Practical Hajj Guide

The Mawaaqeet (boundaries)

Al-mawaaqeet is the plural of meeqaat which refers to the appointed places and times for an act of worship. The appointed time for Hajj (i.e. to enter the state of ihram for it) lies in three months; Shawwaal, Thul Q’idah and Thul Hijjah.

The appointed places (i.e. boundaries) from which one makes intention for Hajj and enters the state of ihram from (and does not cross without being in ihraam) were set by the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). One who crosses the meeqaat without being in ihram must return to it and don the ihram, otherwise he must offer a sacrificial animal as expiation whose meat is distributed amongst the poor within the haram (sacred boundary of Makkah).

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) reports: “Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) made Thul-Hulaifa as the Meeqaat for the people of Al-Madeenah; Al-Juhfa for the people of ash-Sham; Qarn-al-Manaazil for the people of an-Najd; and Yalamlam for the people of al-Yemen; and these Mawaaqeet are for the people at those very places - and besides them for those who come through those places - who have the intention of performing Hajj and ‘Umrah. Whoever is living within these boundaries [between the Meeqaat and Makkah] can assume Ihraam[1] from the place he starts [i.e. his home], and the people of Makkah can assume Ihraam [for Hajj only] from Makkah.” (al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

‘Aaisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) reports: “Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) made Thaatu ‘Irq as the meeqaat for the people of ‘Iraaq.” (Abu Daawood, an-Nasaai)

So if anyone intending Hajj or ‘Umrah reaches the meeqaat, they are obliged to enter the state of ihraam.

It is preferred for them to do the following at the meeqaat:

1. Taking a bath. Please note that for many travelling from outside the Kingdom, this is not always possible. Therefore, they should take a bath before departing from the last place this can be done by them with ease (either from home, a hotel they stay at during transit or an airport which has facilities for this for example).

2. Using perfume. Note that this is specific to men. Women may use deodorants and other such things which do not have a detectable fragrance though. As well, the perfume should not be applied to the ihraam towels, just the body of the pilgrim.

3. The two pieces of cloth (sheets/towels) being used should preferably be white and clean. As for women, they wear their “normal” clothing, keeping in mind the rules of hijaab. It is not preferred or prescribed for them to wear a specific colour such as white.

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[1] Ihraam: A state in which one is prohibited to practice certain deeds that are lawful at other times. The ceremonies of ‘Umrah and Hajj are performed in this state of Ihraam. When one assumes this state, the first thing one should do is to express mentally [and orally i.e. reciting at-Talbiyah] one intention to assume this state for the purpose of performing Hajj or ‘Umrah. Then, Talbiyah is recited, two sheets of [unstiched i.e. not made to fit any of the limbs of the body] cloth are worn, without any other clothing – Izaar: worn below one’s waist; and the other is Ridaa: worn on the upper part of the body (for men-women keep their regular clothing).