Spatial timings for Hajj and the Ihram stations that may not be exceeded

Arab Weather - As the Hajj season approaches, renewed discussion has been raised about the spatial timings specified by the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. These are geographic points at which anyone intending to perform Hajj or Umrah must enter ihram upon passing through, unless they are residents of Mecca or within the boundaries of the Sacred Sanctuary.

Below is a definition of these five times, which are distributed in various directions to cover all the destinations of pilgrims from all over the Islamic world:

Dhu al-Hulayfah (the miqat of the people of Medina)

This miqat is located in the northwest corner of Makkah, approximately 420 kilometers away, and is currently known as Abyar Ali. It is the furthest miqat from Makkah and is a primary miqat for pilgrims coming from Madinah and surrounding areas, as well as those passing through that area by land or air.

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

An ancient miqat located northwest of Mecca, its original landmarks have disappeared. Therefore, people today enter ihram from a nearby location known as Rabigh. It is an approved miqat for those coming from the Levant (Syria, Jordan, Palestine, and Lebanon), as well as from Egypt and the Maghreb countries, and for those taking the same route from outside the Arabian Peninsula.

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

Known today as Al-Sayl Al-Kabir, it is located approximately 75 kilometers east of Mecca. This miqat is designated 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 time of the people of Yemen)

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

Dhat Irq (the miqat of the people of Iraq)

Located northeast of Mecca, it is the approved miqat for the people of Iraq and those in the countries of the Islamic East facing them. Although its use has been limited in modern times compared to other miqats, it remains a legitimate miqat according to the Sunnah of the Prophet.

Who passed the Miqat without entering the state of Ihram?

Scholars warn against passing these miqats without entering the rituals for those intending to perform Hajj or Umrah. They must return to enter ihram from these miqats, or offer a ransom if they are unable to return. As for those within the miqat boundaries (such as the people of Mecca), they must enter ihram from their location, or from outside the Haram (for Umrah).