What is Meeqat for Hajj:For The People Living Permanently In Makkah And Jeddah
Hajj:
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is obligatory for a Muslim to perform Hajj once in their lifetime. The importance of Hajj is established from the Quran and Hadith. Hajj has been made obligatory once in a lifetime for every Muslim who has the financial and physical ability to do so. It is a comprehensive and magnificent form of worship that Muslims from all over the world gather in Saudi Arabia to perform. It is carried out during specific days of the year.
For those going on Hajj, wearing the Ihram (a special garment) is very important because it is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The place where people wear the Ihram is called Miqat.
Miqat is the specific place where people put on the Ihram and prepare for the pilgrimage. After wearing the Ihram, they make their intention (niyyah) for Hajj.
Miqat:
Miqat is the name of the place where those coming for Hajj or Umrah wear the Ihram and make their intention. This is proven from the Sunnah of the Prophet and holds great significance. Miqat is designated for all countries, meaning different regions have specific Miqats.
The Miqat holds great importance, and wearing the Ihram at this point is part of the rituals of Hajj. If a person crosses the Miqat without wearing the Ihram, they are required to return to the Miqat to put on the Ihram, and they will also have to offer expiation (kafarah).
Miqat for the Residents of Makkah:
For those who are permanently residing in Makkah or are present there during the days of Hajj and Umrah, there is no specific Miqat assigned for them. Instead, these people can wear the Ihram (pilgrimage attire) from their homes and proceed for Hajj or Umrah. When the people of Makkah intend to perform Hajj or Umrah, they put on their Ihram within Makkah itself, make the intention (niyyah), and then perform the rituals of this great worship.
Miqat for the Residents of Jeddah:
The residents of Jeddah do not need to go to a specific Miqat because Jeddah is located only about 80 kilometers from Makkah. Although Jeddah is outside the boundaries of the Miqat, it is not far. Therefore, the people living in Jeddah can put on their Ihram from their place of residence, make their intention, and then proceed to perform the rituals of Hajj or Umrah.
Conclusion:
There are no restrictions regarding Miqat for those residing in Makkah and those staying in Jeddah because these individuals fall within the boundaries of the Miqat. This makes it relatively easier for them and offers them benefits. Residents of Makkah can put on their Ihram and make their intention from their homes before going to the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram), where they can perform the rituals of Hajj and Umrah and complete their acts of worship. Similarly, the people of Jeddah can also put on their Ihram from their city and proceed for Umrah.