Dhul Hulaifa for the people of Medina, al- Juhfa for the people of Syria, Qarn al-Manazil for the people of Najd, and Yalamlam for the people of the Yemen ; so these spots are for these regions and for people of other regions who come to them intending to perform the hajj and the ‘umra. The place where those who live nearer to Mecca should put on the ihram (The pilgrim dress) is where they live, and so on and so on up to the inhabitants of Mecca itself who put on the ihram in it. Bukhari and Muslim.
The Rites of Pilgrimage - Mishkat al-Masabih 2516
This hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim establishes the designated miqat (starting points) for assuming ihram based on one's geographical origin. Dhul Hulaifa serves the people of Medina, al-Juhfa for Syria, Qarn al-Manazil for Najd, and Yalamlam for Yemen. These locations are divinely appointed thresholds where the sacred state of pilgrimage begins.
Scholarly Commentary on Designated Miqats
The wisdom behind specifying different miqats demonstrates Allah's mercy in facilitating pilgrimage for all believers. Each miqat marks the boundary of the Haram sanctuary from its respective direction, ensuring pilgrims enter the sacred precincts in the proper spiritual state.
Those residing between these miqats and Mecca assume ihram from their homes, while Mecca's inhabitants enter ihram within the city itself. This graduated system accommodates all travelers while maintaining the sanctity of the pilgrimage rites.
Legal Implications and Contemporary Application
Crossing these boundaries without ihram invalidates one's Hajj or Umrah, requiring a sacrificial offering as expiation. Modern travelers must identify their correct miqat based on travel routes, whether by land, sea, or air.
The permanence of these miqats established by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) demonstrates the timeless nature of Islamic rituals, applicable across all eras and technological advancements in transportation.