Dhul-Hulayfah – Abyar Ali (Miqat of Madinah)

The Prophet ﷺ designated Dhul-Hulayfah as the miqat for the people of Madinah, as recorded in the authentic hadith collections (Bukhari and Muslim). Traditions also report that he entered ihram there for the Farewell Hajj. The name Abyar Ali refers to wells that local tradition attributes to Ali ibn Abi Talib. The Masjid al-Shajara in the area is the main mosque used for entering ihram. The site has been reorganised over time to meet modern traffic and pilgrimage needs.

Dhul-Hulayfah lies about ten kilometres from central Madinah and is reached by taxi or road transport. The mosque is used for ihram and prayer; pilgrims travelling by road from Madinah enter ihram here. Pilgrims who arrive by plane usually put on ihram on the plane before the miqat line, so the miqat at Dhul-Hulayfah does not apply to them in the same way. Those entering ihram here should prepare clothing and intention in advance; in hot months carry water and find shade, and check current arrangements for services at the site.

Entering ihram begins with the intention and the talbiyah. Sunnah acts such as washing and grooming can be done before entering ihram. Recite the talbiyah without shouting, respect other pilgrims and keep the mosque and surroundings clean.