Ibn 'Abbas (RAA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) specified for the people of Madinah, DhulHulaifah (a place 540 km to the north of Makkah) as miqat. For those coming from ash-Sham (including Syria, Jordan and Palestine), he specified al-Juhfah (a place 187 km to the north-west of Makkah and close to Rabigh, where they now perform their Ihram). For those coming from Najd, he specified Qran al-Manazil, (a mountain, 94 km to the east of Makkah, overlooking 'Arafah. For those coming from Yemen, he specified Yalamlam (a mountain 54 km to the south of Makkah. These places are for the people (coming from the above specified countries) as well as for others, who pass by them on their way to perform Hajj or ’Umrah. Those living within those boundaries can assume Ihram from where they set out (for the journey), and even the residents of Makkah, their Miqat would be the place where they are staying in Makkah.’ Agreed upon.
The Mawaqit of Hajj: Bulugh al-Maram 722
This hadith from Ibn 'Abbas establishes the sacred boundaries (mawaqit) for entering the state of ihram, a foundational pillar of Hajj and Umrah rituals. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) designated specific geographical points for pilgrims based on their direction of travel, demonstrating divine wisdom in organizing the rites.
Scholarly Commentary on the Designated Mawaqit
Dhul-Hulaifah (also known as Abyar 'Ali) serves as the miqat for the people of Madinah and those coming from its direction. Its considerable distance from Makkah allows pilgrims ample time to spiritually prepare and shed worldly attachments before approaching the Sacred House.
Al-Juhfah, now replaced by Rabigh due to geographical changes, is the miqat for pilgrims from ash-Sham (the Levant), Egypt, North Africa, and those coming from the northwestern direction. This location marks the point where the spiritual transformation begins.
Qarn al-Manazil (modern-day As-Sayl al-Kabir) is designated for those coming from Najd and eastern regions, including travelers from the Arabian Gulf. This mountain's proximity to 'Arafah symbolically connects the beginning of ihram with the climax of Hajj.
Yalamlam serves as the miqat for pilgrims from Yemen, South Asia, and the southern approaches. Its designation completes the comprehensive geographical coverage ensuring no pilgrim enters the sacred precincts without proper consecration.
Legal Rulings and Practical Applications
The phrase "for others who pass by them" establishes that these mawaqit apply not only to residents of these regions but to all travelers passing these points, regardless of their original departure point. This ensures universal application of the sacred boundaries.
"Those living within those boundaries" refers to people residing between the miqat and Makkah (ahl al-hill), who may assume ihram from their homes. This concession demonstrates the Shari'ah's consideration for practical circumstances while maintaining spiritual objectives.
The residents of Makkah itself enter ihram from their location within the city when performing Hajj, but must go to the designated miqat when performing Umrah, showing the nuanced application of these rulings based on the type of pilgrimage undertaken.
Spiritual Significance and Wisdom
The specification of these boundaries teaches the importance of spiritual preparation before engaging in acts of worship. The physical crossing of the miqat symbolizes the transition from the profane to the sacred, from ordinary life to dedicated devotion.
The geographical distribution reflects the universality of Islam, accommodating pilgrims from all directions while maintaining orderly spiritual progression. This systematic approach prevents confusion and preserves the sanctity of the pilgrimage rites.