Miqat refers to the boundary where it becomes impermissible to pass except in the state of Ihram, for those with the intention of performing Haj or Umrah.
It can be directly translated as "a stated place or time,” the Miqat line is where pilgrims intending to perform Umrah or Haj must enter the state of Ihram before crossing the boundary. This involves performing the ritual of cleaning and wearing the prescribed clothing, Ihram and recitation of Talbiyah. Location and time are the first conditions of Ihram, for example where and when to make the intention to perform the Haj and wear the Haj attire to be valid for the obligation.
Generally, the act of intent to enter Ihram at Miqat is one of the obligations for Haj and Umrah. Therefore it is important to take note of it especially for Muslims who will perform the fifth pillar of Islam.
As we are currently in the Haj season, Malaysia Airlines steward Hafiz Albukhary recently demonstrated an example of a Miqat Haj announcement on the plane as guide for prospective pilgrims.
Hafiz requested for viewers to share the knowledge with family members who will perform Haj this year.
"The Miqat Haj announcement will be made in every flight carrying pilgrims landing in Jeddah. This is because the plane will fly over the Miqat area before landing at the King Abdul Aziz Jeddah Airport.
"Usually pilgrims who land in Jeddah will directly go to Makkah. So it is important for us to inform them during the flight that we have crossed the Miqat area so pilgrims can prepare for ihram and avoid the prohibitions during ihram.
"However for planes landing in Madinah, no Miqat announcement will be made.
"Hopefully the Haj season this year will go smoothly and the pilgrims can perform the Haj successfully," he said.
The following is a literal example of the Miqat Haj announcement demonstrated by Hafiz in a video he uploaded on to his social media account.
"Assalamualaikum to the honored guests of Allah, Insya-Allah we will be arriving at Miqat Qarnul Manzil in half an hour. Pilgrims need to would need to be in ihram now.
"For pilgrims who will perform the Haj Tamattuk and will directly go to Makkah, they would need to be in Ihram Umrah while those who will perform the Haj Ifrad, you will need to be in Ihram Haj, for those who will perform Haj Qiran, you would need to be in Ihram Umrah and Haj simultaneously.
"Meanwhile, for pilgrims who will go to Madinah after landing in Jeddah, you don't need to intend to perform Haj or Umrah but instead you will intend to perform Haj or Umrah after departing from Madinah to Makkah at Bir Ali.
"For pilgrims who intend to enter Ihram, it is not required to have wudu (ablution) or cleanse yourself. Female pilgrims who are on their period can also intend to enter Ihram now. Thank you.
The two types of Miqat.
Miqat is divided into two types which are Miqat Zamani (stated time) and Miqat Madani (stated place).
Miqat Zamani (Time) for umrah worship, the period is the whole year except for the time when pilgrims wear Ihram for Haj. Meanwhile for Haj, Miqat Zamani starts from the first day of the month of Syawal until dawn on the 10th day of the Zulhijjah month. This period is also known as the months of Haj.
Miqat Madani (Place) Miqat Madani is the border of the last place a pilgrim, who is not from Makkah, passes to intend to enter Ihram, Umrah or Haj. This type of Miqat is usually determined according to where the pilgrims came from to enter the holy city of Makkah Al-Mukarramah.