Understanding of the term miqat is vital to every Muslim when planning for a haj pilgrimage to Mecca. Ihram has to be done in locations known as miqat and this is the area where the pilgrims have to put on the state of ihram in order to carry out the hajj or umm tend to do it. Regarding those who arrive by the Jeddah Airport, it is important to know the right miqat.
Miqat refers to a certain geographical line beyond which people are considered to be in the state of ihram, which is a state of purifications of intention and certain prescribed dress for men and women on the pilgrimage. It makes sure that, before undertaking the pilgrimage exercise, there is spirituality among the pilgrims.
For intending pilgrims arriving at the Jeddah Airport, miqat is at the airport itself.
The closest miqat for travellers who are arriving in Jeddah are Dhul Hulayfah which is also called Abiyar Ali. It is some 9 kilometres away from the airport, and is where the pilgrims coming from this direction undergo miqat.
Wear Ihram Garments: The males have two spotless, flawless white unstitched pieces of fabric, while the females are decently dressed, their bodies being covered.
Intention (Niyyah): Any would-be pilgrim, intending to perform Hajj or Umrah, must declare his intention before crossing the miqat.
Recite Talbiyah: When they put on ihram and make the intention, pilgrims should begin reciting the Talbiyah: “Labayka Allahumma labayk…”
It is easy to get in Dhul Hulayfah by hiring taxis or through the services of tourist transport companies. The trip normally lasts about 15–20 minutes, which is sufficient time to get ready for wearing ihram.
The miqat has the importance of a checkpoint or a permanent spiritual boundary to help the pilgrims remember their goals and mission. Compliance with such limits underrated the sanctity of the practices of hajj and umrah.
To the pilgrims arriving at Jeddah Airport, the issue is very knowledge and observation of this miqat aspect of the pilgrimage. Thus, proper preparation, proper understanding of this tradition are crucial in order for pilgrims to approach this journey with proper mindset and correct motives.