The Miqat is designated places for Ihram, where those intending to perform Hajj must enter into Ihram and it’s not permissible for those intending Hajj and Umrah to pass beyond them without entering into Ihram. Whoever does so must return to the Miqat, then enter into Ihram, or offer a sacrifice as an atonement, in order for their Hajj to be valid. Each community has its own designated Miqat, from which they must enter into Ihram.
Miqat Location
Miqat Locations according to each country
The number of Hajj and Umrah Miqat locations is five, with each country having its designated Miqat that its residents must assume Ihram from.
- Miqat Dhul-Hulayfah: for pilgrims coming from Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah.
- Miqat Al-Juhfah: for pilgrims coming from Egypt and the Levant.
- Miqat Qarn al-Manazil:for pilgrims coming from Najd.
- Miqat Yalamlam:for pilgrims coming from Yemen.
- Miqat Dhat ‘Irq: for pilgrims coming from Iraq.
Note that those residing outside the designated times are deprived at the miqat (stations) they pass through. Therefore, the miqat that pilgrims and Hajj pilgrims coming from the United States will likely pass through is often Al-Juhfah. This is if the plane passes by that miqat during the Hajj or Umrah journey.
Ihram Guidelines for Pilgrims according to Location
- For those living in countries other than Mecca, each pilgrim must assume ihram from the designated miqat they pass while heading towards the Sacred Mosque.
- As for those residing between the miqat locations and the Kaaba, they must assume ihram from their current location; they are not required to go to the miqat and assume ihram from there.
- As for those living inside the Sacred Mosque, they should exit the sanctuary and assume ihram from outside, without needing to go far.
Geographic significance of each location
Currently, the Miqat locations are equipped with rest areas and various services, including medical facilities, vending outlets, and more, to ensure that pilgrims find everything they need at these places.
Accessibility and facilities for pilgrims:
Accessing the Miqat points has become easier than ever today, as Hajj and Umrah travel companies provide transportation options that are comfortable and equipped with all the amenities needed by pilgrims.
Call us now at 713-995-8861 to learn about the luxurious transportation options to the Miqat we offer
Rituals and Preparations
- Ihram: Entering the state of consecration
Ihram is when a Muslim intends to perform the rituals of Hajj or Umrah. It is obligatory for the muhrim, if male, to wear only the garments of Ihram, which consist of a loincloth wrapped around the body, covering their private parts. As for the muhrimah (female in ihram), she does not wear the same ihram garments as men; rather, she should wear any loose-fitting, modest clothing that fulfills all the conditions of Islamic modesty. However, she is not allowed to cover her face and hands, except if she wears a niqab and meets a non-mahram man, then she must cover her face at that time.
- Recommended acts and supplications before reaching Miqat
There are no specific supplications or remembrances mentioned in the prophetic traditions to be recited before or upon reaching the Miqat. However, the pilgrim should state their intention (niyyah) and then begin with the talbiyah, continuing to recite it until reaching the Sacred Mosque. Therefore, engage in acts of worship that increase your humility and spiritual feelings, so that you embark on the Hajj or In Umrah journey emotionally and mentally prepared to perform the rituals proficiently and enjoy the pilgrimage experience..
- Dress code and guidelines for pilgrims
Before embarking on a journey, you should read about the rituals of Hajj and Umrah, and during the trip, make sure to seek proper guidance on the rituals of Hajj or Umrah and ask the guides about anything you don’t understand so that they can clarify it for you.
Know the difference between Umrah and Hajj rituals through the Hajj and Umrah page.
Challenges and Solutions
The congestion is one of the most challenging issues pilgrims face during Hajj and Umrah. Therefore, choosing the right company that provides comfortable transportation with professional drivers capable of navigating through the crowds is essential for a successful pilgrimage, as it alleviates many problems caused by congestion.
Additionally, it is crucial to address health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, heart conditions, respiratory diseases, and the presence of elderly pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah. Therefore, pilgrimage companies should have highly qualified medical teams available 24/7 to handle any emergencies, as the safety of pilgrims is paramount throughout the journey.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Agency
- Reputation and Experience
Search for a Hajj and Umrah agency with a good reputation, preferably close to your home so you can ask your neighbors and trusted individuals about it. Additionally, you can inquire about it from many trustworthy people. You can also verify the company’s reputation by visiting its website and reviewing the comments, ratings, and opinions of previous users about the company’s service.
- Services Offered
You should also familiarize yourself with the services provided by the Hajj and Umrah company and compare them with those offered by other companies. Additionally, compare prices and services to see if the type of services offered justifies those prices or not. Avoid very low prices for very high quality, as this may indicate fraudulent activity. Finally, compare the services and choose what suits you and your budget, balancing between your budget and your needs.
- Transportation and Accommodation
Examine carefully the transportation and accommodation services provided by the Hajj and Umrah company, as comfortable accommodation is essential in the process of Hajj or Umrah, as the rituals of Hajj and Umrah are inherently exhausting, so you must rest well in order to perform the rituals properly. If the rituals are tiring and the accommodation is uncomfortable, you will not be able to perform the rituals properly. Also, moving within the Haram and from the hotel to the Haram must be easy with all the comforts and amenities available, and it must be quick to avoid crowds so as not to exhaust you and affect your performance of the rituals.
- Availability of Professional Guides
Having professional guides is also essential in the journey of Hajj or Umrah, as many people perform Hajj or Umrah for the first time, and no matter how much they read and learn about it, they may stumble during its performance, and some things may become confusing to them. Therefore, there must be professional guides alongside them to alert them if they make any mistakes in the rituals and to answer all their inquiries, no matter how trivial they may be.
- Medical Support and Emergency Preparedness
One of the things that should not be neglected, and you should ensure and know its details, is the presence of a distinguished and professional medical team available around the clock and ready to assist. This is because many pilgrims may need medical support even if they are healthy and have not shown any symptoms before, as the rituals of Hajj and Umrah are exhausting, and some may become tired from them even if they are not sick.
Know your Miqat before starting your journey to ensure everything proceeds correctly. For entering into Ihram, you must wear Ihram garments. As for women, they should observe Islamic hijab, allowing their face and hands to be visible unless in the presence of men. When selecting a reliable travel company for Hajj or Umrah, ensure to verify its reputation, the quality of accommodation and transportation provided, compare its different packages with those offered by other companies, and confirm the quality of the medical staff it offers. Al Marwah Travel provides exceptional travel services for Hajj and Umrah, transporting you to high-quality accommodations near the Miqat locations. Book your trips now to enjoy top-notch services with guides who will address your inquiries at all times and be by your side to assist you in performing the rituals, allowing you to focus on worship and savor the spiritual and reverent feelings.
