Leaving Madinah for ‘Umrah or Hajj

Miqat Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar ‘Ali)

Pilgrims setting out from Madinah for ‘Umrah or Hajj enter ihram at Dhul Hulayfah, the miqat the Prophet ﷺ appointed for the people of Madinah. Today the place is known as Abyar ‘Ali, and its large mosque is often called Masjid al-Miqat.

The miqat of the people of Madinah

The Prophet ﷺ made Dhul Hulayfah the miqat for the people of Madinah, alongside al-Juhfah for Sham, Qarn al-Manazil for Najd and Yalamlam for Yemen; these miqats are for their people and for anyone who passes through them intending Hajj or ‘Umrah (Sahih al-Bukhari 1524).

The blessed valley

Dhul Hulayfah lies by the valley of al-‘Aqiq. ‘Umar narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said in the valley of al-‘Aqiq: “Tonight a messenger came to me from my Lord and said: Pray in this blessed valley” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1534).

For pilgrims today

The mosque at Abyar ‘Ali, on the south-western side of Madinah on the road to Makkah, has facilities for pilgrims to prepare for ihram. Distances quoted from the Prophet’s Mosque vary with the route. If you are travelling by road or rail, ask your group leader or a scholar how to enter ihram on your route before you set out.

Frequently asked questions

What is the miqat for people coming from Madinah?

Dhul Hulayfah, known today as Abyar ‘Ali (Sahih al-Bukhari 1524).

Sources

  1. Sahih al-Bukhari 1524: The miqats appointed by the Prophet ﷺ, including Dhul Hulayfah for Madinah
  2. Sahih al-Bukhari 1534: The blessed valley of al-‘Aqiq
  3. Miqat Dhu al-Hulayfah: Wikipedia: location and the modern Abyar ‘Ali mosque
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