihram at the Jeddah airport. In case you’ve already made an intention of Umrah before arriving in Jeddah, you should wear Ihram at the set point for your route. This is very important to know when you embark on the journey of the Umrah. So, plan your Umrah in March 2026 and keep yourself fully prepared for the pilgrimage!
Rules & Regulations for People Living Within Miqat Sites
Anyone who is living within Miqat places has the ability to assume Ihram. That is why the inhabitants of Makkah should take Ihram from the city of Makkah. Those who want to carry out the act of Umrah while inside Masjid al-Haram should proceed to Al-Hill and wear Ihram from there. This is because Hazrat Aishah (AS) did this at the command of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Her brother, Abdul-Rahman ibn Abu Bakr, took her out of the Haram to Al-Tanim and allowed her to enter the divine state of the Ihram for doing Umrah as decreed by the Holy Prophet PBUH. Besides, this also happened following the end of Hajj, during the Farewell Hajj.
Concluding Remarks
Umrah is a spiritual journey to Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia. It is the dream of every Islamic follower to undertake this pilgrimage. Umrah, an optional activity, can be done at any time of the year. You should also avail the opportunity of performing this act. However, make yourself familiarise with Miqat points as discussed above. This is one of the prime components of successfully completing Umrah. You can get All Inclusive Umrah Packages from Muslims Holy Travel to make your whole journey hassle-free and get a memorable experience.
