The Haram Boundaries

The word "Haramâ? indicates that the area has specific regulations. Allah SWT has forbidden certain actions in this particular area, such as carrying weapons, trespassing by disbelievers, keeping lost findings, hunting and other actions that are specified by the Islamic law. 

The approximate distances between Masjid Al-Haram and Haram Boundry are shown on the map.




The Miqaat Boundaries

For the person intending to enter Makkah Al-Mukarramah (for whatever purpose), it is forbidden to cross certain sacred boundaries called Miqat, without being in the state of Ihram14. If a person crosses the Miqat without Ihram, then it is mandatory to return to the Miqat and assume the Ihram. If not, Damm becomes compulsory.



Dhul-Hulaifah

This is the Miqat for those living in Madina Al-Munawwarah and those who travel along that route. It is 410 km away from the northern side of Makkah Al-Mukarramah and 10 km away from the Masjid Al-Nabawi (Pbuh).

Qarn Al-Manazil

Qarn Al-Manazil is the Miqat for the people of Najd, their neighboring Gulf countries, and those who travel along the Riyad-Taif Route. As there are two main roads to Makkah Al-Mukarramah, two Masjid have been built on the exact spot of Ihram. These are known as Assail Al-Kabir and Wady Al-Muhrim.

Yalamlam

This Miqat is today known as Assaâ??diyah and is a hilly area. It is for the people coming from Yemen, and countries to the North, and those who travel along their route. It is 100 km south to Makkah Al-Mukarramah and it has an old Masjid.

Al-Juhfah

This is the Miqat for those living in Egypt and Greater Syria, and those who travel along their route. It is 178 km away from the north-west side of the Masjid Al-Haram. It lies 17 km east to the Red Sea.

Dhatu â??Irq

This Miqat is known as Al-Dareebah and it is the  miqat for the people of Iraq and those who travel along their route. The Miqat lies about 90 km north-east to the Masjid Al-Haram.

Ihram

When someone decides to perform Umrah, then they should assume the Ihram of Umrah before entering the Miqat. If one is traveling by plane and is not certain about the exact time when one will pass the Miqat or one fears that one may pass over it without knowing, then it is better to wear the Ihram before boarding the plane.

Please note that Ihram is not simply the act of wearing two towels; it is a state or condition in which a Pilgrim enters and â?? immediately â?? certain rules get imposed on him/her.

Prohibitions, in the state of Ihram

  • Clipping (trimming) the nails.
  • Removing hair (even unintentionally).
  • Using fragrance; Attar, Deodorant, Perfume, Scent, Soap, Toothpaste etc. Do not even touch Hajr Al-Aswad15 , Multazam16 , Cover of Kaâ??ba because they are perfumed.
  • Covering the face or head; be careful not to cover them while sleeping (women, however, should cover their head. Women are allowed to use a cap-like headgear which will keep face-veil away from the face, yet keep the face concealed from the gazes of  non mahram.)
  • Do not enter into sexual relations with your spouse. Avoid suggestive and provocative talk or gestures and remain focused on Hajj.
  • Men should not wear sewn garments and footwear that covers the upper section of the foot.
  • Do not kill an animal of any kind for any reason, unless it poses a danger to you and to the others.

Penalty or Damm

Penalty or Damm becomes compulsory only for breaking Ihram rules or for omitting a Wajib act. There are varying degrees of penalties for various contraventions. Each of the above prohibitions has to be expiated by means of offering a  damm. For details, Please refer Masaâ??il books or Scholars.

Beginning the Pilgrimage

Some suggestions to take note of, while beginning the pilgrimage:

  • Intention/Niyyah, which is an obligation, can be made at home or during the journey, but care must be taken to follow the acts that comprise of "intentionâ? before crossing the boundaries of Miqat. (The details of the Miqat area have been discussed in the preceding section, 5).
  • When you leave your house, recite the following Duâ??a17

TransliterationBismillahi Tawakkaltu Alallah
In the Name of Allah, I have placed my trust in Allah.

  • On the eve of the journey, it is recommended to make lots of repentance for all the misdeeds so you travel not just with clean clothes but also a clean heart.
  • Join your group at their specified time if you are traveling with them.
  • As you board the Plane, recite the following Duâ??a:

TransliterationSubhanallazi Sakkharalana Haza Wama Kunna Lahu Mukhrineen Wa Inna Ila Rabbina Lamunkhalibun

Glory be to the one who has subjugated this for us whereas we were not able to subjugate it on our own. And we will certainly be returning to our Lord. [Al-Quran]

  • For journey by water, following Duâ??a should be recited

Transliteration: Bismillahi Majraiha Wamursaha Inna Rabbi Laghafoorurraheem

He (NÅ«H) said, "Embark it. With the name of Allah, it sails and anchors. Surely, my Lord is Most-Forgiving, Very-Merciful. [Al-Quran 11:41]

  • Make sure the food served to you on the plane is indeed Halal.
  • Be careful about the times of Salah during the flight, so you donâ??t miss the prayers, especially if you are flying eastward to reach Makkah Al-Mukarramah.
  • Please uphold the virtues of Sabr (patience) and Taqwa (abstinence from sin) during this journey by safeguarding gaze, thoughts and forgiving others for any mistakes.
  • Please value time. Thatâ??s the most important of all advice's one can follow. Scheduling time to avoid wastage, properly allocating it according to the priority of each â??  ibadah and trying to gain maximum virtues out of the trip is very important.
  • Try your best to serve, assist and honor fellow Hajis. Make Salaam, smile at fellow hajis, shake hands and try to be of help to people, whenever possible.